Terms & Conditions

1. Acceptance of Terms

These Terms & Conditions ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Pierian Ltd ("Company", "we", "us", or "our") regarding your participation in the Fontis Beta Program and use of the Fontis software ("Software").

By signing up for the beta program, downloading, installing, or using the Software, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the Software.

2. Beta Program Participation

2.1 Purpose

The Fontis Beta Program is designed to test pre-release versions of the Software and gather user feedback to improve the product before public release.

2.2 Beta Period

This beta program is expected to conclude on or before 30th June 2026 or upon our commercial launch of the Software, whichever occurs first ("Beta Period"). We may extend or shorten the Beta Period at our discretion by giving you at least 14 days' notice.

2.3 Eligibility

Participation in the beta program is by invitation only and is limited to individuals who are currently resident in the United Kingdom. We reserve the right to accept or reject any application at our sole discretion.

2.4 Beta Status

3. License Grant

3.1 Limited License

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to use the Software solely for testing purposes during the beta period.

3.2 Scope

You may:

• Install and use the Software on your personal devices
• Test the Software's features and functionality
• Provide feedback on your experience

4. Restrictions and Obligations

4.1 You Must Not:

• Modify, reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the Software
• Remove or alter any proprietary notices or labels
• Distribute, sell, lease, or sublicense the Software to third parties
• Use the Software for commercial purposes
• Share your beta access credentials with others
• Attempt to circumvent any security measures or limitations
• Use the Software for any illegal or unauthorized purpose

4.2 You Agree To:

• Report bugs and issues where possible (feedback is voluntary but encouraged)
• Provide constructive feedback when requested (participation is voluntary)
• Use reasonable security measures to protect the Software
• Back up your data regularly
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations

5. Confidentiality

5.1 Confidential Information

The Software, including all features, functionality, performance characteristics, and any related documentation, is considered confidential information.

5.2 Non-Disclosure

You agree to:

• Keep all confidential information strictly confidential
• Not disclose features or functionality to third parties without written permission
• Not post screenshots, videos, or reviews publicly without authorization
• Not discuss the Software on social media or public forums

5.3 Exceptions

Confidentiality obligations do not apply to information that: (a) is publicly available through no fault of yours; (b) was known to you before disclosure; (c) is required to be disclosed by law.

6. Feedback and Contributions

6.1 Voluntary Feedback

Any feedback, suggestions, ideas, or other information you provide regarding the Software ("Feedback") is voluntary.

6.2 License to Feedback

By providing Feedback, you grant us a worldwide, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free license to use, modify, and incorporate your Feedback into the Software or other products without compensation or attribution.

6.3 No Obligation

We are under no obligation to implement any Feedback or to keep Feedback confidential.

7. Data Collection and Usage

7.1 Data Collection

The Software may collect usage data, error reports, performance metrics, and other technical information to improve functionality and user experience.

7.2 Privacy Policy

Our collection and use of personal data is governed by our Privacy Policy, which you should review carefully.

7.3 Consent

By using the Software, you consent to data collection as described in our Privacy Policy.

8. No Warranty

We do not warrant that:

• The Software will be error-free or uninterrupted
• Defects will be corrected
• The Software will meet your requirements
• The Software is free from viruses or harmful components
• Data will not be lost or corrupted

9. Limitation of Liability

9.1 No Liability for Damages

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL PIERIAN LTD BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Loss of data or information
• Loss of research materials
• Academic loss, missed deadlines, or dissertation impacts
• Loss of profits or business opportunities
• Interruption of business
• Cost of substitute products or services

9.2 Maximum Liability

Our total liability to you for any claims arising from or related to the Software shall not exceed £50 (fifty pounds sterling) or, to the maximum extent permitted by law, zero liability.

You acknowledge that the Software is provided free of charge as part of a beta testing program, and you accept it on an "as is" basis with no expectation of compensation for any issues or damages.

9.3 User Responsibility

You are solely responsible for:

• Backing up your data before and during Software use
• Any consequences of using beta software
• Ensuring the Software is suitable for your purposes

10. Updates and Modifications

10.1 Automatic Updates

The Software may download and install updates automatically. You consent to these automatic updates as part of your use of the Software.

10.2 Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify beta participants of material changes via email. Continued use of the Software after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

10.3 Feature Changes

We may add, modify, or remove features at any time without notice during the beta period.

11. Termination

11.1 By You

You may terminate your participation in the beta program at any time by uninstalling the Software and ceasing use.

11.2 By Us

We may terminate your access to the Software at any time, with or without cause, including if:

• You breach these Terms
• The beta program ends
• We decide to discontinue the beta program
• We launch the public version

11.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your license to use the Software immediately ceases
• You must uninstall and delete all copies of the Software
• Confidentiality obligations continue for 12 months after the end of the Beta Period or until we publicly release the Software, whichever is earlier
• We may disable your access remotely

12. Intellectual Property

12.1 Ownership

All rights, title, and interest in and to the Software, including all intellectual property rights, belong to Pierian Ltd. These Terms do not grant you any ownership rights.

12.2 Trademarks

"Fontis", "Pierian", and all related logos and marks are trademarks of Pierian Ltd. You may not use our trademarks without prior written permission.

12.3 User Content

You retain ownership of your bibliographic data and content. We do not claim ownership of your research materials.

13. Indemnification

13.1 Your Indemnification Obligations

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Pierian Ltd, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or related to:

• Your breach of these Terms
• Your misuse of the Software
• Your violation of any applicable law or regulation
• Your sharing of beta access credentials or the Software with unauthorized third parties
• Any claim that your actions caused harm to a third party

13.2 Notification

We will promptly notify you of any claim subject to indemnification and allow you to assume control of the defence, provided that we may participate in the defence with our own counsel at our expense.

14. Force Majeure

Neither party shall be liable for any failure or delay in performing their obligations under these Terms where such failure or delay results from circumstances beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• Natural disasters, acts of God, or severe weather events
• War, terrorism, civil unrest, or armed conflict
• Government actions, laws, or regulations
• Pandemics, epidemics, or public health emergencies
• Internet or telecommunications failures
• Power outages or infrastructure failures
• Cyber attacks or security incidents affecting third-party services

The affected party shall use reasonable efforts to mitigate the effects of the force majeure event and resume performance as soon as practicable.

15. Governing Law

15.1 Jurisdiction

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Isle of Man, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

15.2 Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from these Terms or the Software shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Isle of Man.

15.3 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

16. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms & Conditions, please contact us: