Terms and Conditions

1. Legal Compliance

You agree to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and rules when using our services:

• You must be at least 18 years old or have parental consent to use our services
• You represent that you have the legal authority to enter into this agreement
• You will not use our services for any illegal or unauthorized purpose
• You agree to comply with all local, state, federal, and international laws and regulations
• You are responsible for obtaining all necessary permissions and licenses for content you provide
• You will not violate any third-party rights, including intellectual property, privacy, or publicity rights

2. Prohibited Conduct

The following behaviors are strictly prohibited:

• Harassing, threatening, or defaming any person or entity
• Impersonating any person or entity, or falsely stating your affiliation
• Interfering with or disrupting our services or servers
• Transmitting any harmful code, viruses, or malicious software
• Attempting to gain unauthorized access to our systems or data
• Collecting or harvesting information about other users without consent
• Using our services to spam, phish, or conduct fraudulent activities
• Engaging in any activity that damages our reputation or business interests

3. Content Guidelines and Restrictions

When providing content or information through our services:

• All content must be accurate, truthful, and not misleading
• Content must not infringe on any intellectual property rights
• Content must not contain offensive, obscene, or inappropriate material
• You must have all necessary rights to the content you provide
• Content must not promote illegal activities or violate any laws
• You grant us permission to use your content as necessary to provide our services

4. Account Security and Responsibility

If you create an account or receive access credentials:

• You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your credentials
• You must immediately notify us of any unauthorized use of your account
• You are liable for all activities that occur under your account
• We are not responsible for any loss or damage from unauthorized account access
• You must provide accurate and complete registration information
• You agree to update your information to keep it current and accurate

6. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Brand Forge, its officers, directors, employees, and agents shall not be liable for:

• Any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
• Loss of profits, revenue, data, or business opportunities
• Loss of use, goodwill, or other intangible losses
• Damages resulting from unauthorized access to or alteration of your data
• Damages resulting from third-party conduct or content

Our total liability for any claim arising from these Terms or our services shall not exceed the amount you paid us in the six months preceding the claim, or $100, whichever is greater.

7. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Brand Forge and its affiliates from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses arising from:

• Your violation of these Terms and Conditions
• Your violation of any rights of another party
• Your misuse of our services
• Content you provide or submit through our services
• Your breach of any representations or warranties made herein

This indemnification obligation will survive the termination of your relationship with us.

8. Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing our obligations under these Terms due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to: acts of God, natural disasters, war, terrorism, riots, embargoes, acts of civil or military authorities, fire, floods, accidents, pandemics, strikes, or shortages of transportation, facilities, fuel, energy, labor, or materials.

12. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, United States of America, without giving effect to any principles of conflicts of law. The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods shall not apply to these Terms.

13. Jurisdiction and Venue

You agree that any legal action or proceeding between you and Brand Forge shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Chicago, Illinois. You irrevocably consent to the personal jurisdiction and venue of such courts. If you are accessing our services from outside the United States, you do so at your own risk and are responsible for compliance with local laws.

14. Dispute Resolution Process

In the event of any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of these Terms:

• The parties agree to first attempt to resolve the dispute through good faith negotiation
• If negotiation fails within 30 days, either party may request mediation
• Mediation shall be conducted by a mutually agreed-upon neutral third party
• If mediation is unsuccessful, either party may pursue litigation
• This dispute resolution process does not prevent either party from seeking injunctive or equitable relief when necessary

15. Class Action Waiver

You agree to bring any claims against us on an individual basis only and not as part of any class, consolidated, or representative action. Class arbitrations, class actions, private attorney general actions, and consolidation with other arbitrations are not permitted. This waiver applies to the fullest extent permitted by law.

16. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected or impaired. The invalid provision shall be replaced with a valid provision that most closely approximates the intent and economic effect of the invalid provision.

17. Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision unless acknowledged and agreed to in writing by us. No waiver of any term shall be deemed a continuing waiver of such term or any other term.

18. Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms or any rights or obligations hereunder without our prior written consent. We may freely assign or transfer these Terms and our rights and obligations. Any attempted assignment in violation of this provision shall be null and void.

19. Entire Agreement

These Terms and Conditions, together with our Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, and any written agreements for specific services, constitute the entire agreement between you and Brand Forge regarding your use of our services. These Terms supersede and replace any prior agreements, understandings, or arrangements between you and us, whether oral or written.

20. Survival

All provisions of these Terms which by their nature should survive termination shall survive, including but not limited to: ownership provisions, warranty disclaimers, indemnification obligations, limitations of liability, and dispute resolution provisions.

21. Headings

The headings and subheadings used in these Terms are for convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of these Terms.

22. Language

These Terms are written in English. Any translations provided are for convenience only. In case of any conflict between the English version and any translation, the English version shall prevail.

23. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. We will notify users of material changes by posting the updated terms on our website with a new effective date. For significant changes, we may also provide notice via email or through our website. Your continued use of our services after changes become effective constitutes your acceptance of the modified Terms.