•  
  •  

Home > IPLJ > Vol. XXVIII > No. 2 (2018)

 

Keywords

automatic subscription renewal, trial offer, informed consent, adequate disclosure, fair notice

Abstract

A prominent and expanding list of online services rely on a business model which pairs free trial offers with subsequent automatic subscription renewals (e.g., Amazon Prime, Blue Apron, etc.). Offering free trials to lure new users, while employing automatic renewal clauses in its terms of use to perpetuate recurring revenue, poses a substantial legal risk to online services. Numerous claims citing unfair and deceptive business practices are filed each year against such online services, primarily raising issues of informed consent, adequate disclosure, and notice. This Article reviews applicable federal law and regulations, as well as the applicable laws of all fifty states, and examines the legal validity of this business model. This Article explores under which conditions such joint offers can be advertised as “free” and what legal requirements of consent, disclosure, and notice must be met in order for the subscription to automatically renew once the trial period lapses. By adhering to the guidelines and best practices outlined in this Article, online services may very well be able to retain their desired business model, while reducing users’ complaints and minimizing significant legal concerns.

Download

Share

COinS