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API Terms of Use
Define rules, access rights, and usage restrictions for your API with this API Terms of Use Template.
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API Terms of Use Template
This API Terms of Use Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into between [Company Name] (“Provider”) and any entity or individual (“User”) accessing the Provider’s API services (“API”). By accessing or using the API, the User agrees to the following terms:
1. License Grant
The Provider grants the User a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, and revocable license to access and use the API solely for [Permitted Purposes, e.g., application integration, data retrieval] in accordance with this Agreement.
2. API Key Management
Each User must obtain an API key from the Provider before accessing the API.
Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their API keys and all activities under their account.
Sharing or unauthorized use of API keys is strictly prohibited.
3. Permitted and Prohibited Uses
Permitted uses include:
Accessing the API for legitimate business or development purposes.
Complying with applicable laws and regulations.
Prohibited uses include:
Reverse engineering or modifying the API.
Using the API for illegal, malicious, or competitive purposes.
Exceeding rate limits defined by the Provider.
4. Data Privacy and Security
The User agrees to:
Implement appropriate security measures to protect any personal or sensitive data obtained through the API.
Comply with applicable data protection laws, including GDPR, CCPA, or other regional regulations.
5. Intellectual Property Rights
All intellectual property rights in the API, its documentation, and related materials remain with the Provider.
The User obtains no ownership rights except for the limited license granted under this Agreement.
6. Service Levels and Modifications
The Provider makes no guarantees of uninterrupted API availability but will use reasonable efforts to minimize downtime.
The Provider reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue API access with reasonable notice.
7. Fees and Payment (Optional)
If the API is offered under a paid plan, fees, billing cycles, and payment terms shall be specified in a separate agreement or pricing schedule.
8. Termination
The Provider may terminate or suspend API access for violations of this Agreement or for security concerns.
Upon termination, the User must immediately cease all use of the API and delete related data, except as required by law.
9. Limitation of Liability
The Provider shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use or inability to use the API. Liability is limited to the amount paid for API access in the last 12 months, if applicable.
10. Indemnification
The User agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Provider from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from misuse of the API or violations of this Agreement.
11. Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of [State/Country], without regard to conflicts of law principles.
12. Entire Agreement
This Agreement represents the entire understanding between the Provider and the User regarding API usage and supersedes any prior agreements.
Acceptance
By accessing or using the API, the User acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Agreement.
Details
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API Terms of Use
API TERMS OF USE FAQ
What are API Terms of Use?
API Terms of Use are rules and conditions set by an API provider that govern how developers and users can access, integrate, and interact with the API.
Why are API Terms of Use important?
They protect the API provider by setting clear limitations on usage, preventing abuse, defining data ownership, and establishing legal liability for misuse or breaches.
When should you implement API Terms of Use?
They should be implemented before granting public or private access to an API, especially for commercial or sensitive data services.
What should API Terms of Use include?
They should include access permissions, authentication requirements, rate limits, data usage policies, intellectual property rights, liability limitations, and termination clauses.
How do API Terms of Use support compliance?
They help ensure that users comply with applicable privacy laws, data regulations, and industry standards when accessing or handling data through the API.
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