API Terms of Service
Last updated: July 15, 2026
These API Terms of Service ("API Terms") govern your access to and use of the Elicit API, including all associated documentation, software development kits, sample code, and related materials (collectively, the "API"). By accessing or using the API, clicking "I Agree," or creating an API key, you agree to be bound by these API Terms.
These API Terms supplement the Elicit Terms of Service for Authorized Users (the "Platform TOS"), which you have previously agreed to and which is incorporated here by reference. Your use of the API is subject to both these API Terms and the Platform TOS. If there is a conflict between these API Terms and the Platform TOS, the Platform TOS controls except where these API Terms specifically address API-related matters. Capitalized terms not defined here have the meanings in the Platform TOS.
1. API Access and Eligibility
1.1 Eligibility. The API is available only to users with an active Teams, Scale, Pro, or Enterprise subscriptions to the Elicit Platform who opt in to API access. You must be in good standing under the Platform TOS to access the API. If your Platform subscription terminates or is suspended, your API access terminates immediately.
1.2 Purpose. The API provides programmatic access to Elicit platform features at scale, such as paper search, research report generation, and Systematic Literature Reviews. You may use the API for your internal business purposes and to develop applications, products, or services that incorporate or display API Outputs to your end users or clients ("Downstream Products"). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Platform TOS (including the prohibition on transferring, sublicensing, or redistributing the Service or your Service access to third parties), your development and distribution of Downstream Products in accordance with this Section is permitted. You may not: (a) resell, sublicense, or provide standalone access to the API itself, including by sharing API keys, proxying API requests, or creating accounts on behalf of third parties; (b) use the API or its outputs to build or operate a search index, research engine, or similar product that competes with Elicit; or (c) represent that API Outputs are products of your own proprietary technology without disclosing the use of a third-party service, where such representation would be misleading.
1.3 Access Credentials. Elicit will issue you API keys to authenticate requests. You will keep your API keys confidential and not share, publish, or embed them in client-side code or public repositories. You are responsible for all activity under your API keys. You may create, manage, and revoke multiple keys from your account settings.
1.4 Rate Limits. Your API usage draws from the same credit pool as your Elicit Platform usage plan described on the Elicit pricing page. Elicit reserves the right to impose rate limits or throttling at any time to maintain system performance and stability. Current rate limits, if any, are published in the API documentation.
1.5 Employees. If you are an entity, you may share Access Credentials with your employees solely for internal use, provided that: (a) each person is bound by written confidentiality terms at least as protective as this Agreement; and (b) you remain liable for any breach by those individuals.
1.6 Downstream Products and End Users. If you make API Outputs or Downstream Products available to third parties ("End Users"), you are solely responsible for: (a) the acts and omissions of your End Users in connection with API Outputs and Downstream Products; (b) ensuring that your agreements with End Users are consistent with this Agreement and the Platform TOS; (c) any claims arising from End Users' use of API Outputs; and (d) ensuring that End Users do not use API Outputs in any manner that would violate this Agreement if done by you directly.
2. Personal Data Prohibition
You are expressly prohibited from submitting Personal Data to the API under any circumstances. Personal Data includes names, email addresses, phone numbers, addresses, government identification numbers, financial account numbers, health information, biometric data, or any other information that identifies or could reasonably identify a specific individual. Elicit does not screen for Personal Data. You are solely responsible for ensuring that the obligations in this section are complied with. Any submission of Personal Data is a material breach of this Agreement and may result in immediate termination of your API access.
3. Acceptable Use
3.1 Permitted Use. You may use the API as described in Section 1.2, subject to the restrictions in this Agreement.
3.2 Prohibited Uses. In addition to the prohibited uses in the Platform TOS, you will not:
(a) resell, sublicense, or provide standalone access to the API itself, including by sharing API keys, proxying API requests, or creating accounts on behalf of third parties;
(b) use the API, its outputs, or any data obtained through the API to train, fine-tune, evaluate, or improve any machine learning model or AI system;
(c) systematically query the API to download, replicate, or reconstruct the Elicit paper corpus or any substantial portion of it;
(d) use the API or its outputs for advertising, marketing, or ad-targeting purposes;
(e) use the API in any automated decision-making system that produces legal or significant effects on individuals without meaningful human review, notice to affected individuals, and a mechanism to contest decisions;
(f) use the API to generate content designed to mislead or deceive, including disinformation, spam, phishing, or fraudulent content;
(g) use the API to impersonate individuals or create synthetic media designed to deceive;
(h) use the API for surveillance, behavioral profiling, or biometric identification without informed consent and lawful basis;
(i) use the API for any illegal purpose or in violation of applicable law;
(j) exceed or circumvent rate limits; or
(k) use any Elicit name, logo, trademark, or brand asset without Elicit's prior written consent.
(l) use the API or distribute API Outputs in violation of any applicable law or regulation governing AI-generated content disclosure, labeling, or transparency.
3.3 Automated Systems. If you integrate the API into an AI agent or automated pipeline that calls the API without a human initiating each request: (a) you are responsible for all API activity generated by that system; (b) all restrictions, if any, in this Agreement and the Platform TOS apply to automated calls; (c) implement safeguards to prevent runaway loops or excessive API calls; and (d) be able to promptly disable the system's API access if Elicit notifies you of a concern.
3.4 Compliance with AI Regulations. You are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations governing AI-generated content disclosure, labeling, and transparency in connection with your use or distribution of API Outputs, including any requirements to disclose that content was generated using artificial intelligence.
3.5 Caching and Storage. You may store and reuse API Outputs, including search results, reports, and SLR outputs, for your permitted purposes under this Agreement. You may not aggregate search results to build or contribute to a standalone search index, database, or corpus.
4. API Outputs
4.1 AI-Generated Content. API Outputs are generated using artificial intelligence. You are solely responsible for evaluating and verifying API Outputs before use or reliance. Elicit does not warrant accuracy, completeness, or reliability.
4.2 Non-Deterministic. The API may produce different API Outputs for identical inputs. Elicit does not guarantee consistency or reproducibility.
4.3 Model Changes. Elicit uses multiple models to generate API Outputs. Models and their behavior may change. Elicit will post model changes to the API changelog but is not required to provide advance notice. Elicit does not guarantee consistency or reproducibility of API Outputs across model updates. Elicit may make model changes at any time for any reason.
4.4 No Professional Advice. API outputs do not constitute professional advice of any kind. Do not treat outputs as professional advice without appropriate disclaimers and independent professional review.
5. Modifications and Availability
5.1 Changes to the API. Elicit will provide at least 30 days' notice before making breaking changes to existing API endpoints and at least 90 days' notice before removing an endpoint or API version. Elicit will continue to maintain the prior version during the 90-day notice period. Notices will be posted to the API changelog and emailed to API users. Elicit may make changes without notice when, in Elicit’s sole discretion, it is necessary for security, legal, safety, or economic reasons.
5.2 No Guaranteed Availability. Elicit does not guarantee that the API will be available without interruption or error.
6. Confidentiality
"Confidential Information" means non-public information disclosed by one party to the other that is designated as confidential or would reasonably be understood to be confidential. This includes API documentation, technical specifications, and business information. The receiving party will: (a) use Confidential Information only for purposes of this Agreement; (b) not disclose Confidential Information to third parties without the disclosing party's prior consent; and (c) protect Confidential Information using at least the same care it uses for its own confidential information. The receiving party may disclose Confidential Information if required by law, provided it gives reasonable prior notice where permitted. Confidential Information does not include information that: (a) is or becomes publicly available through no fault of the receiving party; (b) was already known to the receiving party without restriction before disclosure; (c) is independently developed by the receiving party without use of or reference to Confidential Information; or (d) is received from a third party without restriction on disclosure.
7. Intellectual Property
7.1 Elicit IP. Elicit retains all rights in the API, underlying models, algorithms, technology, and all Elicit materials.
7.2 Your Inputs. You retain ownership of what you submit to the API ("Input Data," which has the same meaning as "User Materials" under the Platform TOS). You grant Elicit a limited, non-exclusive, worldwide license to use your Input Data solely to provide, maintain, and support the API service to you. Elicit will not use your Input Data to train AI models unless you separately opt in to such use.
7.3 API Outputs. "API Outputs" means the search results, reports, summaries, and other content generated by the API in response to your requests. Subject to your compliance with this Agreement, you own any original compilation, selection, or arrangement of API Outputs that you create and may use, reproduce, distribute, display, and create derivative works of API Outputs for any lawful purpose, including commercial purposes. API Outputs may contain or reference third-party content (including open-access publications) that is subject to its own license terms. You are solely responsible for identifying and complying with any applicable third-party license terms. Elicit retains all rights in the underlying models, algorithms, and technology used to generate API Outputs.
7.4 Feedback. If you provide feedback about the API, Elicit may use it without restriction or compensation.
8. Security
8.1 Security incidents. Report any security deficiency, vulnerability, intrusion, or data breach that could affect the API or Elicit's systems to security@elicit.com immediately upon discovery and cooperate with Elicit to remediate the issue. You may not make any public statements about any security incident involving the API without Elicit's prior written consent.
8.2 Security Measures. Implement security measures proportionate to your use of the API and the sensitivity of data processed. Protect against unauthorized access, loss, or destruction of API Outputs and you must comply with applicable data privacy laws.
9. Warranties and Disclaimers
The warranties and disclaimers in the Platform TOS apply to your use of the API. In addition:
THE API AND ALL OUTPUTS ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. YOU USE THE API AT YOUR OWN RISK. ELICIT DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE API WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, OR SECURE, OR THAT OUTPUTS WILL BE ACCURATE OR RELIABLE.
10. Limitation of Liability
The limitation of liability provisions in the Platform TOS apply to your use of the API.
11. Indemnification
The indemnification provisions in the Platform TOS apply to your use of the API. You will indemnify Elicit for any third party claims arising from your use of the API, your own users use of the API or API Outputs, your breach of these API Terms, the breach of your own users of these API terms, or any application you develop using the API.
12. Term and Termination
12.1 Term. This Agreement is effective when you first access the API and continues until your Platform subscription terminates or until this Agreement is otherwise terminated.
12.2 Termination. Either party may terminate this Agreement for convenience by providing 30 days' written notice to the other party. Elicit may suspend or terminate your API access immediately if you breach this Agreement or if continued access would violate applicable law or pose a security or safety risk, or unreasonable economic burden. The termination provisions in the Platform TOS apply to termination of API access.
12.3 Effect of Termination. Upon termination: (a) your license to use the API terminates immediately; (b) you will stop using the API; and (c) you will delete any cached API Outputs within 30 days.
12.4 Survival. Sections 1.6, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 13 survive termination.
13. General Provisions
13.1 Relationship to Platform TOS. These API Terms supplement the Platform TOS. Both agreements govern your use of the API. The Platform TOS controls except where these API Terms specifically address API-related matters (including the restrictions in Sections 2 and 3, usage and metering in Section 1.4, and security incident reporting in Section 8.1).
13.2 Dispute Resolution. Disputes arising from your use of the API are governed by the dispute resolution provisions in the Platform TOS, including mandatory arbitration for users in the United States and litigation in San Francisco County, California for non-US users or non-arbitrable disputes.
13.3 Claims Limitation Period. Any claim arising from your use of the API must be filed within one year after the claim arose, consistent with the Platform TOS.
13.4 Modifications. Elicit may modify these API Terms at any time by posting updated terms and providing notice of the same. Material changes will be effective 30 days after notice. Continued use after changes take effect constitutes acceptance.
13.5 Assignment. You may not assign this Agreement without Elicit's consent.
13.6 Entire Agreement. These API Terms, together with the Platform TOS and any applicable Enterprise Agreement, constitute the entire agreement regarding the API.
13.7 Severability. If any provision is unenforceable, it will be modified to the minimum extent necessary, and remaining provisions remain in effect.
13.8 No Waiver. Failure to enforce any provision is not a waiver.
13.9 Notices. Notices to Elicit go to legal@elicit.com. Notices to you go to your account email.
13.10 Export Compliance. Comply with all applicable export and sanctions laws. Do not access the API from any embargoed country.
13.11 Force Majeure. Neither party is liable for delays or failures due to causes beyond reasonable control.
API Terms of Service
Last updated: July 15, 2026
These API Terms of Service ("API Terms") govern your access to and use of the Elicit API, including all associated documentation, software development kits, sample code, and related materials (collectively, the "API"). By accessing or using the API, clicking "I Agree," or creating an API key, you agree to be bound by these API Terms.
These API Terms supplement the Elicit Terms of Service for Authorized Users (the "Platform TOS"), which you have previously agreed to and which is incorporated here by reference. Your use of the API is subject to both these API Terms and the Platform TOS. If there is a conflict between these API Terms and the Platform TOS, the Platform TOS controls except where these API Terms specifically address API-related matters. Capitalized terms not defined here have the meanings in the Platform TOS.
1. API Access and Eligibility
1.1 Eligibility. The API is available only to users with an active Teams, Scale, Pro, or Enterprise subscriptions to the Elicit Platform who opt in to API access. You must be in good standing under the Platform TOS to access the API. If your Platform subscription terminates or is suspended, your API access terminates immediately.
1.2 Purpose. The API provides programmatic access to Elicit platform features at scale, such as paper search, research report generation, and Systematic Literature Reviews. You may use the API for your internal business purposes and to develop applications, products, or services that incorporate or display API Outputs to your end users or clients ("Downstream Products"). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Platform TOS (including the prohibition on transferring, sublicensing, or redistributing the Service or your Service access to third parties), your development and distribution of Downstream Products in accordance with this Section is permitted. You may not: (a) resell, sublicense, or provide standalone access to the API itself, including by sharing API keys, proxying API requests, or creating accounts on behalf of third parties; (b) use the API or its outputs to build or operate a search index, research engine, or similar product that competes with Elicit; or (c) represent that API Outputs are products of your own proprietary technology without disclosing the use of a third-party service, where such representation would be misleading.
1.3 Access Credentials. Elicit will issue you API keys to authenticate requests. You will keep your API keys confidential and not share, publish, or embed them in client-side code or public repositories. You are responsible for all activity under your API keys. You may create, manage, and revoke multiple keys from your account settings.
1.4 Rate Limits. Your API usage draws from the same credit pool as your Elicit Platform usage plan described on the Elicit pricing page. Elicit reserves the right to impose rate limits or throttling at any time to maintain system performance and stability. Current rate limits, if any, are published in the API documentation.
1.5 Employees. If you are an entity, you may share Access Credentials with your employees solely for internal use, provided that: (a) each person is bound by written confidentiality terms at least as protective as this Agreement; and (b) you remain liable for any breach by those individuals.
1.6 Downstream Products and End Users. If you make API Outputs or Downstream Products available to third parties ("End Users"), you are solely responsible for: (a) the acts and omissions of your End Users in connection with API Outputs and Downstream Products; (b) ensuring that your agreements with End Users are consistent with this Agreement and the Platform TOS; (c) any claims arising from End Users' use of API Outputs; and (d) ensuring that End Users do not use API Outputs in any manner that would violate this Agreement if done by you directly.
2. Personal Data Prohibition
You are expressly prohibited from submitting Personal Data to the API under any circumstances. Personal Data includes names, email addresses, phone numbers, addresses, government identification numbers, financial account numbers, health information, biometric data, or any other information that identifies or could reasonably identify a specific individual. Elicit does not screen for Personal Data. You are solely responsible for ensuring that the obligations in this section are complied with. Any submission of Personal Data is a material breach of this Agreement and may result in immediate termination of your API access.
3. Acceptable Use
3.1 Permitted Use. You may use the API as described in Section 1.2, subject to the restrictions in this Agreement.
3.2 Prohibited Uses. In addition to the prohibited uses in the Platform TOS, you will not:
(a) resell, sublicense, or provide standalone access to the API itself, including by sharing API keys, proxying API requests, or creating accounts on behalf of third parties;
(b) use the API, its outputs, or any data obtained through the API to train, fine-tune, evaluate, or improve any machine learning model or AI system;
(c) systematically query the API to download, replicate, or reconstruct the Elicit paper corpus or any substantial portion of it;
(d) use the API or its outputs for advertising, marketing, or ad-targeting purposes;
(e) use the API in any automated decision-making system that produces legal or significant effects on individuals without meaningful human review, notice to affected individuals, and a mechanism to contest decisions;
(f) use the API to generate content designed to mislead or deceive, including disinformation, spam, phishing, or fraudulent content;
(g) use the API to impersonate individuals or create synthetic media designed to deceive;
(h) use the API for surveillance, behavioral profiling, or biometric identification without informed consent and lawful basis;
(i) use the API for any illegal purpose or in violation of applicable law;
(j) exceed or circumvent rate limits; or
(k) use any Elicit name, logo, trademark, or brand asset without Elicit's prior written consent.
(l) use the API or distribute API Outputs in violation of any applicable law or regulation governing AI-generated content disclosure, labeling, or transparency.
3.3 Automated Systems. If you integrate the API into an AI agent or automated pipeline that calls the API without a human initiating each request: (a) you are responsible for all API activity generated by that system; (b) all restrictions, if any, in this Agreement and the Platform TOS apply to automated calls; (c) implement safeguards to prevent runaway loops or excessive API calls; and (d) be able to promptly disable the system's API access if Elicit notifies you of a concern.
3.4 Compliance with AI Regulations. You are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations governing AI-generated content disclosure, labeling, and transparency in connection with your use or distribution of API Outputs, including any requirements to disclose that content was generated using artificial intelligence.
3.5 Caching and Storage. You may store and reuse API Outputs, including search results, reports, and SLR outputs, for your permitted purposes under this Agreement. You may not aggregate search results to build or contribute to a standalone search index, database, or corpus.
4. API Outputs
4.1 AI-Generated Content. API Outputs are generated using artificial intelligence. You are solely responsible for evaluating and verifying API Outputs before use or reliance. Elicit does not warrant accuracy, completeness, or reliability.
4.2 Non-Deterministic. The API may produce different API Outputs for identical inputs. Elicit does not guarantee consistency or reproducibility.
4.3 Model Changes. Elicit uses multiple models to generate API Outputs. Models and their behavior may change. Elicit will post model changes to the API changelog but is not required to provide advance notice. Elicit does not guarantee consistency or reproducibility of API Outputs across model updates. Elicit may make model changes at any time for any reason.
4.4 No Professional Advice. API outputs do not constitute professional advice of any kind. Do not treat outputs as professional advice without appropriate disclaimers and independent professional review.
5. Modifications and Availability
5.1 Changes to the API. Elicit will provide at least 30 days' notice before making breaking changes to existing API endpoints and at least 90 days' notice before removing an endpoint or API version. Elicit will continue to maintain the prior version during the 90-day notice period. Notices will be posted to the API changelog and emailed to API users. Elicit may make changes without notice when, in Elicit’s sole discretion, it is necessary for security, legal, safety, or economic reasons.
5.2 No Guaranteed Availability. Elicit does not guarantee that the API will be available without interruption or error.
6. Confidentiality
"Confidential Information" means non-public information disclosed by one party to the other that is designated as confidential or would reasonably be understood to be confidential. This includes API documentation, technical specifications, and business information. The receiving party will: (a) use Confidential Information only for purposes of this Agreement; (b) not disclose Confidential Information to third parties without the disclosing party's prior consent; and (c) protect Confidential Information using at least the same care it uses for its own confidential information. The receiving party may disclose Confidential Information if required by law, provided it gives reasonable prior notice where permitted. Confidential Information does not include information that: (a) is or becomes publicly available through no fault of the receiving party; (b) was already known to the receiving party without restriction before disclosure; (c) is independently developed by the receiving party without use of or reference to Confidential Information; or (d) is received from a third party without restriction on disclosure.
7. Intellectual Property
7.1 Elicit IP. Elicit retains all rights in the API, underlying models, algorithms, technology, and all Elicit materials.
7.2 Your Inputs. You retain ownership of what you submit to the API ("Input Data," which has the same meaning as "User Materials" under the Platform TOS). You grant Elicit a limited, non-exclusive, worldwide license to use your Input Data solely to provide, maintain, and support the API service to you. Elicit will not use your Input Data to train AI models unless you separately opt in to such use.
7.3 API Outputs. "API Outputs" means the search results, reports, summaries, and other content generated by the API in response to your requests. Subject to your compliance with this Agreement, you own any original compilation, selection, or arrangement of API Outputs that you create and may use, reproduce, distribute, display, and create derivative works of API Outputs for any lawful purpose, including commercial purposes. API Outputs may contain or reference third-party content (including open-access publications) that is subject to its own license terms. You are solely responsible for identifying and complying with any applicable third-party license terms. Elicit retains all rights in the underlying models, algorithms, and technology used to generate API Outputs.
7.4 Feedback. If you provide feedback about the API, Elicit may use it without restriction or compensation.
8. Security
8.1 Security incidents. Report any security deficiency, vulnerability, intrusion, or data breach that could affect the API or Elicit's systems to security@elicit.com immediately upon discovery and cooperate with Elicit to remediate the issue. You may not make any public statements about any security incident involving the API without Elicit's prior written consent.
8.2 Security Measures. Implement security measures proportionate to your use of the API and the sensitivity of data processed. Protect against unauthorized access, loss, or destruction of API Outputs and you must comply with applicable data privacy laws.
9. Warranties and Disclaimers
The warranties and disclaimers in the Platform TOS apply to your use of the API. In addition:
THE API AND ALL OUTPUTS ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. YOU USE THE API AT YOUR OWN RISK. ELICIT DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE API WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, OR SECURE, OR THAT OUTPUTS WILL BE ACCURATE OR RELIABLE.
10. Limitation of Liability
The limitation of liability provisions in the Platform TOS apply to your use of the API.
11. Indemnification
The indemnification provisions in the Platform TOS apply to your use of the API. You will indemnify Elicit for any third party claims arising from your use of the API, your own users use of the API or API Outputs, your breach of these API Terms, the breach of your own users of these API terms, or any application you develop using the API.
12. Term and Termination
12.1 Term. This Agreement is effective when you first access the API and continues until your Platform subscription terminates or until this Agreement is otherwise terminated.
12.2 Termination. Either party may terminate this Agreement for convenience by providing 30 days' written notice to the other party. Elicit may suspend or terminate your API access immediately if you breach this Agreement or if continued access would violate applicable law or pose a security or safety risk, or unreasonable economic burden. The termination provisions in the Platform TOS apply to termination of API access.
12.3 Effect of Termination. Upon termination: (a) your license to use the API terminates immediately; (b) you will stop using the API; and (c) you will delete any cached API Outputs within 30 days.
12.4 Survival. Sections 1.6, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 13 survive termination.
13. General Provisions
13.1 Relationship to Platform TOS. These API Terms supplement the Platform TOS. Both agreements govern your use of the API. The Platform TOS controls except where these API Terms specifically address API-related matters (including the restrictions in Sections 2 and 3, usage and metering in Section 1.4, and security incident reporting in Section 8.1).
13.2 Dispute Resolution. Disputes arising from your use of the API are governed by the dispute resolution provisions in the Platform TOS, including mandatory arbitration for users in the United States and litigation in San Francisco County, California for non-US users or non-arbitrable disputes.
13.3 Claims Limitation Period. Any claim arising from your use of the API must be filed within one year after the claim arose, consistent with the Platform TOS.
13.4 Modifications. Elicit may modify these API Terms at any time by posting updated terms and providing notice of the same. Material changes will be effective 30 days after notice. Continued use after changes take effect constitutes acceptance.
13.5 Assignment. You may not assign this Agreement without Elicit's consent.
13.6 Entire Agreement. These API Terms, together with the Platform TOS and any applicable Enterprise Agreement, constitute the entire agreement regarding the API.
13.7 Severability. If any provision is unenforceable, it will be modified to the minimum extent necessary, and remaining provisions remain in effect.
13.8 No Waiver. Failure to enforce any provision is not a waiver.
13.9 Notices. Notices to Elicit go to legal@elicit.com. Notices to you go to your account email.
13.10 Export Compliance. Comply with all applicable export and sanctions laws. Do not access the API from any embargoed country.
13.11 Force Majeure. Neither party is liable for delays or failures due to causes beyond reasonable control.