How to Write Terms of Service for Your SaaS
发布时间: 2024年9月19日
最后更新: 2024年12月6日
在撰写您的服务条款 (ToS) 时,请务必谨慎使用法律和运营方面的措辞。 虽然这个过程可能比较棘手,但没有必要惊慌。 我们将详细介绍如何制定服务条款,明确您的 SaaS 业务和用户双方的期望。 那么,让我们来考虑一下关键部分、见解和技巧,以帮助您。
Introduction
创建一个简短的开场声明,展示您品牌的风格,并说明服务条款的目的:规范您公司与用户之间的关系。在早期定义关键术语时要明确(例如,“服务”、“用户”、“内容”)。使用表格总结重要部分,方便查阅。
Keep a professional tone and avoid technical or legal jargon throughout. Your introduction should make sense with your brand’s messaging.
Ask yourself: What is the best way to introduce my SaaS product so it will be informative and engaging? Come up with a few options, test them with users, and then choose the one that resonates the most.
“Welcome to [Your SaaS Name], a cloud-based platform designed to streamline your [specific purpose]. These Terms of Service(ToS) control your access and use of our Service. You agree to these terms by accessing or using our service, and are bound by these ToS. Please read them thoroughly.”
Free SaaS Terms of Service Template
Create clear ToS that protect your business and build user trust.
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Key definitions
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Payment terms
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Limitations of liability
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and more!
Acceptance of Terms
Ensure your users accept your Terms of Service. Consider a clickwrap agreement requiring a click on “I Agree,” or a browsewrap agreement stating that using the service constitutes agreement. Regardless of the method, just make sure it’s easy to see and understand. Also, include the date the ToS started and when it was last updated, and give a link to a printable version.
Always be in compliance with relevant laws (e.g., GDPR,CCPA)。建立用户撤回同意的机制,如果您的SaaS面向未成年人,请考虑年龄限制。
调查您所在行业的最佳实践,并咨询法律顾问,以起草一种用户友好但合法的方式来获取新用户内容。
“点击“我同意”和/或访问或使用我们的服务,即表示您承认已阅读、理解并同意受这些服务条款的约束,这些条款构成您与[您的公司名称]之间具有法律约束力的协议。我们保留更新这些服务条款的权利。“
Free SaaS Terms of Service Template
Create clear ToS that protect your business and build user trust.
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Key definitions
-
Payment terms
-
Limitations of liability
-
and more!
用户账户
概述您的帐户注册流程,突出显示必填字段以及用户对帐户安全的责任(例如,强密码、双因素身份验证)。总结帐户验证和恢复程序,并明确说明对帐户共享或转让的限制。
关于用户数据的收集和存储,请遵守数据保护法规。实施安全措施以保护用户帐户,并明确未经授权使用帐户的后果。
For secure accounts and protecting user data, think about: What details do I need from users, and how can I keep their information safe? Balance the need for user data with privacy concerns, and implement industry-standard security practices.
“For use of our Service, create an account with complete and accurate details. You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of credentials for your account and all activities that occur in your account. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account.“
Free SaaS Terms of Service Template
Create clear ToS that protect your business and build user trust.
-
Key definitions
-
Payment terms
-
Limitations of liability
-
and more!
Payment Terms
Explain all the details related to pricing and payment, including:
- Pricing Models: State if your SaaS is free of charge, offers a free trial, has a one-time fee, subscription-based model, or usage-based pricing.
- Subscription Details: Explain subscription tiers (e.g., Basic, Premium), the features within in each tier, and pricing for each tier.
- Billing Cycle: Show the frequency users will be charged (monthly, annually, etc.) and when transaction will occur (e.g., on the same date each month).
- 支付方式: Display the payment methods accepted (credit cards, PayPal, etc.).
- 税费: 明确价格是否包含税费。
- 货币: 指定交易使用的货币。
- 退款和取消: Disclose your refund policy, detailing eligibility criteria, refund process, and timeframes. Show users how they can cancel their subscriptions.
- Price Changes: Reserve the right to alter prices, and detail how notifications of any changes will be made.
“[Your SaaS Name] provides a monthly subscription for $29.99, charged on the same day each month following. We take major credit cards and PayPal. You may terminate your subscription anytime in your account settings. We have a 30-day money-back guarantee for first-time subscribers. We reserve the right to modify prices, and will notify users in advance of any changes.“
To create your payment terms, consider the following:
– What pricing model is best for my product and target audience?
– Is my pricing transparent and easy to understand?
– How can I create a fair refund policy?
To develop a well aligned strategy for your business and users, identify industry standards and analyze competitor prices.
Free SaaS Terms of Service Template
Create clear ToS that protect your business and build user trust.
-
Key definitions
-
Payment terms
-
Limitations of liability
-
and more!
知识产权
通过声明贵公司拥有软件代码、设计、商标以及与业务相关的所有其他专有材料,来确立知识产权的所有权。明确用户在您的平台内创建的内容的所有权,并详细说明如何使用您的知识产权。
“我们服务中的所有知识产权,包括但不限于软件、设计、文本、图形、徽标和商标,均归[您的公司名称]所有或已获得许可。[您的公司名称]保留您在我们服务中创建的任何内容的所有权,但您授予我们全球性的、非独占的、免版税的许可,以使用、复制、修改、改编、发布、翻译、分发和展示该内容,用于提供和改进我们的服务。“
要了解知识产权方面的考虑事项:
- 咨询法律顾问: 寻求专业建议,以确保您的服务条款能保护您的知识产权。
- User-Generated Content: Detail ownership of content created by users and establish guidelines for its use.
- Third-Party Licenses: If you use any third-party materials (e.g., fonts, libraries), make certain you have the necessary licenses and permissions.
By addressing these details, your intellectual property will be protected while still allowing users to leverage your platform’s capabilities.
Free SaaS Terms of Service Template
Create clear ToS that protect your business and build user trust.
-
Key definitions
-
Payment terms
-
Limitations of liability
-
and more!
终止
This section describes the circumstances under which either party can terminate the agreement.
- Termination by User: Detail how users can terminate their accounts (e.g., through account settings, by contacting customer support). Clarify any notice periods required for termination.
- Termination by Company: Explain the reasons which entitle termination of a user’s account (e.g., violation of ToS, non-payment, account inactivity). Clarify the time frame you will provide to users before termination, if any.
- 终止的后果: 描述账户终止的后果,例如数据删除、无法访问服务以及退款资格(如果适用)。
- 条款的存续: 明确指出服务条款中哪些条款在终止后仍然有效(例如,保密、赔偿)。
“您可以随时通过[方法]终止您的账户。我们保留因任何原因终止或暂停您账户的权利,包括但不限于违反服务条款。如果终止,您使用本服务的权利将立即停止,我们可能会删除您的账户和数据。”
To create fair and broad termination provisions, keep in mind:
- User Rights: Users must have a clear path to terminate their accounts if they wish.
- Company Rights: Safeguard your interests by clarifying grounds for terminating user accounts.
- Data Handling: Clarify how compliance with data protection laws is achieved when accounts are terminated.
Free SaaS Terms of Service Template
Create clear ToS that protect your business and build user trust.
-
Key definitions
-
Payment terms
-
Limitations of liability
-
and more!
Disclaimer of Warranties
This part is about protecting yourself if the service goes down or has problems. Make it clear that your SaaS is provided “as is,” so you’re not promising it will always work perfectly or be error-free. Also, deny any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. To disclaim warranties:
- be super clear about what you’re 不 不负责。
- 请咨询律师以确保一切合法。
- 为用户设定切合实际的期望。
有了这样全面的免责声明,您既可以保护自己免受法律纠纷,又能对用户保持诚实。
“Our Service is offered “as is” and “as available” without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. We do not guarantee that our Service will be uninterrupted, error-free, or secure.“
Free SaaS Terms of Service Template
Create clear ToS that protect your business and build user trust.
-
Key definitions
-
Payment terms
-
Limitations of liability
-
and more!
Limitation of Liability
The goal of this section is to cap your financial responsibility should disputes or damages arise from the use of your SaaS.
- Types of Damages: Specify the various damages covered by the limitation. For example direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages.
- Monetary Cap: Set a maximum amount of liability, either specific in dollar amount or a multiple of the fees paid by the user.
- Exceptions: Determine situations where the limitation of liability may not apply (e.g., gross negligence, intentional misconduct).
To limit your liability:
– Consult legal counsel: Seek professional help to be sure your limitations are in compliance with applicable laws and industry standards.
– 考虑保险:调查责任保险选项,以减轻任何额外的潜在风险。
– 平衡保护和公平:确保您的限制是合理的,并且不会不公平地给用户带来负担。
“在任何情况下,[您的公司名称]或其关联公司、董事、高级职员、员工、代理人或许可方均不对任何间接、附带、特殊、后果性或惩罚性损害承担责任,包括但不限于利润损失、数据损失、使用损失、商誉损失或其他无形损失,这些损失因您使用或无法使用本服务而产生或与之相关,无论基于保证、合同、侵权行为(包括疏忽)或任何其他法律理论,即使我们已被告知可能发生此类损害。我们对您因本服务产生或与之相关的所有索赔的总责任,不得超过您在导致索赔事件发生之前的十二 (12) 个月内为本服务向我们支付的金额。“
Free SaaS Terms of Service Template
Create clear ToS that protect your business and build user trust.
-
Key definitions
-
Payment terms
-
Limitations of liability
-
and more!
争议解决
本节解释您与用户之间发生任何争议的解决流程。
- 方法: The options are arbitration, mediation, or litigation.
- Process: Describe the resolution process, including how to initiate the dispute, timelines, and associated costs.
- Governing Law: Detail the jurisdiction whose laws will govern the dispute resolution process.
- Venue: Determine where any legal proceedings will take place.
“Any dispute originating from or related to the ToS or the Service will be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitration will take place in [City, State], and the language of the arbitration shall be English.“
Free SaaS Terms of Service Template
Create clear ToS that protect your business and build user trust.
-
Key definitions
-
Payment terms
-
Limitations of liability
-
and more!
管辖法律
This section explains any discord caused by the ToS and the legal jurisdiction which will govern them. Opt for the state or country whose laws will apply to the agreement.
“Your use of the Service as well as the ToS shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [State/Country], without regard to its conflict of laws provisions.“
确定管辖法律:
- 考虑您的所在地: 通常选择您总部所在的州。
- 考虑用户群体: 如果您的用户遍布全球,请选择一个对企业和在线服务有利的司法管辖区。
Free SaaS Terms of Service Template
Create clear ToS that protect your business and build user trust.
-
Key definitions
-
Payment terms
-
Limitations of liability
-
and more!
Miscellaneous Provisions
Consider additional provisions that may not easily fit into other sections of the ToS.
- Severability: State if any provision of the ToS is invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will stay in full force and effect.
- Entire Agreement: Clarify that the ToS constitute the entire agreement between you and the user regarding the Service and supersede any prior agreements.
- Assignment: Be clear on whether each party can assign the ToS to another without the other party’s consent.
- Notices: Explain how communication will take plce with users (e.g., via email, in-app notifications) and how users can contact you.
- Force Majeure: 加入不可抗力条款,以豁免因您无法控制的事件(例如,自然灾害、政府行为)导致的履约不能。
- 弃权声明: 表明未能执行服务条款的任何规定并不构成对该规定的放弃。
“如果任何条款被发现无效或不可执行,则应将其从服务条款中删除,其余条款将继续有效。本服务条款构成关于本服务的完整协议,并取代所有先前或现有的口头或书面沟通和提议。“
- Use the ToS template, but customize it to your specific SaaS product and business model.
- Simplify the language. Using terms that anyone can understand helps build trust with your users and reduces misunderstandings. Legal jargon causes confusion and may lead to disputes later on.
- Keep your ToS updated. Review your ToS to ensure they make sense with changes in your business, laws, or industry standards. Alert users to any significant updates in yo
结论
Above all, your ToS should be clear, concise, and easily accessible to your users. Review and update them when changes occur in your business, laws, or industry standards. Creating a robust ToS will benefit both your company and your users.
常见问题解答
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ToS is a legal agreement that protects your company while setting clear expectations for your users. Issues such as intellectual property, payment terms, liability limitations, and dispute resolution are all addressed within the terms of service.
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Important section examples:
- Account Terms: Define policies for user registration, account management, and acceptable use.
- Definitions: Explain all terms used in your Terms of Service.
- 免责声明与责任限制: 降低贵公司因损害而承担的责任。
- 争议解决: 明确如何解决争议(例如,仲裁)
- Intellectual Property: 明确您的软件和用户生成内容的所有权。
- 付款条款: Detail pricing, billing cycles, refunds, and payment methods.
- 终止: Define situations for terminating accounts by either party.
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您可以在这里找到为SaaS公司量身定制的服务条款模板。请务必根据您的具体服务和法律需求进行自定义。
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Review your ToS regularly and update accordingly, especially when anything changes significantly. Don’t forget to notify users of any material updates.
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Your ToS should be easily accessible to users:
- Website: Place a link to your ToS in your website’s footer and sign-up page.
- Sign-up Process: Users must agree to your ToS when creating an account (e.g., with a checkbox).
- Within App/Service: Include a link to your ToS in your app’s settings and help menu.
- Transactional Emails:使用电子邮件提醒用户服务条款(例如,欢迎邮件、付款确认)。
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There are no differences between ToS, ToC, and T&C. They are all basically Terms of Service or Terms and Conditions. They all describe the legal agreement between a service provider and its users, defining such things as acceptable use, privacy policies, and dispute resolution.