{"id":1910,"date":"2016-08-01T17:27:05","date_gmt":"2016-08-01T17:27:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.sweeppea.com\/blog\/?p=1910"},"modified":"2021-08-08T22:22:51","modified_gmt":"2021-08-08T22:22:51","slug":"legal-docs-for-text-win-mobile-sweepstakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/web.sweeppea.com\/blog\/legal-docs-for-text-win-mobile-sweepstakes\/","title":{"rendered":"What Legal Docs Are Needed for a Text-to-Win or Mobile Sweepstakes?"},"content":{"rendered":"

In today’s competitive market, more businesses are using sweepstakes and contests to promote their brands. But we see many hosting them without giving much thought to the legal documents needed. Before starting your own text-to-win or mobile sweepstakes<\/a> promotion, make sure your legal docs are in order.<\/p>\n

Here is a list of the legal documents you\u2019ll need to run a mobile sweepstakes or contest.<\/p>\n

Official Rules<\/h3>\n

We see too many companies using a short one-line sentence to cover rules, but this is not enough to cover you if there\u2019s a problem. No matter how small your company is, you should have official rules. This protects the entrants as well as your business. States outline what these rules should contain, including who is eligible, how to enter, start and end dates, a description of the prize value, and more.<\/p>\n

Abbreviated Rules Disclosures<\/h3>\n

In addition to the official rules, you should also use\u00a0an abbreviated set of rules when you promote the mobile\u00a0sweepstakes. In fact, all ad or marketing materials used as part of the campaign, including registration pages, web pages, direct mail pieces, and ads, must have\u00a0the abbreviated rules disclosures, as required by the state(s) in which the promotion will be available. This includes stating \u201cNo purchase necessary,\u201d for sweepstakes and other disclosures. See a law firm’s summary of abbreviated rules here.<\/p>\n

Release and Affidavits for Prize Winners<\/h3>\n

Are you planning to announce the winner publicly and include their photo or information? Consider having a publicity release form for prize winners. An eligibility affidavit will\u00a0also protect you as it asks the winner to affirm they are eligible to win the prize and meet all entry requirements.<\/p>\n

Sponsor\/Advertiser Contracts<\/h3>\n

Be sure you have contracts in place with any sponsor, advertiser or third-party vendor that will be a part of the contest or sweepstakes, whether it\u2019s as a sponsor or a provider of contest prizes.<\/p>\n

Special Legal Considerations<\/h3>\n

These are just the basic requirements for running a mobile contest or sweepstakes. There may also be other\u00a0legal considerations when…<\/p>\n