Terms of Service for Online Courses: What to Include
Create comprehensive terms of service for your online course or coaching business, covering refunds, IP protection, and student rights.
Online course creators need terms of service that protect their intellectual property while setting clear expectations for students. Key areas include content licensing, refund policies, completion requirements, and disclaimers about professional outcomes.
Your terms should grant students a limited, non-transferable license to access course content for personal use. Prohibit redistribution, screen recording, and sharing of login credentials. Define what happens to access when a student requests a refund or when the course is updated.
Include disclaimers about earnings claims and professional outcomes. Many jurisdictions have consumer protection rules about educational product claims. If you offer certifications, clarify that they represent course completion, not professional licensure or accreditation.