Recurring billing without proper disclosure is illegal in California. I check for CA ARL compliance, cancellation mechanisms, and the subscription-specific provisions that keep you out of regulatory crosshairs.
California's Auto-Renewal Law makes these non-negotiable
Clear, conspicuous disclosure of automatic renewal terms. Affirmative consent mechanism. Must disclose before charge. California requires this - violations mean full refunds plus penalties.
Must be cancellable "in the same medium" as sign-up. Online signup = online cancellation required. No phone-only cancellation for web signups. Easy cancel button, not hidden support emails.
For subscriptions over 1 year: annual reminder required. Pre-renewal notification before charges. Confirmation email after signup. Missing these triggers refund rights.
Notice period before price increases. Consent requirement for increases. Right to cancel at old price. Grandfathering terms for existing subscribers.
Trial length and limitations clearly stated. Conversion to paid disclosure. Payment method requirement upfront. Cancel-before-charge deadline explicit.
Refund on early cancellation (prorated? none?). Cancellation effective date (immediate vs. end of period). Service access after cancellation. Billing dispute timeline.
Beyond subscription-specific provisions
Choice of law and venue
Arbitration, class waiver
Damage caps and exclusions
Modification rights and notice
Sharing, transfer, termination
Data use and sharing
Content ownership
Excuse for non-performance
Some subscription types have additional provisions I check
Paste your Terms of Service below. I check CA Auto-Renewal compliance first.
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