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Online Terms of Use – What Should We Include?

Logo for Quora, where Dana Shultz answered a question about online terms of useThis post about online terms of use is based on a Quora question that I answered today. The question and my answer are reproduced with minor edits below.

Q. What things should I include in an online terms of use agreement for a new internet startup?

A. Assuming that your lawyer is experienced at drafting terms of use, s/he will be able to contribute the required knowledge of relevant legal issues.

Your input is critical with respect to the specific needs of your business:

  • Identify the various classes of users of your site.
  • For each class, describe the business relationship between users and your site / business. Include risks and other issues that particularly concern you.
  • Examine the terms of use for similarly-situated existing sites to uncover additional issues that you may not have thought of on your own.

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