Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using TAPE (the "Service"), operated by Tape Engine ("we," "us," or "our"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the Service.

2. Description of Service

TAPE is an AI-powered platform for creating, designing, and publishing books, including:

• AI-assisted book writing and content generation
• Book cover design and creation tools
• Audiobook generation and narration
• Marketplace for custom design services
• Publishing tools and distribution assistance
• Subscription and credit-based payment options

3. User Accounts

3.1 Registration

You must create an account to use certain features. You agree to:

• Provide accurate and complete information
• Maintain the security of your account credentials
• Be at least 13 years of age (or 18 in some jurisdictions)
• Notify us immediately of unauthorized access

3.2 Account Types

• Free Users: Limited access to features
• Subscribers: Full access based on subscription tier
• Designers: Marketplace sellers with additional responsibilities
• Admins: Platform operators with elevated privileges

3.3 Account Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms or engage in fraudulent, abusive, or illegal activity.

4. Subscriptions and Payments

4.1 Subscription Plans

We offer monthly and yearly subscription plans with auto-renewal. Prices are subject to change with 30 days' notice.

4.2 Credits System

Some features require credits. Credits are non-refundable once purchased and expire according to their terms.

4.3 Payment Processing

Payments are processed through Stripe, PayPal, or LemonSqueezy. You agree to their respective terms of service.

4.4 Refund Policy

• Subscriptions: 14-day money-back guarantee for new subscribers
• Credits: Non-refundable once purchased
• Marketplace Orders: Refunds handled case-by-case per our dispute policy

4.5 Cancellation

You may cancel your subscription at any time. Access continues until the end of the billing period. No partial refunds for mid-cycle cancellations.

5. Marketplace Terms

5.1 Designer Responsibilities

Designers agree to:

• Deliver work as described and within agreed timelines
• Maintain professional communication
• Own or have rights to all submitted designs
• Comply with client feedback and revision requests

5.2 Platform Commission

We charge a 20% commission on marketplace transactions to cover payment processing, infrastructure, and support.

5.3 Payout Terms

Designer payouts are processed via Stripe Connect. Funds are typically available within 7 days after project completion.

5.4 Disputes

In case of disputes between clients and designers, we reserve the right to mediate and make final decisions, including withholding or refunding payments.

6. Intellectual Property

6.1 Your Content

You retain ownership of content you create using TAPE. By using the Service, you grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive license to:

• Store and display your content
• Process your content through AI services
• Create backups and derivatives for service operation
• Display your work in portfolios (if you enable this feature)

6.2 AI-Generated Content

Content generated by AI tools (text, images, audio) is provided "as-is." You are responsible for reviewing and ensuring it meets your needs and doesn't infringe on others' rights.

6.3 Platform Content

The TAPE platform, including software, design, text, graphics, and trademarks, is owned by Tape Engine and protected by copyright and trademark laws.

6.4 Copyright Compliance

You agree not to upload, create, or distribute content that infringes on others' intellectual property rights. We respond to DMCA takedown notices.

7. Prohibited Conduct

You agree NOT to:

• Use the Service for illegal activities
• Upload malicious code, viruses, or harmful content
• Harass, abuse, or harm other users
• Impersonate others or provide false information
• Scrape, data mine, or reverse engineer the platform
• Circumvent payment systems or security measures
• Create spam, adult content, or hate speech
• Resell or redistribute platform access without permission
• Use the Service to compete with us directly

8. Content Moderation

We reserve the right to review, remove, or restrict access to content that:

• Violates these Terms
• Infringes on intellectual property rights
• Contains illegal, harmful, or offensive material
• Violates third-party rights
• Poses security or safety risks

9. Disclaimers and Limitations

9.1 Service Availability

The Service is provided "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" without warranties of any kind. We do not guarantee:

• Uninterrupted or error-free operation
• Accuracy of AI-generated content
• Freedom from viruses or harmful components
• Compatibility with all devices or platforms

9.2 AI Content Disclaimer

AI-generated content may contain errors, inaccuracies, or unintended output. You are solely responsible for reviewing, editing, and ensuring AI content is appropriate for your use.

9.3 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Tape Engine shall not be liable for:

• Indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages
• Loss of profits, data, or business opportunities
• User-generated content or third-party actions
• Service interruptions or data loss

Our total liability shall not exceed the amount you paid us in the 12 months preceding the claim.

9.4 Third-Party Services

We integrate with third-party services (OpenAI, ElevenLabs, payment processors). We are not responsible for their availability, accuracy, or performance.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Tape Engine from claims, damages, or expenses arising from:

• Your use of the Service
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your content or infringement of others' rights
• Your interactions with other users

11. Data and Privacy

Your use of the Service is also governed by our Privacy Policy. By using TAPE, you consent to our collection and use of your data as described in that policy.

12. Termination

12.1 By You

You may terminate your account at any time through account settings or by contacting support.

12.2 By Us

We may suspend or terminate your account immediately if:

• You violate these Terms
• Your account is inactive for over 12 months
• We discontinue the Service
• Required by law or legal process

12.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your right to use the Service ends immediately
• We may delete your data after 30 days (subject to legal requirements)
• You may export your data before deletion
• Unpaid fees remain due

13. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify you of material changes via email or in-app notification. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

14. Dispute Resolution

14.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of [Jurisdiction - To Be Added], without regard to conflict of law principles.

14.2 Arbitration

Disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration, except for claims that can be brought in small claims court. You waive the right to participate in class action lawsuits.

14.3 Informal Resolution

Before filing arbitration, you agree to contact us to attempt informal resolution: support@tapeengine.com

15. Miscellaneous

15.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Tape Engine.

15.2 Severability

If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full effect.

15.3 No Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision does not constitute a waiver of that right.

15.4 Assignment

You may not assign these Terms without our consent. We may assign these Terms without restriction.

15.5 Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays or failures due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control (natural disasters, wars, pandemics, etc.).

16. Contact Us