Terms of Service

3.1 Age Requirements

You must be at least 18 years of age to use the Service. By accessing or using Associum, you represent and warrant that you are 18 years of age or older. If you are under 18, you may not use the Service under any circumstances. We do not knowingly collect personal data from individuals under the age of 18.

3.2 Legal Capacity

You represent and warrant that: (a) you have the legal capacity to enter into and be bound by these Terms in your jurisdiction; (b) your use of the Service does not violate any applicable law, regulation, or rule; and (c) you have not previously been suspended or removed from the Service.

3.3 Geographic Restrictions

The Service is operated from and governed by the laws of [Jurisdiction]. We make no representation that the Service is appropriate or available in all locations. Access to the Service from territories where its content or use is illegal is prohibited. You are responsible for compliance with local laws in your jurisdiction.

4.1 Account Creation

To access most features of the Service, you must register for an account. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to keep your account information updated. You may not impersonate any person or entity, or create accounts on behalf of others without authorization.

4.2 Account Security

You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account. You agree to:

• use a strong, unique password;
• not share your login credentials with any third party;
• notify us immediately at [security@associum.ai] if you suspect unauthorized access to or use of your account.

Associum will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to comply with this section.

4.3 Account Ownership

If you create an account on behalf of an organization, that organization may at any time assume control of the account. We may transfer account administration to designated organizational representatives with reasonable prior notice to you.

6.1 Harmful and Illegal Activities

• Violate any applicable local, national, or international law or regulation
• Facilitate or promote terrorism, violent extremism, or mass-casualty events
• Generate, distribute, or promote content that constitutes child sexual abuse material (CSAM) or any content that sexually exploits or endangers minors
• Facilitate human trafficking, exploitation, or modern slavery
• Engage in, plan, or promote any form of physical harm against any individual or group
• Develop, acquire, or deploy biological, chemical, nuclear, radiological, or other weapons capable of mass harm

6.2 Privacy and Surveillance Violations

• Build or contribute to facial recognition databases without the explicit, informed consent of data subjects
• Conduct real-time remote biometric surveillance in public spaces
• Infer sensitive personal attributes (e.g., political views, religion, health status, sexual orientation) from individuals without authorization
• Track, monitor, or profile individuals without lawful basis and their knowledge
• Reproduce, use, or impersonate the likeness, voice, or image of any person without their explicit consent

6.3 Misinformation and Deception

• Create, publish, or distribute deliberate misinformation, disinformation, or fabricated news
• Generate deepfakes or synthetic media of real individuals without consent
• Impersonate any person, organization, or government entity
• Engage in coordinated inauthentic behavior, astroturfing, or manipulation of public opinion
• Create spam, phishing content, or materials designed to defraud or deceive

6.4 Harassment and Harmful Content

• Harass, bully, threaten, intimidate, or defame any individual or group
• Promote, glorify, or trivialize self-harm, suicide, or eating disorders
• Generate hateful content targeting individuals or groups based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, or other protected characteristics
• Engage in or promote non-consensual intimate content or sexual violence

6.5 High-Stakes Automated Decisions Without Human Oversight

Use AI-generated Outputs as the sole basis without appropriate human review for making or automating consequential decisions affecting individuals in areas including:

• Credit or financial lending decisions
• Employment hiring, promotion, or termination
• Housing, tenancy, or rental approval
• Insurance underwriting or claims adjudication
• Healthcare diagnosis, treatment, or triage
• Educational enrollment, grading, or evaluation
• Legal determinations, law enforcement profiling, or immigration matters
• National security or intelligence assessments

6.6 System and Security Violations

• Attempt to probe, scan, exploit, or test the vulnerability of Associum's systems without explicit written authorization
• Circumvent, disable, or interfere with security features, access controls, rate limits, or content filters
• Reverse-engineer, decompile, disassemble, or otherwise attempt to discover the source code, underlying models, algorithms, or architecture of the Service (except as expressly permitted by applicable law)
• Introduce malware, ransomware, viruses, Trojan horses, or any malicious code into the Service
• Use automated bots, scrapers, crawlers, or other automated tools to access or extract data from the Service without our prior written consent

6.7 Intellectual Property Infringement

• Upload or process content that infringes any third party's copyright, trademark, trade secret, patent, or other intellectual property rights
• Use Outputs to train, fine-tune, or otherwise develop competing AI models, products, or services without our express written consent

6.8 Regulated Sectors Without Compliance

• Process Protected Health Information (PHI) subject to HIPAA, HITECH, or equivalent legislation without executing a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) or Healthcare Addendum with Associum
• Process personal data subject to GDPR, CCPA, or equivalent data protection legislation without executing a Data Processing Agreement (DPA) with Associum

7.1 Nature of AI Outputs

Associum uses large language models and other artificial intelligence technologies that are probabilistic in nature. By using the Service, you acknowledge and agree that:

• Outputs may be inaccurate, incomplete, outdated, or misleading. AI-generated content can contain factual errors, commonly known as "hallucinations," whereby the model generates plausible-sounding but incorrect information.
• Outputs are not unique. Due to the probabilistic nature of AI models, other users may receive the same or similar Outputs to yours.
• Outputs do not constitute professional advice. No Output generated by the Service should be construed as legal, financial, medical, tax, investment, regulatory, or other professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions in these areas.
• Outputs must be independently verified. You are solely responsible for evaluating the accuracy, appropriateness, and fitness of any Output for your intended use case, and for conducting appropriate human review prior to relying on any Output for any consequential purpose.

7.2 No Reliance for High-Stakes Use

You expressly agree that you will not use any Output as the sole or primary basis for any decision that could have a material legal, financial, medical, safety, or other significant impact on any individual, including decisions relating to employment, credit, housing, insurance, healthcare, education, law enforcement, or legal proceedings.

7.3 Rapid Technological Evolution

The AI and machine learning fields evolve rapidly. Associum continually works to improve the accuracy, safety, and reliability of its Service; however, we make no guarantee that Outputs will meet any particular standard of quality, accuracy, or suitability at any given time.

7.4 Model Limitations and Bias

AI models may reflect biases present in training data and may perform inconsistently across languages, regions, subject areas, or demographic groups. You agree to evaluate Outputs with this limitation in mind and to not rely on the Service in contexts where such biases could cause material harm.

8.1 Associum's Intellectual Property

The Service including its software, models, algorithms, interface design, trademarks, trade names, logos, and documentation is owned by Associum, Inc. and protected by applicable intellectual property laws. Nothing in these Terms transfers any right, title, or interest in our intellectual property to you. You receive only a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to use the Service as expressly permitted by these Terms.

8.2 Your Inputs

You retain all ownership rights in the documents, data, prompts, and other content you upload or submit to the Service ("Inputs"). By submitting Inputs, you grant Associum a limited, worldwide, royalty-free license to process your Inputs solely as necessary to operate, deliver, and improve the Service in accordance with these Terms and our Privacy Policy.

8.3 Your Outputs

Subject to your compliance with these Terms, Associum assigns to you all of its right, title, and interest in Outputs generated specifically from your Inputs. This assignment does not extend to: (a) Outputs or portions thereof generated for other users; (b) pre-existing Associum intellectual property incorporated into Outputs; or (c) third-party content returned as part of an Output (e.g., publicly available information retrieved via web search integrations).

8.4 Feedback

If you provide Associum with feedback, suggestions, ideas, or other input about the Service ("Feedback"), you grant Associum an irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free license to use such Feedback for any purpose, including improving the Service, without any obligation of compensation, attribution, or confidentiality to you.

8.5 Prohibition on Competitive Use of Outputs

You may not use Outputs to train, benchmark, fine-tune, or otherwise develop any AI or machine learning model, product, or service that competes with Associum without our prior written consent.

9.1 Your Responsibility for Content

You are solely responsible for all Inputs you submit to the Service. You represent and warrant that: (a) you own or have the necessary rights, licenses, and permissions to submit your Inputs; (b) your Inputs do not infringe the intellectual property rights, privacy rights, or other rights of any third party; and (c) your Inputs comply with all applicable laws.

9.2 Content Standards

You agree not to upload or submit content that is unlawful, defamatory, harassing, obscene, invasive of another's privacy, or otherwise objectionable, as determined by Associum in its sole discretion.

9.3 No Obligation to Retain

Associum has no obligation to store, maintain, or back up your Inputs or Outputs. We recommend maintaining independent copies of any material you submit to or receive from the Service.

9.4 Model Training

Associum will not use your Inputs or Outputs to train or improve its AI models without your explicit, affirmative opt-in consent. This applies regardless of your subscription tier. You may manage your training data preferences at any time through your account settings. Enterprise customers may execute a Data Processing Agreement that provides additional contractual protections.

10.1 Data Protection Legislation

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, or the United Kingdom, our processing of your personal data is governed by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and applicable national implementing legislation. If you are located in California, our processing is subject to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA/CPRA).

10.2 Data Processing Agreement

Customers who process personal data of third parties through the Service (e.g., by uploading documents containing personal data of employees, clients, or patients) are required to execute a Data Processing Agreement (DPA) with Associum, which designates Associum as a Data Processor and the customer as the Data Controller. Contact [legal@associum.ai] to execute a DPA.

10.3 HIPAA Compliance

Customers who are covered entities or business associates under HIPAA must not process Protected Health Information (PHI) through the Service unless a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) or Healthcare Addendum has been signed with Associum. Contact [compliance@associum.ai] to execute a BAA. Processing PHI without an executed BAA is a material breach of these Terms.

10.4 Data Retention and Deletion

We retain your personal data and account information for as long as your account is active or as necessary to provide the Service, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Upon account deletion or written request, we will delete your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy, except where retention is required by applicable law.

11.1 Third-Party Integrations

The Service may include integrations with, or links to, third-party applications, data sources, APIs, and websites ("Third-Party Services"). Associum does not control and is not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or accuracy of any Third-Party Services. Your use of Third-Party Services is governed solely by the terms and privacy policies of those third parties.

11.2 No Endorsement

The inclusion of any Third-Party Service in the Associum platform does not constitute Associum's endorsement or recommendation of that service. Associum expressly disclaims all liability arising from your use of Third-Party Services.

11.3 Third-Party Outputs

Content retrieved or generated through Third-Party Services ("Third-Party Output") is provided "as is." Associum makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of Third-Party Output.

12.1 Subscription Plans

Access to certain features of the Service requires a paid subscription. Details of available subscription plans, pricing, and included features are available at [associum.ai/pricing]. All fees are stated in US Dollars unless otherwise specified.

12.2 Billing and Renewal

Subscriptions are billed on a recurring basis (monthly or annually, depending on the plan selected) and will automatically renew at the end of each billing cycle unless you cancel prior to the renewal date. You authorize Associum to charge your payment method for all applicable fees, including upon renewal.

12.3 Price Changes

Associum may change subscription prices at any time. We will provide you with at least 30 days' prior written notice of any price increase. Price increases will take effect on your next renewal date, giving you the opportunity to cancel before the increase takes effect.

12.4 Non-Refundable Fees

All fees paid to Associum are non-refundable, except as required by applicable law or expressly stated otherwise in a written agreement. Partial billing periods are not refunded upon cancellation.

12.5 Taxes

You are responsible for all applicable taxes, levies, and duties associated with your use of the Service, excluding taxes based on Associum's net income. If Associum is required to collect taxes, they will be added to your invoice.

12.6 Late Payment

If your payment method fails or your account is past due, Associum reserves the right to suspend or terminate your access to the Service. You remain liable for all outstanding amounts.

14.1 Exclusion of Consequential Damages

14.2 Liability Cap

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ASSOCIUM'S TOTAL CUMULATIVE LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS OR THE SERVICE WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE SHALL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF: (A) THE TOTAL FEES PAID BY YOU TO ASSOCIUM IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM; OR (B) ONE HUNDRED US DOLLARS (USD $100).

14.3 Exceptions

Nothing in these Terms shall limit or exclude liability for: (a) death or personal injury caused by Associum's gross negligence or wilful misconduct; (b) fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation; or (c) any liability that cannot be excluded or limited under applicable law.

14.4 AI Output Reliance

In particular, and without limiting the foregoing, Associum shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance on AI-generated Outputs for any legal, financial, medical, employment, or other professional or high-stakes decision.

16.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting [support@associum.ai] or through your account settings. Termination does not entitle you to any refund of prepaid fees.

16.2 Termination or Suspension by Associum

Associum reserves the right to immediately suspend or permanently terminate your access to the Service, with or without prior notice, if we determine in our reasonable discretion that:

• (a) you have breached these Terms or our Acceptable Use Policy;
• (b) your use of the Service poses a risk of harm to Associum, other users, third parties, or the public;
• (c) suspension or termination is required to comply with applicable law or a valid legal order; or
• (d) your account has been inactive for more than twelve (12) consecutive months and you do not hold a paid subscription.

16.3 Appeal Process

If you believe your account has been suspended or terminated in error, you may submit an appeal by contacting our support team at [support@associum.ai] with a description of why you believe the action was taken in error. We will review your appeal and respond within a reasonable time. Appeal decisions are final.

16.4 Effect of Termination

Upon termination: (a) your license to use the Service immediately ceases; (b) you must cease all use of the Service; and (c) provisions of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination including intellectual property provisions, disclaimers, limitation of liability, indemnification, dispute resolution, and general provisions shall survive.

17.1 Service Changes

Associum reserves the right to modify, update, suspend, or discontinue the Service (or any feature thereof) at any time, with or without notice. If a modification results in a material reduction in the core functionality of your paid subscription, Associum will provide you with at least 30 days' prior written notice, and you may elect to terminate your subscription and receive a pro-rata refund of prepaid fees for the unused period.

17.2 Changes to Terms

Associum may update these Terms at any time. If we make material changes, we will notify you by email, in-app notification, or by prominently posting a notice in the Service at least 15 days before the changes take effect. Your continued use of the Service after changes take effect constitutes your binding acceptance of the revised Terms. If you do not agree to the revised Terms, you must discontinue use of the Service before the effective date.

18.1 Informal Resolution

Before initiating any formal dispute proceeding, you agree to first contact Associum at [legal@associum.ai] and provide a written description of the dispute, the relevant facts, and the relief you seek. We will attempt to resolve the dispute informally within 30 days of receipt. Either party may proceed to formal proceedings if the dispute is not resolved within that period.

18.2 Binding Arbitration

IF YOU ARE LOCATED IN THE UNITED STATES, ANY DISPUTE, CLAIM, OR CONTROVERSY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS OR THE SERVICE THAT CANNOT BE RESOLVED INFORMALLY SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO FINAL AND BINDING ARBITRATION under the rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) Commercial Arbitration Rules, before a single arbitrator. The arbitration will be conducted in the English language. Judgment on the arbitration award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.

EXCEPTIONS: Either party may seek emergency injunctive or other equitable relief in a court of competent jurisdiction to prevent irreparable harm pending arbitration. Claims for intellectual property infringement may be brought in court.

18.3 Class Action Waiver

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, YOU WAIVE YOUR RIGHT TO BRING OR PARTICIPATE IN ANY CLASS, COLLECTIVE, REPRESENTATIVE, OR PRIVATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ACTION AGAINST ASSOCIUM. ALL DISPUTES MUST BE BROUGHT IN YOUR INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY ONLY.

18.4 Time Limitation on Claims

Any claim arising out of or related to these Terms or the Service must be brought within one (1) year of the date the claim arose. Claims not brought within this period are permanently barred.

20.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any additional terms, policies, or agreements incorporated herein, constitute the entire agreement between you and Associum with respect to the Service and supersede all prior or contemporaneous understandings, communications, and agreements.

20.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid under applicable law, that provision will be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

20.3 Waiver

Associum's failure to enforce any provision of these Terms shall not be construed as a waiver of its right to enforce that provision or any other provision in the future.

20.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms without Associum's prior written consent. Associum may freely assign its rights and obligations under these Terms, including in connection with a merger, acquisition, corporate restructuring, or sale of assets. These Terms are binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties' respective successors and permitted assigns.

20.5 Force Majeure

Associum shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance resulting from causes beyond its reasonable control, including acts of God, natural disasters, pandemic, war, terrorism, cyberattacks, government actions, or failure of third-party infrastructure.

20.6 No Third-Party Beneficiaries

These Terms do not create any third-party beneficiary rights. They are solely for the benefit of the parties hereto and their permitted successors and assigns.

20.7 Language

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

20.8 Headings

Section headings are for convenience only and do not affect the interpretation of these Terms.