Home Q&A Forum Is it legal for a company to change the terms of a subscription agreement without prior notice?
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Small Claims

Subscription Agreement

California

Asked on Mar 11, 2025

Is it legal for a company to change the terms of a subscription agreement without prior notice?

I recently subscribed to an online service and agreed to their Subscription Agreement, which outlined the terms and conditions of the service. However, the company has now made significant changes to the agreement without providing any prior notice or seeking my consent. I am concerned about the legality of this action and whether I have any recourse to challenge the changes or terminate the agreement.

Answers from 1 Lawyer

Answer

Small Claims

California

Answered 405 days ago

Dawn K.

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Business Lawyer
Licensed in California
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November 5, 2023

I'm not sure if your subscription is for a consumer or a business product or service, because different rules can apply to each category of agreement. In the original agreement for subscriptions, there are often terms that state, "these terms are subject to change..." and then it will often tell you what the notice is. "Without notice, with 10 days notice, by mailing you the new agreement, etc" Not all agreements have this, but a lot of them do. When you agree to the subscription, (again is this consumer or business?) you agree to the terms. Whether the change in terms requires a particular notice can also be guided by the industry. Banking? Other highly regulated industries? Another consideration for notice could be, "what is the monetary value?" For a $10 sub with a generous cancellation policy there may not be a requirement for notice given. Without knowing the agreement, whether it is for a business or consumer and without knowing the value of the subscription, I have to use the words everyone dreads, "it depends." But, I hope this helps.

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