⚖️ TERMS OF SERVICE

1. Acceptance of Terms

Agreement

By downloading, installing, and using PlusChinese (the "App"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service (the "Terms"), including our Privacy Policy and any other policies referenced herein. If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the App.

These Terms are a legal agreement between you and François Bonnardet Devs ("Company," "we," "us," "our"). They apply to all users of the App, including:

• End users who download and use the App
• Users who create accounts and sign in
• Users who make in-app purchases
• Users who interact with other users through the App

Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes are effective immediately upon posting to the App or our website. Your continued use of the App following changes constitutes your acceptance of the modified Terms. We recommend reviewing these Terms periodically to stay informed of any updates.

Material Changes Notice

For material changes that adversely affect your rights, we will provide notice through:

• In-app notification (pop-up alert)
• Email notification (if you provided an email)
• Updated Terms with a new "Last Updated" date

2. App License & Usage Rights

Limited License Grant

Subject to your compliance with these Terms, we grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to:

• Download and install the App on your personal Android device(s)
• Use the App for personal, non-commercial learning purposes
• Access and view content provided within the App
• Use features and functionality as designed by the Company

Scope of License

This license does NOT permit you to:

• ❌ Copy, modify, or create derivative works of the App
• ❌ Decompile, disassemble, reverse engineer, or otherwise attempt to derive source code
• ❌ Rent, lease, lend, or sell the App
• ❌ Use the App for commercial purposes or resale
• ❌ Remove, obscure, or alter any copyright, trademark, or other proprietary notices
• ❌ Share your account or login credentials with others
• ❌ Use the App on devices other than personal Android devices
• ❌ Bypass, disable, or circumvent any security measures
• ❌ Use the App to build competing products or services
• ❌ Violate any local, state, national, or international laws

Device Requirements

The App is designed for Android devices. You are responsible for:

• Maintaining a compatible Android device (OS version as specified)
• Maintaining sufficient device storage for the App
• Maintaining an active internet connection where required
• Keeping your device and software updated

Termination of License

We may terminate your license immediately if you:

• Violate these Terms
• Engage in unlawful activity
• Attempt to harm the App or its systems
• Harass or abuse other users

Upon termination, you must uninstall the App and cease all use immediately.

3. User Obligations & Prohibited Conduct

Your Responsibilities

You agree to use the App responsibly and in compliance with all applicable laws. You are solely responsible for your conduct and any data or content you provide.

Prohibited Activities

You agree NOT to:

Harmful Content & Abuse

• Post, upload, or transmit hateful, abusive, harassing, defamatory, or obscene content
• Bully, harass, threaten, or intimidate other users
• Discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability
• Create content that promotes violence, harm, or illegal activity

Technical Abuse

• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the App or its systems
• Use automated tools, bots, or scripts to interact with the App (except as authorized)
• Perform security testing without explicit written permission
• Introduce malware, viruses, or other malicious code
• Disrupt App functionality or service availability
• Spam or flood the App with repetitive content

Fraud & Misrepresentation

• Create fake accounts or impersonate others
• Fraudulently redeem premium codes or process fake purchases
• Manipulate in-app billing or purchase systems
• Misrepresent your identity or age
• Engage in payment fraud or chargebacks without legitimate reason

Intellectual Property Infringement

• Upload content that infringes copyrights, trademarks, or patents
• Use trademarked names without authorization
• Distribute copyrighted material without permission

Monitoring & Enforcement

We reserve the right to monitor user conduct and take action against violations, including:

• Warning or suspending your account
• Removing prohibited content
• Terminating your account and access
• Reporting illegal activity to authorities
• Pursuing legal remedies

4. User Accounts & Authentication

Account Creation

The App can be used without creating an account. However, signing in with Google account provides enhanced features such as:

• Account recovery across devices (future feature)
• Premium feature access
• Purchase history tracking

Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials. You agree to:

• Keep your password and authentication credentials secure
• Immediately notify us of any unauthorized account access
• Accept responsibility for all activity that occurs under your account
• Logout from your account when using shared devices

Google Sign-In Terms

When you choose to sign in with Google:

• You authorize the App to access your Google account email and basic profile information
• You comply with Google's Terms of Service
• We process your information in accordance with our Privacy Policy
• You can revoke App access through your Google Account settings at any time

Account Suspension & Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account if you:

• Violate these Terms
• Engage in fraudulent activity
• Abuse other users
• Violate applicable laws
• Have multiple payment disputes or chargebacks

Data Upon Account Closure

Upon account termination:

• Your local data may be deleted from your device
• Purchase history is retained by Google for legal compliance
• Any premium features are revoked
• You forfeit any unused premium credits or codes

5. In-App Purchases & Billing

Payment Processing

All in-app purchases are processed through Google Play Billing. By making a purchase, you agree to:

• All charges displayed to you before purchase
• Google's payment terms and conditions
• Any applicable taxes and fees
• Recurring charges for subscriptions (if applicable)

Purchase Price & Currency

Recurring Subscriptions

If the App offers subscription services:

• Auto-Renewal: Subscriptions renew automatically at the end of each billing period unless you cancel
• Cancellation: You can cancel anytime through Google Play Store > Settings > Subscriptions
• Billing: Your account will be charged on the renewal date
• No Refunds: Partial billing periods are non-refundable (except EU consumers - see section 13)

Premium Codes

We may issue promotional codes for premium access. You agree that:

• Codes are non-transferable and single-use only
• Codes cannot be exchanged for cash or refunds
• Fraudulent code redemptions may result in account termination
• Codes expire on specified dates (clearly communicated)

Billing Disputes

If you have concerns about charges:

• First Step: Contact us at [pluschinese@gmail.com] with your receipt
• Google Play Dispute: File a dispute through Google Play Store within the allowed timeframe
• Chargeback: Disputing charges through your bank may result in account termination
• Resolution: We will work to resolve billing disputes within 30 days

6. Premium Features & Availability

Free vs. Premium

The App provides:

• Free Version: Full access to all core learning features (cards, lessons, vocabulary)
• Premium Version: Enhanced features (if applicable)

Premium Access Grant

Upon purchasing premium features, you receive a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access premium content. Premium access:

• Is personal to your account only
• Cannot be shared, sold, or transferred
• Is revoked upon account termination
• Does not grant you ownership of any content

Premium Feature Changes

We reserve the right to:

• Add, remove, or modify premium features
• Change premium pricing with 30 days notice
• Deprecate features that are no longer supported

Note: For EU consumers, feature removal may trigger refund rights (see section 13).

No Guarantee of Continuous Availability

While we strive to maintain service, we do not guarantee:

• Continuous availability of premium features
• Permanent availability of specific content
• Error-free operation
• Compatibility with all device models or OS versions

7. Intellectual Property Rights

App Ownership

PlusChinese and all its content, including code, design, graphics, text, and functionality, are owned by François Bonnardet Devs or licensed to us. All rights are reserved except as explicitly granted in this license.

Copyrights & Trademarks

• App Code: © François Bonnardet Devs. All rights reserved.
• Content: Learning materials are licensed content or original works
• Brand: "PlusChinese" and related logos are trademarks of François Bonnardet Devs

Restrictions on Content

You may not:

• Reproduce or distribute App content outside the App
• Sell, rent, or lease the App or content
• Use the App to create competing products
• Remove or alter copyright/trademark notices
• Use the App for commercial purposes

User-Generated Content Ownership

If the App allows you to create or upload content:

• You retain ownership of your content
• You grant us a license to display and use your content within the App
• We may use your content for App improvement (anonymized)

Third-Party Content

The App may include content from third parties (e.g., Chinese language resources). Use of such content is subject to their respective licenses and terms. We are not responsible for third-party content.

DMCA / Copyright Infringement

To report copyright infringement, contact:

8. User-Generated Content & Feedback

Content Submissions

If you submit content, feedback, or suggestions to the App:

• You grant us a worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual license to use it
• We may incorporate your feedback into the App without compensation
• We may publicly acknowledge you (unless requested otherwise)

Responsibility for Content

You are solely responsible for any content you create or submit, including ensuring it:

• Does not infringe third-party rights
• Is not defamatory, abusive, or obscene
• Complies with all applicable laws

Content Removal

We reserve the right to remove any user-generated content that violates these Terms or applicable laws, without notice or liability.

Feedback & Suggestions

We welcome user feedback. However, you understand that:

• We are not obligated to implement suggestions
• We may implement similar features without compensation
• We own any improvements or derivatives of your ideas

9. Disclaimers & Warranties

AS-IS Disclaimer

THE APP IS PROVIDED "AS-IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, we disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including:

• Implied warranty of merchantability
• Implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose
• Implied warranty of non-infringement
• Warranty of accuracy, completeness, or reliability
• Warranty of uninterrupted service

Educational Content Disclaimer

While we strive to provide accurate Mandarin Chinese learning content:

• We do not warrant the accuracy or completeness of learning materials
• Pronunciation and tones may vary by region/dialect
• The App is a supplement to formal language instruction, not a replacement
• Results depend on your effort and study habits

Third-Party Services Disclaimer

The App relies on third-party services (Google Play, Firebase, etc.). We are not responsible for:

• Third-party service outages or disruptions
• Third-party data practices or policies
• Third-party content or services

EU Consumer Protection Exception

For EU consumers: These disclaimers do not limit statutory rights under EU law, including consumer protection directives. See section 13 for your EU consumer rights.

10. Limitation of Liability

Scope of Limitation

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW:

We are NOT liable for:

• Any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
• Loss of profits, revenue, data, or use
• Cost of substitute goods or services
• Business interruption
• Any damages arising from use or inability to use the App

Cap on Liability

OUR TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU SHALL NOT EXCEED:

• The amount you paid for the App or premium features in the past 12 months, OR
• $100 USD (whichever is less)

This cap applies even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.

Exceptions to Limitation

This limitation does not apply to:

• Death or personal injury caused by our negligence
• Fraud or willful misconduct
• Breach of fundamental terms of this agreement
• EU consumer rights (see section 13)

EU Consumer Exception

For EU consumers: Liability limitations do not apply to statutory rights under EU consumer protection law. See section 13.

11. Indemnification

Your Indemnification Obligation

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its officers, employees, agents, and successors from any claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including attorney fees) arising from or related to:

• Your use of the App
• Your breach of these Terms
• Your violation of applicable laws
• Your infringement of third-party intellectual property rights
• Content you create or submit
• Your conduct or interactions with other users

Company Indemnification (Limited)

The Company will defend and indemnify you from claims that:

• The App infringes your intellectual property rights (if you use it as authorized)

This obligation does not apply if infringement results from:

• Modification of the App by you
• Combination with non-Company products
• Your failure to use the most recent version

12. Termination & Discontinuation

Termination by You

You may terminate your use of the App at any time by:

• Uninstalling the App from your device
• Signing out of your account
• Requesting account deletion (contact us at [pluschinese@gmail.com])

Termination by Us

We may terminate your access immediately if:

• You violate these Terms
• You engage in fraudulent or illegal activity
• You abuse other users
• You attempt to harm the App or its systems

Effects of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your license to use the App is revoked
• Premium access is revoked
• You must uninstall the App
• Local data may be deleted
• Sections that should survive termination remain in effect (indemnification, limitation of liability, etc.)

App Discontinuation

We reserve the right to discontinue the App with notice:

• We will provide at least 30 days notice
• We will notify you through the App and email (if available)
• We will process refunds for unexpired premium subscriptions (EU consumers have additional rights)

13. European Union Consumer Protection Rights

Right of Withdrawal (14 Days)

You have the right to cancel your purchase within 14 calendar days without penalty.

How to Withdraw:

1. Contact us within 14 days of purchase
2. Provide your order/receipt number
3. We will process the refund within 14 days of your request

Exception:

The right of withdrawal does NOT apply if:

• You requested performance before the withdrawal period expired
• The App has been substantially used beyond testing
• Digital content has been accessed or downloaded

Refund for Defective Products

If the App is defective or does not match the description:

• You have 2 years from purchase to claim a refund or replacement
• For defects in the first 6 months, we must prove the product was not defective at delivery
• You are entitled to repair or replacement at our cost

Price Adjustments

For digital products only: If you request a price adjustment and the App price decreases within 14 days of your purchase, you have the right to request a refund of the difference.

Unsolicited Services

If you did not explicitly request automatic renewal subscriptions:

• You may cancel them at any time
• No penalty applies for cancellation
• We cannot charge you again without explicit consent

How to Request Your Consumer Rights

Non-EU Equivalent

For users outside the EU, we offer similar consumer-friendly policies on a voluntary basis. Contact us for details.

14. Dispute Resolution

Informal Resolution

If you have a dispute with us:

1. Contact us at [pluschinese@gmail.com] with details of your concern
2. We will attempt to resolve the issue within 30 days
3. We may request additional information or clarification
4. We will provide a written response to your claim

EU Alternative Dispute Resolution

For EU consumers: If informal resolution fails, you may use the Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform:

• EC Online Dispute Resolution Platform
• This is a free service for resolving consumer disputes

Mediation

Before litigation, either party may propose mediation:

• A neutral third party will facilitate discussion
• Mediation is non-binding but may help resolve disputes
• Each party bears their own costs

Legal Proceedings

If disputes cannot be resolved informally:

• Small Claims: You may pursue claims in small claims court
• Formal Litigation: Either party may pursue legal action regarding disputes

EU Consumers Exception

For EU consumers: You have the right to pursue claims in your local courts. You may also contact your national consumer authority for assistance.

Class Action Waiver

Unless prohibited by law, you agree that disputes shall be resolved on an individual basis, not as part of a class action or representative proceeding.

15. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

Applicable Law

These Terms of Service are governed by French law and EU regulations, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

EU Law Primacy

For EU consumers: These Terms do not waive any mandatory consumer protections under EU or national law. EU consumer rights take precedence over these Terms.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The invalid provision will be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid.

Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and the Company regarding the App. They supersede all prior agreements, understandings, and negotiations.

No Third-Party Beneficiaries

These Terms are for your benefit and ours. No third party has any rights under these Terms.

Waiver

If we fail to enforce any right or provision, this does not constitute a waiver of that right or provision. We may enforce any right at any time.

Assignment

You may not assign or transfer your rights under these Terms. The Company may assign these Terms to a successor or affiliate with notice.

16. Contact Information & Support

Types of Support Available

• Technical issues and troubleshooting
• Account and billing support
• Feature requests and feedback
• Privacy and data requests
• Disputes and complaints
• Bug reports and security concerns

Preferred Contact Method

Please contact us via email at [pluschinese@gmail.com]. Include:

• Your name and email address
• Device type and OS version
• App version number
• Detailed description of your issue
• Screenshots (if applicable)

Escalation Path

If your issue is not resolved within 30 days:

• Request escalation to management
• You may pursue dispute resolution (section 14)
• EU consumers can use the ODR platform

Compliance & Standards

Regulatory Compliance

Google Play Store Specific

• ✅ Clear terms and conditions
• ✅ Transparent pricing
• ✅ Clear cancellation procedures for subscriptions
• ✅ Compliance with Google Play Developer Policy
• ✅ Compliance with in-app billing regulations