Creating a course is an exciting step in a coaching business — but it’s also one of the fastest ways coaches accidentally lose control of their content.
Before you launch, you need to understand what “protecting your course” actually means from a legal standpoint, and what documents do that work for you behind the scenes.
In this post, we’re walking through the exact legal checklist coaches need to sell a course confidently, protect their intellectual property, and avoid refund and payment processor drama.
What Does It Mean to Protect Your Course?
When coaches think about course protection, they usually imagine blatant theft.
In reality, most problems come from unauthorized use, including:
- shared logins
- screenshots or downloaded materials being reposted
- clients reteaching your content inside their own programs
- “inspired by” offers that are actually derived from your curriculum
Most of this happens without malicious intent.
But intent doesn’t matter when it comes to enforcement.
The goal is to head off misuse during the sales process, before someone ever logs in.
The Non-Negotiable Legal Trifecta for Course Sales
Every online course sales system must include three foundational documents:
Privacy Policy
This explains how you collect, store, and use personal information, and how someone can opt out or be forgotten.
This is legally required before you collect emails or payment.
Terms and Conditions
These apply to everyone who visits your site — not just buyers.
They prevent non-customers from copying your curriculum, messaging, structure, or branding.
Disclaimer
This clarifies that results require effort and that your course is not a substitute for licensed professional services.
It’s especially helpful during refund disputes, because it gives payment processors context for how your program works.
These documents belong in the footer of your site and sales pages, and they work together to establish your “home turf” legally.
Terms of Purchase vs. Contracts: Which Does Your Course Need?
For most self-paced courses under $2,000, a terms of purchase agreement is sufficient.
This is typically a check-the-box acceptance on the order form.
You’ll want a signed contract instead if your course includes:
- access to you
- group communities
- live calls
- coaching components
- higher price points
The more relationship-based the program becomes, the more important a formal agreement is.
What Your Course Terms of Purchase Must Cover
Your terms of purchase should clearly explain:
Permitted Use
Your course is for personal use only.
It cannot be shared, recreated, repackaged, taught, or distributed — free or paid — without permission.
If licensing or certification is an option, this is where you invite that conversation.
Refund Policy (and Access Rules)
You need to address:
- refunds if someone never logs in
- refunds if someone logs in briefly
- refunds after partial completion
Payment processors decide most disputes.
Clear language prevents them from guessing.
What’s Included — and What’s Not
Spell out that the course does not include:
- one-on-one coaching
- live support
- done-for-you services
- additional deliverables
Consumers benefit from clarity here, and so do you.
Payment Plans and Access
If access ends when payments stop, that must be stated — and it does not eliminate the obligation to complete the payment plan.
The “Start Here” Video That Prevents Infringement
This isn’t legally required — but it’s incredibly effective.
Inside your course platform, include a short welcome video that:
- confirms the course is for personal use
- explains why the material is protected
- invites licensing conversations if someone wants to teach it
This simple step prevents most accidental infringement before it starts.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Courses are often treated as “lighter” offers, but legally they’re powerful assets.
They:
- document your method
- support future certification or licensing
- reduce refund disputes
- protect your content long-term
Launching without these protections is one of the most common mistakes coaches make.
What’s Next in the Series
In the next video, we’ll cover how to legally protect your course name — the part of your offer that creates recognition, referrals, and momentum in the marketplace.
