Terms of Service

Acceptable Use

When using our website and services, you agree to:

• Provide accurate and complete information when requested
• Maintain the confidentiality of any account credentials
• Use our services only for lawful business purposes
• Respect intellectual property rights
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
• Not attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems

Prohibited Activities

You may not:

• Use our services for any illegal or fraudulent purpose
• Transmit harmful code, viruses, or malicious software
• Interfere with or disrupt the operation of our website
• Collect or harvest information about other users without consent
• Impersonate another person or entity
• Violate any applicable laws or regulations
• Engage in any activity that could damage our reputation

Service Requirements

To use our professional services, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age or the age of majority in your jurisdiction
• Have the legal authority to enter into binding contracts
• Operate a legitimate business or have genuine business needs
• Provide timely access to necessary financial documents and information
• Respond to our requests for clarification or additional information

Fair Usage Guidelines

Our services are designed for business use. We reserve the right to limit or terminate service if we detect usage patterns that are inconsistent with normal business operations or that may indicate abuse of our services. This includes excessive requests, unreasonable demands on our time, or behavior that interferes with our ability to serve other clients.

Account Creation and Management

When you engage our services, we may create an account for you to facilitate communication and document sharing. You are responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your account login credentials
• All activities that occur under your account
• Notifying us immediately of any unauthorized access
• Ensuring your contact information remains current and accurate

Account Security

You agree to use strong passwords and not share your account credentials with unauthorized individuals. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to maintain account security.

If you suspect your account has been compromised, contact us immediately at [email protected]. We will take appropriate action to secure your account and investigate the incident.

Account Suspension and Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to our services if:

• You violate these Terms of Service
• Your account shows signs of unauthorized access or misuse
• You fail to pay for services rendered
• You engage in behavior that is abusive or harmful to our staff
• We are required to do so by law or regulation

In most cases, we will provide notice before termination and an opportunity to remedy the issue, except in cases of serious violations or legal requirements.

Website Availability

While we strive to maintain continuous website availability, we do not guarantee uninterrupted access. Our website may be unavailable due to maintenance, updates, technical issues, or circumstances beyond our control. We are not liable for any inconvenience or loss resulting from website downtime.

Scheduled Maintenance

We may perform scheduled maintenance on our systems and website. Where possible, we will provide advance notice of planned maintenance that may affect service availability. Emergency maintenance may be performed without prior notice.

Service Modifications and Updates

We reserve the right to modify, update, or discontinue any aspect of our services at any time. This includes:

• Adding new features or service offerings
• Removing or changing existing features
• Updating our processes and methodologies
• Adjusting pricing for new clients (existing client agreements remain honored)

We will make reasonable efforts to notify existing clients of significant service changes that may affect them.

Geographic Restrictions

Our services are primarily offered to businesses operating in Germany and the European Union. We may decline service to businesses in other jurisdictions where we lack the necessary expertise in local regulations. Website access is available globally for informational purposes.

Our Content and Materials

All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, images, software, and design elements, is the property of Keystone Cipher or our licensors and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

You may view and print pages from our website for personal, non-commercial use, but you may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works without our express written permission.

Client-Provided Content

When you provide us with documents, data, or other materials for the purpose of receiving our services, you grant us a limited license to use, process, and store this content as necessary to provide our services. You retain all ownership rights to your content.

You represent and warrant that you have the right to provide us with any content you submit and that such content does not violate any third-party rights or applicable laws.

Work Product and Deliverables

Documents, reports, and other deliverables we create specifically for you as part of our services become your property upon full payment. However, we retain the right to keep copies for our records and to use anonymized, aggregate data for improving our services.

Trademark Usage

Keystone Cipher and associated logos are trademarks of our company. You may not use our trademarks without prior written consent. Any unauthorized use may constitute trademark infringement and unfair competition under applicable law.

Service Fees

Fees for our services are outlined in individual service agreements or proposals. Pricing displayed on our website is indicative and subject to confirmation based on your specific requirements. All fees are quoted in Euros unless otherwise specified.

Payment Terms

Unless otherwise agreed in writing:

• Monthly services are billed in advance at the beginning of each billing period
• Project-based work may require a deposit before commencement
• Invoices are due within 14 days of issuance
• Late payments may incur interest charges as permitted by law

Accepted Payment Methods

We accept bank transfers, credit cards, and other payment methods as agreed. Payment processing may be handled by third-party payment processors, whose terms and privacy policies also apply.

Refund Policy

Services already performed are generally non-refundable. If you are dissatisfied with our services, please contact us to discuss the matter. We will work with you in good faith to address any legitimate concerns.

Applicable Law

These Terms of Service shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Germany, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

Jurisdiction

Any disputes arising from these terms or our services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Berlin, Germany.

Dispute Resolution

Before initiating any legal proceedings, we encourage you to contact us to resolve disputes amicably. We are committed to working with clients in good faith to address concerns and find mutually acceptable solutions.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms of Service is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

Entire Agreement

These Terms of Service, together with any service agreements and our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Keystone Cipher regarding use of our website and services.

Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.

Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms of Service or your rights hereunder without our prior written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations under these terms without restriction.