Learn About The Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff
(a) For the purposes of this article, the following definitions shall apply:
(1) “Automatic renewal” means a plan, arrangement, or provision of a contract that contains a free-to-pay conversion or in which a paid subscription or purchasing agreement is automatically renewed at the end of a definite term for a subsequent term.
(2) “Automatic renewal offer terms” and “continuous service offer terms” means the following clear and conspicuous disclosures:
(A) That the subscription or purchasing agreement will continue until the consumer cancels.
(B) The description of the cancellation policy that applies to the offer.
(C) The recurring charges that will be charged to the consumer's credit or debit card or payment account with a third party as part of the automatic renewal plan or arrangement, and that the amount of the charge may change, if that is the case, and the amount to which the charge will change, if known.
(D) The length of the automatic renewal term or that the service is continuous, unless the length of the term is chosen by the consumer.
(E) The minimum purchase obligation, if any.
(3) “Clear and conspicuous” or “clearly and conspicuously” means in larger type than the surrounding text, or in contrasting type, font, or color to the surrounding text of the same size, or set off from the surrounding text of the same size by symbols or other marks, in a manner that clearly calls attention to the language. In the case of an audio disclosure, “clear and conspicuous” and “clearly and conspicuously” means in a volume and cadence sufficient to be readily audible and understandable.
(4) “Consumer” means any individual who seeks or acquires, by purchase or lease, any goods, services, money, or credit for personal, family, or household purposes.
(5) “Continuous service” means a plan, arrangement, or provision of a contract that contains a free-to-pay conversion or in which a paid subscription or purchasing agreement continues until the consumer cancels the service.
(6) “Free-to-pay conversion” means, in an offer or agreement to sell or provide any goods or services, a provision under which a customer receives a product or service for free for an initial period and will incur an obligation to pay for the product or service if they do not take affirmative action to cancel before the end of that period.
(b) The amendments made to this section by the act adding this subdivision shall only apply to a contract entered into, amended, or extended under this article on or after July 1, 2025.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - California Code, Business and Professions Code - BPC § 17601 - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/business-and-professions-code/bpc-sect-17601/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.
A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)