A clickwrap agreement, also known as a click-to-accept contract, is a digital contract that users accept by clicking a button or checkbox like “I Agree.” You’ve seen them everywhere—from software installations to e-commerce checkouts to employee onboarding flows.
But here’s the catch: not all clickwrap agreements are legally enforceable. To hold up in court, your click-to-accept workflow needs to meet certain criteria around notice, consent, and record keeping. Check out the blog where we deep dive into the ins and outs of Clickwrap: Clickwrap Agreements 101: Understanding Enforceability and Legal Implications.
Clickwrap contracts are often challenged in court. And if your workflow isn't properly configured, your company could lose critical protection. Common pitfalls include unclear terms, passive consent, and missing audit trails.
To help you stay compliant and confident, we’ve built a 7-step clickwrap contract checklist that covers the most important legal and technical best practices.
Why it's important: Courts require users to have reasonable notice of what they’re agreeing to.
Best practices:
Display a prominent, visible link to the terms of service or contract.
Use clear language like: “By clicking 'Agree,’ you accept our Terms.”
Avoid burying the link in small text or hard-to-find locations.
Why it's important: Passive behavior (like continuing to browse a site) is not enforceable.
Best practices:
Use a checkbox or clearly labeled “I Agree” button.
Never pre-check boxes or rely on implied consent.
Why it's important: You must be able to prove which version of the contract the user accepted.
Best practices:
Use versioning to track changes to your terms - past & present.
Associate each version with user acceptance timestamps.
Why it's important: If challenged, you need to show who, when, and how the contract was accepted.
Best practices:
Log metadata like IP address, timestamp, user ID, and device.
Store this data securely and link it to the contract version.
Why it's important: Users may need to review the agreement later.
Best practices:
Send a confirmation email with a copy of the terms.
Host a searchable, publicly available archive of past versions.
Why it's important: A contract must be enforceable for all users, regardless of device or ability.
Best practices:
Design responsive clickwrap flows for smartphones and tablets.
Follow WCAG standards to ensure screen reader compatibility.
Why it's important: Even a flawless workflow can fall apart if the contract language is weak.
Best practices:
Include strong governing law, jurisdiction, and arbitration clauses.
Localize language for different geographies, if applicable.
Clickwrap agreements are more than just a checkbox—they're a legal shield. By following this checklist, your team can reduce risk, speed up workflows, and ensure digital contracts are ready to scale.
Ready to learn more about how ToughClicks can help you get your clickwrap enforceable in hours instead of days? Reach out to our team.
Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Always consult with qualified legal professionals regarding your specific situation.