Terms of Service

2.1 Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years old to use the Platform. By using the Platform, you represent and warrant that you are at least 18 years of age and have the legal capacity to enter into these Terms.

2.2 Account Registration

To access certain features, you must create an account. When creating an account, you agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information
• Maintain and promptly update your account information
• Keep your password secure and confidential
• Accept responsibility for all activities under your account
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account
• Not create an account using false information or on behalf of someone else without authorization
• Not create multiple accounts to evade restrictions or bans

2.3 Legal Professional Accounts

Legal Professionals registering on the Platform must additionally:

• Hold a current, valid practicing certificate in Australia
• Be registered with the relevant state or territory legal authority
• Maintain current professional indemnity insurance
• Provide accurate information about qualifications, experience, and specializations
• Undergo AusVerity's verification process
• Comply with all applicable professional conduct rules and regulations
• Not be subject to current disciplinary action or suspension from legal practice

2.4 Account Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account at any time, with or without notice, for violation of these Terms or for any other reason we deem appropriate, including but not limited to fraudulent activity, policy violations, or conduct that harms the Platform or other Users.

3.1 License to Use

Subject to your compliance with these Terms, we grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use the Platform for your personal or business purposes. This license does not include any right to resell, redistribute, or create derivative works from our Platform or Content.

3.2 Prohibited Activities

You agree not to:

• Violate any applicable laws, regulations, or third-party rights
• Use the Platform for any illegal, fraudulent, or unauthorized purpose
• Impersonate any person or entity, or falsely represent your affiliation
• Harvest, scrape, or collect User information without authorization
• Post false, misleading, defamatory, or fraudulent content
• Submit fake reviews or ratings, or manipulate the review system
• Spam, solicit, or send unsolicited commercial messages to Users
• Upload viruses, malware, or malicious code
• Interfere with or disrupt the Platform's operation or security
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the Platform
• Use automated systems (bots, scrapers, crawlers) without our permission
• Reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble any aspect of the Platform
• Remove or modify any copyright, trademark, or proprietary notices
• Frame or mirror any part of the Platform without authorization
• Create derivative works based on the Platform or its Content
• Use the Platform to compete with AusVerity or create a similar service

3.3 Professional Conduct for Legal Professionals

Legal Professionals must additionally:

• Comply with all applicable professional conduct rules and ethical obligations
• Not make false, misleading, or deceptive statements about their services
• Respect client confidentiality and attorney-client privilege
• Not guarantee specific legal outcomes or results
• Properly disclose any conflicts of interest
• Maintain professional standards in all communications
• Not solicit clients in violation of professional conduct rules

4.1 User Content Submission

You may submit User Content, including reviews, ratings, and comments. By submitting User Content, you represent and warrant that:

• You own or have the necessary rights to submit the content
• The content is accurate, truthful, and based on your genuine experience
• The content does not violate any laws or third-party rights
• The content does not contain confidential or proprietary information
• You have not been compensated or incentivized for positive reviews

4.2 License to User Content

By submitting User Content, you grant AusVerity a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, transferable, sublicensable license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, distribute, and display such content in connection with operating and promoting the Platform. This license continues even if you stop using the Platform or close your account.

4.3 Content Moderation

We reserve the right (but have no obligation) to:

• Monitor, review, and moderate User Content
• Remove or edit User Content that violates these Terms
• Remove content that we deem inappropriate, offensive, or harmful
• Take action against Users who violate our content policies

We are not responsible for User Content and do not endorse any opinions expressed by Users.

4.4 Review Guidelines

Reviews must:

• Be based on genuine firsthand experience with the Legal Professional
• Be honest, fair, and constructive
• Not contain profanity, hate speech, or discriminatory language
• Not include personal attacks or threats
• Not disclose confidential information or legal advice received
• Not contain promotional content or spam
• Not be submitted by competitors or individuals with conflicts of interest

4.5 Reporting Inappropriate Content

If you believe User Content violates these Terms or is inappropriate, please report it to us at support@ausverity.com.au. We will investigate and take appropriate action.

5.1 AusVerity's Intellectual Property

The Platform and all Content (excluding User Content) are owned by AusVerity and protected by Australian and international intellectual property laws, including copyright, trademark, patent, and trade secret laws. This includes but is not limited to:

• The AusVerity name, logo, and branding
• Platform design, layout, and user interface
• Software, code, databases, and algorithms
• Original text, images, graphics, and multimedia content
• Compilation and organization of information

5.2 Restrictions on Use

You may not copy, modify, distribute, sell, lease, or create derivative works from our intellectual property without our express written permission. Any unauthorized use may result in termination of your access and legal action.

5.3 Trademark Notice

AusVerity, the AusVerity logo, and other marks used on the Platform are trademarks or registered trademarks of AusVerity Pty Ltd. You may not use these marks without our prior written consent.

5.4 Copyright Infringement Claims

We respect intellectual property rights. If you believe content on the Platform infringes your copyright, please notify us at legal@ausverity.com.au with:

• Identification of the copyrighted work
• Location of the infringing material
• Your contact information
• A statement of good faith belief that the use is unauthorized
• A statement that the information is accurate and you are authorized to act
• Your physical or electronic signature

7.1 Exclusion of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, AUSVERITY, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AND AFFILIATES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUES, WHETHER INCURRED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, OR ANY LOSS OF DATA, USE, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES RESULTING FROM:

• Your access to or use of (or inability to access or use) the Platform
• Any conduct or content of any third party on the Platform
• Any content obtained from the Platform
• The services, conduct, or performance of any Legal Professional
• Unauthorized access to or alteration of your data or content
• Any errors, mistakes, or inaccuracies of content
• Personal injury or property damage resulting from your use of the Platform

7.2 Cap on Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, OUR TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ANY CLAIMS ARISING FROM OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS OR THE PLATFORM SHALL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF (A) THE AMOUNT YOU HAVE PAID TO AUSVERITY IN THE 12 MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM, OR (B) AUD $100.

7.3 Australian Consumer Law

Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts, or modifies any consumer guarantees, warranties, or other rights that you may have under the Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth)) or other applicable laws that cannot lawfully be excluded.

If the Australian Consumer Law or other applicable law implies a warranty or condition into these Terms, our liability for breach of such warranty or condition is limited, at our option, to:

• The supply of the services again; or
• The payment of the cost of having the services supplied again

7.4 Allocation of Risk

You acknowledge that the disclaimers and limitations of liability in these Terms reflect a reasonable allocation of risk between you and AusVerity and are fundamental elements of the basis of the bargain between us.

9.1 Subscription Plans

Legal Professionals may subscribe to various service tiers with different features and pricing. Current pricing and features are available on our Platform. We reserve the right to modify pricing and features at any time with 30 days' notice to existing subscribers.

9.2 Billing and Payment

• Subscriptions are billed in advance on a monthly or annual basis
• All fees are in Australian dollars (AUD) and inclusive of GST where applicable
• Payment is due upon subscription activation and at each renewal date
• We use third-party payment processors; you must comply with their terms
• You authorize us to charge your payment method on file for all applicable fees
• Failed payments may result in service suspension or termination
• You are responsible for all charges, including unauthorized charges

9.3 Automatic Renewal

Subscriptions automatically renew at the end of each billing period unless you cancel before the renewal date. You will be charged at the then-current rate unless you cancel.

9.4 Cancellation

You may cancel your subscription at any time through your account settings or by contacting support@ausverity.com.au. Cancellation is effective at the end of the current billing period. You will retain access to paid features until the end of the billing period. No refunds are provided for partial billing periods.

9.5 Refund Policy

All fees are non-refundable except where required by law. We do not provide refunds or credits for partial months or years, downgraded subscriptions, or unused features. If you believe you are entitled to a refund under Australian Consumer Law, contact us at billing@ausverity.com.au.

9.6 Free Trials

We may offer free trials from time to time. Trial periods will be specified at sign-up. At the end of the trial, you will be charged the subscription fee unless you cancel before the trial ends. We reserve the right to determine trial eligibility and to limit or revoke trials.

9.7 Taxes

All fees are inclusive of GST where applicable. You are responsible for any other applicable taxes based on your location or business structure. We will provide tax invoices as required by Australian law.

10.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us at support@ausverity.com.au or through your account settings. Upon termination, your right to use the Platform immediately ceases.

10.2 Termination by AusVerity

We may suspend or terminate your account and access to the Platform immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason, including but not limited to:

• Breach of these Terms
• Violation of laws or regulations
• Fraudulent, abusive, or illegal activity
• Requests by law enforcement or government agencies
• Extended periods of inactivity
• Non-payment of subscription fees (for Legal Professionals)
• Technical or security concerns
• Discontinuation of the Platform

10.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your right to access and use the Platform immediately ceases
• We may delete your account and associated data
• You remain liable for all obligations incurred prior to termination
• Sections of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination shall survive, including but not limited to intellectual property provisions, disclaimers, limitations of liability, indemnification, and dispute resolution

10.4 Data Retention After Termination

Upon account termination, we may retain certain information as required by law or for legitimate business purposes, as described in our Privacy Policy. User Content such as reviews may remain on the Platform after account closure to maintain Platform integrity.

11.1 Informal Resolution

If you have a dispute with AusVerity, you agree to first contact us at legal@ausverity.com.au to attempt to resolve the dispute informally. We will work in good faith to resolve any disputes.

11.2 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [STATE/TERRITORY TO BE INSERTED], Australia, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. You agree to submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of [STATE/TERRITORY TO BE INSERTED], Australia.

11.3 Arbitration (Optional - for consideration)

[Alternative: Any dispute arising from these Terms shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the Resolution Institute Arbitration Rules. The arbitration shall take place in [CITY TO BE INSERTED], Australia, and be conducted in English. The arbitrator's decision shall be final and binding.]

11.4 Class Action Waiver

To the extent permitted by law, you agree that any dispute resolution proceedings will be conducted only on an individual basis and not in a class, consolidated, or representative action.

11.5 Time Limitation

You agree that any claim or cause of action arising from or relating to these Terms or the Platform must be filed within one (1) year after such claim or cause of action arose, or be forever barred, to the extent permitted by law.

12.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any other policies referenced herein, constitute the entire agreement between you and AusVerity regarding the Platform and supersede all prior agreements and understandings.

12.2 Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated Terms on the Platform and updating the "Last Updated" date. For significant changes, we may provide additional notice such as email notification. Your continued use of the Platform after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

12.3 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unlawful, void, or unenforceable, that provision shall be deemed severable and shall not affect the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions.

12.4 Waiver

No waiver of any term of these Terms shall be deemed a further or continuing waiver of such term or any other term. Our failure to assert any right or provision under these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.

12.5 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms or your rights and obligations under these Terms without our prior written consent. We may assign these Terms without restriction. Any attempted assignment in violation of this provision is void.

12.6 No Agency

Nothing in these Terms creates any agency, partnership, joint venture, employment, or franchisee relationship between you and AusVerity.

12.7 Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance 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.

12.8 Notices

All notices to AusVerity should be sent to legal@ausverity.com.au. We may provide notices to you via email to the address associated with your account, through the Platform, or by posting on the Platform. Notices are deemed received 24 hours after email is sent or when posted on the Platform.

12.9 Export Controls

You agree to comply with all applicable export and import control laws and regulations in your use of the Platform.

12.10 Language

These Terms are provided in English. Any translations are provided for convenience only. In the event of any conflict between the English version and a translated version, the English version shall prevail.

12.11 Survival

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