This document outlines the Google Chrome Web Store Developer Agreement, detailing the legal terms and conditions for developers to publish products on the Chrome Web Store. It covers the process of accepting the agreement, developer responsibilities for free and paid products (including customer support, privacy, and adherence to program policies), and the implications of product ratings and updates. The agreement also specifies license grants to Google and users, rules for using brand features, and Google's rights regarding product review, takedowns, and remote disabling. Furthermore, it includes crucial legal provisions such as disclaimers of warranties, limitations of liability, indemnification clauses, and the framework for changes to the agreement, establishing a comprehensive legal relationship between Google and developers operating on the platform.
Summary of the Google Chrome Web Store Developer Agreement
Definitions: Establishes the key entities and terms, including "Google" (the operating entity), "Developer" (the publisher), "Web Store" (the platform), and "Products" (software, content, digital materials).
Introduction & Acceptance: Developers must have a valid Google account, accept this Agreement (alongside Google's Terms of Service and Chrome/ChromeOS Additional Terms), and pay a one-time Registration Fee to publish Products. Developers must be of legal age and possess the authority to bind any entity they represent.
Pricing and Payments:
Developers are solely responsible for all transactions, authentications, records, and taxes related to paid Products, with Google having no obligations in this regard.
"Free" Products must remain free to users who initially downloaded them for free, though free trial versions with "upsell" options are encouraged.
Developers must provide valid contact information for customer support, responding to inquiries for paid Products within three business days (24 hours for urgent Google concerns). Failure to provide adequate support can lead to reduced visibility or removal.
Users have unlimited reinstalls, but this right is revoked for Products removed due to infringement, defamation, privacy violations, or legal non-compliance.
Use of the Web Store by You:
Developers retain intellectual property rights to their Products, except for specific licenses granted to Google and users.
Usage must comply with this Agreement, the Chrome Web Store Program Policies, and all applicable laws (including export laws).
User Privacy: Developers must protect user privacy and legal rights. If a Product accesses or uses personal information (like usernames, passwords, or Google Account data), users must be informed, and legally adequate privacy notices and protections must be in place. Information can only be used for purposes explicitly permitted by the user, stored securely, and for as long as needed. Products targeting minors must comply with relevant laws (e.g., COPPA, GDPR).
Prohibited Actions: Strictly prohibits activities that violate third-party terms, laws, or regulations; interfere with systems; create spam; infringe intellectual property; enable unauthorized streaming downloads; or display/link to illegal, privacy-violating, hateful, violent, or sexually explicit content. NPAPI plug-ins are banned without Google's prior permission.
Developers are solely responsible for their published Products and any consequences or breaches of the Agreement.
License Grants: Developers grant Google a worldwide, nonexclusive, royalty-free license to host, distribute, test, and market the Products as per publishing options. Users receive a non-exclusive, worldwide, perpetual license to use Products with Google Chrome, unless a separate End User License Agreement (EULA) is provided.
Brand Features and Publicity: Each party owns its Brand Features. Developers grant Google a limited license to display Developer Brand Features for Web Store operations and marketing. Google may use Developer Brand Features, screenshots, and demonstrations in its presentations and marketing to promote the Web Store and its services.
Product Takedowns, Review, and Updates:
Developers can remove Products from future distribution, but this doesn't revoke existing user licenses or remove Products from user devices, nor does it negate support obligations. An exception allows for full removal (including from users' reinstall libraries) if the Product is removed due to legal non-compliance (e.g., infringement, defamation, privacy violation).
Google can review and test Products for compliance and has the right to refuse, remove, remotely disable, modify, or reclassify Products if they violate any terms, policies, or laws, or if they are deemed harmful (e.g., malware, spam).
Updates uploaded by developers will be automatically downloaded and installed by users.
Developer Credentials: Developers are responsible for the confidentiality of their credentials and for all applications published under them. Google may limit the number of Products a developer can publish based on "good standing" and can suspend or terminate publishing rights for violations of the Agreement or IP infringement.
Privacy and Information (Collected by Google): Google collects aggregate Web Store usage statistics to improve the platform, maintaining this data in accordance with its Privacy Policy.
Termination: Either party can terminate the agreement; Developers must provide 30 days' notice. Google can terminate immediately for breaches, legal requirements, or if it ceases to provide the Web Store.
Disclaimers of Warranties & Limitation of Liability: The Web Store is provided "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" without warranties. Google expressly disclaims all warranties and is not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or exemplary damages, including data loss.
Indemnification: Developers agree to defend and indemnify Google against claims and losses arising from their use of the Web Store, Product-related infringements, or taxes on Product distribution.
Changes to the Agreement: Google may update the Agreement; material modifications will be notified 15 days in advance. Continued use of the Web Store after changes constitutes acceptance; the sole remedy for disagreement is termination of Web Store use.
General Legal Terms: The Agreement constitutes the entire legal agreement, governed by California law, with exclusive jurisdiction in Santa Clara County, California. Specific sections (5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 15) survive any termination. Products are subject to export controls, and developers must comply with all applicable laws.