Contract clause library

Usage policies clause: Copy, customize, and use instantly

Introduction

A usage policies clause sets out the rules and limitations around how a product, service, system, or platform may be used by the customer or end users. It helps prevent misuse, protect system integrity, reduce liability, and enforce responsible behavior aligned with contractual terms.

Below are templates for usage policies clauses tailored to different scenarios. Copy, customize, and insert them into your agreement.

Standard usage policies clause

This version sets a general obligation to comply with acceptable use terms.

The [Customer] shall use the services in accordance with the [Provider]’s usage policies and acceptable use standards, as provided or updated from time to time.

Usage policies clause with prohibited conduct list

This version outlines specific behaviors to avoid.

The [Customer] shall not engage in any activity that violates the usage policies, including but not limited to system abuse, unauthorized access, distribution of malware, or infringement of third-party rights.

Usage policies clause with right to suspend access

This version allows enforcement action.

The [Provider] may suspend or restrict access to the services if the [Customer] or its users violate the applicable usage policies or cause disruption to the system.

Usage policies clause with user communication guidelines

This version governs behavior between users.

The [Customer] shall ensure that all users comply with communication standards outlined in the usage policies, including respectful conduct, non-harassment, and appropriate content sharing.

Usage policies clause with third-party service integration restrictions

This version limits external connections.

The [Customer] shall not integrate the services with any unauthorized third-party platforms or tools unless permitted by the usage policies or with prior written approval.

Usage policies clause with automated activity limitation

This version governs scripts and bots.

The [Customer] shall not use scripts, bots, or automated tools that access, query, or interact with the services beyond permitted thresholds outlined in the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with bandwidth usage control

This version addresses excessive usage.

The [Provider] may impose reasonable limits on bandwidth or data usage where such consumption exceeds the thresholds set out in the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with geographic usage restrictions

This version limits territorial access.

The [Customer] shall not access or use the services in any jurisdiction prohibited under the usage policies or applicable export control laws.

Usage policies clause with end-user enforcement requirement

This version extends obligations to internal users.

The [Customer] shall ensure that all of its end users comply with the applicable usage policies and shall be responsible for any violations by its users.

Usage policies clause with system abuse prevention provision

This version protects infrastructure.

The [Customer] shall not engage in any activity that burdens, disrupts, or circumvents the performance or security of the services, as detailed in the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with no reverse proxying or relaying

This version prohibits indirect routing.

The [Customer] shall not use the services as a proxy, relay, or gateway to transmit traffic from unauthorized sources, as outlined in the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with content moderation standards

This version governs uploaded or shared content.

The [Customer] shall not upload, distribute, or transmit content through the services that violates the content standards described in the usage policies.

This version defines maximum size or type.

The [Customer] shall comply with all file sharing restrictions, including limitations on file types, sizes, and storage formats, as set forth in the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with scheduled maintenance notice

This version supports platform availability management.

The [Provider] may enforce temporary restrictions or downtime in accordance with maintenance schedules and usage policies communicated in advance.

Usage policies clause with prohibited commercial use restriction

This version governs resale or redistribution.

The [Customer] shall not use the services for resale, redistribution, or commercial hosting unless expressly permitted in the usage policies or a separate agreement.

Usage policies clause with unauthorized data extraction prohibition

This version blocks scraping.

The [Customer] shall not engage in data scraping, harvesting, or unauthorized extraction of information in breach of the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with access credential security requirement

This version addresses login hygiene.

The [Customer] shall secure all access credentials in accordance with best practices and shall not share credentials except as permitted by the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with resource pooling limitation

This version restricts indirect access.

The [Customer] shall not share, multiplex, or pool access to the services in ways that exceed the licensed scope or violate the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with usage rights tied to subscription tier

This version enforces service levels.

The [Customer]’s permitted usage is subject to the limits applicable to the subscribed service tier as defined in the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with usage monitoring right

This version allows enforcement visibility.

The [Provider] may monitor service usage to verify compliance with usage policies and identify patterns that may require intervention or restriction.

Usage policies clause with notice of policy updates obligation

This version supports ongoing compliance.

The [Provider] may update its usage policies from time to time and shall provide reasonable notice of any material changes affecting customer responsibilities.

Usage policies clause with trial use limitation

This version governs temporary access.

The [Customer] shall use any trial access solely for internal evaluation and not for production purposes, consistent with the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with multi-tenant environment restriction

This version governs SaaS architecture.

The [Customer] shall not configure or use the services in a way that enables unauthorized multi-tenancy or virtualized access beyond what is allowed by the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with impersonation and spoofing prohibition

This version prevents identity misuse.

The [Customer] shall not use the services to impersonate others, create false identities, or spoof communications, as prohibited by the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with platform fairness enforcement

This version prohibits manipulative use.

The [Customer] shall not exploit platform logic, features, or algorithms to gain unfair advantage, disrupt service, or manipulate intended use in violation of usage policies.

Usage policies clause with intellectual property respect requirement

This version prevents misuse of third-party content.

The [Customer] shall not use the services to store, transmit, or distribute content that infringes the intellectual property rights of any third party, in breach of usage policies.

Usage policies clause with idle session timeout enforcement

This version supports security protocols.

The [Provider] may enforce automatic session timeouts or idle disconnects as part of its security and usage policies.

Usage policies clause with system integration validation requirement

This version governs third-party plug-ins.

The [Customer] shall not install, connect, or activate integrations with external systems unless pre-approved and compliant with usage policies.

Usage policies clause with prohibition on circumventing limits

This version blocks quota avoidance.

The [Customer] shall not circumvent technical restrictions, license caps, or service thresholds imposed by the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with platform tampering prohibition

This version prevents modifications.

The [Customer] shall not attempt to modify, alter, disable, or interfere with the underlying code or behavior of the platform in violation of usage policies.

Usage policies clause with service availability expectations

This version sets fair use baselines.

The [Provider] shall make reasonable efforts to ensure service availability, subject to routine maintenance and usage policies applicable to service continuity.

This version prohibits unauthorized testing.

The [Customer] shall not conduct penetration tests, vulnerability scans, or other forms of security testing without prior written authorization, in accordance with usage policies.

Usage policies clause with email and messaging abuse restriction

This version governs outbound communications.

The [Customer] shall not use the services to send spam, unsolicited communications, or bulk messaging that violates applicable laws or usage policies.

Usage policies clause with restricted use for illegal content

This version reinforces legal compliance.

The [Customer] shall not use the services to store, publish, or transmit content that is illegal, harmful, or otherwise restricted under the usage policies.

This version governs networking use.

The [Customer] shall not use the services to enable peer-to-peer file sharing networks or unauthorized content distribution in breach of the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with anonymization bypass prohibition

This version protects system auditability.

The [Customer] shall not use anonymization tools or masking methods to conceal service activity in violation of usage policies or audit standards.

Usage policies clause with user conduct escalation protocol

This version allows suspension for violations.

The [Provider] reserves the right to suspend or remove access for individual users who breach usage policies or engage in disruptive conduct.

Usage policies clause with system integrity preservation duty

This version supports operational reliability.

The [Customer] shall use the services in a manner that preserves system integrity and does not compromise performance, reliability, or other users’ experience.

Usage policies clause with streaming and bandwidth-intensive activity cap

This version prevents resource overuse.

The [Customer] shall not engage in streaming, large-scale downloads, or other bandwidth-intensive activities beyond the limits permitted under the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with uptime service level disclaimer

This version disclaims guarantee.

The [Provider] makes no uptime guarantees unless separately agreed in a service level agreement, and availability is governed by standard usage policies.

Usage policies clause with account registration validation rule

This version verifies user identity.

The [Customer] shall ensure all account registrations include accurate, verifiable information in accordance with usage policies.

Usage policies clause with device-specific usage enforcement

This version restricts usage by endpoint.

The [Customer] may be restricted to accessing services on pre-registered or authorized devices as outlined in the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with responsibility for user onboarding

This version sets training expectations.

The [Customer] shall ensure that its users are properly trained and made aware of their responsibilities under the usage policies before using the services.

Usage policies clause with usage statistics reporting option

This version provides transparency.

The [Provider] may share usage statistics or reports to help the [Customer] monitor its use of the services and adherence to usage policies.

Usage policies clause with gaming and simulation prohibition

This version blocks non-intended use cases.

The [Customer] shall not use the services for gaming, simulation, or benchmarking purposes unless expressly permitted in the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with backup system usage limits

This version covers non-production access.

Use of backup or test environments provided under this Agreement is subject to limitations specified in the usage policies and may not be used for production activities.

Usage policies clause with internal-use only restriction

This version blocks redistribution.

The services are intended solely for internal business use by the [Customer] and may not be used to offer services to third parties, unless otherwise stated in the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with reporting obligation for policy breaches

This version formalizes incident handling.

The [Customer] shall promptly report any known or suspected breach of usage policies to the [Provider], including unauthorized use or compromise.

Usage policies clause with mobile access constraint

This version limits platform access.

Mobile access to the services may be subject to additional restrictions or reduced functionality as outlined in the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with load testing prohibition

This version prevents service strain.

The [Customer] shall not perform system load testing or stress testing without express consent, as prohibited under the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with archival access policy

This version defines read-only scope.

Archived or read-only access to historical data is governed by archival access policies and may be subject to separate conditions under the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with sandbox environment restriction

This version defines testing boundaries.

The [Customer] shall use sandbox environments solely for development or testing purposes and shall not use them for production activity, in accordance with the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with intellectual property misuse prohibition

This version prevents rights violations.

The [Customer] shall not use the services to copy, alter, or distribute any intellectual property in violation of the usage policies or applicable law.

Usage policies clause with geographic data routing restriction

This version limits data flows.

The [Customer] shall not configure the services to route consumer data through prohibited jurisdictions or unapproved regions, as governed by the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with simultaneous session control

This version limits concurrent logins.

The [Provider] may restrict the number of simultaneous sessions per user or account in accordance with usage policies.

Usage policies clause with denial-of-service protection provision

This version addresses disruptive use.

The [Customer] shall not engage in activities that could lead to a denial-of-service condition or overload of the platform in violation of usage policies.

Usage policies clause with administrative access restriction

This version separates roles.

Only authorized users with administrative privileges may perform high-risk functions, and such access must comply with the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with content authenticity requirement

This version ensures truthfulness of materials.

The [Customer] shall not upload or transmit fake, misleading, or manipulated content through the services, as prohibited by the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with scheduled usage window

This version limits access hours.

The [Provider] may impose usage windows or schedule-based restrictions where required for resource allocation or security purposes, as defined in usage policies.

Usage policies clause with harmful code transmission prohibition

This version blocks malicious activity.

The [Customer] shall not use the services to distribute or transmit any viruses, worms, spyware, or other malicious code in breach of the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with anonymous account registration restriction

This version enforces identity accuracy.

The [Customer] shall not permit the use of pseudonymous or anonymized user accounts unless permitted by the usage policies or required by law.

Usage policies clause with visual branding usage limitation

This version governs co-branding.

The [Customer] shall not use or modify the [Provider]’s branding or logos in any way not expressly permitted by the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with dynamic usage throttle protocol

This version supports service stability.

The [Provider] may dynamically reduce throughput or throttle access based on excessive use patterns, as described in the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with mandatory usage analytics opt-in

This version allows monitoring.

The [Customer] consents to the collection of anonymous usage analytics by the [Provider] as part of platform operation and usage policies.

Usage policies clause with restricted functionality flagging

This version governs conditional features.

Certain service features may be restricted or disabled for specific users or regions in accordance with the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with onboarding usage tutorial requirement

This version mandates training.

All end users must complete a usage tutorial or onboarding sequence prior to full access, as required by the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with inactive account termination

This version governs dormant users.

The [Provider] may suspend or delete inactive user accounts after [X days] of non-use, consistent with the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with custom usage rules by industry

This version supports vertical use cases.

The [Provider] may implement specific usage policies tailored to industry standards or regulatory environments applicable to the [Customer].

Usage policies clause with third-party plugin approval gate

This version governs system extensions.

The [Customer] shall not install third-party plugins, add-ons, or extensions unless reviewed and approved under the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with personal use restriction

This version enforces business-only use.

The [Customer] shall ensure the services are used solely for business purposes and not for personal, private, or recreational use, in accordance with the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with centralized policy repository access

This version enables reference.

The [Provider] shall maintain a centralized repository of current usage policies, which the [Customer] shall regularly consult for updates.

Usage policies clause with feature experimentation opt-out

This version manages beta exposure.

The [Customer] may opt out of any experimental or beta features deployed under the usage policies by providing written notice to the [Provider].

Usage policies clause with approval workflow for sensitive functions

This version adds a governance layer.

The [Customer] shall establish an internal approval process for usage scenarios that invoke high-risk or sensitive service functions, in line with usage policies.

Usage policies clause with educational use exception

This version allows academic use cases.

The [Provider] may permit limited educational use under a separate agreement, subject to specific conditions defined in the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with usage infraction remediation period

This version provides a cure window.

If a usage policy violation is identified, the [Customer] shall be given [X business days] to correct the infraction before further enforcement actions.

Usage policies clause with internal policy alignment duty

This version promotes integration with company rules.

The [Customer] shall ensure that internal policies for employee conduct and technology use are aligned with the platform’s usage policies.

Usage policies clause with resourcing fairness enforcement

This version prevents resource monopolization.

The [Customer] shall not engage in excessive service consumption that deprives other users of equitable access, in violation of usage policies.

Usage policies clause with usage dashboard availability

This version provides transparency.

The [Provider] shall offer the [Customer] access to a dashboard or report summarizing usage metrics and policy adherence levels.

Usage policies clause with per-feature usage governance

This version sets feature-specific rules.

Each product feature may have unique restrictions under the usage policies, and the [Customer] shall adhere to all such limitations.

Usage policies clause with deprecated feature limitation

This version governs legacy access.

The [Provider] may discontinue or restrict deprecated service features in accordance with its deprecation schedule outlined in the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with offline access restriction

This version limits offline syncing.

The [Customer] shall not use offline caching or synchronization tools beyond what is permitted in the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with progressive enforcement protocol

This version defines enforcement stages.

The [Provider] may apply progressive enforcement actions for usage violations, ranging from warnings to suspensions, as described in the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with internal support desk responsibility

This version delegates first-line support.

The [Customer] shall provide first-line internal support for usage-related questions before escalating issues to the [Provider], in line with usage policies.

Usage policies clause with high-volume usage pre-approval requirement

This version governs enterprise load.

The [Customer] must obtain written approval before initiating high-volume service activity that exceeds standard usage limits outlined in the policies.

Usage policies clause with usage pattern analytics authorization

This version supports behavior analysis.

The [Customer] authorizes the [Provider] to analyze aggregate usage behavior to optimize service performance under the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with user impersonation detection protocol

This version enhances access control.

The [Provider] may deploy systems to detect and prevent unauthorized impersonation of legitimate users as part of its usage policies.

Usage policies clause with post-use data disposal policy

This version mandates cleanup.

The [Customer] shall ensure that temporary data accessed through the services is deleted or archived responsibly after use, in accordance with usage policies.

Usage policies clause with acceptable bulk import behavior

This version governs mass uploads.

The [Customer] shall comply with usage limits and file structure requirements when performing bulk data imports, as described in the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with automated action limitation

This version prevents excessive triggers.

The [Customer] shall not configure automated tasks or workflows that cause excessive service triggers in breach of usage policies.

This version requires awareness.

The [Customer] shall train users to recognize social engineering tactics that could compromise service security, consistent with the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with device fingerprinting restriction

This version limits user tracking.

The [Customer] shall not implement device fingerprinting, behavioral tracking, or profiling through the services unless permitted by usage policies and law.

Usage policies clause with multi-account management policy

This version governs account structures.

The [Customer] shall manage multi-account structures according to the limits, governance models, and administrative responsibilities defined in the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with escalation path for edge cases

This version formalizes support routing.

For any edge-case or atypical use scenarios not clearly addressed in the usage policies, the [Customer] shall request written clarification or exception handling.

Usage policies clause with usage policy acknowledgment protocol

This version confirms user consent.

The [Customer] shall ensure that all users affirm their understanding and acceptance of usage policies through documented acknowledgment.

Usage policies clause with system usage limitation for AI-generated content

This version restricts generative use cases.

The [Customer] shall not use the services to create, distribute, or publish AI-generated content unless explicitly permitted in the usage policies.

Usage policies clause with allowable use matrix for business functions

This version governs purpose-of-use.

The [Provider] may publish an allowable use matrix that defines acceptable service use across various business functions, and the [Customer] shall comply with it.

Usage policies clause with feature-specific compliance checks

This version introduces service gating.

The [Provider] may conduct periodic compliance checks for selected service features, and continued use is subject to adherence to applicable usage policies.

Usage policies clause with software version compatibility enforcement

This version addresses system integration.

The [Customer] shall ensure that its systems and integrations remain compatible with the supported software versions defined in the usage policies.

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.

Last updated 14 Mar 2025