A disclaimer is a legal statement or notice intended to limit or exclude liability or responsibility for certain actions, products, services, or information. It typically informs individuals of the terms, conditions, or risks associated with using a particular product or service and may seek to prevent legal claims or disputes arising from potential harm or consequences. Disclaimers are commonly used in various contexts, including contracts, warranties, websites, product packaging, and legal documents. By providing clear and conspicuous disclaimers, individuals and businesses aim to protect themselves from liability, clarify expectations, and ensure that users are informed about the limitations or risks associated with their products, services, or information. However, the effectiveness of a disclaimer may depend on factors such as its clarity, prominence, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
(law) a voluntary repudiation of a person’s legal claim to something.
n. 1) denial or renunciation by someone of his/her title to property. 2) denial of responsibility for another’s claim, such as an insurance company’s refusal to admit coverage under an insurance policy. 3) statement of non-responsibility, as is made when dissolving a partnership or business.
- One who disclaims, disowns, or renounces.
- A public disavowal, as of pretensions, claims, opinions, and the like.
- legal A denial, disavowal, or renunciation, as of a title, claim, interest, estate, or trust; relinquishment or waiver of an interest or estate.
A statement made to free oneself from responsibility also called a hedge clause.
A disclaimer is a decree that formally denies legal claim and renounces some (or all) liability. A formal disclaimer is also an official piece of writing that substantiates the legal disclaimer itself. Most commonly, a disclaimer is used as a legal caveat, which serves to protect the author of the disclaimer. In a practical sense, a disclaimer might be used to hedge the risk of a possible lawsuit. Thus, for example, if someone sustains an injury as a result of using a given company’s product or service, a well-crafted disclaimer may obstruct the individual’s ability to pursue legal action. As a legal safeguard, a disclaimer has become a frequent part of contracts between corporations and consumers. Insurance companies may take advantage of a disclaimer to transfer some of the risks back to the insured. Internet-based companies, on the other hand, routinely use a disclaimer as an adjunct to each sale.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.
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