Terms of Service

1. Definitions

• "Service" — The VaultReader platform, including the website, API, mobile apps, desktop apps, and all related tools for publishing, distributing, and reading ebooks.
• "Publisher" — A user who creates an account, uploads content, and sells or distributes ebooks through the Service.
• "Reader" — A user who purchases or accesses ebooks through the Service.
• "Content" — Ebooks, PDFs, images, text, and any other materials uploaded or displayed through the Service.
• "You" — Any user of the Service, whether Publisher or Reader.

2. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction) to use the Service. By using the Service, you represent that you meet this requirement.

3. Account Registration

• You must provide accurate, complete, and current information during registration.
• You are responsible for safeguarding your password and account credentials.
• You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account.
• We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that provide false or misleading information.

4. Service Description

4.1 For Publishers

• Upload and host PDF ebooks with DRM-like protection.
• Create custom branded reader experiences.
• Set pricing and sell ebooks directly to readers.
• Access analytics including page views, time spent, and device information.

4.2 For Readers

• Purchase and access ebooks using an order number.
• Read ebooks in a secure web viewer, mobile app, or desktop app.
• Bookmarks and reading progress are saved locally.

5. Pricing and Payment

• All prices are displayed in USD (or the currency shown at checkout).
• Payments are processed securely through Stripe. We do not store full credit card details.
• Subscriptions renew automatically at the end of each billing cycle unless canceled.
• You may cancel your subscription at any time from your dashboard. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period.
• We reserve the right to change pricing with 30 days' notice. Price changes do not affect the current billing period.

6. Refund Policy

Refunds are handled per our Refund Policy. By making a purchase, you agree to the refund terms outlined therein.

7. Publisher Obligations

• You must own or have the necessary rights to all Content you upload.
• Content must not infringe on intellectual property rights of any third party.
• Content must not contain malware, viruses, or harmful code.
• You are solely responsible for the legality of your Content under applicable laws.
• You must not use the Service to distribute prohibited content including but not limited to: illegal material, content that exploits minors, or content that violates applicable laws.

8. Reader Obligations

• You may not share, redistribute, or resell ebooks purchased through the Service.
• You may not attempt to circumvent security controls, watermarks, or access restrictions.
• You may not record, screenshot, or otherwise reproduce ebook content.
• Access is personal and non-transferable.

9. Intellectual Property

• Your Content: Publishers retain full ownership of their Content. You grant VaultReader a limited, non-exclusive license to host, process, display, and distribute your Content solely to provide the Service.
• Our Platform: VaultReader retains all rights, title, and interest in the Service, including software, design, logos, and documentation.
• No Transfer: Nothing in these Terms transfers ownership of either party's intellectual property to the other.

10. Data and Analytics

• We collect and process data as described in our Privacy Policy.
• Publisher analytics (page views, reading time, device info) are provided for educational purposes.
• We may use aggregated, anonymized data to improve the Service.
• You may request deletion of your data by contacting privacy@vaultreader.app.

11. Service Availability

• We aim for 99.9% uptime but do not guarantee uninterrupted availability.
• We may perform scheduled maintenance with reasonable advance notice.
• We are not liable for downtime, data loss, or service interruptions.

12. Prohibited Conduct

You must not:

• Use the Service for any unlawful purpose.
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the Service.
• Interfere with or disrupt the Service or servers.
• Use automated systems (bots, scrapers) without our written permission.
• Reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble any part of the Service.
• Remove or alter any proprietary notices or labels.
• Resell or redistribute the Service without authorization.

13. Limitation of Liability

Our total aggregate liability for all claims arising from or related to the Service shall not exceed the greater of: (a) the amount you paid to VaultReader in the 12 months preceding the claim, or (b) £100 (one hundred pounds sterling).

14. Disclaimers

We do not warrant that:

• The Service will meet your specific requirements.
• The Service will be uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free.
• Results obtained from the Service will be accurate or reliable.
• Any errors in the Service will be corrected.

15. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless VaultReader, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or related to:

• Your use of the Service.
• Your Content.
• Your violation of these Terms.
• Your violation of any third-party rights.

16. Termination

• You may terminate your account at any time by contacting support or deleting your account from the dashboard.
• We may suspend or terminate your access immediately if you breach these Terms, engage in prohibited conduct, or if required by law.
• Upon termination: (a) your right to use the Service ceases immediately; (b) we may delete your data after a reasonable retention period; (c) provisions that by their nature should survive will survive termination.

17. Dispute Resolution

• Any dispute arising from these Terms shall first be attempted to be resolved through good-faith negotiation.
• If negotiation fails, disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration under the rules of the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA).
• The arbitration shall be conducted in English in London, United Kingdom.
• Either party may seek injunctive relief in any court of competent jurisdiction.

18. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. The courts of London, United Kingdom shall have exclusive jurisdiction.

19. General Provisions

• Entire Agreement: These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and Refund Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and VaultReader.
• Severability: If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full effect.
• Waiver: Failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver of that provision.
• Assignment: You may not assign these Terms without our written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations without restriction.
• Force Majeure: We are not liable for delays or failures caused by events beyond our reasonable control.

20. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be communicated via email or a prominent notice on the Service at least 30 days before they take effect. Continued use of the Service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

21. Contact

Questions about these Terms? Contact us at:

• Email: legal@vaultreader.app
• Address: VaultReader — Sole Trader (UK), Flat A, 2A Russell Street, Gloucester, GL1 1NE, United Kingdom