15 Legal Templates You Need to Run Your Business
Running a business is fraught with legal risks and challenges—that is if you don’t have the proper contracts and policies in place. But hiring a lawyer is expensive and many small business owners just can't afford it. That's where legal templates come in!
The legal templates on this list were drafted by attorneys specializing in creative online businesses. You won't need every template on this list. (If you don’t host a podcast, you don’t need a podcast guest release!) Just pick the ones that are applicable to you and your business. You'll sleep better at night knowing that your business, content, and assets are safe!
LLC Operating Agreement*
If you're a business owner, you need to form an LLC to protect yourself and your personal assets from liability. And to do that, you'll need an LLC operating agreement. If you’re the sole owner of your company, use this single-member LLC operating agreement. If you own your company with a partner, use this multi-member operating agreement*.
Website Terms & Conditions + Privacy Policy*
If you have a website, you need a GDPR and CaCPA-compliant privacy policy and terms of use. (If you have an e-commerce shop, use this template*.) I know it's tempting to use one of those free privacy policy generators but these may be out of date and not fully compliant with the latest privacy laws. Trust me when I say this is one legal template every business owner should invest in!
Service Contract*
If you’re a service provider, you need a contract that will protect you when you're working with clients. Luckily, there are lots of affordable contract templates for all kinds of service providers, from web designers and photographers to coaches and virtual assistants. Check out The Contract Shop* or the Creative Law Shop to find templates specific to your industry and service.
Digital Product Terms of Use*
Keep your digital products safe from unscrupulous parties with a digital product terms of use policy. This is essential to protecting your intellectual property and setting customer expectations.
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Online Course Terms of Use*
If you sell online courses, it's important to set expectations about refunds and protect against students sharing proprietary course information with people who haven't paid. This template covers all of that and more!
Enter code KATESCOTT at checkout to get 15% off!
Membership Terms of Use*
If you have a membership site, this terms of use template will protect your content from thieves and copycats.
Enter code KATESCOTT at checkout to get 15% off!
Mastermind Agreement*
If you have a mastermind or group coaching program, this agreement will ensure group confidentiality, set rules and expectations for payment, and limit your liability or responsibility if something goes wrong.
Enter code KATESCOTT at checkout to get 15% off!
Private Coaching Agreement*
If you offer private coaching, you need to have a rock-solid contract in place. This template outlines clear expectations about the limits of the services you provide and ensures that you get paid on time.
Cease and Desist Letter
See someone ripping off your work on social media? This cease and desist letter will scare them straight and help you protect your creative work!
Podcast Sponsorship Contract*
If you have a podcast and want to start earning income by offering sponsorships, this contract will ensure that the sponsors uphold their end of the bargain.
Podcast Guest Release*
If you invite guests to interview on your podcast, you'll need a release in place to legally secure your right to use the recorded audio and prevent guests from demanding the right to edit the audio themselves. This template does all of that and more.
Enter code KATESCOTT at checkout to get 15% off!
Guest Blog Agreement*
If you allow guest posts on your blog, you'll need a release that gives you permission to publish the writer’s content, use their image and bio on your site, and clarifies that content will not be paid for.
Enter code KATE10 at checkout to get 10% off!
Employment Agreement
When you're ready to take the big step of hiring your first employee, you'll need a rock solid employment agreement. The problem is that employment law is complicated and many employment contracts don't cover everything they should. This contract will cover your butt!
Non-Disclosure Agreement*
If you're hiring a new employee or collaborating with another business, you might want to have a non-disclosure agreement in place to make sure that private information about a project stays private. This template makes that easy!
Affiliate Agreement*
Affiliate marketing is a great way to grow your business but you need to have an affiliate agreement in place to protect yourself and set expectations such as payment thresholds and timelines. This template covers all that and more.
Want more tips on how to keep your business safe and secure? Check out these posts:
