We often scroll past pages of endless fine print and click “I agree,” never imagining the bizarre, life-altering consequences buried within. These legal documents—from software End-User License Agreements (EULAs) to celebrity film contracts and even property deeds—are crafted to grant sweeping power to the issuer. But what happens when companies slip absurd demands, perpetual rights, or lucrative prizes into this contractual abyss? Here are ten of the craziest, most unbelievable things that actually transpired because someone either signed away their rights or, in one rare case, was rewarded handsomely for daring to read the hidden terms.
10. The Unwitting “Landlord” Clause
Instagram’s Rights to Your Photos
In late 2012, Instagram updated its Terms of Service (TOS) to include a clause that transformed the platform from a photo-sharing site into a potential photo broker. This provision granted Instagram a “perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, worldwide, transferable, non-exclusive, fully paid and sublicensable license” to all user content. The backlash was immediate, leading to a public relations crisis and a rapid retraction of the clause.
9. The $0.67 Residual Check
The Absurdity of Hollywood Payments
Residual payments in the entertainment industry often lead to bizarrely small payouts. Actor Jeff Cohen, famous for his role in The Goonies, showcased checks worth as little as $0.67, highlighting the frustrating reality of contractual obligations. These checks serve as a tangible reminder of the complexities of Hollywood contracts and the often insulting nature of these payments.
8. The AI Voice Doppelgänger
Voice Actors vs. Tech Companies
Voice actors Paul Lehrman and Linnea Sage were contracted by Lovo for recordings limited to “internal, academic, or test purposes.” However, Lovo used their recordings to train a generative AI model, creating commercial clones of their voices. This violation led to a high-profile lawsuit centered on the actors' right of publicity, showcasing how ambiguous fine print can lead to significant legal battles.
7. The Unexpected Property Maintenance Job
Property Deed Pitfalls
In New Jersey, a homeowner discovered a deed restriction mandating them to maintain the public curb and sidewalk adjacent to their property. When the sidewalk fell into disrepair, the municipality informed the homeowner of their legal obligation to fund repairs, transforming them into a quasi–public works contractor due to a hidden clause in the property deed.
6. The Celebrity’s Forced Flop
Emily Blunt's Contractual Dilemma
Actress Emily Blunt signed a multi-picture option contract with 20th Century Fox, which later forced her to forgo the role of Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in favor of a less successful project. This situation illustrates how seemingly innocuous clauses can have profound implications for a celebrity’s career trajectory.
5. The Brown M&M’s “Sanity Check”
Van Halen's Tour Rider
Van Halen’s infamous tour rider required a bowl of M&Ms with a specific instruction: no brown ones. When brown M&Ms were found, the band canceled the show, citing the need for promoters to read the extensive technical specifications for safety reasons. This clause served as a critical indicator of whether the contract was taken seriously.
4. The Crispin Glover Likeness Loophole
Back to the Future Controversy
Crispin Glover declined to return for Back to the Future Part II, leading Universal Studios to exploit a loophole in his contract. They used prosthetics and old footage to create a new version of his character without permission. Glover’s lawsuit resulted in the “Glover Rule,” preventing studios from using an actor's likeness without consent.
3. The Forgotten Naming Rights Contract
The Chilling Reality for Heirs
Public figures who sign contracts granting exclusive rights to their image may unknowingly transfer control to corporations. This can prevent their heirs from using the deceased’s image for charitable causes or documentaries, highlighting the long-term implications of seemingly minor agreements.
2. The Great “Soul” Grab
Gamestation’s April Fool's Joke
In 2010, Gamestation included a clause in their Terms & Conditions stating that users granted the company their immortal soul. Surprisingly, 7,500 people clicked “Accept,” demonstrating the tendency of consumers to agree to terms without reading. Gamestation later voided the clause, but the incident served as a stark reminder of consumer compliance.
1. The $10,000 “Pays to Read” Prize
A Teacher’s Windfall
In 2019, travel insurance company Squaremouth buried a clause in their policy document promising $10,000 to the first person to read it and email the CEO. A high school teacher claimed the prize within 23 hours, showcasing the power of paying attention to fine print. Squaremouth’s experiment turned into a quick success, highlighting consumer negligence in reading contracts.