Small print

From ArticleWorld

Small print are additions such as legal terms, warnings, and disclaimers on written contracts or commercial documents. These small print additions are usually added at the end of a legal or commercial document in a smaller type font size than used in the rest of the document.

Purpose of small print

Sometimes small print is required by law in some countries to be added to advertisements such as leaflets offering goods and services. Most companies will usually add as much small print that is necessary to protect themselves from any liability, or what is according to that country’s minimum standard for advertising.

Examples of small print

Words or phrases such as “dramatization” or “actors shown” can often reduce the chance of a company being charged of false advertising. However, in most cases a further explanation than this is recommended, such as “The following is a dramatization of a possible real life event for the purpose of illustrating a product or service” would be enough information to make sure a consumer is not misled.

Sometimes a company will use small print to present disadvantages of a product or service to a consumer without presenting that truth in a totally honest and straightforward manner. Consumer protection laws have being created to fight against this deceptive use of advertising or contract language. Another phrase for small print in the United States for small print is called “fine print”.

Small print today

No longer are companies able to as easily get away with the “you did not read the fine print” philosophy as they used to be. Companies are being required to make sure that their legal terms are easily understandable and identifiable.