BuddyPro Terms of Service
### 1 | General Provisions
**1.1 Service Provider.**
The BuddyPro service is operated by **Buddy.FM Ltd**, Enterprise House, 2 Pass Street, Oldham, Manchester, United Kingdom, OL9 6HZ,
Company No. 15883190 (hereinafter “**BuddyPro**” or the “**Provider**”).
Contact e‑mail: support@buddy.fm.
**1.2 The BuddyPro Service.** BuddyPro is an online platform that enables Experts (defined below) to create and run their own AI assistant instances (“**Buddy**”) trained on their know‑how. A Buddy may interact with end‑users (customers) to provide information, advice or consultancy. BuddyPro supplies the technological infrastructure (content hosting, AI engine) that connects Experts and end‑users.
**1.3 Expert.** An **Expert** is a natural or legal person who registers on BuddyPro as a content creator, uploads their materials, trains a Buddy, and may provide content or services to end‑users. Towards end‑users, the Expert acts as the provider of such content/services (via their Buddy); BuddyPro is **not** a party to the contractual relationship between the Expert and an end‑user, but merely supplies the platform technology.
**1.4 Contractual Relationship.** These **Terms of Service for Experts** (“**Terms**”) govern the rights and obligations between the Provider and each Expert using BuddyPro. The Terms form a binding agreement; by ticking the acceptance box during registration and by using the platform, the Expert confirms acceptance. Without acceptance, use of BuddyPro is not permitted.
**1.5 Additional Policies.** The **Privacy Policy** (governing the processing of personal data) and any feature‑specific terms (e.g. payment terms) form an integral part of this agreement. In case of conflict, the special terms prevail.
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### 2 | Registration & Account
2.1 **Eligibility.** Only persons aged 18 or over, fully legally competent, may register. A legal entity may register only through its authorised representative.
2.2 **Registration Data.** The Expert must provide true, accurate and complete information (name, e‑mail, billing data if required) and keep it up to date. The Provider may verify identity or e‑mail (e.g. via a verification link). Incorrect or outdated data may lead to account suspension.
2.3 **Account Security.** After registration an account protected by password is created. The Expert must keep credentials confidential and is responsible for all actions taken via the account. In case of suspected breach (e.g. stolen password) the Expert must promptly notify the Provider, who may temporarily block the account to protect data.
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### 3 | Expert’s Rights & Duties
3.1 **Uploading Content.** Experts may upload text, images, audiovisual or other digital materials (“**Content**”) in order to train their Buddy and provide answers to end‑users. Each upload confirms that the Content meets these Terms. The Provider does not perform thorough pre‑moderation but may carry out random or automated checks (see 5.2).
3.2 **Permitted Content – IP Rights.** The Expert may upload only Content to which they hold the necessary copyrights and other rights. Each file must be either the Expert’s own work or properly licensed. Proof of rights must be supplied on request. Uploading third‑party works without permission is strictly prohibited.
3.3 **Permitted Content – Other Rules.** Content must not be illegal, harmful or immoral. In particular it must not (a) infringe copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets; (b) contain personal data of third parties contrary to law (esp. GDPR); (c) contain defamatory, threatening, hateful, child sexual abuse or extremist material; (d) contain malware; (e) promote illegal activity. The Provider may determine that Content is prohibited and remove or disable it.
3.4 **Liability & Warranties.** The Expert is fully liable for all uploaded Content and its use. They warrant that: (i) they are the author or rightful licensee; (ii) they may grant the licences in 4.1; (iii) using the Content via Buddy does not breach any law or third‑party rights; (iv) the Content is free of viruses/spam; (v) if personal data of third parties are included, a valid legal basis exists.
3.5 **Purpose.** BuddyPro may only be used for legitimate professional purposes related to the Expert’s know‑how. It is not a general cloud storage or public file‑sharing service. The Provider may limit file types or storage volume.
3.6 **Co‑operation.** The Expert shall provide necessary co‑operation, respond to Provider queries and treat support staff respectfully.
3.7 **Relationship with End‑Users.** Any arrangement (including pricing) between the Expert and end‑users is the Expert’s responsibility. BuddyPro may offer template terms but is not a party. The Expert is responsible for Buddy’s communications and any obligations arising therefrom.
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### 4 | Licence & Intellectual Property
4.1 **Licence to Provider.** By uploading Content, the Expert grants the Provider a non‑exclusive, transferable, sub‑licensable, worldwide licence to use the Content solely to operate and promote BuddyPro, for the duration of the economic copyright term (or until deletion plus reasonable back‑up/archival period). The licence is royalty‑free. The Provider may store, back‑up, index, analyse (incl. AI processing), display and communicate the Content to end‑users via Buddy. The Provider may not sell the Content separately or licence it for unrelated purposes.
4.2 **Termination of Licence.** If the Expert deletes Content or closes the account, the licence ends once the Content is removed from active systems. Back‑ups may be retained for up to 90 days or as required by law / to protect legal rights. The Provider may keep general learnings/improvements derived from processing the Content.
4.3 **Provider IP.** “BuddyPro”, “Buddy.fm”, the Buddy logo, software, code, design, technologies and Provider‑created content (excluding Expert Content) are owned by the Provider or its suppliers. The Expert receives a non‑exclusive user licence for the term of this agreement. Decompilation, reverse engineering, code copying or TM misuse is prohibited, except truthful statements such as “My services are available via BuddyPro”.
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### 5 | Provider’s Rights & Platform Management
5.1 **Availability.** The Provider will use reasonable efforts to ensure continuous, high‑quality service but outages/maintenance may occur. Provider is not liable for temporary unavailability or data loss due to technical failure but will endeavour to remedy issues. Major function changes will be announced in advance.
5.2 **Monitoring & Moderation.** Provider may monitor and moderate Content as necessary (malware scans, illegal content hashes, Buddy output analysis). Provider may remove or disable Content suspected of breaching law or Terms and will, where possible, notify the Expert. In urgent cases removal can be immediate. Provider is not liable for damages arising from removal of allegedly infringing Content.
5.3 **Account Suspension/Termination.** Provider may suspend or terminate accounts for serious or repeated breaches or misuse causing harm. Prior notice and cure period will be given where feasible. No compensation is owed. Outstanding earnings will be paid minus any contractual penalties or damages (see 5.4).
5.4 **Contractual Penalty & Indemnity.** For serious breaches the Provider may demand a contractual penalty up to **GBP 5,000** per breach. This does not limit the right to full damages. The Expert shall indemnify the Provider against all claims, losses, fines and costs (incl. legal fees) arising from the Expert’s breach or Content. Obligation survives termination.
5.5 **References & Statistics.** Unless the Expert objects in writing, the Provider may list the Expert’s name and Buddy description for reference/marketing and may use anonymised aggregated usage data to improve and publish service statistics.
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### 6 | Payments & Earnings
6.1 **Charging End‑Users.** The Expert may charge for access to their Buddy. All payments from end‑users are collected **directly by the Expert**. The Provider is **not** a payment intermediary and is not liable for collection, settlement or the contractual relationship between Expert and user.
6.2 **Expert–User Invoicing.** The Expert is solely responsible for invoicing end‑users, legal compliance and handling complaints.
6.3 **Platform Fees (AI Costs).** The Expert shall pay the Provider fees for using BuddyPro, namely **AI costs** (hosting, compute, support). Fees are set in the price list on the Provider’s site or an individual offer and may depend on usage volume. AI costs are debited from the Expert’s BuddyPro credit account. The Provider may amend the price list unilaterally with **30 days’ prior notice** via e‑mail or in‑app notice.
6.4 **Payment Terms.** Fees are quoted net of VAT unless legally required. Late payment may lead to suspension or termination (see 5.3).
6.5 **Taxes.** The Expert is responsible for all tax and accounting obligations related to income from end‑users. The Provider offers no tax advice and no employment or agency relationship is created.
6.6 **Pricing Freedom & Transparency.** The Expert sets end‑user prices independently and must communicate them clearly.
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### 7 | Privacy & Data
7.1 **Data Roles.** Provider = controller of Expert registration data; processor of personal data in Expert Content (Expert = controller).
7.2 **GDPR Compliance.** Provider processes personal data in accordance with GDPR 2016/679. Details are in the Privacy Policy.
7.3 **Third‑Party Data in Content.** Expert uploads personal data of third parties only with a legal basis and acts as controller. This agreement also serves as a GDPR Article 28 data‑processing agreement. Provider may engage sub‑processors (e.g. Google Drive, AI infra) under appropriate safeguards.
7.4 **Confidentiality & Logs.** Support communications may be recorded for quality; aggregated usage data may be published anonymously.
7.5 **Data Subject Rights.** Experts may request access, rectification, erasure (“right to be forgotten”), restriction, objection and portability via support@buddy.fm; Provider will respond within 30 days. Erasure requests will be honoured unless retention is legally required or justified.
7.6 **Cookies.** The web interface uses cookies for functionality and analytics; users can adjust settings in their browser.
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### 8 | Liability
8.1 **Service “As‑Is”.** BuddyPro is provided “as is” and “as available”. AI may return inaccurate or unsuitable outputs.
8.2 **Defects.** For proven defects preventing normal use, the Expert may request remedy; if unresolved the Expert may terminate. No implied warranties.
8.3 **Limitation of Liability.** Provider’s total liability for actual damages is capped at **GBP 100**, unless a higher mandatory minimum applies. No liability for indirect or consequential loss. Cap does not apply to intentional damage or personal injury liability.
8.4 **Content Responsibility.** Provider bears no responsibility for Expert Content or AI outputs. Claims from third parties must be directed at the Expert.
8.5 **Force Majeure.** Neither party is liable for delay or non‑performance caused by events beyond reasonable control.
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### 9 | Term & Termination
9.1 Agreement runs for an indefinite term from registration acceptance.
9.2 **Expert Termination.** Expert may close the account at any time via account settings or e‑mail; Provider will execute within 30 days.
9.3 **Provider Termination.** Provider may terminate with 30 days’ notice without cause or immediately for serious breach (see 5.3).
9.4 **Effects.** Upon termination, Expert profile and Buddy become inaccessible; Content is deleted from active systems (back‑ups max. 90 days). Outstanding earnings are paid out. Clauses intended to survive (e.g. 4.2, 5.4, 8.3–8.5, 10) remain in force.
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### 10 | Final Provisions
10.1 **Changes to Terms.** Provider may amend these Terms reasonably; at least 15 days’ prior notice by e‑mail or in‑app. Disagreement → Expert may terminate immediately. Continued use = acceptance.
10.2 **Relationship of Parties.** The parties are independent contractors; no employment or partnership is created.
10.3 **Severability.** If any provision is invalid, the remainder stays in force and the parties will replace the invalid part with a valid provision of similar intent.
10.4 **Entire Agreement.** These Terms (incl. referenced documents) constitute the entire agreement and supersede prior arrangements.
10.5 **Assignment.** Provider may assign this agreement within the Buddy.fm group or in connection with an acquisition; Expert will be informed. Expert may not assign without written consent.
10.6 **Governing Law.** Law of England & Wales. Mandatory consumer protection rules at Expert’s residence remain unaffected (Experts are assumed not to be consumers).
10.7 **Dispute Resolution.** Parties will seek an amicable settlement; internal complaint system via support@buddy.fm (30 day response). Failing settlement, courts of Manchester, UK, have jurisdiction, unless mandatory law provides otherwise.
10.8 **Language.** These Terms may be provided in multiple languages; the English version prevails. Headings are for clarity only.
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Thank you for sharing your know‑how with BuddyPro!