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Terms of Service

Terms of Service

Last Updated: January 2025

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using Branchverse ("the Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use the Service.

2. Description of Service

Branchverse is a collaborative branching narrative platform where users can create stories, branch chapters from existing stories, and explore alternative narrative paths. The Service allows users to read, write, and interact with branching stories.

3. Age Requirement

You must be at least 16 years old to use Branchverse. By using the Service, you confirm that you are 16 years of age or older. If you are under 16, you may not use the Service.

4. User Responsibilities

4.1 Acceptable Use

You agree to use the Service only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. You agree NOT to:

  • Post illegal content or content that violates any applicable laws
  • Harass, threaten, or abuse other users
  • Post content that is defamatory, libelous, or violates privacy rights
  • Post content that contains hate speech, discrimination, or incites violence
  • Impersonate any person or entity
  • Interfere with or disrupt the Service or servers
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the Service
  • Use automated systems (bots, scrapers) without permission

4.2 Content Standards

All content you post must be your original work or you must have the right to post it. You are responsible for ensuring your content does not infringe on the rights of others.

5. Content Ownership and License

5.1 Your Ownership

You retain all ownership rights to the content you create on Branchverse, including chapters and stories.

5.2 License to Branchverse

By posting content on Branchverse, you grant Branchverse a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to:

  • Display, distribute, and perform your content on the Service
  • Modify your content solely for technical purposes (formatting, display)
  • Sublicense these rights to third-party service providers necessary to operate the Service

This license continues even if you stop using the Service, as necessary to maintain the integrity of branching narratives.

5.3 Chapter Immutability

IMPORTANT: Once you publish a chapter on Branchverse, it becomes part of the branching narrative tree and cannot be edited or deleted. This immutability is fundamental to the Service's design, ensuring that:

  • Other users' branches remain connected to your chapter
  • The narrative history remains intact
  • Readers can trust the permanence of the story structure

By publishing a chapter, you acknowledge and agree to this immutability. Please review your content carefully before publishing.

6. Account Termination

6.1 By You

You may stop using the Service at any time. However, your published content will remain on the Service in accordance with §5.3 (Chapter Immutability).

6.2 By Us

We may suspend or terminate your account if you:

  • Violate these Terms
  • Violate our Content Policy
  • Engage in harmful or abusive behavior
  • Use the Service for illegal purposes

We will provide notice when possible, except in cases of severe violations.

6.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

  • Your account access will be revoked
  • Your published content will remain visible (attribution may be anonymized)
  • You will not be able to create new content or interact with the Service

7. Dispute Resolution

7.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales, without regard to conflict of law principles.

7.2 Jurisdiction

Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the Service shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

7.3 Informal Resolution

Before initiating formal proceedings, you agree to contact us at support@branchverse.app to attempt to resolve any dispute informally.

8. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

  • Branchverse is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind
  • We are not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
  • Our total liability is limited to the amount you paid to use the Service (currently $0)

9. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be notified via email or a prominent notice on the Service. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

10. Contact

For questions about these Terms, contact us at: Email: support@branchverse.app --- *These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and Branchverse regarding the Service.*