Terms of Service

Last updated: September 1, 2025

1. Acceptance and Agreement

1.1 Binding Agreement

By downloading, installing, accessing, or using Rock Identifier ("the App"), you enter into a binding agreement with Rock Identifier Inc. ("Company," "we," "us," or "our"). If you do not agree to these Terms of Service ("Terms"), do not use the App.

1.2 Age Requirements

• You must be at least 13 years old to use the App
• Users under 18 require parental or guardian consent
• Parents/guardians are responsible for minors' use of the App
• Some features may have additional age restrictions

1.3 Capacity to Enter Agreement

By using the App, you represent that you have the legal capacity to enter into these Terms and are not prohibited from using the App under applicable laws.

2. Description of Services

2.1 Core Services

Rock Identifier provides:

• AI-powered rock and mineral identification through image analysis
• Comprehensive geological database and educational content
• Community features for sharing discoveries and knowledge
• Offline functionality for remote field work

2.2 Educational Purpose

The App is designed for educational, recreational, and research purposes. Professional geological work should always be verified through additional scientific methods and expert consultation.

2.3 Service Availability

We strive to maintain service availability but do not guarantee uninterrupted access. Services may be temporarily unavailable due to:

• Scheduled maintenance and updates
• Technical difficulties or server issues
• Force majeure events beyond our control
• Security incidents or necessary protections

3. User Responsibilities and Conduct

3.1 Acceptable Use

You agree to use the App only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. You will:

• Provide accurate information when creating accounts
• Use the App respectfully and responsibly
• Respect other users' rights and privacy
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
• Report bugs, security vulnerabilities, and inappropriate content

3.2 Prohibited Activities

You may not:

• Upload inappropriate, offensive, or copyrighted content without permission
• Attempt to reverse engineer, decompile, or hack the App
• Use the App for commercial purposes without explicit written permission
• Create fake accounts or impersonate others
• Distribute malware, viruses, or harmful code
• Interfere with other users' enjoyment of the App
• Violate intellectual property rights
• Use automated systems to access the App without permission
• Share your account credentials with others

3.3 Content Guidelines

When uploading images or contributing content:

• Ensure you own the rights to uploaded images
• Do not include people's faces or private property without consent
• Keep content family-friendly and educational
• Respect geological site access rules and environmental regulations
• Do not share locations of sensitive or protected geological sites

4. Accuracy and Limitations

4.1 AI Identification Accuracy

While Rock Identifier achieves high accuracy rates (typically 99.5%), AI-powered identification is not infallible. Results should be considered educated suggestions based on:

• Image quality and lighting conditions
• Completeness of specimen visibility
• Training data coverage for specific rock types
• Regional geological variations

4.2 Professional Use Disclaimer

4.3 Environmental and Safety Considerations

• Always follow local laws regarding rock collecting and geological sampling
• Respect private property and protected natural areas
• Use appropriate safety equipment during field work
• Be aware of potential hazards (unstable terrain, wildlife, weather)
• Some minerals may be harmful if handled improperly

5. Intellectual Property Rights

5.1 Our Intellectual Property

Rock Identifier and all related technology, including but not limited to:

• AI algorithms and machine learning models
• Software code, design, and user interface
• Geological database and educational content
• Trademarks, logos, and branding materials
• Documentation and user guides

Are owned by us and protected by copyright, trademark, patent, and other intellectual property laws.

5.2 Your Content Rights

You retain ownership of photos and content you upload. However, by using the App, you grant us:

• A non-exclusive license to process your images for identification services
• Rights to use aggregated, anonymized data to improve our AI models
• Permission to display your contributions in community features (if you opt-in)
• Rights to use your content for research and development purposes

5.3 Third-Party Content

The App may include content from third parties, including geological databases, educational materials, and community contributions. Such content is owned by respective parties and used under appropriate licenses.

6. Subscription and Payment Terms

6.1 Free and Premium Services

• Free Version: Basic identification features with limited uses
• Premium Subscription: Unlimited identifications, advanced features

6.2 Subscription Terms

• Subscriptions automatically renew unless cancelled
• Prices are subject to change with 30 days notice
• Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period
• Refunds available according to App Store policies

6.3 In-App Purchases

All purchases are processed through official app stores (Apple App Store, Google Play Store). Billing, refunds, and purchase disputes are handled according to the respective app store's terms and policies.

7. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Our data collection, use, and protection practices are detailed in our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. Key points include:

• We collect only necessary data to provide and improve services
• Your personal information is never sold to third parties
• You control sharing of your geological discoveries and locations
• We use bank-level encryption to protect your data
• You can request data deletion at any time

8. Limitation of Liability

8.1 Service Limitations

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, WE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR:

• Indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
• Loss of profits, data, use, goodwill, or other intangible losses
• Damages resulting from reliance on identification results
• Service interruptions or technical difficulties
• Third-party actions or content

8.2 Maximum Liability

Our total liability for any claims arising from your use of the App shall not exceed the greater of: (a) the amount you paid us in the 12 months preceding the claim, or (b) $100 USD.

8.3 Professional and Safety Disclaimer

We are not responsible for:

• Professional decisions based on App results
• Safety incidents during geological field work
• Environmental damage or regulatory violations
• Inaccurate identifications or missed identifications
• Consequences of trespassing or illegal collecting

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Company, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorney fees) arising from:

• Your use or misuse of the App
• Violation of these Terms or applicable laws
• Content you upload or share
• Infringement of third-party rights
• Your geological field activities

10. Termination

10.1 Termination by You

You may stop using the App at any time and delete your account through the app settings or by contacting support.

10.2 Termination by Us

We may suspend or terminate your access immediately for:

• Violation of these Terms
• Fraudulent or abusive behavior
• Illegal activities
• Extended inactivity (with notice)
• Technical or security reasons

10.3 Effect of Termination

• Your right to use the App ends immediately
• We may delete your data according to our Privacy Policy
• You can request data export before termination
• Surviving provisions include limitations of liability and intellectual property rights

11. Dispute Resolution

11.1 Informal Resolution

Before filing any formal dispute, please contact us at legal@rockidentifier.com to attempt informal resolution. We commit to responding within 30 days and working in good faith to resolve concerns.

11.2 Binding Arbitration

Any disputes not resolved informally will be resolved through binding arbitration rather than in court, except where prohibited by law. This includes:

• Claims relating to these Terms or the App
• Privacy or data protection disputes
• Intellectual property disputes
• Claims for damages or other relief

11.3 Class Action Waiver

You agree not to participate in class actions, class arbitrations, or representative actions against us. Each party may only resolve disputes on an individual basis.

12. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of Delaware, United States without regard to conflict of law provisions. Any legal proceedings must be brought in the courts of Delaware.

13. Changes to Terms

13.1 Modification Rights

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be communicated through:

• In-app notifications for material changes
• Email notifications to registered users
• Updated "Last Modified" date
• Website announcements

13.2 Acceptance of Changes

Continued use after modifications constitutes acceptance of new terms. If you disagree with changes, discontinue use and contact us about account deletion.

14. General Provisions

14.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and us regarding the App.

14.2 Severability

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

14.3 Waiver

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

14.4 Assignment

We may assign these Terms in connection with mergers, acquisitions, or asset sales. You may not assign your rights without our written consent.

14.5 Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays or failures due to events beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, government actions, or technical failures.

15. App Store Compliance

15.1 Apple App Store

For iOS users, additional terms apply as required by Apple's App Store Review Guidelines, including acknowledgment that Apple is not responsible for the App or its content.

15.2 Google Play Store

For Android users, additional terms apply as required by Google Play Developer Policy, including compliance with content policies and technical requirements.

16. Contact Information

General Support: anujitha.dev@gmail.com

Response Time: We respond to legal inquiries within 5 business days.