Every click, page view, and interaction on your website carries potential legal implications. Whether a visitor misinterprets content as professional advice, takes action based on your recommendations, or encounters issues with third-party links, your business could face liability without proper protections in place.
Website disclaimers serve as your first line of defense against legal exposure while establishing clear boundaries between your responsibilities and user expectations. For legal teams, compliance professionals, and marketing departments navigating increasingly complex regulatory landscapes, understanding the full spectrum of website disclaimers isn’t optional—it’s essential.
This comprehensive guide covers the major types of website disclaimers, when to use them, and provides copy-paste templates based on real-world examples from established websites. If you haven’t started using our Cookie Banner Disclaimer we recommend you add a banner right away to disclose any cookies & pixels you’re using on your website as privacy litigation is exploding right now.
What Are Website Disclaimers?
A website disclaimer is a legal statement that limits or clarifies your liability for specific outcomes, situations, or uses of your website content, products, or services. These statements define the boundaries of your responsibility and set clear expectations for how users should interpret and interact with your site.
Unlike privacy policies that explain data handling practices or terms of service that govern user relationships, disclaimers specifically address liability limitations and risk allocation. They’re proactive legal tools designed to prevent misunderstandings and provide defense against potential lawsuits.
Why Website Disclaimers Matter for Your Business
The digital environment creates unique liability exposures that didn’t exist in traditional business contexts. A blog post about financial strategies could be construed as investment advice. A product recommendation might lead to claims if the item doesn’t perform as expected. A broken link to a third-party resource could result in accusations of endorsement.
Website disclaimers provide multiple layers of protection:
Legal Defense: Properly drafted disclaimers can defeat lawsuits before they gain traction by demonstrating you clearly communicated limitations and risks to users.
Expectation Management: Clear disclaimers help users understand the nature and limitations of your content, reducing misunderstandings that could damage your reputation or result in complaints.
Regulatory Compliance: Certain industries require specific disclaimers. Federal Trade Commission regulations, for example, mandate affiliate relationship disclosures, while FDA guidance affects health-related content claims.
Professional Liability Mitigation: If your content touches on specialized areas like finance, health, or legal matters, disclaimers help establish that you’re not providing professional services requiring licensure.
Types of Website Disclaimers: Complete Coverage
1. Fair Use Disclaimer
Fair use disclaimers address the use of copyrighted material on your website under the “fair use” doctrine established in Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act. This doctrine permits limited use of copyrighted content without permission for purposes like commentary, criticism, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research.
When You Need It: If your website incorporates any copyrighted material images, video clips, music snippets, text excerpts, or other media—that you don’t own or haven’t explicitly licensed, a fair use disclaimer is critical.
Important Limitation: A fair use disclaimer doesn’t grant you immunity from copyright infringement claims. It merely states your belief that your use qualifies as fair use. Courts evaluate fair use on a case-by-case basis using four factors: purpose and character of use, nature of the copyrighted work, amount used, and effect on the market value.
Real-World Example: Educational websites and review sites commonly use fair use disclaimers when incorporating screenshots, excerpts, or clips for analysis purposes.
Fair Use Disclaimer Template:
Fair Use Disclaimer
This website may contain copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We believe this constitutes a "fair use" of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.
In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.
If you are the copyright owner of content that appears on this website and would like it removed, please contact us at [contact email].
2. No Responsibility (Liability) Disclaimer
No responsibility disclaimers limit your liability for specific outcomes, damages, or situations that may arise from website use. These broad disclaimers protect against claims related to content accuracy, website functionality, user actions based on your information, and third-party issues.
When You Need It: Virtually every business website benefits from a no responsibility disclaimer, but they’re particularly critical for:
- Websites linking to external resources
- Platforms hosting user-generated content
- Sites offering informational content users might rely on for decisions
- Businesses providing tools, calculators, or resources
Real-World Examples: How Leading Organizations Use Disclaimers
Before diving into templates and implementation strategies, let’s examine how established organizations across different industries structure their disclaimers. These real-world examples demonstrate best practices while illustrating the scope and language courts have accepted.
Medical and Health Information Disclaimers
Mayo Clinic – One of the most respected medical institutions globally, Mayo Clinic implements prominent medical disclaimers stating: “NOT MEDICAL ADVICE – The content, products, and services offered herein are here to educate consumers on health care and medical issues that may affect their daily lives. Nothing in the content, products or services should be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.” They explicitly direct users to seek professional medical advice and emphasize emergency protocols. Their disclaimer also states the site is provided “AS IS” with no express or implied warranties regarding service, content, or information quality.
Healthline – This popular health information platform uses comprehensive disclaimers stating: “Always consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, procedure, or treatment, whether it is a prescription medication, over-the-counter drug, vitamin, supplement, or herbal alternative. Healthline Media makes no guarantees about the efficacy or safety of products or treatments described on Healthline Media’s Content.”
Healthline has made headlines and not for the right reasons as they didn’t follow proper data privacy protocols and got hit with a $1.55 million fine from the California Privacy Protection Authority. We’ve reached out to help them but they ignored the help unfortunately for them.
Legal Information Disclaimers
Nolo – This legal information publisher implements extensive disclaimers: “Legal Information Is Not Legal Advice. This website does not provide legal advice and Provider is not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice.” They explicitly state no attorney-client relationship exists and disclaim responsibility for attorney selection made through their referral services. Nolo also includes state-specific disclosures required by various bar associations, demonstrating the importance of jurisdictional compliance.
Affiliate and Advertiser Disclosures
NerdWallet – The financial comparison platform demonstrates transparency with their “Advertiser Disclosure” stating: “So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services.” This disclosure balances FTC compliance requirements with maintaining user trust.
Key Observations from These Examples
These real-world implementations reveal several consistent patterns:
Prominence: Leading organizations place critical disclaimers prominently, not buried in footer links. Mayo Clinic uses “NOT MEDICAL ADVICE” in all caps as a section header.
Plain Language: While legally sound, these disclaimers use language accessible to general audiences. Nolo states simply “this website does not provide legal advice” rather than complex legalese.
Specificity: Disclaimers address the specific risks of each platform. Health sites disclaim medical advice. Legal sites disclaim attorney-client relationships. Affiliate sites disclose compensation arrangements.
User Action Guidance: Effective disclaimers don’t just disclaim liability—they direct users to appropriate resources. Health disclaimers tell users to “consult your doctor.” Legal disclaimers recommend “contact your attorney.”
Understanding Website Disclaimers
A website disclaimer is a legal statement that limits, clarifies, or disclaims your liability for specific outcomes, situations, or uses of your website content, products, or services. These statements define responsibility boundaries and establish clear expectations for how users should interpret and interact with your site.
Unlike privacy policies that govern data handling or terms of service that define user relationships, disclaimers specifically address liability limitations and risk allocation. They’re proactive legal instruments designed to prevent misunderstandings and provide defensibility against potential claims.
Why Website Disclaimers Matter for Your Organization
The digital business environment creates liability exposures that traditional commerce never faced. A blog post discussing investment strategies could be interpreted as financial advice. A fitness tutorial might lead to injury claims. A broken link to external content could result in accusations of negligence.
Website disclaimers provide multiple protective layers:
Legal Defense: Properly crafted disclaimers can defeat lawsuits at early stages by demonstrating you clearly communicated limitations and risks to users before they relied on your content or services.
Expectation Management: Clear disclaimers help users understand the nature and scope of your content, reducing misunderstandings that could damage relationships or generate complaints.
Regulatory Compliance: Certain industries face mandatory disclosure requirements. Federal Trade Commission regulations require affiliate relationship disclosures, while FDA guidance affects health-related content representations.
Professional Liability Mitigation: When your content addresses specialized areas like finance, health, or legal matters, disclaimers establish that you’re providing general information, not professional services requiring licensure.
Risk Transfer: Disclaimers can shift certain risks to users by clarifying they’re responsible for verifying information accuracy, consulting appropriate professionals, and exercising judgment when acting on website content.
Complete Guide to Website Disclaimer Types
No Responsibility Disclaimer Template:
General Disclaimer of Liability
The information and services provided through this website are for general informational purposes only. [Your Company Name] makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the website, its content, products, services, or related graphics.
[Your Company Name] expressly disclaims all liability for errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the content. Any reliance you place on information obtained from this website is strictly at your own risk. [Your Company Name] will not be liable for any loss or damage, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data, profits, or business interruption arising out of or in connection with the use of this website.
External links are provided for convenience only. [Your Company Name] has no control over the nature, content, and availability of external sites. Inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them. [Your Company Name] assumes no responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites.
Every effort is made to keep the website operational and accessible. However, [Your Company Name] takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, [YOUR COMPANY NAME] SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, GOODWILL, USE, DATA, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES RESULTING FROM YOUR USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THIS WEBSITE.
3. Medical Disclaimer
Medical disclaimers clarify that health-related content exists for educational and informational purposes only, not as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. These disclaimers are legally essential for any organization publishing health or wellness content.
When You Need It:
- Health and wellness blogs or content platforms
- Fitness websites, apps, and training programs
- Nutritional information sites and meal planning services
- Mental health resources and support communities
- Pharmaceutical information platforms
- Medical device manufacturers
- Supplement and natural health product sites
- Telemedicine platforms
Regulatory Context: The FDA, FTC, and state medical boards closely scrutinize health claims. Medical disclaimers demonstrate you’re not making unauthorized medical claims or practicing medicine without licensure while helping establish the informational nature of your content.
Medical Disclaimer Template:
Medical and Health Information Disclaimer
The content provided on this website, including text, graphics, images, and other material, is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, making any changes to existing treatment, or discontinuing any medication or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
[Your Company Name] does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on this website. Reliance on any information provided by [Your Company Name], its employees, others appearing on the website at our invitation, or other visitors to the website is solely at your own risk.
The content on this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or medical services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease.
IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL YOUR DOCTOR OR 911 IMMEDIATELY. [YOUR COMPANY NAME] DOES NOT RECOMMEND OR ENDORSE ANY SPECIFIC TESTS, PHYSICIANS, PRODUCTS, PROCEDURES, OPINIONS, OR OTHER INFORMATION THAT MAY BE MENTIONED ON THIS WEBSITE.
By using this website, you assume full responsibility for all risk associated with use of the information provided herein. [Your Company Name] disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including warranties of accuracy, completeness, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose related to the medical information provided.
4. Legal Advice Disclaimer
Legal disclaimers clarify that information about legal matters constitutes general information only—not legal advice—and doesn’t create an attorney-client relationship.
When You Need It:
- Law firm websites with educational content or blogs
- Legal information platforms and resources
- Business websites discussing contracts, compliance, or regulations
- Educational platforms covering legal topics
- Government websites providing legal information
- Any organization where users might construe content as legal counsel
Professional Responsibility Considerations: State bar associations maintain specific rules governing legal advertising and online content. Legal disclaimers help satisfy these ethical requirements while protecting against unauthorized practice of law allegations.
Legal Disclaimer Template:
Legal Information Disclaimer
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. All information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.
The content of this website contains general information and may not reflect current legal developments, verdicts, or settlements. [Your Company Name] expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this website.
Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This website may contain links to other third-party websites. Such links are provided only for the convenience of the reader, user, or browser. [Your Company Name] does not recommend or endorse the contents of any third-party sites.
Readers and users of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction.
Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and [Your Company Name] or contributing authors, contributors, or law firms.
The views expressed at, or through, this site are those of the individual authors writing in their individual capacities only – not those necessarily of [Your Company Name]. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this site are hereby expressly disclaimed.
5. Affiliate Disclaimer
Affiliate disclaimers disclose that you may earn commissions from products or services recommended on your website. The Federal Trade Commission mandates clear disclosure of material connections between content creators and companies whose products they endorse.
When You Need It:
- Product review websites and comparison platforms
- Blog posts containing affiliate marketing links
- Video content with affiliate partnerships
- Social media influencer content
- Email newsletters recommending products or services
- Coupon and deal websites
- Software comparison and recommendation sites
FTC Requirements: The FTC’s Endorsement Guides require disclosures to be clear, conspicuous, and positioned where consumers encounter them before making purchasing decisions. Generic disclaimer pages buried in footer links don’t satisfy FTC requirements—disclosures must appear near the affiliate links themselves.
Enforcement Context: The FTC has pursued enforcement actions against influencers and companies failing to adequately disclose affiliate relationships. Proper disclaimers aren’t optional best practices—they’re legal obligations with potential enforcement consequences.
Affiliate Disclaimer Template:
Affiliate Relationship Disclosure
[Your Company Name] participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn commissions on products or services purchased through our links to retailer sites. This includes participation in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate networks.
When you click on certain links on this website and make a purchase, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. We are paid to recommend products and services, and our recommendations may be influenced by this compensation relationship.
Important Information About Our Recommendations:
- We only recommend products and services we have researched and believe offer value to our audience
- Our editorial content is not influenced by which brands compensate us
- We clearly identify affiliate links where possible
- The prices you pay are not affected by our affiliate relationships
- We have not received free products or services in exchange for these recommendations unless specifically disclosed
Transparency Commitment: We are committed to providing honest, unbiased information. When we recommend a product or service through an affiliate link, we disclose this relationship clearly. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions while supporting our ability to provide free content.
FTC Disclosure Compliance: In accordance with FTC guidelines, we disclose that we have financial relationships with some of the merchants mentioned on this website. We may be compensated if you purchase products or services through our affiliate links.
Your trust is important to us. If you have questions about our affiliate relationships or believe we have not adequately disclosed a material connection, please contact us at [contact email].
6. Earnings Disclaimer
Earnings disclaimers clarify that income claims, results testimonials, or success stories represent individual outcomes that are not typical, and individual results will vary significantly.
When You Need It:
- Business opportunity promotions
- Online courses teaching income-generating skills
- Coaching or consulting services with case studies
- Multi-level marketing programs
- Investment education platforms
- Real estate investment courses
- Trading education and signals services
- Any testimonials mentioning financial outcomes
FTC Context: FTC guidance on earnings claims requires that when you share success stories or income examples, you must either provide evidence of typical results or clearly disclaim that showcased results aren’t typical. The “results not typical” disclaimer has become standard practice, but must be prominent and clear.
Earnings Disclaimer Template:
Earnings and Results Disclaimer
The financial results, earnings, and income statements shared on this website represent exceptional outcomes and are not intended as guarantees or promises of your potential earnings.
EARNINGS DISCLAIMER: Every effort has been made to accurately represent our products, services, and their potential. However, there is no guarantee that you will earn any money using the techniques, strategies, and ideas presented. Examples on this website are not to be interpreted as a promise or guarantee of earnings.
Your results will depend on many factors including but not limited to your background, experience, business acumen, work ethic, market conditions, dedication, motivation, and capacity. Any business endeavor involves risk and requires substantial and consistent effort. Past performance and individual results shared on this website do not guarantee your future success or similar results.
TESTIMONIALS: The testimonials and examples used on this website are exceptional results that do not apply to the average person and are not intended to represent or guarantee that anyone will achieve the same or similar results. Individual results will vary based on individual effort, determination, business experience, financial resources, market conditions, and numerous other factors outside our control.
NO GUARANTEE: We make no guarantee that you will achieve any particular result, level of success, or income by following the information, strategies, or advice presented on this website. The success or failure of your business or income-generating activities is dependent upon you.
RISK: All business endeavors carry inherent risk. You assume full responsibility for your decisions and actions. We are not liable for your success or failure based on information presented on this website.
DUE DILIGENCE: Before making any business decision or financial commitment based on information from this website, we strongly encourage you to conduct your own due diligence, consult with qualified professionals, and carefully evaluate your personal circumstances.
By continuing to use this website, you acknowledge and agree to this earnings disclaimer and accept full responsibility for your own success or failure in any business venture or income-generating activity.
7. “Views Expressed” Disclaimer
Views expressed disclaimers clarify that opinions stated on your website—particularly by guest contributors, in user comments, or by individual team members—represent personal views, not official organizational positions.
When You Need It:
- Corporate blogs with multiple contributing authors
- News platforms with opinion or editorial sections
- Websites hosting guest posts or contributed articles
- Platforms enabling user comments or reviews
- Organizations where employees blog about industry topics
- Forums or community discussion platforms
- Academic institutions with faculty blogs
Views Expressed Disclaimer Template:
Views and Opinions Disclaimer
The views, opinions, and positions expressed by authors, contributors, and commenters on this website are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of [Your Company Name] or any employee, affiliate, or organization associated with [Your Company Name].
Individual Author Responsibility: Any content provided by individual authors, bloggers, guest contributors, or commenters represents their personal opinions and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.
No Endorsement: Publication of guest posts, contributed articles, or user-generated content does not constitute endorsement by [Your Company Name] of the opinions, products, services, or positions expressed therein.
User-Generated Content: Comments, reviews, and other user-generated content reflect the opinions of the individuals who post them. [Your Company Name] does not endorse, support, verify, or agree with comments, opinions, or statements posted by users. We are not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of user-generated content.
Editorial Independence: Contributors and authors maintain editorial independence. Their opinions are their own and are not influenced or controlled by [Your Company Name] unless explicitly stated in the content.
Professional Opinions: When professionals provide opinions on this website, those opinions are their own professional perspectives and should not be construed as official positions of their employers or professional organizations.
Right to Moderate: While we do not endorse user opinions, [Your Company Name] reserves the right to remove, edit, or refuse to publish content that violates our content guidelines, applicable laws, or is otherwise deemed inappropriate at our sole discretion.
8. Investment and “Past Performance” Disclaimer
Financial services firms, investment advisors, trading platforms, and anyone discussing investment opportunities must include disclaimers clarifying that past performance doesn’t guarantee future results and that investments carry risk.
When You Need It:
- Investment advisory websites and platforms
- Trading education sites and signal services
- Financial planning and wealth management services
- Cryptocurrency investment platforms
- Stock market education and research sites
- Retirement planning resources
- Any platform showing historical investment returns
Regulatory Requirements: SEC, FINRA, and state securities regulators mandate specific disclaimers for investment-related content. Violations can result in enforcement actions, fines, and registration sanctions.
Investment Disclaimer Template:
Investment Disclaimer and Risk Disclosure
GENERAL INVESTMENT DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing contained on this website should be construed as investment advice, a recommendation, or solicitation to buy or sell any security or investment product.
PAST PERFORMANCE: Past performance is not indicative of future results. Historical returns, performance data, and projections do not guarantee future outcomes. All investments involve the risk of loss, including the potential loss of principal invested.
NO GUARANTEE: No investment strategy or risk management technique can guarantee returns in any market environment. The value of investments can go down as well as up, and you may receive back less than your original investment.
RISK DISCLOSURE: All investing involves risk including:
- Market volatility and price fluctuations
- Economic and political uncertainty
- Company-specific risks
- Liquidity risks
- Currency risk (for international investments)
- Potential total loss of capital
NOT PERSONALIZED ADVICE: Information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your specific financial situation, needs, risk tolerance, investment objectives, or time horizon. Before making any investment decisions, you should consult with qualified financial, tax, and legal advisors to evaluate your personal circumstances.
NO PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIP: Viewing this website or accessing investment-related content does not create an advisory relationship, fiduciary duty, or any professional relationship between [Your Company Name] and users.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: Any forward-looking statements, projections, or estimates contained on this website involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from projected outcomes. These statements should not be relied upon as predictions of future performance.
THIRD-PARTY INFORMATION: [Your Company Name] makes no warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of information obtained from third parties, including financial data, market information, and research.
REGULATORY STATUS: [If applicable: Your Company Name is a registered investment adviser with the SEC / is not a registered investment adviser and does not provide investment advisory services / operates under specific regulatory exemptions.] For important regulatory disclosures, please [reference appropriate regulatory filings or disclosures].
By using this website, you acknowledge that you understand and accept these risks and disclaimers. You agree that [Your Company Name] shall not be liable for any investment losses or damages resulting from information provided on this website.
ALWAYS CONSULT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL: Before making any investment decision, consult with a qualified financial professional who can assess your individual circumstances and provide personalized guidance.
9. Contest Rules Disclaimer
Contest rules disclaimers establish the legal framework for sweepstakes, contests, and giveaways, clarifying eligibility, entry requirements, prize details, and liability limitations.
When You Need It:
- Social media contests and giveaways
- Product launch sweepstakes
- Marketing campaign contests
- Customer loyalty program drawings
- User-generated content competitions
- Raffle promotions
- “Win a prize” campaigns
Legal Requirements: Contest promotions face extensive federal and state regulations. The Federal Trade Commission requires clear disclosure of material terms. Many states require registration for certain promotions. Failure to comply can result in enforcement actions and private lawsuits.
Key Elements: Effective contest disclaimers must address eligibility restrictions, entry methods, prize descriptions, odds of winning, selection methods, notification procedures, and sponsor liability limitations.
Contest Rules Disclaimer Template:
Official Contest Rules and Disclaimer
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.
ELIGIBILITY: This contest is open only to legal residents of [specify geographic area] who are at least [age] years old at the time of entry. Employees of [Your Company Name], its affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and suppliers, and immediate family members and/or those living in the same household of each are not eligible to participate. The contest is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited.
CONTEST PERIOD: The contest begins [start date and time with timezone] and ends [end date and time with timezone]. All entries must be received by [deadline].
HOW TO ENTER: [Describe entry method clearly - e.g., "To enter, visit [website] and complete the entry form with required information including name, email address, and [other required fields]."] Limit one entry per person/email address. Multiple entries from the same person will result in disqualification.
PRIZE: [Number] prize(s) will be awarded. Prize consists of [detailed description including approximate retail value]. Total approximate retail value of all prizes: $[amount]. Prizes are non-transferable, non-exchangeable, and no cash substitution is allowed except at sponsor's discretion. Winner is responsible for all applicable federal, state, and local taxes. Any difference between stated approximate retail value and actual value will not be awarded.
WINNER SELECTION: Winner(s) will be selected by [describe method - e.g., "random drawing from all eligible entries"] on or about [date]. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Winner will be notified by [method - email, phone, etc.] within [timeframe] of selection. Winner must respond within [timeframe] to claim prize or alternate winner will be selected.
WINNER REQUIREMENTS: Potential winners may be required to complete and return an Affidavit of Eligibility, Liability Release, and (where legal) Publicity Release within [timeframe] of notification. Failure to comply within this time period may result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner. By accepting prize, winner consents to use of name, likeness, biographical information, and statements for advertising and promotional purposes without additional compensation except where prohibited by law.
GENERAL CONDITIONS: [Your Company Name] reserves the right to cancel, suspend, or modify the contest if fraud, technical failures, or any other factor beyond [Your Company Name]'s reasonable control impairs the integrity or proper functioning of the contest. [Your Company Name] reserves the right to disqualify any individual found to be tampering with the entry process or operation of the contest or website.
LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY: By participating, entrants agree to release and hold harmless [Your Company Name], its parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, representatives, agents, successors, assigns, employees, officers, and directors from any liability, illness, injury, death, loss, litigation, claim, or damage that may occur, directly or indirectly, whether caused by negligence or not, from participation in the contest and/or acceptance, possession, use, or misuse of any prize.
PRIVACY: Information collected from entrants is subject to [Your Company Name]'s Privacy Policy available at [URL]. By entering, participants agree their personal information may be used by sponsor for marketing purposes.
SPONSOR: [Your Company Name, complete legal entity name and address]
DISPUTE RESOLUTION: Except where prohibited, all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of or connected with this contest shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, exclusively by [specify court and jurisdiction]. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation, and enforceability of these Official Rules shall be governed by the laws of [State] without giving effect to any choice of law principles.
For complete rules or questions, contact [email address].
10. Warranty Disclaimer
Warranty disclaimers limit or exclude warranties regarding products, services, or website functionality, clarifying what guarantees are or are not provided.
When You Need It:
- E-commerce platforms selling products
- Software as a Service (SaaS) providers
- Digital product vendors
- Physical product manufacturers
- Service providers with performance obligations
- Technology platforms and tools
- Any business offering products or services
Legal Context: Under the Uniform Commercial Code and various consumer protection laws, certain warranties are implied in commercial transactions. Warranty disclaimers allow businesses to limit these implied warranties (subject to legal constraints) and establish clear expectations about product or service performance.
Important Limitation: Warranty disclaimers must comply with applicable consumer protection laws. Some jurisdictions prohibit or limit certain warranty disclaimers, particularly for consumer goods. Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act governs written warranties for consumer products.
Warranty Disclaimer Template:
Warranty Disclaimer
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES: TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, [YOUR COMPANY NAME] PROVIDES ITS WEBSITE, PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AND CONTENT ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.
[YOUR COMPANY NAME] SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
- IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY
- IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
- IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF NON-INFRINGEMENT
- WARRANTIES ARISING FROM COURSE OF DEALING OR USAGE OF TRADE
NO WARRANTY OF ACCURACY: [Your Company Name] makes no warranty regarding the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of information provided through this website or its products and services. Any reliance on such information is at your own risk.
NO WARRANTY OF AVAILABILITY: [Your Company Name] does not warrant that:
- The website, products, or services will be uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free
- The results obtained from use of the website, products, or services will be accurate or reliable
- The quality of any products, services, information, or other material obtained through the website will meet your expectations
- Any errors in software, technology, or content will be corrected
THIRD-PARTY PRODUCTS: Any products or services obtained through third parties or third-party links are provided without warranty from [Your Company Name]. Your dealings with third-party vendors are solely between you and such vendors. [Your Company Name] shall not be responsible or liable for any loss or damage of any sort incurred as the result of any dealings with third parties.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, [YOUR COMPANY NAME] SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO YOUR USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE WEBSITE, PRODUCTS, OR SERVICES, EVEN IF [YOUR COMPANY NAME] HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
EXCEPTION FOR EXPRESS WARRANTIES: This disclaimer does not affect any express written warranty provided by [Your Company Name] for specific products or services. Any such express warranties are governed by the specific warranty terms provided with the applicable product or service.
JURISDICTIONAL VARIATIONS: Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of implied warranties or limitation of liability for incidental or consequential damages. In such jurisdictions, [Your Company Name]'s liability shall be limited to the greatest extent permitted by law.
PRODUCT-SPECIFIC WARRANTIES: For specific warranty information regarding individual products or services, please refer to the warranty documentation provided with your purchase or available at [URL if applicable].
DEFECTS AND RETURNS: Information regarding defective products, returns, and remedies for product issues is available in our [Return Policy/Terms of Sale] at [URL].
By using this website and purchasing products or services from [Your Company Name], you acknowledge that you have read this Warranty Disclaimer, understand it, and agree to be bound by its terms.
For questions regarding warranties, please contact [contact email/phone].
Strategic Disclaimer Placement
Disclaimer placement significantly impacts legal effectiveness and user awareness. Courts have occasionally found disclaimers unenforceable when positioned in ways users couldn’t reasonably notice or access.
Best Practices for Maximum Effectiveness:
Website Footer Links: Include disclaimers or links to comprehensive disclaimer pages in your site footer, ensuring accessibility from every page. This represents the baseline standard for disclaimer accessibility.
Dedicated Disclaimer Page: Create a standalone “Disclaimers” or “Legal Notices” page linked prominently from your footer alongside Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. This centralizes all disclaimer language for easy reference
No Responsibility Disclaimer Template:
Limitation of Liability
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. [Your Company Name] makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website.
[Your Company Name] assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the content or for any actions taken based on the information provided. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.
Links to external websites are provided for convenience only and do not imply endorsement. [Your Company Name] is not responsible for the accuracy, reliability, or content of third-party websites or for any damages or losses arising from accessing them.
In no event will [Your Company Name] be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.Where to Display Your Disclaimers
Disclaimer placement significantly impacts their effectiveness and enforceability. Courts have sometimes found disclaimers unenforceable when they were too difficult to find or presented in ways users couldn’t reasonably be expected to notice.
Best Practices for Disclaimer Placement:
Website Footer: Including disclaimers or links to disclaimer pages in your site footer ensures they’re accessible from every page. This is the minimum standard.
Dedicated Disclaimer Page: Create a standalone “Disclaimers” page linked from your footer alongside Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. This centralizes all disclaimer language in one easily referenced location.
Contextual Placement: Place specific disclaimers near relevant content. Affiliate disclaimers should appear on pages with affiliate links. Medical disclaimers should be visible on health content pages.
Pop-ups or Banners: For high-risk scenarios—like when users are about to leave your site via external links—consider pop-up disclaimers that require acknowledgment before proceeding.
Before Sensitive Actions: If your website allows users to download tools, access calculators, or take actions based on your content, display relevant disclaimers before they proceed.
Customizing Disclaimers for Your Business
The templates provided in this guide serve as starting points, not final documents. Effective disclaimers must be tailored to your specific:
Industry and Regulatory Environment: Healthcare websites face different requirements than financial services sites. Research regulations affecting your sector.
Business Model: E-commerce sites need different disclaimers than information-only websites. Service providers have different liability exposures than product manufacturers.
Content Types: If you publish multiple content types (blog posts, videos, tools, downloads), consider which disclaimers apply to each.
Risk Profile: Conduct a risk assessment identifying your most significant liability exposures. Prioritize disclaimers addressing your highest-risk areas.
Geographic Considerations: If you serve international audiences, you may need disclaimers addressing different jurisdictions’ legal requirements.
Professional Review: While templates provide frameworks, having legal counsel review and customize your disclaimers for your specific circumstances is essential for maximum protection.
Common Disclaimer Mistakes to Avoid
Even with well-drafted disclaimers, certain mistakes can undermine their effectiveness:
Burying Disclaimers: If users can’t reasonably find your disclaimer, courts may not enforce it. Visibility matters.
Inconsistent Language: If your disclaimer says one thing but your marketing says another, the disclaimer’s credibility suffers. Ensure consistency across all communications.
Overly Broad Language: While disclaimers should be comprehensive, attempting to disclaim liability for everything (including your own negligence or intentional misconduct) may render them unenforceable.
Never Updating: As your business evolves, your disclaimers should too. Annual reviews ensure disclaimers remain relevant and comprehensive.
Copying Without Customization: Using someone else’s disclaimer verbatim without adapting it to your specific business creates gaps in protection.
Unclear or Technical Language: Disclaimers must be understandable to your audience. If users can’t comprehend your disclaimer, it’s less likely to be enforced.
The Intersection of Disclaimers and Compliance
Website disclaimers don’t exist in isolation—they’re one component of a comprehensive compliance framework that includes privacy policies, terms of service, data protection measures, and regulatory adherence.
For legal and compliance teams, disclaimers represent just the beginning of web compliance obligations. Marketing professionals must understand that while disclaimers provide legal protection, they don’t substitute for responsible, accurate content creation and transparent business practices.
The most effective approach integrates disclaimers into a broader compliance strategy that addresses:
- Data privacy requirements under GDPR, CCPA, and emerging state privacy laws
- Cookie consent obligations and tracking technology disclosures
- Accessibility standards under ADA and Section 508
- Industry-specific regulations affecting your business
- Terms of service governing user relationships
- Regular compliance audits ensuring ongoing adherence
Beyond Disclaimers: Complete Compliance with Captain Compliance
Website disclaimers provide essential legal protections, but they’re just one piece of the compliance puzzle. In today’s regulatory environment, businesses face an expanding web of data privacy obligations that evolve constantly across federal, state, and international jurisdictions.
While you’re working to protect your business with proper disclaimers, are you confident your website meets current data privacy requirements? Do you have compliant cookie consent mechanisms in place? Is your privacy policy updated to reflect the latest legal requirements?
This is where comprehensive data privacy compliance software becomes critical.
Captain Compliance provides integrated solutions that go far beyond static disclaimers and automate your privacy compliance needs as the leader in the privacy tech industry:
Intelligent Consent Banners: Our cookie consent platform automatically adapts to visitor location, presenting compliant consent requests based on GDPR, CCPA, CPRA, and other applicable regulations. Unlike generic banner solutions, our system ensures you’re collecting legally valid consent that withstands regulatory scrutiny.
Dynamic Privacy Policy Management: Privacy laws don’t stand still new requirements emerge constantly. Captain Compliance’s privacy notice software automatically updates your privacy policy disclosures as new legal requirements take effect. Stop scrambling to manually update policies every time regulations change.
Comprehensive Compliance Coverage: While disclaimers limit liability, our platform helps you avoid liability-creating situations altogether by ensuring your data practices, consent mechanisms, and privacy disclosures meet current legal standards.
Built for Compliance and Legal Teams: We understand you’re not just checking boxes you’re managing real legal risk. Our platform provides documentation, consent records, and audit trails that demonstrate compliance when regulators and lawyers come knocking.
Marketing-Friendly Implementation: Marketing teams can confidently deploy tracking technologies and analytics knowing our consent management ensures you’re only activating cookies after obtaining proper consent. No more choosing between effective marketing and legal compliance.
The disclaimers in this guide protect you when things go wrong. Captain Compliance helps prevent things from going wrong in the first place and with the huge ramp up in privacy litigation having us to protect you is essential.
Ready to move beyond basic disclaimers to comprehensive data privacy compliance? Book a demo with one of our Compliance superheroes to learn how our consent banner disclaimers, cookie policies, and privacy solutions can protect your business while keeping pace with the ever-changing regulatory landscape.
