Terms of Service

Introduction

Welcome to CertVera. By accessing or using our website and services at certvera.com, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you disagree with any part of these terms, you may not access the service.

CertVera provides blockchain-based document timestamping and certification services. These terms govern your use of both the dashboard interface and the L402 API.

Services Offered

CertVera provides the following services:

• Document Certification - Anchoring SHA-256 document hashes to the Bitcoin blockchain via OP_RETURN transactions, creating immutable proof of existence at a specific point in time.
• Dashboard Access - A web-based interface for uploading documents, tracking blockchain confirmations, and managing certified files.
• L402 API - A programmatic interface for timestamping document hashes, accessible via Lightning Network payments without requiring an account.
• Free Verification - Public, free verification of any previously timestamped hash against the Bitcoin blockchain.

Accounts & Access

Dashboard access requires authentication via a supported OAuth provider (Google, LinkedIn, or Apple). By creating an account, you confirm that the information provided through your OAuth provider is accurate.

You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account and any activity that occurs under your authentication. CertVera does not store passwords - authentication is handled entirely through third-party OAuth providers.

The L402 API does not require an account. Access is granted through Lightning Network payments on a per-request basis.

Acceptable Use

You agree to use CertVera only for lawful purposes. You shall not:

• Upload files containing malware, viruses, or malicious code
• Use the service to facilitate illegal activity
• Attempt to circumvent security measures or access controls
• Submit fraudulent or misleading certification requests
• Abuse the API through excessive automated requests beyond reasonable use

All uploaded files are subject to automated virus scanning. Files that fail security scans will be rejected.

Payments

Certification fees are displayed before payment is processed. Pricing includes a fixed service fee plus estimated Bitcoin network fees, which vary based on current blockchain conditions.

For dashboard users, payment is processed through your stored payment method. For API users, payment is processed via Lightning Network invoices.

Refund Policy: Due to the immutable nature of blockchain transactions, certifications cannot be reversed once a transaction has been broadcast to the Bitcoin network. Refunds may be considered on a case-by-case basis for transactions that have not yet been broadcast.

Intellectual Property

CertVera does not claim ownership of any documents you upload or hashes you submit. Certification through CertVera does not constitute legal proof of authorship or ownership - it proves only that a specific document hash existed at a specific point in time.

The CertVera name, logo, and website content are the property of CertVera and may not be used without permission.

Disclaimers

CertVera is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. We make no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding the reliability, accuracy, or availability of the service.

While we use the Bitcoin blockchain for maximum security and permanence, we cannot guarantee uninterrupted access to the service or the Bitcoin network. Blockchain confirmation times are determined by the Bitcoin network and are outside our control.

Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, CertVera shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages resulting from your use of or inability to use the service.

Our total liability for any claim arising from these terms or the service shall not exceed the amount you paid to CertVera in the twelve months preceding the claim.

Termination

CertVera reserves the right to suspend or terminate your access to the platform without prior notice if you violate these terms or engage in activity that may harm the service or other users.

Upon termination, your right to use the service ceases immediately. However, any certifications already anchored to the Bitcoin blockchain remain permanent and independently verifiable regardless of your account status.

Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to update these terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated via email to registered users or through a prominent notice on our website. Continued use of the service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the modified terms.

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