business plan disclaimer sample

Small Business Trends

10 disclaimer examples.

Owning a business comes with risk, but you want to limit unnecessary risk wherever possible. A disclaimer is a simple statement that may dramatically impact your legal liability. Including one on your website footer, products, or client agreements can go a long way toward protecting your business. Here’s a guide to these statements.

What is a Disclaimer Statement?

A disclaimer is a statement that specifies or places limits on a business or individual’s legal liability. For example, a company’s disclaimer statement may state that they cannot be held responsible if their products or services are used without following instructions in the owner’s manual.

They can also be used to limit an individual’s liability when sharing tips or opinions. Some disclaimers are required by law, while others are just a good idea to prevent lawsuits or disputes. You can also create a funny email disclaimer if you don’t want to take yourself seriously.

How do I Write a Disclaimer?

Crafting a disclaimer requires a balance between clarity and comprehensiveness. A well-written disclaimer should clearly articulate the limitations of your liability and professional responsibilities. Here are key steps and tips to guide you in writing an effective disclaimer:

• Be Clear and Direct : Use simple and straightforward language to ensure that your disclaimer is easily understandable by your audience. Avoid legal jargon or complex terms that could confuse the reader.
• Specify Limitations : Clearly outline the specific limitations of your liability. For instance, if you’re providing advice, state that it shouldn’t be taken as a substitute for professional consultation. If selling products, clarify the scope of your responsibility regarding the use or misuse of those products.
• Be Comprehensive, Yet Concise : While it’s important to cover all necessary aspects, avoid making the disclaimer excessively lengthy. A concise, well-crafted disclaimer is more likely to be read and understood by your customers.
• Customize to Your Business : Generic disclaimers may not adequately cover the unique aspects of your business. Tailor your disclaimer to address the specific operations, products, or services you offer. This customization is particularly crucial if your business operates in a niche industry or provides specialized services.
• Use Disclaimer Generators as a Starting Point : Online disclaimer generator tools and templates can be a good starting point. However, it’s important to modify and adapt these generic templates to fit your specific business needs. Add or remove clauses to ensure that all aspects of your business are covered.
• Seek Legal Advice : Especially for businesses in highly regulated industries, or those dealing with complex liability issues, it’s advisable to seek legal counsel. A lawyer can help ensure that your disclaimer is legally sound and fully protective of your interests.
• Regular Updates : Keep your disclaimer up-to-date with changes in your business operations, products, services, and relevant laws. Regularly revisiting and updating your disclaimer ensures its continued effectiveness.

By following these guidelines, you can write a disclaimer that effectively minimizes legal risks, clarifies your liabilities, and aligns with your business’s operations and offerings. Remember, a well-crafted disclaimer is an integral part of your risk management strategy and contributes to building trust with your customers.

Customizing Your Disclaimer

Customizing Your Disclaimer is a critical step in ensuring that your disclaimer effectively addresses the specific risks and operations of your business. A one-size-fits-all approach is rarely sufficient. Tailor your disclaimer to reflect the unique aspects of your products, services, and customer interactions.

For instance, if your business operates online, include clauses relevant to online transactions, digital content, and user interactions. For a service-oriented business, focus on aspects like service outcomes, client responsibilities, and limitations of your professional advice. Review industry-specific legal requirements to ensure your disclaimer covers all necessary bases.

Types of Disclaimer

There are several types of disclaimers that are applicable to various individuals and businesses. When crafting your own, it helps to be specific in your searches. For example, search “trigger warning disclaimer examples,” “email disclaimer examples,” “product disclaimer examples,” or “views expressed disclaimer examples” instead of browsing through tons of generic templates.

Here are some of the most common types of disclaimers:

• Responsibility disclaimer
• Fair use disclaimer
• Past performance disclaimer
• Copyright disclaimer
• Warranty disclaimer
• Risk disclaimer
• Medical disclaimer
• Errors or omissions disclaimer

Legal Considerations for Disclaimers

Legal Considerations for Disclaimers should not be overlooked. While disclaimers are a vital tool for mitigating liability, their legal effectiveness can vary. Courts will consider the clarity, visibility, and reasonableness of a disclaimer when determining its enforceability.

Overly broad or hidden disclaimers might not hold up legally. This is particularly relevant in sectors with stringent regulations, like healthcare or finance.

Therefore, consulting with legal experts to draft or review your disclaimer is highly advisable. They can help ensure that your disclaimer is not only clear and fair but also compliant with current laws and regulations in your jurisdiction.

10 Disclaimer Statement Examples

The type of disclaimer you include on your website or other materials depends on your business and the type of liability you want to avoid. Here are some types of common disclaimers.

1. Testimonial Disclaimer

A testimonial disclaimer specifies that the experiences or results shared in a testimonial are not guaranteed. A disclaimer protects the business from unhappy clients who may believe they were promised certain results.

2. Affiliate Disclaimer

An affiliate disclaimer lets anyone using your website know that you may share links from affiliate companies. A disclaimer lets customers know that you earn a commission from these sales, allowing them to make informed buying decisions.

3. Trademark Disclaimer

Including trademarked product or brand names on your website or marketing materials may be misleading. A trademark disclaimer specifies that you are not affiliated with these other brands.

4. Copyright Disclaimer

A copyright disclaimer states that certain elements of a business, website, or other materials are protected by copyright. This may include things like photos or text within a website or app. It may also lay out how others can and cannot use these materials.

5. Views Expressed Disclaimer

A views expressed disclaimer is often used when an individual or group shares opinions within a forum associated with a business. Many organizations require or encourage employees to use these disclaimers when sharing views online.

6. Warranty Disclaimer

Warranty disclaimers state that a product or service, or any information provided by a company, is not protected by warranty.

7. Fair Use Disclaimer

U.S. law allows some copyrighted material to be used without permission if it is for education, criticism, or commentary. This type of disclaimer states your use of this material and specifies that you don’t have direct permission from the copyright owner.

8. Errors and Omissions Disclaimer

Those who share professional advice online may be vulnerable to errors and omissions lawsuits. These are especially common with things like legal advice or investment advice. These disclaimer types limit your liability if someone suffers damages due to your guidance.

9. Past Performance Disclaimer

If you share successes on your website, some could construe that as a guarantee. This disclaimer of liability states that you cannot guarantee those results.

10. Legal Disclaimer

Sharing legal advice online can open you up to lawsuits. This disclaimer states that your content is for general informational purposes so you cannot be held responsible.

Disclaimer Template

Every business needs a disclaimer to protect itself from potential liabilities and to set clear expectations for its users. While each disclaimer should be tailored to the specific business and its offerings, using a template can serve as a helpful starting point. Here’s a more comprehensive outline you can customize to suit your needs:

• General Information: The information provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered as professional advice or a substitute for seeking professional guidance.
• No Warranty: [Business name] makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or availability of the content on this site. The use of the information is at the user’s own risk.
• Not Financial, Legal, or Medical Advice: The content on this website does not constitute financial, legal, medical, or any other professional advice. Users should consult with the relevant professionals for specific advice related to their situation.
• Third-Party Links: This website may contain links to third-party websites or content. These links are provided for convenience only, and [Business name] does not endorse, warrant, or assume liability for the content or practices of these third-party sites.
• No Endorsement: The presence of any link or reference to a third-party website, product, or service does not imply an endorsement or recommendation by [Business name].
• No Guarantee of Results: [Business name] does not guarantee any specific results or outcomes based on the use of its products, services, or information provided on this website.
• Copyright and Intellectual Property: All content, including text, images, logos, and graphics, on this website is the property of [Business name] and is protected by applicable copyright and intellectual property laws.
• Changes and Updates: [Business name] may update, modify, or remove any information on this website without prior notice. It is the user’s responsibility to stay informed of any changes.
• Indemnification: By using this website, users agree to indemnify and hold harmless [Business name] from any claims, damages, losses, or liabilities arising from their use of the site.
• Governing Law: This disclaimer shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [your jurisdiction], and any disputes arising out of or in connection with this disclaimer shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in [your jurisdiction].

Remember to review and customize this template according to your business’s specific needs and consult legal counsel if necessary to ensure it aligns with your operations and protects your interests appropriately.

Do I need a disclaimer?

Most businesses and websites can benefit from a disclaimer. They are especially useful if you include any copyrighted material or share professional advice or personal views.

Where do I put my disclaimer?

For a disclaimer to be legally viable, it must be visible to users. Many businesses put them in their website footer, a separate page, product pages, or in their terms and conditions agreement.

Updating Your Disclaimer

Updating Your Disclaimer is as important as creating it. Your business will evolve, laws will change, and new risks may emerge. Regularly review and update your disclaimer to reflect these changes. An outdated disclaimer may not offer the necessary legal protection.

A good practice is to review your disclaimer annually or whenever significant changes occur in your business model, product line, or regulatory environment. Involve legal counsel in this process to ensure that your disclaimer stays relevant and robust against emerging risks and legal shifts.

Navigating the business landscape inevitably involves managing various risks. For entrepreneurs keen on safeguarding their ventures, one key strategy is the effective use of disclaimers.

Far from being just simple statements, disclaimers serve as a crucial shield against legal liabilities and play a vital role in protecting your business’s interests.

This guide has delved into the essence of disclaimer statements, offering insights into their creation, customization, and the diverse types that cater to different business needs. The essence of a disclaimer lies in its ability to delineate the legal boundaries of a business or individual’s responsibilities.

Whether it’s stating non-liability for product misuse or setting clear parameters when offering advice, disclaimers help in pre-empting potential legal disputes and misunderstandings.

Crafting a disclaimer is not necessarily an overwhelming task. The objective is to be precise and succinct, explicitly demarcating your professional limitations and responsibilities.

While templates and generator tools offer a starting point, personalizing your disclaimer to fit your business’s unique context is key. This customization ensures that the disclaimer resonates with your specific operations and adequately addresses your liability concerns.

The range of disclaimers available is diverse, each designed to address specific legal aspects:

• Testimonial Disclaimers safeguard against expectations of guaranteed results based on customer testimonials.
• Affiliate Disclaimers maintain transparency about potential commissions on sales through affiliate links.
• Trademark Disclaimers clarify non-affiliation with mentioned trademarked products or brands.
• Copyright Disclaimers protect your intellectual property while stipulating usage rules for your content.
• Views Expressed Disclaimers dissociate personal opinions from organizational stances in professional contexts.
• Warranty Disclaimers state the absence of guarantees with your products or services.
• Fair Use Disclaimers align with copyright law for educational or critical uses of copyrighted material.
• Errors and Omissions Disclaimers limit liability for potential damages from professional advice.
• Past Performance Disclaimers clarify that historical successes don’t assure future results.
• Legal Disclaimers underscore that provided content is informational, not a substitute for professional advice.

Leveraging a disclaimer template is practical, but remember, the effectiveness of a disclaimer is significantly enhanced by tailoring it to your business’s unique operations. When in doubt, consulting with legal experts can ensure your disclaimer is not only comprehensive but also adheres to relevant laws and regulations.

In summary, integrating well-crafted disclaimers into your business practices is not just a legal formality; it’s a strategic move towards minimizing legal exposure and reinforcing the credibility and reliability of your business.

Image: Depositphotos

Explanation with examples is great. thanks

We are starting an indoor bowls club at our local village hall but not sure what to put into a disclaimer .Any help would be greatly appreciated thanks.Col Bradshaw

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Writing a Business Plan Confidentiality Statement

Free Confidentiality Statement Template (NDA)

Ayush Jalan

• December 12, 2023

Every company has a unique identity that sets it apart from its rival companies in the industry.  It is a combination of various aspects: The way you set your goals , your marketing strategy, your manufacturing process, or your entire business plan.

As crucial as it is to create a business plan that helps you stand out, it is perhaps just as crucial to protect your plan from any potential intellectual property theft. This is where a confidentiality statement for your business plan helps you safeguard your valuable assets.

A business plan confidentiality statement is a document that states that the information disclosed to the recipient can’t be disclosed to anyone outside the agreement. It is an agreement made between two parties before they enter a deal or exchange any sensitive information which is confidential.

Why Do You Need a Confidentiality Statement?

Even though trust is essential between partners or investors, there’s always a need to stay cautious while handing over your business plans. Even though the organization you plan to work with values confidentiality, everyone involved in it may not.

Your business plan is one of the most elaborate and classified documents. Before disclosing any information, the first and foremost thing is to sign a confidentiality statement. This will avoid the misuse of any information disclosed between the two parties.

How Does a Confidentiality Statement Protect You?

When a confidentiality statement is signed, it is agreed by both parties that they will not expose any of the information that is discussed or presented in the business plans. Additionally, the document should also mention the penalties in case of a violation of the agreement.

If the other party violates the statement of confidentiality, you can proceed legally and receive compensation for the damages you had to bear because of the violation. As per the contract, the compensation is paid.

The absence of a confidentiality statement is an invitation for others to use parts of your business plan. Although copyright laws can help you claim most of your information, some, still, stay unprotected.

Creating a Confidentiality Statement for the Business Plan

Most companies include a brief confidential statement on their business plan cover page. Although it is not a requirement, it delivers a quick message that the document is highly classified. Furthermore, it is essential to create an exclusive document.

To write a stringent confidentiality statement for your business plan, these are the elements that you must include:

1. Date of Effect

The date of effect is the date from which the confidentiality statement becomes active. An agreement is not valid until all the parties sign it; the date of effect follows this.

2. Parties Involved in the Agreement

It is crucial to specify the parties that will sign the agreement. If someone, you want as a part of the confidentiality statement, hasn’t signed it, they’re not bound by the clauses mentioned in the document.

For instance, two companies are getting into a contract, and the CEOs, representing the entire company, are signing the document, it is essential to mention that all employees are also bound by the agreement even when they haven’t signed it.

3. Agreement Terms

Describe and mention all the terms that both parties are agreeing to. This is a crucial part of the agreement and hence, requires confidentiality. Anything that isn’t included is not protected.

Here, you can also include that the recipient needs written consent from the disclosing party—the owner of the information, in case any information needs to be disclosed to a third party who isn’t a part of the statement of confidentiality.

4. The Non-Confidential part

Along with mentioning the confidential part of your business plan, you also mention the non-confidential part of the agreement. In most cases, there’s a lot of information that is acquired from other sources. This information won’t show under confidential.

Information relevant to the receiving party won’t list under confidential, some of these are:

• The information they owned before the agreement
• If they legally received it from another source
• The information they need to disclose in a lawsuit or administrative proceeding
• If they have developed or are developing the information.

5. Consequences in case of Agreement’s breach

Here, you mention all the legal consequences that will follow if the receiving party violates the agreement. This can include the procedure and the monetary penalties. According to the uniqueness of the information exposed, the compensation can vary.

6. Limits of the Usage of Information

The objective of a statement of confidentiality is to restrict the usage of the information that is disclosed to the recipient. Here, you mention the extent to which the information can be used. Also, specify the standard of security that needs to be followed while handling confidential information.

7. Date of Termination

Every agreement has an expiry date, after which both parties are free of the binding clauses. This termination date is set based on various factors like the end of the partnership , the end of a project or an event, or simply the end of the period mentioned in the agreement.

8. Miscellaneous Clauses

This part of the agreement is usually at the end of the document, which includes any other clauses that don’t necessarily fit into the above categories, but the owner of the information wants to include.

9. Signatures of all Parties

Clearly, this is the most important part of an agreement. Without the signatures of all the parties, the document is pointless and of no value. The agreement, as mentioned previously, can’t go into effect unless everyone involved signs it.

We have written a confidentiality statement example for you, including the above-mentioned elements. This will help you get a better understanding of how to write a confidentiality statement for your business plan.

Business Plan Confidentiality Statement Example (Key Points)

This BUSINESS PLAN NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT (hereinafter known as the “Agreement”) between ______ (hereinafter known as the “Company”) and ________ (hereinafter known as the “Recipient”) becomes effective as of this ____ day of ____, 20___ (hereinafter known as the “Effective Date”).

Article III: Term

– The Recipient’s obligations of non-use and non-disclosure concerning Confidential Information will remain in effect in perpetuity. – The Recipient’s obligations of non-use and non-disclosure concerning Confidential Information will remain in effect for ____ years from the Effective Date.

Article VIII: Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of ____________, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Article XII: Notices

Company’s Address ______________________________

Recipient’s Address ______________________________

Representative Signature: Date: Representative Printed Name: Representative Title:

Recipient Signature: Date: Recipient Printed Name:

Protect Your Information with a Confidentiality Statement

As a business owner, it is a duty to protect your ideas and marketing strategies . Create a confidentiality statement for your business plan and ensure that your business interests are safe and in good hands.

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About the Author

Ayush is a writer with an academic background in business and marketing. Being a tech-enthusiast, he likes to keep a sharp eye on the latest tech gadgets and innovations. When he's not working, you can find him writing poetry, gaming, playing the ukulele, catching up with friends, and indulging in creative philosophies.

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Important Information: Business Plan Disclaimer Explained

When it comes to business planning, having accurate and reliable information is crucial. However, it’s important to be aware of the limitations and disclaimers that come along with it. This article will provide you with everything you need to know about business plan information disclaimers, including what they are, how they work, and why they’re necessary.

A business plan information disclaimer is a legal statement that limits the responsibility of the entity providing the information. It is commonly used in various types of documents such as business plans, investment agreements, and marketing materials. The purpose of a disclaimer is to protect the entity from legal liability in case the information provided is incorrect, outdated, or not suitable for a specific situation.

It’s important to understand that a disclaimer doesn’t mean the information provided is always accurate or reliable. It is simply a statement that the entity believes the information is correct at the time of publication. Therefore, it’s always necessary to verify the information and adapt it to your own business plan and situation.

Furthermore, a business plan information disclaimer typically contains a summary of the limitations and exclusions. This includes things like the responsibility for any errors, omissions, or viruses that may be present in the data or materials. It may also mention the copyright and ownership of the information, as well as any potential risks or losses that may occur.

In summary, while business plan information disclaimers are commonly used, it’s important to understand their limitations and the risks involved. Always verify the information and adapt it to your own business plan. By doing so, you can minimize any potential risks and ensure that you’re making informed decisions based on accurate and reliable information.

🔔 Business Plan Information Disclaimer: Everything You Need to Know

Before proceeding with the information given in this business plan, it is important to understand the disclaimer and the implications associated with it. This disclaimer serves as a legal agreement between you, the user, and our company.

1. Disclaimer of Liability

While we have made every effort to present accurate and reliable information, we cannot guarantee its completeness or validity. The information provided in this business plan is for general guidance and informational purposes only.

We do not assume any responsibility for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the content and are not liable for any damages or losses incurred as a result of your reliance on this information.

2. No Warranty or Guarantee

We do not provide any warranties or guarantees regarding the accuracy, suitability, or reliability of the information included in this business plan. The information is provided on an “as is” basis without any representations or warranties of any kind.

Furthermore, we do not guarantee that the information is free from viruses or other types of malicious or harmful components. It is your responsibility to use appropriate antivirus software and take other necessary precautions.

3. Not Professional Advice

The information provided in this business plan should not be considered as professional advice. It is your responsibility to seek the advice of professionals regarding specific business issues or matters.

We strongly advise consulting with legal, financial, or other professionals before making any decisions or taking any actions based on the information provided in this business plan.

4. Third-Party Content and Links

This business plan may include links to third-party websites or content. We do not endorse or control the content of these third-party websites, and we are not responsible for any damages or losses resulting from your use of their content.

Furthermore, we do not assume any responsibility for the content and accuracy of any third-party reviews or endorsements mentioned in this business plan.

5. Copyright and Intellectual Property

All the text, examples, images, and other materials used in this business plan are copyrighted and owned by our company unless otherwise stated. You are not allowed to use, reproduce, or distribute any part of this business plan without our explicit written consent.

6. For Informational Purposes Only

The information provided in this business plan is intended for informational purposes only and may not be applicable to your specific business situation. It is your responsibility to evaluate the usefulness and applicability of the information based on your own understanding and circumstances.

This business plan is not a binding agreement or a contractual obligation between you and our organization. Additionally, it does not create any employer-employee or employee-employer relationship.

7. Assumption of Risk

Your use of this business plan is at your own risk. We shall not be held liable for any damages or losses, including but not limited to financial losses, profits, or business interruption, resulting from the use or performance of this business plan.

8. Notice of Understanding

By continuing to read this business plan, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms and conditions of this disclaimer. If you do not agree with any part of this disclaimer, you should not use or rely on the information provided in this business plan.

🔔 “Copyright Notice” Disclaimer

The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only. The author makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the article or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the article for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will the author 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 article.

Through this article, you may be able to link to other websites which are not under the control of the author. The author has no control over the nature, content, and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.

Every effort is made to keep the article up and running smoothly. However, the author takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the article being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond their control.

The information provided in this article is based on the author’s own understanding and interpretation of the topic at hand. It may not be accurate or up to date. The author encourages readers to conduct their own research and consult with professionals before making any decisions based on the information provided.

The examples and situations mentioned in this article are for illustrative purposes only. They may not be applicable to your own individual situation. The author cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or misinterpretations.

All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the author.

🔔 “Investment” Disclaimer

The information provided in this section is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Investing in any business, organization, or securities involves risks, and you should be aware of the potential risks before making any investment decisions.

The testimonials posted on this website or otherwise are individual experiences, reflecting real-life experiences of people who have used our product or service. However, they are individual results and results may vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all those who will use our product or service, and we do not guarantee that you will have similar results.

This section contains statements and views that are solely those of our organization and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or beliefs of any other business, organization, or entity.

The information provided in this section does not constitute a warranty, express or implied. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, with respect to the accuracy, completeness, adequacy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information contained in this section. Your use of this section is at your own risk.

Please be aware that investing in any business or securities involves risks and you should carefully consider your own financial situation, investment objectives, and risk tolerance before making any investment decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and the value of your investments may fluctuate.

Furthermore, the information contained in this section may contain errors or be outdated. We take no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, any errors or omissions in the information contained in this section or for the availability of the information. We will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.

By accessing this section, you acknowledge and agree that any reliance upon the information or materials available on or through this section is at your own risk. We are not responsible or liable for any actions or decisions you may take based on the information provided in this section.

This section may contain links to other websites or resources. We have no control over the contents of those websites or resources and are not responsible for the contents, accuracy, or completeness of any linked site or resource. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorsement of the views expressed within them.

This section may also contain copyrighted works 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 U.S. Copyright Law. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this section for purposes of your own that go beyond “fair use,” you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

We do not guarantee that this section will be uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free, that defects will be corrected, or that this section or the server that makes it available are free of viruses or other harmful components.

In no event will we be liable for any incidental, indirect, consequential, or special damages of any kind, or any damages whatsoever, including, without limitation, those resulting from loss of profits, data, or business interruption, arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of this section or the information contained within it.

By using this section, you agree to these disclaimers and limitations of liability.

🔔 “Errors and Omissions” Disclaimer

The information posted on this website is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be professional advice, analysis, or guidance. The content of this website is subject to change without notice and may not be current, accurate, or complete. The information contained on this website does not create a business or professional services relationship nor constitutes an offer or formal agreement to provide any services mentioned.

The information provided on this website is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied. We make no representations or warranties in relation to the accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness, or usefulness of the information or services contained on this website. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event shall we 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.

While we strive to keep the information on this website up to date and accurate, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability of the website or the information contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

We do not warrant that the functions contained in the materials on this website will be uninterrupted or error-free, that defects will be corrected or that this website or the server that makes it available are free of viruses or other harmful components. We do not warrant or make any representations regarding the use or the results of the use of the materials on this website in terms of their correctness, accuracy, reliability, or otherwise.

The information and services provided on this website are not intended to replace or substitute for any professional advice, analysis, or guidance. We strongly advise you to consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions, taking any action, or refraining from taking any action based on the information or services provided on this website.

In some cases, this website may provide links to third-party websites or resources. These links are provided for your convenience and do not signify that we endorse the website(s). We have no responsibility for the content of the linked website(s) or any viruses or other harmful components that they may contain. Your use of any third-party websites is subject to the terms and conditions and privacy policies of the linked website(s).

The information and materials on this website are subject to change without notice. We may modify or remove any content or services mentioned on this website at any time without notice.

The “Errors and Omissions” disclaimer mentioned above is not intended to limit or exclude any rights you may have under applicable federal, state, or local laws, which cannot be excluded or limited by an agreement. If any provision of this disclaimer is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the parties nevertheless agree that the court should endeavor to give effect to the parties’ intentions as reflected in the provision, and the other provisions of this disclaimer remain in full force and effect.

🔔 Disclaimer Examples

When accessing or using any data or information on this website, it is important to understand that all information provided is for general informational purposes only. The information may not be accurate, complete, or up-to-date, and should not be relied upon as legal, financial, or professional advice.

Furthermore, while every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information provided, we cannot guarantee its accuracy or timeliness. The website owner and any employee or representative involved in the creation or publication of this website shall not be held liable for any actions taken or decisions made in reliance on the information provided.

The information provided on this website may include, but is not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other materials, which are known to be copyrighted or otherwise legally protected. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or redistribution of the materials on this website may violate federal copyright and other laws.

Examples of Disclaimers:

• This website provides a general summary of business plan information and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of any information on this website.
• The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization. Any views, opinions, or statements made in the content posted by users of this website are their own and not endorsed by us.
• We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose.
• In no event will we 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.
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An email disclaimer is a statement that aims to limit the liability of the sender and protect the recipient from certain risks associated with the information provided in the email. It is commonly used by businesses and professionals to mitigate legal and financial risks.

Disclaimer Notice

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• This email may contain links to third-party websites or online services. The sender is not responsible for the availability, content, or accuracy of any third-party websites or online services linked to in this email.
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• The sender disclaims any liability for damages or losses that may arise from the use or misuse of any information or data transmitted through this email, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages or losses, whether in an action of contract, negligence, or other tortious action.
• The sender makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the information or data transmitted through this email, including but not limited to the accuracy, currency, or completeness of such information or data. The recipient should independently verify any information or data before relying on it.
• This email does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. The recipient should consult with their own legal, financial, or professional advisors before making any decisions or taking any actions based on the information or data provided in this email.

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How to Write a Legal Disclaimer for Your Business

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Jennifer Mueller, JD . Jennifer Mueller is an in-house legal expert at wikiHow. Jennifer reviews, fact-checks, and evaluates wikiHow's legal content to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. She received her JD from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2006. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 487,680 times.

Getting a legal disclaimer drafted for you can be expensive, especially for a small business owner or freelance worker. Luckily, you can learn how to write a legal disclaimer for your business on your own. A legal disclaimer is a statement intended to protect the services, information, and property (both physical and intellectual) of your business or organization. It limits the legal liability of the entity presenting the disclaimer and also protects the entity’s legal rights in its work. A disclaimer is typically a short paragraph. If you are not sure whether you have drafted a solid disclaimer, consult with an attorney.

Identifying Your Need for a Disclaimer

• Also the good provided may be both tangible and intangible. For example, you might sell paintings. A painting is both a tangible good (the canvas and paint) and an intangible good (the likeness depicted). If you created it, it also represents a service.

• Alternately, someone may rely on information you provide to their detriment. They might then want to turn around and sue you for “causing” their injury.
• Some people may also claim injury from words alone. If you write about people, those people could claim that you harmed them because the information was false and malicious. [2] X Research source Although defamation cases require the false statement to be untruthfully or negligently presented as a statement of fact, you don't want to give anyone even the possibility of a reason to try to bring a case against you. [3] X Research source
• You should also write a disclaimer if you run a social media page or website where others can leave comments, so that you cannot be held responsible for someone else's words.

• If you write, or create images or music, then you will want to assert your rights to that intellectual property. Although your copyright exists from the moment you create your intellectual property, you still want to bring that information to the attention of consumers. Registering your work creates a "paper trail" so that it is easier to prove that your property is yours. [6] X Trustworthy Source United States Copyright Office Part of the Library of Congress, responsible for maintaining copyright records Go to source

• Nevertheless, to protect yourself as much as possible you should still write a broad disclaimer. A customer reading a disclaimer may assume that he cannot sue you and therefore not pursue a case.

Writing the Disclaimer

• You should warn consumers of any dangers or hazards posed by your product. You should list specific risks while at the same time acknowledging that the list is not exhaustive. For example, you could write, “NOTICE OF RISK. This product [or service] can at times involve substantial risk of injury, property damage, and other dangers. Dangers peculiar to such activities include, but are not limited to, [list the dangers].” [8] X Research source
• You may want to limit the time period in which someone can return a product or seek a refund to avoid being held liable, for example, for normal wear-and-tear to the item. Be as specific as possible. For example, you might state, “We do not accept returns or exchanges after 30 days unless the item you purchased is defective. If you received a defective item, please contact us at [inset contact information] with details of the defect. You can send the item you consider defective to: [insert address].”

• You can attempt to protect yourself from liability for defamation by stating, “The information provided herein is the author’s opinion and provided for entertainment purposes only.” The key to protecting yourself is to make the reader aware that the post is opinion, not provable fact.
• If you are providing information, you might want to include a disclaimer as to its accuracy. Here is a disclaimer from the U.S. Department of the Interior: "While the Department of the Interior strives to make the information on this website as timely and accurate as possible, the department makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of this site, and expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions in the contents of this site." [9] X Research source
• You may also want to warn others against relying on the information. If you publish information about health and medicine, for example, you may want to include a long disclaimer, stating that you are not providing medical advice and encouraging readers to seek professional medical assistance.

• For example, if you own a gym, you would include in your disclaimer language that the customer acknowledges there are certain risks inherent in using exercise equipment and that the customer assumes all responsibility for her use of the equipment. [11] X Research source
• However, you should note that a disclaimer is not likely to protect you from liability if the injury is caused to your own negligence or your failure to maintain your equipment properly.

• For example, if you provide original content created by you, you might want to state: "All content is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without express written consent of the author."
• You should note that copyright in the US is a complex legal concept and is not unlimited. For example, the "fair use" doctrine allows others to use your content in certain circumstances and under certain conditions. [12] X Trustworthy Source United States Copyright Office Part of the Library of Congress, responsible for maintaining copyright records Go to source ]

• For example, if you run a wedding planning business, you could include in your disclaimer that you cannot be held responsible for the failure of contractors (decorators, musicians, etc.) to perform their duties.
• Your liability disclaimer can extend to include third parties such as subcontractors, if you desire.

• For example, if you sell computers, you could include in your terms and conditions that you are not responsible for damage to the computer if the customer does not use it appropriately.
• If you own a coffee shop with wi-fi, you could include that you do not collect personal information over wi-fi, but that others could possibly do so. By agreeing to those terms and conditions, the customer agrees to be responsible for any information sharing if she uses your wi-fi.

• Contact information also helps generate business. If someone wants to license your image, song, poetry, or essay, then providing contact information helps facilitate that. Include language about requesting permission to use material: “The contents of all material available on this website are copyrighted unless otherwise indicated. All rights are reserved and content may not be reproduced, downloaded, disseminated, published, or transferred in any form or by any means, except with the prior written permission of [insert your name]. Requests for permission to reuse copyrighted content should be submitted to [your address].” [13] X Research source

• Cover all of your bases. Have your legal disclaimer on any paperwork that your customer might come across to guarantee that they see it.

Sample Disclaimer

Expert Q&A

• If desired, have customers agree to your terms of service before proceeding. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
• Have a lawyer proof your disclaimer if you are unsure of its content or completeness. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• If you have no idea what possible rights you want to protect or lawsuits you want to avoid, then search online. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1

• If your business or service has the potential for injury to your customers (such as skydiving), a disclaimer is not adequate. Binding liability contracts should be drafted by a legal professional. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1
• If you are unsure about the legal liability of something that you want to write, consider not writing it. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 2
• A disclaimer does not guarantee your protection from liability in the case of legal action. A disclaimer, however, does provide notice. If the consumer then decides to assume the risk, you could be protected from liability. [15] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/191778
• ↑ http://articles.latimes.com/2010/aug/23/nation/la-na-blogger-suits-20100823
• ↑ http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/defamation-libel-slander-key-elements-claim.html
• ↑ http://copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-general.html#what
• ↑ http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics
• ↑ http://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/automobile-mechanic-liability.html
• ↑ https://www.lawinsider.com/clause/risk-warning-notice
• ↑ http://www.doi.gov/disclaimer.cfm
• ↑ http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-disclaimer-of-liability.htm
• ↑ http://disclaimertemplate.com/free-gym-disclaimer-example/
• ↑ http://copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf
• ↑ http://www.asha.org/sitehelp/copyright/
• ↑ http://www.adamsdrafting.com/all-capitals/
• ↑ http://www.bakerdonelson.com/the-sky-is-not-the-limit-limitation-of-liability-clauses-may-be-the-solution-to-cap-your-contractual-liability-05-10-2007/

About This Article

A legal disclaimer is a short paragraph that describes any possible risks your business or products could pose to customers. It’s meant to protect you and your business from any liabilities if things don’t go as planned. Before you write one, figure out what potential liabilities you have. For example, if you sell gym equipment, you could be held liable for a customer’s injury while using one of your products. Alternatively, if you sell vacation packages, you could be held liable if a customer gets lost or injured during the trip. Once you understand your liabilities, write your disclaimer by listing the potential risks of your product or service. You might say, “Notice of risk: This product can at times involve risk of injury, property damage, and other dangers.” Additionally, if your business involves third party contractors, you could say, “We cannot be held responsible for the failure of contractors to perform duties.” To read more sample legal disclaimers from our Lawyer co-author, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Disclaimers are legal texts that offer businesses protection from legal liability. While disclaimers can provide some level of protection, they do not completely shield a company from legal claims. Disclaimers are just one factor that may be considered by a court in determining liability. They shield a company from legal claims associated with user and third-party risk. In general, customers must usually agree to all terms and conditions before using a product or service. While it is common for businesses to require customers to agree to terms and conditions, it is not always a legal requirement. Whether or not a customer is required to agree to terms and conditions depends on various factors, such as the jurisdiction and the nature of the transaction.

In this article, we’ve shared what business owners should know about disclaimers in general:

What is a Disclaimer?

Disclaimers are legal texts that offer businesses protection from legal liability. They shield a company from legal claims associated with user and third-party risk. In general, customers must agree to all terms and conditions before using a product or service.

Here is an article which also defines disclaimers.

What is a Disclaimer Used For?

A disclaimer is used to protect your company from claims. You can utilize a disclaimer to limit the scope of your rights and responsibilities. Both parties can exercise and enforce these terms in a contractual relationship.

A disclaimer is also vital to protect you from third-party claims. They’ll let your users know that you’re not responsible for any damages related to the use of your website, services, products, and those with whom you affiliate.

What a Disclaimer Doesn’t Cover

If a consumer files a legal claim against your company, your disclaimers will provide you with the legal lifeline you need. However, disclaimers don’t shield you from acts of gross negligence . The level of negligence required to overcome a disclaimer may vary depending on the jurisdiction.

For example, if you’re a SaaS provider, you must ensure that you’re working in good faith to guarantee system uptime. This guarantee means that you’re upgrading equipment, conducting routine maintenance, and more. Customers can hold you liable for their associated losses when the system goes down too frequently due to carelessness.

Benjamin W.

Jeremiah C.

Types of Disclaimers

Contract law offers flexibility when it comes to using disclaimers. As such, there are several types of disclaimers that a business might want to know about and use.

Below, we’ve described ten different types of disclaimers:

Type 1. Third-Party Disclaimers

Most websites include links to other websites or services. It’s a way for the website to earn credibility, increase traffic, or build a brand.

These “third-party services” usually sponsor affiliate links strategically to generate revenue. This disclaimer informs users that your site contains third-party links, and users click them at their own risk.

Type 2. Warranty Disclaimers

Websites most often use warranty disclaimers. These disclaimers state what the website does and does not promise to users. They also acknowledge that you aren’t responsible for claims arising from service unavailability.

Type 3. Limitation of Liability Disclaimers

A limitation of liability specifies the extent of your responsibilities and obligations. This disclaimer is essential for safeguarding your website if a user encounters issues while using your site. Limitation of liability disclaimers make it clear that subsequent damages are not your fault.

Type 4. Industry-Specific Disclaimers

General liability disclaimers do not apply to all websites. Think about including industry-specific disclaimers if you have a website or blog that offers tips, advice, or sells products in certain types of industries that have industry-specific rules, regulations, or laws governing professional services:

Governing bodies and associations generally determine which disclaimers are necessary. Check with their offices if you have questions about your requirements.

Type 5. Shipping Disclaimers

Shipping disclaimers are for eCommerce websites that ship their products to customers. A shipping disclaimer limits your liability when something goes wrong, such as damage and delays, beyond your control.

Type 6. Product Return Disclaimers

Product return disclaimers, like shipping disclaimers, outline restrictions that apply to customer returns and exchanges. For eCommerce stores, it’s a must-have.

They’re usually found in a Return Policy. Some stores have many restrictions, while others have few. Others, such as final sale items, allow returns, and others don’t.

Type 7. Expressed Opinions Disclaimer

Expressed opinions disclaimers inform users that the author’s views and opinions are solely their own. They generally release a publisher from claims. Otherwise, readers might reasonably assume the opposite.

Type 8. Past Performance Disclaimer

Past performance disclaimers protect a company from former outcomes. For example, diet supplements may describe an average weight loss for a control group but don’t guarantee the same results for every customer. While the product or service works as intended, a company cannot become liable for every failure.

Type 9. Professional Advice Disclaimers

Advice from authors, doctors, lawyers, accountants, and business owners use disclaimers to protect themselves from specific legal actions. Professional advice disclaimers are helpful if users misinterpret published materials as guidance for their unique situation.

Many businesses purchase general or professional liability insurance to protect them after being hired. Your insurance company may require your customers to sign a release of liability with a release clause for enforceability purposes.

Type 10. Errors & Omissions (E&O) Disclaimers

Another major issue that many unwitting website owners face is accuracy. It’s common to publish factual errors and misleading content, but it exposes you to liability even when it’s unintentional. Use an errors & omissions disclaimer to protect you from these types of claims.

Image via Pexels by Karolina

What’s Typically Included in Disclaimer Language?

Disclaimer language typically includes terms and conditions that limit company liability. However, it’s hard to imagine what that looks like if it’s your first time drafting one.

Every disclaimer is unique, which means that the language in each one is different. As such, the best approach understands what type of disclaimer you need and shaping it based on the principles below:

Relevant Terms and Conditions

Disclaimer language typically includes information that is suitable for the specific situation. It should also be relevant to the end-user or customer.

Clear Legal Language

It’s wise to make your disclaimer clauses unambiguous. There’s an ongoing misnomer that complicated agreements are better. This assertion isn’t true.

Transparent terms and conditions help users quickly find information that they need. This simple feature alone can avoid many future problems.

Application Matters

It would help if you also prioritized a full review of your disclaimers before publishing. Analyze the text to ensure that words cannot be misapplied or misunderstood.

People often misinterpret information, which isn’t your fault, but you can lessen the chance of dealing with a complaint in the first place.

Fact-Based Wording

Ensure that your disclaimers are factual. You also can’t apply disclaimers to non-legitimate business purposes and still expect them to achieve enforceability. Write your disclaimers so that they are accurate, honest, and fact-based.

Disclaimer Examples

Knowing which type of disclaimer to use is one of the most challenging aspects of using one. How would you know if you have the right kind? We recommend, at a minimum, reviewing real-life disclaimer examples to help you solidify your understanding, especially for more complicated situations.

Here’s an example of how a lawyer would apply a disclaimer to their website:

• Marc is a lawyer in New Mexico
• He is building a website for his law firm
• Marc plans to share legal information that attracts website visitors
• He’s concerned about visitors interpreting his website as legal advice
• Marc limits his liability by placing a disclaimer in the footer of his website
• He decides to use an industry-specific disclaimer for lawyers
• The legal industry uses professional advice disclaimers in general
• Visitors understand that they may not sue Marc for his website content when he applies a professional advice disclaimer to his website

Take the guesswork out of creating a disclaimer. Hire business lawyers or contract lawyers to help you draft your to help you prepare a myriad of liability waivers .

They’ll not only help you work through crucial legal issues, but they’ll also help you handle the process entirely. From offering thoughts on a consent form to the contract signing, speak with a legal professional for the best result.

Get Help with a Disclaimer

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With over ten years of intellectual property experience, I’m happy to work on your contractual matter. I am very diligent and enjoy meeting tight deadlines. Drafting memoranda, business transactional documents, termination notices, cease and desist letters, licenses and letter agreements are all in my wheelhouse! Working in a variety of fields, from construction to pharmaceutical, I enjoy resolving any disputes that come across my desk.

Jason has been providing legal insight and business expertise since 2001. He is admitted to both the Virginia Bar and the Texas State Bar, and also proud of his membership to the Fellowship of Ministers and Churches. Having served many people, companies and organizations with legal and business needs, his peers and clients know him to be a high-performing and skilled attorney who genuinely cares about his clients. In addition to being a trusted legal advisor, he is a keen business advisor for executive leadership and senior leadership teams on corporate legal and regulatory matters. His personal mission is to take a genuine interest in his clients, and serve as a primary resource to them.

www.linkedin/in/michaelbmiller I am an experienced contracts professional having practiced nearly 3 decades in the areas of corporate, mergers and acquisitions, technology, start-up, intellectual property, real estate, employment law as well as informal dispute resolution. I enjoy providing a cost effective, high quality, timely solution with patience and empathy regarding client needs. I graduated from NYU Law School and attended Rutgers College and the London School of Economics as an undergraduate. I have worked at top Wall Street firms, top regional firms and have long term experience in my own practice. I would welcome the opportunity to be of service to you as a trusted fiduciary. In 2022 I was the top ranked attorney on the Contract Counsel site based upon number of clients, quality of work and top reviews.

Connie Chadwick presently focuses her law practice in Tennessee on flat fee legal services which commonly include family court settlements such as divorces, child support orders, custody agreements; contracts; business formation services; and estate plans. Connie is also a Tennessee licensed residential general contractor with over fifteen years of experience in the construction field. With both legal and construction experience, Connie is a logical choice for contractor disputes. Connie earned her Doctorate of Jurisprudence from The Nashville School of Law after earning her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from Lipscomb University. www.conniechadwicklaw.com Connie Chadwick is recognized by peers and was selected to SuperLawyers Rising Stars for 2017 - 2023. This selection is based off of an evaluation of 12 indicators including peer recognition and professional achievement in legal practice. Being selected to Rising Stars is limited to a small number of attorneys in each state. As one of the few attorneys to garner the distinction of Rising Stars, Connie Chadwick has earned the respect of peers as one of the top-rated attorneys in the nation.

Education Jim Schroeder holds multiple degrees from several institutions. He received his Juris Doctor from Rutgers School of Law in Camden New Jersey. He also earned two additional Master’s Degrees from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky and United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. In addition, Schroeder has done graduate work in Public Sector Labor Relations and American History at Rutgers University and Nonprofit Leadership at Duke University. Jim Schroeder was admitted to the New Jersey Bar Association in 2008; the District of Columbia Bar Association in 2010; the New York State Bar Association in 2014; and the Ohio Bar Association in 2020. He is also admitted to the Federal Courts of Southern New Jersey and Southern Ohio.

I have strong analytical and oratory skills that will undoubtedly assist in the identification of legal issues and the creation of a strategy that is in the best interest of the client.

With 20 years of law practice experience, Julius is an accomplished and experienced attorney. Julius provides counsel to individuals, businesses, churches and other nonprofits, ministry leaders, and entertainment and creative artists on matters involving drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts; corporate formation and governance; real estate transactions; information technology; employment and human resources concerns, and last wills and testaments. A graduate of Emory University and the University of Georgia School of Law, Julius has notably served as counsel to the Georgia General Assembly (Georgia House of Representatives and Georgia State Senate) and the City of Atlanta / Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Julius is also a licensed Realtor® and a native Atlantan.

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10 Disclaimer Examples to Help You Stay on the Right Side of the Law (Updated 2023)

By Jimmy Marshall

Last updated on February 24, 2023

One of the best ways of getting to grips with the functions and applications of disclaimers is to consult a variety of disclaimer examples. Particularly if you plan on publishing any disclaimers personally, consulting approved disclaimer examples beforehand is the way to go.

But what is a disclaimer and where should disclaimers be used? Is it ever advisable to use an automated disclaimer generator, or is it better to learn how to write a disclaimer manually?

While disclaimers exist in a wide variety of forms, their basic purpose is usually the same. Whether it’s an important legal disclaimer or an everyday website/blog disclaimer, its purpose is to deny something and/or deny responsibility for something.

Protecting yourself and your interests from potential legal repercussions means knowing when, where, and how to use disclaimers appropriately.

What is a Disclaimer?

A disclaimer is a statement that limits your liability and is usually found on websites or apps. It can be used to protect you from any legal action that a visitor may take against you, by outlining the limits of what they can expect from using your website or app.

If you need a disclaimer, it’s important to make sure it covers all the potential liabilities of your business. This could include anything from giving advice to selling products, and even disclaiming warranties. Having a disclaimer in place will help protect you and your business if any legal issues arise.

It’s always best practice to use a disclaimer on any website or app that deals with sensitive information, as it helps to limit your liability should something go wrong.

Why is it Important to Have a Disclaimer?

It is important for small businesses to have a disclaimer in order to protect themselves from errors and omissions. A disclaimer helps inform users of any potential risks or liabilities associated with the product or service being provided by the business.

Having a disclaimer ensures that the business is not held liable for any damages resulting from products or services provided by them. Without a disclaimer, businesses could face costly legal action if something goes wrong, so it’s essential to create one as soon as possible.

Disclaimers also protect businesses from copyright infringement, so it’s important to ensure that your website or product has proper permission to use any images or content taken from other sources.

In conclusion, having a disclaimer is an important step in protecting your small business and informing users of potential risks associated with their purchase.

Free Disclaimer Generator?

Generate a disclaimer to comply with any legal or third-party requirements using this free disclaimer generator.

10 Popular Disclaimer Examples to Inspire You

The exact content and coverage of any given disclaimer will usually be 100% unique. However, the vast majority of disclaimers fall within one of the following categories:

Affiliate Disclaimer

Copyright disclaimer, fair use disclaimer.

• Confidentiality Disclaimer (for Emails)

Warranty Disclaimer

• No Responsibility Disclaimer (Liability Disclaimer)

Views Expressed Disclaimer

Investment disclaimer, no guarantee disclaimer, past performance disclaimer.

While it’s perfectly possible for there to be a degree of overlap between one or more disclaimer types, it is vital to understand how each type of disclaimer works and which meets your requirements. In addition, ensuring the content of the disclaimer is clear, concise, and unambiguous is also essential.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common types of disclaimers in a little more detail:

The FTC (and most good affiliate programs) requires that anyone taking part in an affiliate scheme publishes an acceptable affiliate disclaimer. At its core, an affiliate disclaimer is simply used to inform people that you are taking part in an affiliate program and stand to earn money by doing so.

An affiliate disclaimer will typically indicate that while the information and advice provided by the entity in question are predominantly objective, there may be a degree of bias due to their money-making intent.

Here’s an example of a concise affiliate statement from Amazon to illustrate the content you’re looking for:

Typically the most concise of all disclaimers, a copyright disclaimer – aka a copyright notice – simply lets others know that the material they are accessing belongs to you. A copyright notice will typically include the name of the author, the year of the copyright, the internationally recognized copyright symbol and an indication of reservation of rights.

All such information will usually be presented in a concise ‘bar’ at the bottom of the page, though must be prominent enough to be visible. Here’s an example of a copyright disclaimer:

Anyone who intends to use the work of someone else without their direct permission may need to include a fair use disclaimer, which can prevent legal action from being taken against them.

‘Fair use’ refers to the use, citation, or incorporation of another author’s work to an extent that doesn’t contribute to copyright infringement or plagiarism. For example, the content may have been used by a third party for commentary purposes, teaching, researching, news reporting, and so on.

A common example of ‘fair use’ in practice is a movie review that includes clips from the film, or the use of extracts from a copyrighted book during an English language lesson.

Here’s a fair use disclaimer used by several YouTube Channel:

Confidentiality Disclaimer

Confidentiality disclaimers are usually part of the signature line in an email, which subsequently ensures that it appears in every email communication. These email disclaimers are used to inform the recipient that the content of the email is confidential in nature and must not be shared in full or in part with anyone else.

In addition, email disclaimers can sometimes be used to warn recipients of potential computer viruses and other security risks, thus limiting the liability of the sender in the case of such scenarios.

A typical confidentiality disclaimer used in an e-mail signature line is as follows (from Fasanara Capital):

As the name suggests, a warranty disclaimer is effectively the opposite of a conventional warranty. Where issued, a warranty disclaimer informs the receiver of the product or service the provider does not offer any promises or guarantees, typically in relation to the quality, dissatisfaction, and so on.

However, all sellers and service providers are bound by certain national and international rules regarding minimum quality and safety levels for products and services offered. Therefore, a warranty disclaimer cannot be used to sidestep all responsibility on the part of the seller or service provider.

This is how Amazon words its warranty disclaimer:

No Responsibility Disclaimer

Also referred to as a disclaimer of liability, a no-responsibility disclaimer offers protection from potential repercussions in a variety of scenarios. In simple terms, to take a position of ‘no responsibility’ is to accept no liability for the consequences that may occur, due to the use of the information or resources provided on your website (as an example).

This kind of disclaimer is used to inform people that if they take any given action, they take full responsibility for the potential consequences. Most websites feature one or more no-responsibility disclaimers, as online information and resources can be interpreted and acted upon in an infinite variety of ways.

Here’s the current no-responsibility disclaimer from BCS:

One of the most important disclaimers for use in forums, blogs, and other online and offline publications, a ‘views expressed’ disclaimer distances the author or business from the content published.

The disclaimer informs readers that the content published (which may include guest posts, comments, replies, third-party entries etc.) in no way conveys the thoughts, sentiments or intents of the author, the website, or the business. This ensures that in the event any questionable or controversial content is published, the author/website is not held liable for the consequences.

Here’s a simple yet effective example of a views-expressed disclaimer:

Specifically, it is used to inform the reader that the author is not a qualified financial adviser, investment specialist, dealer, or broker and that they cannot and will not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information they provide.

As a result, the reader accepts complete liability for the consequences that may arise, due to their use or interpretation of the information published.

A good example of an effective investment disclaimer from SilverBarter:

Again, this means that irrespective of the outcome, the author or website accepts no liability or responsibility for the consequences. It is implied that the information/content is provided simply for reference purposes, rather than viable or valid advice to be followed.

Wikipedia has a simple yet effective no-guarantee disclaimer in place, which reads as follows:

Last up, the ‘past performance’ disclaimer is used to advise readers that future results can in no way be attributed to past performance. Hence, irrespective of the strong and successful past performance of any activity or entity, this doesn’t guarantee similar results in the future.

Past performance disclaimers are used to inform readers that in the event that they make decisions based on past performance alone, they accept full responsibility for the outcome. They are warned that such assumptions are neither advisable nor condoned by the author, therefore should be avoided.

Here’s how Maple Leaf Funds issues its past performance disclaimer:

What to Include in an Effective Disclaimer

An effective disclaimer should include a description of the limitations of the product or service being offered, as well as any potential liabilities that may arise from its use.

It should also provide a statement of warranty, and explain any disclaimers related to performance, availability, accuracy, and merchantability.

Additionally, it should list any conditions that must be met before using the product or service in question. Lastly, the disclaimer should set out the rights of all parties involved in using and accessing the product or service.

A good disclaimer will help protect both parties and ensure that their rights are respected. To help you, check out this list of important clauses to add to your disclaimer.

Limitation of Liability

A disclaimer that states that your business is not responsible or liable for any damage or loss caused by the use of your website content are a must.

This is a key component to protecting your business. You should include a disclaimer on your disclaimer page that limits your liability in case you are sued for something that occurred from the use of your website content.

Indemnification Clause

You should also include an indemnification clause in your disclaimer. This clause should state that your business is not responsible for any claims, costs, or damages that arise from the use of your website content.

It should provide protection for you in the event that a customer or other third party files a lawsuit against your business because of something related to the use of your website content.

Exclusion of Warranties

You should also include an exclusion of warranties in your disclaimer. This means that your business is not responsible for any warranties, expressed or implied, regarding the use of your website content.

This serves to protect you in the event that a customer or other third party makes a claim against your business due to a malfunction or error in the use of your website content.

Choice of Law

You should also include a choice of law clause in your disclaimer. This clause should state which jurisdiction’s laws will be used to settle any disputes that arise from the use of your website content. This is important to protecting your business from being sued in a jurisdiction that does not have the same laws as your business. 

Severability Clause

Lastly, you should include a severability clause in your disclaimer. This clause should state that if any part of your disclaimer is found to be unenforceable, the remaining parts of the disclaimer shall remain in effect.

This is important to protect your business from having the whole disclaimer ruled invalid if one part of it is found to be unenforceable.

When deciding which type of disclaimer you need, it is important to consider these components and make sure that you have all of them included in order to effectively protect your business.

By understanding the content of each component and how it applies to your business, you can create a disclaimer that will help protect your business from any legal issues that may arise.

How to Write an Effective Disclaimer 

A website disclaimer is one of the most important legal documents for any online business or website. It can help protect the site and its owners from potential legal issues arising from the content or activities on their website.

To write an effective disclaimer, it should be written in plain language so that anyone visiting the site can understand it, include a clear statement on the limits of liability, mention any applicable laws that may govern the site’s activities, and clearly identify who owns or is responsible for the website.

Additionally, disclaimers should be visible on every page of a website in order to maximize their effectiveness. By following these steps and making sure to keep your disclaimers up-to-date with any changes that occur in your business, you can ensure that your website has an effective disclaimer.

Understand Your Business

Before you can begin writing an effective disclaimer, it is important to understand your business and the types of risks it may face. Consider the products or services that you offer and the potential liabilities that they may create. Research common disclaimers in your industry to get a better understanding of what types of risks should be addressed in your disclaimer.

Consult with a Lawyer

Legal disclaimers can be complex, so it is important to consult with a lawyer to make sure that your disclaimer is accurate and legally binding. A lawyer can help you create a disclaimer that meets the legal requirements in your jurisdiction and is tailored to the needs of your business. 

Consider Your Audience

When writing your disclaimer, consider the needs of your audience. Your disclaimer should be easy to understand and written in plain language. Avoid using technical legal terms so that they can be understood by all readers. 

Write in Plain Language

When writing your disclaimer, it is important to use plain language. This means avoiding technical legal terms and using straightforward language that is easy to understand. Use simple words and sentences and avoid making assumptions about the reader’s knowledge. 

Use Clear Formatting

The formatting of your disclaimer is just as important as the content. Use clear formattings such as headings, bullet points, and white space to make the disclaimer easier to read and understand. Place a disclaimer statement at the beginning of the document so that readers can quickly identify it. 

Your disclaimer should state that the information contained in your product or service is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice.

It should also state that you do not assume any responsibility for any omissions or errors in the information you provide. Furthermore, you should include a disclaimer to protect yourself from any potential liabilities that may arise from the use of your product or service.

Additionally, you should include a disclaimer to limit your liability for any damages that may arise from the use of your product or service. Finally, you should disclaim all warranties, including implied warranties, regarding the accuracy and reliability of the information contained in your product or service.

It should also be noted that the information contained in your product or service may also be used for other purposes without your consent.

Final Thoughts

As a business owner, having a disclaimer on your website is essential to protect yourself from potential legal issues. The disclaimer should include information on the privacy policy and terms and conditions of using the content on your website.

It is important to update this information regularly as laws change and new risks arise. Additionally, it should be easily accessible for visitors to understand what they are agreeing to when accessing your website.

Overall, having a clear and updated disclaimer is an important part of protecting both you and your customers from any potential legal issues that could arise from the use of your website’s content.

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Business Confidentiality Statement

Its a tool that businesses use when they discuss their business plan with others who will be given information that the company wishes to keep a secret. 3 min read updated on February 01, 2023

A business confidentiality statement is a tool that businesses use when they discuss their business plan with others who will be given information that the company values or wishes to keep a secret. In essence, it is a document that states that when a company's business plan is seen, they will not be able to discuss the contents of it with anyone outside of the agreement.

Confidentiality statements may also be referred to as non-disclosure statements that sales representative and other employees often sign but are typically used in regards to exposure to a company's business plan. They are intended to provide protection for both parties involved in a business plan or transaction.

How Can a Confidentiality Statement Protect You?

In every confidentiality agreement, there should be a provision that states that both parties will not disclose any of the information they are about to discuss or see in a business plan. In addition to that, there should also be a provision that covers damages which will occur in the event that a party breaches the agreement. This is often a place to list the monetary liability the party may be sued for.

If you do not have a confidentiality agreement in place when you write your business plan, then you are opening the door for anyone who sees your business plan to use parts of it without your permission. While copyright law may protect a large amount of it, not all of it will be protected.

If you do have a confidentiality agreement in place and someone does breach it , you will be entitled to some form of compensation and be able to possibly obtain a judgment from the breaching party. If you do not have an agreement in place, the courts are not likely to give you any damages if someone were to steal your idea.

When Do You Need a Confidentiality Agreement?

It is good practice to have a confidentiality agreement anytime that you make a business plan. Some of the benefits of having a confidentiality agreement include:

• You can make sure that your financial information stays private.
• You can protect your ides even though the plan may need to be seen by multiple parties.

You should request a signed confidentiality agreement when showing your business plan to anyone, even to a bank. Even though they work for an organization that values confidentiality, it does not mean that everyone working there will be ethical. Always make sure the agreement is signed before handing the business plan over.

Confidentiality Statement Business Plan

The downside of requiring a confidentiality agreement for your business is that it may turn off investors as it can signal distrust. They may feel that you think they plan on stealing your idea and may not be comfortable providing funds for the investment. Other reasons that you may choose not to use a confidentiality agreement include:

• It can make it seem as though you are a novice.
• Some people may find it offensive.
• You may not be able to secure funding and keep it confidential.

Who Signs a Confidentiality Statement of a Business Plan?

In typical fashion, confidentiality agreements would precede or accompany a business plan submission. When requiring the signing of a confidentiality agreement, you should require signing by anyone who you anticipate will see the plan to ensure the information contained in it is confidential.

Considerations

There are some considerations that need to be made before deciding to use a confidentiality agreement. The first is that your confidentiality agreement is not only protecting an invention, but it also should be used to protect:

• Business ideas.
• Strategies.

Until you have received financing or the investment you need to get your business started, anyone will be able to create an identical business without having to ask permission.

It is also important when drafting a confidentiality agreement that it is simply stated and clearly outlines what needs to be protected and what can occur if the agreement is violated. The agreement should be non-intimidating in its verbiage. you can use this agreement for anyone who you may be in contact with about your business before it is stared such as financers, clients, and potential vendors.

If you need help with a business confidentiality statement, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.

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Content Approved by UpCounsel

• Confidentiality Agreement
• Purpose of a Confidentiality Agreement
• Confidentiality Contracts
• Penalty for Breach of Confidentiality
• How to Draft a Confidentiality Agreement
• Drafting Confidentiality Agreements: What You Need to Know
• Confidentiality Clause Sample
• Confidentiality Agreement Law
• Confidentiality Agreement for Business Partners
• Confidentiality Agreement Consideration

Business Plan Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)

The business plan non-disclosure agreement is intended for use when sharing a business plan with consultants, investors, contractors, potential employees, and anyone else evaluating your planned enterprise. Regardless of the size or complexity of your plan, it is likely to include confidential information that hopefully gives you an advantage over competitors. Such information could include your marketing plan, revenue forecast, and capital spending. Note, if you use an NDA with your business plan with one person, you must use NDAs for all who read it, and you should mark the plan as “confidential.”

Product Development NDA – Use when consulting with third (3rd) parties about a potential invention and its use and functionality.

BUSINESS PLAN NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT   This agreement (the “Agreement”) between _________________ (the “Disclosing Party”) and _________________ (the “Receiving Party”) is effective _________________ and is intended to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of Confidential Information (as defined below) contained in and relating to the business plan of Disclosing Party. The parties agree as follows: 1. Confidential Information “Confidential Information” is proprietary trade secret information contained within and relating to Disclosing Party’s business plan including but not limited to: business description, marketing plan, sales revenue forecast, profit and loss forecast, capital spending plan, cash flow forecast, future trends, personnel plan, business goals, personal financial statement, supporting documents and information conveyed in writing or in discussion that is indicated to be confidential. 2. Non-Disclosure Receiving Party will treat Confidential Information with the same degree of care and safeguards that it takes with its own Confidential Information, but in no event less than a reasonable degree of care. Without Disclosing Party’s prior written consent, Receiving Party will not: (a)  disclose Confidential Information to any third party; (b)  make or permit to be made copies or other reproductions of Confidential Information; or (c)  make any commercial use of Confidential Information. Receiving Party will carefully restrict access to Confidential Information to those of its officers, directors and employees who are subject to non-disclosure restrictions at least as protective as those set forth in this Agreement and who clearly need such access to participate on Receiving Party’s behalf in the analysis and negotiation of a business relationship or any contract or agreement with Disclosing Party. Receiving Party will advise each officer, director or employee to whom it provides access to any Confidential Information that they are prohibited from using it or disclosing it to others without Disclosing Party’s prior written consent. 3. Return of Business Plan Materials Upon Disclosing Party’s request, Receiving Party shall within 30 days return all original materials provided by Disclosing Party and any copies, notes or other documents in Receiving Party’s possession pertaining to Confidential Information. 4. Exclusions This agreement does not apply to any information that: (a)  was in Receiving Party’s possession or was known to Receiving Party, without an obligation to keep it confidential, before such information was disclosed to Receiving Party by Disclosing Party; (b)  is or becomes public knowledge through a source other than Receiving Party and through no fault of Receiving Party; (c)  is or becomes lawfully available to Receiving Party from a source other than Disclosing Party; or (d)  is disclosed by Receiving Party with Disclosing Party’s prior written approval. 5. Term This Agreement and Receiving Party’s duty to hold Confidential Information in confidence shall remain in effect until _________________ or until whichever of the following occurs first: (a)  Disclosing Party sends Receiving Party written notice releasing it from this Agreement, or (b)  Confidential Information disclosed under this Agreement ceases to be a trade secret. 6. No Rights Granted This Agreement does not constitute a grant or an intention or commitment to grant any right, title or interest in Confidential Information to Receiving Party. 7. Warranty Disclosing Party warrants that it has the right to make the disclosures under this Agreement. 8. General Provisions (a)  Relationships.  Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to constitute either party a partner, joint venturer or employee of the other party for any purpose. (b)  Severability.  If a court finds any provision of this Agreement invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement shall be interpreted so as best to effect the intent of the parties. (c)  Integration.  This Agreement expresses the complete understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter and supersedes all prior proposals, agreements, representations and understandings. This Agreement may not be amended except in a writing signed by both parties. (d)  Waiver.   The failure to exercise any right provided in this Agreement shall not be a waiver of prior or subsequent rights. (e)  Injunctive Relief.  Any misappropriation of Confidential Information in violation of this Agreement may cause Disclosing Party irreparable harm, the amount of which may be difficult to ascertain, and therefore Receiving Party agrees that Disclosing Party shall have the right to apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for an order enjoining any such further misappropriation and for such other relief as Disclosing Party deems appropriate. This right of Disclosing Party is to be in addition to the remedies otherwise available to Disclosing Party. (f)   Indemnity.  Receiving Party agrees to indemnify Disclosing Party against any and all losses, damages, claims or expenses incurred or suffered by Disclosing Party as a result of Receiving Party’s breach of this Agreement. ( g)  Attorney Fees and Expenses.   In a dispute arising out of or related to this Agreement, the prevailing party shall have the right to collect from the other party its reasonable attorney fees and costs and necessary expenditures. (h)  Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed in accordance with the laws of the State of _________________. (i)   Jurisdiction.   The parties consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the federal and state courts located in _________________ in any action arising out of or relating to this Agreement. The parties waive any other venue to which either party might be entitled by domicile or otherwise. ( j)   Successors & Assigns . This Agreement shall bind each party’s heirs, successors and assigns. Receiving Party may not assign or transfer its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of Disclosing Party. However, no consent is required f­or an assignment or transfer that occurs: (a) to an entity in which Receiving Party owns more than fifty percent of the assets; or (b) as part of a transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of Receiving Party to any party. Any assignment or transfer in violation of this section shall be void.   Disclosing Party: _____________________________________________ (Signature) _____________________ (Typed or Printed Name) Title: _____________________ Date: _____________________   Receiving Party: _____________________________________________ (Signature) _____________________ (Typed or Printed Name) Title: _____________________ Date: _____________________

How to Write

EXPLANATION FOR BUSINESS PLAN NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT

Below we provide an explanation for each of the provisions of the Business Plan Non-Disclosure Agreement.

Introductory Paragraph

Fill in your company name (you are the disclosing party).  Fill in the name of the outside individual or company being granted access to your trade secrets (the Receiving Party). Finally, fill in the date the agreement will take effect. This can be the date it’s signed or a date in the future.

1. Confidential Information

This section defines what is protected against disclosure. Keep in mind that if you are disclosing information in conjunction with the plan, you should designate that information as confidential. If the information is spoken, you should announce the confidentiality.

2. Non-Disclosure

This clause makes clear that your trade secrets must be kept in confidence by the receiving party and may not be revealed to others without your prior written consent.

3. Return of Business Plan Materials

Here, the receiving party promises to return your business plan and related materials provided by your company, as well as copies, notes, and documents pertaining to the business plan. The agreement gives the receiving party 30 days to return the materials, but you can change this time period if you wish.

4. Exclusions

This provision describes all the types of information that are not covered by the agreement. These exclusions are based on court decisions and state trade secret laws that say these types of information do not qualify for trade secret protection.

This clause provides the receiving party with an expiration date for the agreement. The Agreement should last as long as the information is likely to remain a trade secret. Five years is a common period, but it can be much shorter, even as little as six months. In Internet and technology businesses, the time period may need to be shorter because of the fast pace of innovation.

6. No Rights Granted

This clause makes clear that you are not granting any ownership rights in the confidential informat­ion to the receiving party.

7. Warranty

A warranty is a promise. Here, you promise the receiving party that you have the right to disclose the information. This is intended to assure the receiving party that it won’t be sued by some third party claiming that the trade secrets belonged to it and that you had no right to reveal them to the receiving party.

8. General Provisions

These miscellaneous provisions (often referred to as “boilerplate”) are often grouped together at the end of an agreement.

Relationships . Most agreements include a provision like this one, disclaiming any relationship other than that defined in the agreement.

Severability . The severability clause provides that if you wind up in a lawsuit over the agreement and a court rules that one part of the agreement is invalid, that part can be cut out and the rest of the agreement will remain valid.

Integration . The integration provision verifies that the version you are signing is the final version and that neither of you can rely on statements made in the past.

Waiver . This provision states that even if you don’t promptly complain about a violation of the NDA, you still have the right to complain about it later.

Injunctive Relief . An injunction is a court order directing a person to do (or stop doing) something. If someone violated your NDA, you would want a court order directing that person to stop using your secrets.

Indemnity . Some NDAs require the receiving party to pay for all damages (lost profits, attorney fees or other expenses) incurred by the other party as a result of the receiving party’s breach of the non-disclosure agreement. This obligation is known as indemnification. Leaving out the indemnity provision does not prevent you from suing and collecting damages for a breach (contract law holds the receiving party responsible for a breach), but the clause makes it easier to claim damages.

Attorney Fees and Expenses. If you don’t include an attorney fees clause in your agreement, a judge may (in most states) order the award of attorney fees in cases where the theft of the trade secret was willful and malicious. It’s up to the judge, which makes things unpredictable. You are far better off using an attorney fees provision. However, don’t be surprised if the other party is opposed to the idea. Why? Because it is the receiving party that is usually sued, not vice-versa, and the receiving party may believe that the provision will encourage you to litigate.

Governing Law . You can choose any state’s laws to govern the agreement, regardless of where you live or where the agreement is signed. Most businesses favor the state where their headquarters are located.

Jurisdiction . The purpose of adding a jurisdiction provision to an NDA is to get each party to consent in advance to jurisdiction in one county or state and to give up the right to sue or be sued anywhere else.

Successors and Assigns . This provision binds any company that acquires either party.

Signing the agreement. Someone with the necessary authority must sign the agreement on behalf of each party. Each party should sign two copies and keep one. This way, both parties have an original signed agreement.

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550+ Business Plan Examples to Launch Your Business

Need help writing your business plan? Explore over 550 industry-specific business plan examples for inspiration.

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Example business plan format

Before you start exploring our library of business plan examples, it's worth taking the time to understand the traditional business plan format . You'll find that the plans in this library and most investor-approved business plans will include the following sections:

Executive summary

The executive summary is an overview of your business and your plans. It comes first in your plan and is ideally only one to two pages. You should also plan to write this section last after you've written your full business plan.

Your executive summary should include a summary of the problem you are solving, a description of your product or service, an overview of your target market, a brief description of your team, a summary of your financials, and your funding requirements (if you are raising money).

Products & services

The products & services chapter of your business plan is where the real meat of your plan lives. It includes information about the problem that you're solving, your solution, and any traction that proves that it truly meets the need you identified.

This is your chance to explain why you're in business and that people care about what you offer. It needs to go beyond a simple product or service description and get to the heart of why your business works and benefits your customers.

Market analysis

Conducting a market analysis ensures that you fully understand the market that you're entering and who you'll be selling to. This section is where you will showcase all of the information about your potential customers. You'll cover your target market as well as information about the growth of your market and your industry. Focus on outlining why the market you're entering is viable and creating a realistic persona for your ideal customer base.

Competition

Part of defining your opportunity is determining what your competitive advantage may be. To do this effectively you need to get to know your competitors just as well as your target customers. Every business will have competition, if you don't then you're either in a very young industry or there's a good reason no one is pursuing this specific venture.

To succeed, you want to be sure you know who your competitors are, how they operate, necessary financial benchmarks, and how you're business will be positioned. Start by identifying who your competitors are or will be during your market research. Then leverage competitive analysis tools like the competitive matrix and positioning map to solidify where your business stands in relation to the competition.

Marketing & sales

The marketing and sales plan section of your business plan details how you plan to reach your target market segments. You'll address how you plan on selling to those target markets, what your pricing plan is, and what types of activities and partnerships you need to make your business a success.

The operations section covers the day-to-day workflows for your business to deliver your product or service. What's included here fully depends on the type of business. Typically you can expect to add details on your business location, sourcing and fulfillment, use of technology, and any partnerships or agreements that are in place.

Milestones & metrics

The milestones section is where you lay out strategic milestones to reach your business goals.

A good milestone clearly lays out the parameters of the task at hand and sets expectations for its execution. You'll want to include a description of the task, a proposed due date, who is responsible, and eventually a budget that's attached. You don't need extensive project planning in this section, just key milestones that you want to hit and when you plan to hit them.

You should also discuss key metrics, which are the numbers you will track to determine your success. Some common data points worth tracking include conversion rates, customer acquisition costs, profit, etc.

Company & team

Use this section to describe your current team and who you need to hire. If you intend to pursue funding, you'll need to highlight the relevant experience of your team members. Basically, this is where you prove that this is the right team to successfully start and grow the business. You will also need to provide a quick overview of your legal structure and history if you're already up and running.

Financial projections

Your financial plan should include a sales and revenue forecast, profit and loss statement, cash flow statement, and a balance sheet. You may not have established financials of any kind at this stage. Not to worry, rather than getting all of the details ironed out, focus on making projections and strategic forecasts for your business. You can always update your financial statements as you begin operations and start bringing in actual accounting data.

Now, if you intend to pitch to investors or submit a loan application, you'll also need a "use of funds" report in this section. This outlines how you intend to leverage any funding for your business and how much you're looking to acquire. Like the rest of your financials, this can always be updated later on.

The appendix isn't a required element of your business plan. However, it is a useful place to add any charts, tables, definitions, legal notes, or other critical information that supports your plan. These are often lengthier or out-of-place information that simply didn't work naturally into the structure of your plan. You'll notice that in these business plan examples, the appendix mainly includes extended financial statements.

Types of business plans explained

While all business plans cover similar categories, the style and function fully depend on how you intend to use your plan. To get the most out of your plan, it's best to find a format that suits your needs. Here are a few common business plan types worth considering.

Traditional business plan

The tried-and-true traditional business plan is a formal document meant to be used for external purposes. Typically this is the type of plan you'll need when applying for funding or pitching to investors. It can also be used when training or hiring employees, working with vendors, or in any other situation where the full details of your business must be understood by another individual.

Business model canvas

The business model canvas is a one-page template designed to demystify the business planning process. It removes the need for a traditional, copy-heavy business plan, in favor of a single-page outline that can help you and outside parties better explore your business idea.

The structure ditches a linear format in favor of a cell-based template. It encourages you to build connections between every element of your business. It's faster to write out and update, and much easier for you, your team, and anyone else to visualize your business operations.

One-page business plan

The true middle ground between the business model canvas and a traditional business plan is the one-page business plan . This format is a simplified version of the traditional plan that focuses on the core aspects of your business.

By starting with a one-page plan , you give yourself a minimal document to build from. You'll typically stick with bullet points and single sentences making it much easier to elaborate or expand sections into a longer-form business plan.

Growth planning

Growth planning is more than a specific type of business plan. It's a methodology. It takes the simplicity and styling of the one-page business plan and turns it into a process for you to continuously plan, forecast, review, and refine based on your performance.

It holds all of the benefits of the single-page plan, including the potential to complete it in as little as 27 minutes . However, it's even easier to convert into a more detailed plan thanks to how heavily it's tied to your financials. The overall goal of growth planning isn't to just produce documents that you use once and shelve. Instead, the growth planning process helps you build a healthier company that thrives in times of growth and remain stable through times of crisis.

It's faster, keeps your plan concise, and ensures that your plan is always up-to-date.

Download a free sample business plan template

Ready to start writing your own plan but aren't sure where to start? Download our free business plan template that's been updated for 2024.

This simple, modern, investor-approved business plan template is designed to make planning easy. It's a proven format that has helped over 1 million businesses write business plans for bank loans, funding pitches, business expansion, and even business sales. It includes additional instructions for how to write each section and is formatted to be SBA-lender approved. All you need to do is fill in the blanks.

How to use an example business plan to help you write your own

How do you know what elements need to be included in your business plan, especially if you've never written one before? Looking at examples can help you visualize what a full, traditional plan looks like, so you know what you're aiming for before you get started. Here's how to get the most out of a sample business plan.

Choose a business plan example from a similar type of company

You don't need to find an example business plan that's an exact fit for your business. Your business location, target market, and even your particular product or service may not match up exactly with the plans in our gallery. But, you don't need an exact match for it to be helpful. Instead, look for a plan that's related to the type of business you're starting.

For example, if you want to start a vegetarian restaurant, a plan for a steakhouse can be a great match. While the specifics of your actual startup will differ, the elements you'd want to include in your restaurant's business plan are likely to be very similar.

Use a business plan example as a guide

Every startup and small business is unique, so you'll want to avoid copying an example business plan word for word. It just won't be as helpful, since each business is unique. You want your plan to be a useful tool for starting a business —and getting funding if you need it.

One of the key benefits of writing a business plan is simply going through the process. When you sit down to write, you'll naturally think through important pieces, like your startup costs, your target market , and any market analysis or research you'll need to do to be successful.

You'll also look at where you stand among your competition (and everyone has competition), and lay out your goals and the milestones you'll need to meet. Looking at an example business plan's financials section can be helpful because you can see what should be included, but take them with a grain of salt. Don't assume that financial projections for a sample company will fit your own small business.

If you're looking for more resources to help you get started, our business planning guide is a good place to start. You can also download our free business plan template .

Think of business planning as a process, instead of a document

Think about business planning as something you do often , rather than a document you create once and never look at again. If you take the time to write a plan that really fits your own company, it will be a better, more useful tool to grow your business. It should also make it easier to share your vision and strategy so everyone on your team is on the same page.

Adjust your plan regularly to use it as a business management tool

Keep in mind that businesses that use their plan as a management tool to help run their business grow 30 percent faster than those businesses that don't. For that to be true for your company, you'll think of a part of your business planning process as tracking your actual results against your financial forecast on a regular basis.

If things are going well, your plan will help you think about how you can re-invest in your business. If you find that you're not meeting goals, you might need to adjust your budgets or your sales forecast. Either way, tracking your progress compared to your plan can help you adjust quickly when you identify challenges and opportunities—it's one of the most powerful things you can do to grow your business.

Prepare to pitch your business

If you're planning to pitch your business to investors or seek out any funding, you'll need a pitch deck to accompany your business plan. A pitch deck is designed to inform people about your business. You want your pitch deck to be short and easy to follow, so it's best to keep your presentation under 20 slides.

Your pitch deck and pitch presentation are likely some of the first things that an investor will see to learn more about your company. So, you need to be informative and pique their interest. Luckily, just like you can leverage an example business plan template to write your plan, we also have a gallery of over 50 pitch decks for you to reference.

With this gallery, you have the option to view specific industry pitches or get inspired by real-world pitch deck examples.

Ready to get started?

Now that you know how to use an example business plan to help you write a plan for your business, it's time to find the right one.

Use the search bar below to get started and find the right match for your business idea.

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Everything you need to know about business plan cover pages

You have only one chance to make a good first impression with the readers of your business plan.

People do judge books—and business plans—by their covers. A quick glance at the cover can easily be enough to make up one’s mind.

So set yourself up for success with a powerful cover page that stands out and entices the reader to find out more about your business.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Definition: What is a Business Plan Cover Page?

Cover page (also known as title page or cover sheet) is the first page of a business plan that communicates what the enclosed document is about and highlights the key company information like name, logo and contact details, making a good impression with professional and attractive appearance.

Purpose: Why is Business Plan Cover Page Important?

Many businesses spend hours preparing their business plans but then do not pay enough attention to the title page. This is a huge mistake .

5 ways a strong cover page can help you make a positive first impression:

• Clearly indicate what the presented document is about
• Provide the necessary information for a reader to contact you
• Create a powerful first impact that sets the stage for how readers will engage with your document
• Avoid falling victim to negative preconceived notions as a result or unprofessional or unattractive cover
• Maximize the chance of the plan being read by making the document stand out from the crowd and immediately drawing your reader’s attention

Keep reading to find out which elements you need to include in the cover page, how to structure it to maximize the impact of your business plan, and to take a look at some successful examples .

Contents: What Should You Include in a Business Plan Cover Page?

Surprisingly, there are no strict rules about what to show on your business plan cover sheet, but there certainly are best practices that you should follow.

Here are 9 elements that are typically included on business plan covers, 3 of which are essential and you should not miss to include them. The remaining 6 are optional for your consideration.

1. Must-haves: 3 mandatory cover page elements

1.1. Business name: The name of the company that is the subject of the plan.

1.2. Document title: The words “ Business Plan ” in a prominent spot so that it is clear what kind of document this is.

1.3. Contact information: Name, title and contact details (e.g., phone, email, social media, website, address) of the primary contact persons presenting the plan (e.g., CEO, Founder, Owner, President) so that any interested parties know exactly to whom to direct their inquiries and can reach them quickly and easily.

2. Nice-to-haves: 6 optional cover page elements:

2.1. Company logo: The logo of the company if available and desired.

2.2. Tagline: Short, memorable summary of the business described in the plan.

2.3. Date: In order to make sure your plan does not look outdated, include only the year of the business plan completion date. If you are including both the month also, it is advisable to create a new cover sheet each time you send out the plan.

2.4. Version control: Numbering each copy of the plan enables you to more easily keep track of who you sent what version of the document to.

2.5. Disclaimer: Disclaimer can help protect you and your company from confidentiality and other legal issues resulting from the distribution of the business plan by indicating that the plan is for information only, not an offering of stock in the company, and not to be shared with third parties without your prior consent.

2.6. Visuals: Graphic elements or images to enhance the professional look and visual appeal of the document.

Let’s have a more detailed look at these cover page elements so you know what exactly to include into each of them:

Business Name

The most prominent feature on your business plan cover is the name of your company.

Instantly, the reader should notice the name of your business. In fact, if readers take away nothing else from the cover page, they should remember your company’s name.

As this is the most noticeable feature on the page, use a large font that stands out, but is easy to read, looks professional and corresponds to the typeface that you used for the rest of the document.

Company Logo

Placing a high-quality company logo on the cover page helps to make the business plan look more professional and establish a brand identity by allowing readers to connect visually to the business right from the beginning.

If your logo includes the full name of the company, you do not have to display both the company name and logo on the cover page, it is sufficient to choose one of the two.

Document Title

The readers need to know what the presented document is about – immediately and clearly.

The cover page should clearly state whether it is a Business Plan, Executive Summary, Financial Forecast, Marketing Plan, Recovery Plan, or any other kind of plan.

For example, write the words “ Business Plan ” in a prominent spot on the cover sheet to make it crystal clear what type of document this is. You may include any additional words that are part of the title, such as “Three/Five-Year Business Plan” if needed or relevant.

As a focal point on the cover page, the document title should be in a large font size .

There is no rule though about whether the Document Title or Company Name and Logo should be of the largest font size, as all are of key importance. So it is entirely your decision what feature you prefer to highlight on the cover page of the document.

Contact Information

Contact details should always be on the business plan cover page, letting the reader know who is presenting the document and how to contact them if they need more information.

It is helpful to indicate the names and titles of the company’s primary contact persons for investors and other business plan readers, such as:

• External distribution: company founder, owner, president, partner, CEO
• In-house corporate plans: head of division, departmental manager, executive officer

Next, provide the contact details that will allow the interested parties to reach these primary contact persons quickly and easily, including:

• Name and title of primary contact(s)
• Phone number
• Email address
• Social media handles
• Website address
• Postal address

The contact information is typically displayed in the smallest font on the cover page.

Company tagline, or a motto , is a catchy memorable marketing slogan that captures the essence of a business in a few short and simple words: >> What you do >> How you do it >> Why are you different from the competition

For example, you will undoubtedly recognize the following company mottos:

As such, the tagline is a useful part of the cover page as it helps the business plan readers better understand what you do straight away, and even excite them to read the business plan and study it with more interest.

When was this business plan finalized and issued ? The readers will be interested to know. Hence, it is advisable to state the document completion date on the cover page.

Strictly speaking, you do not need to denote anything more specific that the year in which you completed the business plan. (“Business Plan: 2021”) This will ensure that the plan does not appear outdated for an entire year.

Imagine that you are a potential investor who in December 2021 receives a business plan dated January 2021. It would be natural to assume that the document has been rejected many times by other investors over the last 12 months.

Alternatively, you can include both the current month and year on the cover sheet. (“Business Plan: January 2021”) Each time you update the document and send it out or present it, you will need to check if this date of completion needs updating .

The date is featured on the cover sheet less prominently and in a smaller font size than the document title and company name, and is often displayed below the plan title.

Version Control

As your business develops, you may revise your business plan any number of times and send it to multiple recipients . To keep track of the different versions of the plan that you produce and which version you sent to whom, you may decide to use a version control system.

However, it does not make the best impression when someone receives a “Version 25” of your plan.

Instead, consider devising a simple coding system . For example: “Copy D.5” would indicate it is the fifth copy of a fourth version of the document or “Version 4.5” could mean a fifth copy of a document version completed in April.

Numbering each copy of your business plan before distribution, and keeping a list of which individual has received which copy, would enable you to keep track of how many copies are in circulation, and, if needed, ask to have a copy returned, or trace the responsible party in case a copy is circulated without your permission.

Confidentiality Statement & Disclaimer

Why should your plan include a disclaimer.

Legal issues may arise as a result of circulating your business plan. 

For example, anyone who is in the possession of the document could potentially divulge the confidential information. 

Also, in some countries, offering ownership in your company in return for an investment is considered as selling of stock, which is a regulated activity. The best way to protect yourself is to consult a lawyer.

Nevertheless, including a disclaimer in the business plan helps to protect your company by indicating the plan itself is not an offering of stock for sale but rather a document for information purposes only.

The same disclaimer can also be used to help protect the confidentiality of the information disclosed in your business plan by informing the reader that the plan is confidential and not to be shared with other parties without the owner’s consent, especially when you are not adding a non-disclosure agreement.

What Should the Disclaimer Say?

These are the two most common ways how to show the disclaimer in the business plan:

1. Display a brief disclaimer , just one or two sentences, directly on the front cover , probably at the bottom of the page. Consult a lawyer for the most appropriate wording, but a standard disclaimer might look something to the effect this:

2. Write “ Confidential ” on the cover sheet and include a longer disclaimer and confidentiality statement in the main body of the business plan, perhaps on the first page after the cover sheet.

In addition, you can also include the text “Confidential” into the header or footer of the document.

Design: How Should You Format a Business Plan Cover Page?

The cover page is the first thing the readers will see when they open your business plan. Thus, your business plan cover should be neat , clean , attractive , and professional enough to draw your readers’ attention , make a good first impression and set the tone for your business plan’s content.

Cover page that is messy, dated, unattractive or in any way unprofessional can create negative preconceptions in the recipients’ minds before they even start reading the business plan.

Your design should be clean and professional, which can be accomplished by observing the following best practices:

Visual Identity

Most successful businesses have a strong association with their brand identity , including a company logo, typeface and color scheme. Visual identity helps to establish recognition, familiarity, trust and confidence in customers by evoking the right emotions and sending the right message.

As a result, companies take care to develop a brand identity and keep consistent across all marketing collateral and business materials.

Likewise, your brand identity should be integrated into all parts of your business plan, including the cover page. The best practice is to make the plan consistent with the logo, font type and color scheme as they appear across your other company’s documents.

If you do not have a brand identity created yet, keep the color scheme of the plan cover simple.

The easiest is to have a logo designed, which is inexpensive and easy to do nowadays, and then use your logo colors across the business plan. Alternatively, consider using an online color scheme generator to select colors that go well together.

To stay on the safe side, use maximum of two to three colors, one of which should be black. You can use different shades of the same color (e.g., light blue and dark blue).

First and foremost, the fonts you use in the business plan, including its cover, need to be readable .

The most important information should be displayed in a way that it stands out from the rest of the elements on the business plan cover page, for example, differentiated by font size , weight or color .

Ideally, the typefaces and their color(s) should be consistent with the brand identity used in all of the other company’s marketing materials.

Do not combine more than two typefaces. It is ok to combine a sans-serif (e.g., Times New Roman) with a sans-serif (e.g., Arial) typeface.

Again, less is definitely more here. Refrain from cluttering the business plan cover sheet with photos and graphics.

If you do use a visual element, make sure to leave enough white space around it so the page does not look too busy.

The resolution of any images, including the company logo, should be of high enough quality to not look pixelated.

There is no need for a fancy over-designed cover page, unless you are a large corporation or perhaps a design agency. Equally, beware of any templates with outdated designs that will make your cover look like it was created back in 1999.

Professional designers often combine different alignments (left / right / center) of elements on a page (text, images) to achieve a desired design effect. However, a design novice should play it safe and keep the alignment simple and consistent , especially when it comes to professional documents, such as a business plan.

You should be able to comfortably fit all of the recommended elements on the cover sheet (e.g., company name and logo, document title, contact details, date, disclaimer), and still leave enough white space on the page.

Making a great first impression does not equal to creating a cover that is graphically busy and cluttered with unimportant details. Instead, set yourself up for success by keeping the business plan cover sheet neat , clean , simple and concise .

Proofreading

Carefully proofread the cover page to avoid, at all costs, any mistakes and typos , which would do you a great disservice in the eyes of the reader. Even better, have someone else to look it over.

Finally, make sure that the cover page looks good in every format you will be distributing the business plan in, probably including a PDF electronic file and a printed hard copy.

Some common issues include:

• Photos look pixelated due to low image resolution
• Colors do not print well (e.g., dark font color on a dark background)
• White space left at the edges of a printout because and image does not stretch (i.e., “bleed” in designer terms) enough into the edges of the page

Most importantly, the cover page should look professional and stand out from the crowd so that your business plan has a better chance of being read.

Finally, remember that these aren’t rigid rules. The overall goal for a cover page is to look neat and professional so that it stands out from the crowd and your business plan has a better chance of being read. In the end, that’s the most important outcome.

The cover sheet is the first thing the readers of your business plan will see. Make a good first impression.

Examples: Sample Images

Here are some examples to further illustrate the structure and format of a business plan cover page:

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