Usage policy clause: Copy, customize, and use instantly
Introduction
A usage policy clause sets out the acceptable use of the goods or services provided under the agreement. It establishes guidelines for how the products or services may be used, ensuring that both parties comply with legal requirements, avoid misuse, and maintain a standard of conduct throughout the contract.
Below are templates for usage policy clauses tailored to different scenarios. Copy, customize, and insert them into your agreement.
Standard usage policy clause
This version sets basic usage guidelines.
The [Customer] agrees to use the products and services provided under this Agreement in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards. The products and services may not be used for any illegal, unethical, or unauthorized purposes.
Usage policy clause with prohibited actions
This version outlines prohibited actions.
The [Customer] shall not use the products or services for any of the following purposes: [list prohibited actions, e.g., fraud, illegal activities, distribution of malware, etc.]. Any violation of this policy may result in termination of the Agreement.
Usage policy clause with data privacy requirements
This version includes data privacy requirements.
The [Customer] agrees to use the products and services in a manner that complies with all applicable data privacy laws and regulations, ensuring that no personal data is processed or shared in violation of [specific privacy laws].
Usage policy clause with monitoring rights
This version includes monitoring rights.
The [Provider] reserves the right to monitor the [Customer]'s use of the products and services to ensure compliance with this Usage Policy. Any breach of the policy will be addressed promptly, with corrective actions taken as necessary.
Usage policy clause with restrictions on resale
This version prohibits resale or redistribution.
The [Customer] agrees not to resell, redistribute, or sublicense the products or services provided under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the [Provider].
Usage policy clause with user access restrictions
This version limits user access.
The [Customer] agrees to restrict access to the products and services to authorized users only, ensuring that no unauthorized individuals or entities gain access to the [Provider]’s products or services.
Usage policy clause with restrictions on reverse engineering
This version prohibits reverse engineering.
The [Customer] shall not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the products provided under this Agreement, except as expressly permitted by applicable law.
Usage policy clause with intellectual property protection
This version protects intellectual property.
The [Customer] acknowledges that all intellectual property related to the products and services remains the property of the [Provider], and agrees not to use, copy, or distribute any materials in violation of this intellectual property right.
Usage policy clause with compliance with third-party terms
This version requires compliance with third-party terms.
The [Customer] agrees to comply with all third-party terms and conditions that apply to any component of the products or services provided under this Agreement, as outlined in [Schedule X].
Usage policy clause with prohibition on illegal content
This version prohibits illegal content.
The [Customer] shall not use the products or services to transmit, distribute, or store any illegal, obscene, defamatory, or otherwise unlawful content.
Usage policy clause with right to suspend services for non-compliance
This version includes suspension rights.
The [Provider] reserves the right to suspend the [Customer]'s access to the products or services in the event of non-compliance with this Usage Policy, pending resolution of the issue.
Usage policy clause with customer’s responsibility for end-user conduct
This version assigns responsibility for end-user conduct.
The [Customer] is responsible for ensuring that their end users comply with the terms of this Usage Policy, and shall be liable for any violation of this Policy by their end users.
Usage policy clause with limitation on product modification
This version limits product modification.
The [Customer] shall not modify, adapt, or alter the products or services provided under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the [Provider].
Usage policy clause with restricted access to certain features
This version restricts access to certain features.
The [Customer] acknowledges that some features of the products or services may be restricted or unavailable unless expressly authorized under the terms of the Agreement.
Usage policy clause with prohibition on unauthorized access attempts
This version prohibits unauthorized access.
The [Customer] agrees not to attempt unauthorized access to any part of the products or services, including any accounts, systems, or networks connected to the [Provider]’s infrastructure.
Usage policy clause with content filtering requirements
This version includes content filtering.
The [Customer] agrees to implement content filtering measures to prevent the use of the products and services for distributing harmful, illegal, or inappropriate content.
Usage policy clause with restrictions on automated use
This version restricts automated use.
The [Customer] shall not use automated scripts, bots, or other automated tools to access, interact with, or manipulate the products or services provided under this Agreement.
Usage policy clause with requirement for appropriate use of communication tools
This version applies to communication tools.
The [Customer] agrees to use any communication tools provided within the products or services only for lawful, professional, and ethical purposes, and will not engage in harassment, spamming, or other inappropriate behavior.
Usage policy clause with prohibition on network abuse
This version prohibits network abuse.
The [Customer] shall not abuse the network capacity or bandwidth of the products or services by engaging in activities such as excessive data use or attempting to overload the system.
Usage policy clause with prohibition on unauthorized sharing of login credentials
This version prohibits unauthorized sharing of credentials.
The [Customer] agrees not to share or distribute their login credentials for accessing the products or services to any unauthorized individuals.
Usage policy clause with customer’s obligation to report misuse
This version includes an obligation to report misuse.
The [Customer] agrees to immediately report any suspected misuse or unauthorized access to the products or services to the [Provider], providing all relevant details for investigation.
Usage policy clause with limitation on use for high-risk activities
This version limits use for high-risk activities.
The products and services provided under this Agreement shall not be used for high-risk activities, including but not limited to life-critical or safety-critical systems, unless explicitly agreed by the parties in writing.
Usage policy clause with anti-spam compliance
This version includes anti-spam requirements.
The [Customer] agrees not to use the products or services for sending unsolicited commercial communications (spam), and will comply with all applicable anti-spam laws and regulations.
Usage policy clause with monitoring of system usage
This version allows monitoring of usage.
The [Provider] reserves the right to monitor system usage and activity to ensure compliance with this Usage Policy and may take corrective action if necessary.
Usage policy clause with prohibition on excessive traffic generation
This version prohibits excessive traffic generation.
The [Customer] shall not generate excessive traffic, load, or requests to the server infrastructure, which could negatively affect the performance or reliability of the products or services.
Usage policy clause with security requirements for data storage
This version includes data storage security.
The [Customer] agrees to comply with security standards for storing data using the products or services, ensuring data is protected from unauthorized access, theft, or loss.
Usage policy clause with customer responsibility for ensuring security
This version places security responsibility on the customer.
The [Customer] is responsible for ensuring the security of their own systems, networks, and devices used to access the products and services, and must take necessary steps to prevent unauthorized access.
Usage policy clause with prohibition on unauthorized distribution
This version prohibits unauthorized distribution.
The [Customer] shall not distribute, lease, sublicense, or otherwise transfer the products or services to any third party without the prior written consent of the [Provider].
Usage policy clause with prohibition on circumventing restrictions
This version prohibits circumventing restrictions.
The [Customer] agrees not to circumvent any access control mechanisms, restrictions, or limitations placed on the products or services by the [Provider].
Usage policy clause with compliance with local laws
This version requires compliance with local laws.
The [Customer] agrees to use the products and services in accordance with all applicable local, national, and international laws and regulations.
Usage policy clause with customer responsibility for third-party content
This version places responsibility on the customer for third-party content.
The [Customer] is responsible for ensuring that any third-party content uploaded or transmitted using the products or services complies with this Usage Policy and all relevant laws.
Usage policy clause with requirement for reasonable precautions to prevent abuse
This version includes a requirement for precautions.
The [Customer] agrees to take reasonable precautions to prevent abuse or misuse of the products or services, including implementing appropriate security measures and monitoring.
Usage policy clause with limitation on the scope of use
This version limits the scope of use.
The products and services provided under this Agreement are licensed for use only in the [specified context or scope], and the [Customer] shall not use them outside of this scope without prior written consent.
Usage policy clause with agreement to follow updated policies
This version includes an agreement to follow updated policies.
The [Customer] agrees to comply with any future updates to this Usage Policy, which will be communicated by the [Provider] and will take effect [X] days after notification.
Usage policy clause with specific data handling practices
This version includes specific data handling practices.
The [Customer] shall ensure that all data collected or processed through the products or services is handled in accordance with the applicable data handling practices outlined in [Schedule X].
Usage policy clause with limitation on use of proprietary algorithms
This version restricts the use of proprietary algorithms.
The [Customer] agrees not to use, reverse-engineer, or redistribute any proprietary algorithms or software code provided as part of the products or services without prior written consent from the [Provider].
Usage policy clause with compliance with content standards
This version includes content standards compliance.
The [Customer] agrees to ensure that all content created or shared using the products or services complies with the content standards specified in [Schedule Y] and does not contain offensive or harmful material.
Usage policy clause with prohibition on accessing competitors' products
This version prohibits accessing competitors' products.
The [Customer] agrees not to use the products or services for the purpose of accessing or interacting with any competing products or services, either directly or indirectly.
Usage policy clause with monitoring of content uploads
This version includes monitoring of uploads.
The [Provider] reserves the right to monitor and review any content uploaded by the [Customer] using the products or services, to ensure compliance with this Usage Policy.
Usage policy clause with restrictions on sharing access credentials
This version restricts sharing access credentials.
The [Customer] agrees not to share or disclose their access credentials, including usernames, passwords, or other security-related information, to any unauthorized individuals or entities.
Usage policy clause with prohibition on using services for harassment
This version prohibits using services for harassment.
The [Customer] shall not use the products or services to harass, intimidate, or abuse any other individual or group, and shall comply with all applicable anti-harassment laws and regulations.
Usage policy clause with responsibility for content ownership
This version assigns ownership responsibility.
The [Customer] is solely responsible for ensuring that they own or have the necessary rights to use any content uploaded or created using the products or services, including any intellectual property rights.
Usage policy clause with prohibition on misuse of communication channels
This version restricts communication channel misuse.
The [Customer] agrees not to misuse any communication channels provided by the products or services for spamming, phishing, or sending any unsolicited or unlawful communications.
Usage policy clause with obligations for maintaining confidentiality
This version includes confidentiality obligations.
The [Customer] shall ensure that any confidential information shared through the products or services is protected, and agrees to comply with any confidentiality agreements in place between the parties.
Usage policy clause with limitations on copying or distributing materials
This version includes limitations on copying and distribution.
The [Customer] agrees not to copy, redistribute, or otherwise disseminate any of the materials or resources provided as part of the products or services, except as explicitly allowed under this Agreement.
Usage policy clause with restriction on use for malicious activities
This version restricts use for malicious activities.
The [Customer] shall not use the products or services for any malicious activities, including but not limited to spreading malware, creating viruses, or engaging in cyberattacks.
Usage policy clause with usage limitations for non-compliant users
This version includes limitations for non-compliant users.
The [Provider] reserves the right to limit or suspend access to the products or services for users who fail to comply with the terms of this Usage Policy, pending resolution of any compliance issues.
Usage policy clause with restriction on unauthorized software integrations
This version prohibits unauthorized software integrations.
The [Customer] agrees not to integrate any third-party software or tools with the products or services without prior written consent from the [Provider].
Usage policy clause with obligations for preventing system abuse
This version requires abuse prevention.
The [Customer] agrees to take necessary actions to prevent any system abuse, including implementing technical measures to prevent unauthorized access or excessive resource consumption.
Usage policy clause with prohibition on fraudulent transactions
This version prohibits fraudulent transactions.
The [Customer] shall not use the products or services for fraudulent transactions or any activity that may result in financial loss or damage to the [Provider] or third parties.
Usage policy clause with customer responsibility for compliance with local laws
This version includes local law compliance.
The [Customer] is responsible for ensuring that their use of the products or services complies with all local, state, and national laws, including those regarding data privacy, intellectual property, and consumer protection.
Usage policy clause with cap on data usage
This version includes a data usage cap.
The [Customer] agrees not to exceed the maximum data usage limits specified in [Schedule X], and any data usage above this threshold will incur additional charges as outlined in the Agreement.
Usage policy clause with limitation on simultaneous use
This version limits simultaneous use.
The [Customer] shall not use the products or services simultaneously on more devices or accounts than the number of licenses granted under this Agreement.
Usage policy clause with restrictions on sharing personal data
This version includes restrictions on sharing personal data.
The [Customer] agrees not to share personal data of individuals without their consent, and must comply with all relevant data protection laws when using the products or services.
Usage policy clause with requirement for periodic password updates
This version requires periodic password updates.
The [Customer] agrees to update their passwords at regular intervals, not exceeding [X] months, to ensure the continued security of their accounts and access to the products or services.
Usage policy clause with right to audit usage for compliance
This version allows auditing for compliance.
The [Provider] reserves the right to audit the [Customer]'s use of the products or services to ensure compliance with this Usage Policy, including reviewing access logs and usage data.
Usage policy clause with customer responsibility for network security
This version includes network security responsibilities.
The [Customer] is responsible for maintaining the security of their network and devices used to access the products or services, and agrees to implement appropriate security measures to prevent unauthorized access.
Usage policy clause with prohibition on using the product for personal gain
This version prohibits personal gain.
The [Customer] agrees not to use the products or services for personal gain or any other activities not directly related to the business purposes outlined in this Agreement.
Usage policy clause with prohibition on sharing access with competitors
This version prohibits sharing access with competitors.
The [Customer] agrees not to provide access to the products or services to any competitor or potential competitor of the [Provider], except as specifically permitted by the Agreement.
Usage policy clause with restrictions on content modification
This version includes content modification restrictions.
The [Customer] agrees not to modify, edit, or alter any content provided by the [Provider] through the products or services without prior written consent.
Usage policy clause with limitation on software use to authorized devices
This version restricts software use to authorized devices.
The [Customer] agrees to only install or run the software provided under this Agreement on authorized devices and may not copy or transfer the software to unauthorized devices.
Usage policy clause with prohibition on circumventing security measures
This version prohibits circumventing security measures.
The [Customer] agrees not to attempt to bypass, disable, or circumvent any security measures or protections embedded in the products or services provided.
Usage policy clause with restrictions on use in competitive industries
This version restricts use in competitive industries.
The [Customer] agrees not to use the products or services in industries or activities that directly compete with the [Provider]'s business or for purposes that may harm the [Provider]'s interests.
Usage policy clause with right to suspend access for violations
This version allows suspension for violations.
The [Provider] reserves the right to suspend or terminate the [Customer]'s access to the products or services in the event of a violation of this Usage Policy, pending resolution of the issue.
Usage policy clause with restriction on the use of services outside of agreed locations
This version restricts usage to specific locations.
The [Customer] agrees to use the products or services only at the locations specified in [Schedule X] of this Agreement, and shall not use them outside of these locations without prior written consent.
Usage policy clause with data retention requirements
This version includes data retention requirements.
The [Customer] agrees to retain any data processed using the products or services for no longer than [X] months, unless otherwise required by applicable law.
Usage policy clause with prohibition on sharing services with non-licensed parties
This version prohibits sharing services.
The [Customer] shall not share, transfer, or sublicense the services or any access rights granted under this Agreement to any third party without the express written consent of the [Provider].
Usage policy clause with regular system security checks
This version requires system security checks.
The [Customer] agrees to perform regular security checks on the devices and systems used to access the products or services, ensuring that all necessary updates, patches, and protections are in place.
Usage policy clause with limitation on liability for misuse
This version includes a limitation of liability.
The [Provider] shall not be held liable for any damages resulting from the misuse of the products or services, including any violations of this Usage Policy by the [Customer].
Usage policy clause with prohibition on unauthorized software copies
This version prohibits unauthorized software copies.
The [Customer] agrees not to make unauthorized copies of the software provided under this Agreement and to adhere strictly to the licensing terms as outlined in [Section X].
Usage policy clause with requirements for user training
This version requires user training.
The [Customer] agrees to ensure that all users of the products or services undergo appropriate training on security best practices, acceptable use, and any other requirements specified by the [Provider].
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.