Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the Ethical Partnering platform ("Platform"), operated by BVI UK Initiative ("Company", "we", "us", or "our"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to all of these Terms, you must not use the Platform.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and the Company regarding your use of the Platform.

2. Platform Description

Ethical Partnering is a B2B partnership matching platform that connects businesses seeking services, products, or collaboration with businesses that can provide them. The Platform facilitates:

• Company profile creation and management
• Project listing and partnership requirement specification
• Capability and service offering listings
• AI-powered matching between seekers and providers
• Communication between matched parties
• Meeting scheduling and agreement management

The Platform is a facilitator only and does not participate in, guarantee, or take responsibility for any transactions, agreements, or relationships formed between users.

3. Eligibility & Account Types

3.1 Business Accounts

The Platform primarily serves registered businesses, including:

• Corporations and Limited Companies
• Partnerships and LLCs
• Sole Proprietorships
• Startups and Early-stage Ventures
• Non-profit Organizations

3.2 Individual Accounts

Individual professionals and freelancers may also register as "Individual" accounts. Individual users:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Are personally responsible for all activities under their account
• May offer professional services or seek partnerships
• Are subject to the same terms as business accounts

3.3 Verification

We may request verification documents to confirm identity or business registration. Failure to provide verification when requested may result in account limitations or termination.

4. Registration & Account

When registering an account, you agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information
• Maintain and promptly update your account information
• Maintain the security of your password
• Accept responsibility for all activities under your account
• Immediately notify us of any unauthorized access

You may not use another person's or entity's account without permission. Creating multiple accounts to circumvent restrictions is prohibited.

5. User Conduct

You agree NOT to:

• Provide false, misleading, or deceptive information
• Impersonate any person or entity
• Engage in fraud, scams, or dishonest business practices
• Use the Platform for illegal activities
• Harass, threaten, or intimidate other users
• Spam or send unsolicited communications
• Attempt to manipulate the matching algorithm
• Circumvent any security features
• Collect user data without consent
• Interfere with the Platform's operation

Violation of these rules may result in immediate account termination and legal action.

6. Platform Role & Limitations

• Verify businesses: We do not independently verify the legitimacy, financial status, or claims of any user
• Guarantee transactions: We are not a party to any agreement between users and do not guarantee performance
• Provide escrow: We do not hold or manage funds between parties
• Mediate disputes: While we offer a complaint system, we are not obligated to resolve disputes
• Endorse users: Matching or featuring a company does not constitute endorsement
• Insure losses: We do not provide insurance for any losses incurred through Platform use

Users are solely responsible for conducting their own due diligence before entering into any business relationship.

7. Fraud & Scam Disclaimer

7.1 Risk Acknowledgment

By using this Platform, you acknowledge and accept that:

• Fraudulent actors may attempt to use the Platform
• We cannot guarantee the authenticity of any user or listing
• Scammers may create convincing fake profiles and businesses
• No online platform can completely eliminate fraud risk

7.2 Your Responsibility

Before engaging with any user, you should:

• Verify business registration through official government sources
• Research the company online (reviews, news, social media)
• Request and verify references
• Start with small transactions before larger commitments
• Use secure, traceable payment methods
• Get all agreements in writing
• Consult legal and financial advisors for significant deals
• Trust your instincts - if something seems wrong, investigate further

7.3 Platform Non-Liability

ETHICAL PARTNERING IS NOT RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR:

• Any fraud, scam, or dishonest conduct by users
• Financial losses resulting from transactions with other users
• Misrepresentation of capabilities, products, or services
• Non-delivery of goods or services
• Breach of contract between users
• Any criminal activity conducted through the Platform

7.4 Reporting Fraud

If you encounter suspected fraud:

1. Cease communication with the suspected party
2. File a complaint through our complaint system
3. Report to local law enforcement
4. Report to relevant regulatory bodies
5. Contact your bank if financial information was shared

We will cooperate with law enforcement investigations when legally required.

8. Complaint System

8.1 Filing Complaints

Users may file complaints against other users for:

• Fraud or scam attempts
• Misrepresentation of business or capabilities
• Non-delivery of goods or services
• Contract breaches
• Unprofessional behavior
• Other policy violations

8.2 Complaint Process

• Complaints are reviewed by our team within 24-48 hours
• The accused party will be notified and given opportunity to respond
• We may request evidence from both parties
• Decisions are made at our sole discretion

8.3 Public Complaints

After review, we may make complaints publicly visible. This means:

• Other users can see complaint categories and resolution status
• This information appears on the company's public profile
• Purpose is to help users make informed decisions

8.4 False Complaints

Filing false or malicious complaints is prohibited and may result in:

• Account suspension or termination
• Legal action for defamation
• Liability for damages caused

9. Limitation of Liability

ETHICAL PARTNERING, ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR:

• Any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
• Any loss of profits, revenue, data, or business opportunities
• Any damages arising from your use of or inability to use the Platform
• Any damages arising from conduct of third parties on the Platform
• Any damages arising from unauthorized access to your account

IN NO EVENT SHALL OUR TOTAL LIABILITY EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID US IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM, OR $100 USD, WHICHEVER IS GREATER.

Some jurisdictions do not allow limitation of liability for certain damages. In such jurisdictions, our liability shall be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Ethical Partnering, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:

• Your use of the Platform
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any third-party rights
• Any content you post or share on the Platform
• Any transaction or relationship with other users
• Any fraud or illegal activity you engage in

11. Pricing & Payments

11.1 Free Tier

• 1 Project + 1 Product + 1 Service per company
• Unlimited company profile features
• Full matching and messaging capabilities

11.2 Additional Slots

• $10 USD one-time payment per additional slot
• No recurring charges

11.3 Commission

• Service Seekers: Always $0 (free)
• Service Providers: 1% commission on agreement value
• Commission charged only after successful agreement

11.4 Refund Policy

Slot purchases are non-refundable. Commission disputes must be raised within 30 days.

12. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account at our sole discretion, without notice, for:

• Violation of these Terms
• Fraudulent or illegal activity
• Harmful behavior toward other users
• Extended inactivity
• Any other reason we deem appropriate

Upon termination, your right to use the Platform ceases immediately. Provisions that by their nature should survive termination shall survive.

13. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the British Virgin Islands, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the Platform shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA).

14. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify users of material changes via email or Platform notification. Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

15. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, please contact us:

• Email: legal@ethicalpartnering.com
• Support: Support Center
• Feedback: Feedback Form