The legal agreement between a brand and its affiliate publishers that governs the affiliate relationship. Uploaded to the affiliate network platform and accepted by publishers during the application process. Key sections: acceptable promotion methods (which traffic sources and promotion types are allowed — PPC bidding restrictions, social media permissions, email marketing permissions); prohibited activities (brand name bidding, cookie stuffing, false advertising, FTC non-compliance); commission structure and payment terms; reversal and clawback policies (when commissions are reversed for returns, fraud, or policy violations); FTC disclosure requirements; intellectual property (use of brand trademarks and imagery); termination provisions; dispute resolution. T&Cs are often the only document publishers review before joining — clear, specific T&Cs prevent the most common publisher policy violations by setting explicit expectations. Vague T&Cs create disputes; specific ones prevent them. Update T&Cs when commission rates, cookie windows, or acceptable promotion methods change — provide 30 days notice of material changes.
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