Terms of Service
Last Updated: 1 January, 2025
1. Introduction
1.1 Welcome to StoneBridge
Welcome to StoneBridge (“we”, “our”, “us”). These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of our platform, including all related services, features, and content provided by StoneBridge through our website and smart contracts.
1.2 Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using StoneBridge, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must not use our services.
1.3 Eligibility
You must be at least 18 years old and have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement to use StoneBridge. By using our services, you represent and warrant that you meet these eligibility requirements.
2. Description of Services
2.1 Platform Functionality
StoneBridge is a decentralized platform built on blockchain technology, facilitating the creation, management, and trading of digital and physical assets. The core functionalities include:
- Asset Creation: Users can create and register new assets on the platform.
- Transactions and Escrow: Facilitation of secure transactions with funds held in escrow until conditions are met.
- Dispute Resolution: Mechanisms to handle disputes between buyers and sellers.
- Ownership Transfer: Secure transfer of asset ownership upon completion of transactions.
- Emergency Withdrawals: Ability for the contract owner to perform emergency withdrawals under specific conditions.
2.2 Smart Contracts
Our services are powered by smart contracts, specifically the StoneBridge.sol contract, which automates and enforces the rules and transactions on the platform. By using our services, you agree to interact with these smart contracts and abide by their inherent terms and conditions.
3. Account Registration
3.1 Creating an Account
To use certain features of StoneBridge, you may need to register for an account by providing necessary information, including a valid blockchain wallet address. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.
3.2 Account Security
You agree to notify StoneBridge immediately of any unauthorized use of your account or any other breach of security. StoneBridge is not liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to comply with this requirement.
4. User Responsibilities
4.1 Compliance with Laws
You agree to use StoneBridge in compliance with all applicable local, national, and international laws and regulations, including those related to financial transactions, anti-money laundering (as outlined in our AML Policy), and data protection.
4.2 Accurate Information
You must provide accurate, current, and complete information during account registration and ensure that all information you provide is kept up to date.
4.3 Prohibited Activities
You agree not to engage in any of the following prohibited activities:
- Fraudulent Transactions: Attempting to manipulate the platform for illicit gains.
- Disallowed Assets: Listing or transacting assets that are illegal or restricted.
- Unauthorized Access: Attempting to gain unauthorized access to the platform’s systems.
- Disruption of Services: Engaging in activities that disrupt or degrade the performance of the platform.
5. Transactions and Payments
5.1 Asset Listings
Users can list assets for sale by providing necessary details such as description, price, and geolocation data. All listings must comply with our Prohibited Activities guidelines.
5.2 Purchase Process
When you commit funds to purchase an asset, the transaction amount is held in escrow by the StoneBridge.sol smart contract until the transaction is finalized or disputed.
5.3 Fees
StoneBridge may charge fees for certain services, including but not limited to transaction fees, listing fees, and withdrawal fees. All applicable fees will be clearly displayed before you complete a transaction.
5.4 Refunds and Cancellations
Refunds and cancellations are subject to the platform’s policies and the outcome of any disputes. Please refer to our Dispute Resolution section for more information.
6. Escrow and Funds Management
6.1 Escrow Mechanism
Funds committed to purchase assets are held in escrow to ensure secure and fair transactions. The smart contract manages the disbursement of these funds based on the transaction’s status.
6.2 Emergency Withdrawals
In exceptional circumstances, such as a smart contract vulnerability or security breach, the contract owner may perform an emergency withdrawal of funds. This action is governed by the Emergency Withdrawal section of the smart contract.
7. Dispute Resolution
7.1 Raising a Dispute
If a dispute arises between a buyer and seller, either party can raise a dispute through the platform. The transaction will then enter a disputed state, and the Dispute Resolution process will be initiated.
7.2 Resolving Disputes
Disputes are managed by the contract owner or an appointed arbitrator. The decision made during dispute resolution is final and binding on all parties involved.
7.3 Refunds
If a dispute is resolved in favor of the buyer, funds held in escrow will be refunded according to the smart contract’s rules as outlined in the Dispute Resolution and Refunds and Cancellations sections.
8. Ownership Transfer
8.1 Transfer Process
Upon successful completion of a transaction, ownership of the asset is transferred to the buyer. This process is automated by the smart contract, ensuring a secure and transparent transfer.
8.2 Verification
Both parties must verify the completion of the transfer. Failure to do so may result in unresolved transactions and potential disputes.
9. Fees and Payments
9.1 Fee Structure
StoneBridge’s fee structure is transparent and subject to change. All fees applicable to your transactions will be displayed clearly before completion.
9.2 Payment Methods
Transactions on StoneBridge are conducted using cryptocurrency as specified by the platform. Ensure that you have a compatible wallet and sufficient funds to cover both the transaction amount and any applicable fees.
10. Prohibited Activities
10.1 Illegal Activities
You must not use StoneBridge for any illegal purposes, including money laundering, financing terrorism, or any activity that violates applicable laws and regulations.
10.2 Fraudulent Behavior
Engaging in deceptive practices, such as creating fake listings, manipulating transaction outcomes, or any form of fraud, is strictly prohibited.
10.3 Unauthorized Access and Data Breaches
Attempting to breach the platform’s security, access other users’ data, or disrupt the services is prohibited and may result in termination of your account and legal action.
11. Termination
11.1 Termination by User
You may terminate your account at any time by following the account termination procedures outlined in your account settings.
11.2 Termination by StoneBridge
StoneBridge reserves the right to suspend or terminate your access to the platform at its sole discretion, without prior notice, for violations of these Terms or any applicable laws.
11.3 Effect of Termination
Upon termination, all pending transactions will be handled according to the platform’s policies, and any remaining funds in your account will be refunded or transferred as applicable.
12. Privacy Policy
Your use of StoneBridge is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which outlines how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.
13. Disclaimer of Warranties
StoneBridge is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis without any warranties of any kind, either express or implied. We do not warrant that the platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free from harmful components.
14. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, StoneBridge shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of profits or revenues, whether incurred directly or indirectly, or any loss of data, use, goodwill, or other intangible losses, resulting from:
- Your use or inability to use the platform.
- Unauthorized access to or alteration of your transmissions or data.
- Any conduct or content of any third party on the platform.
15. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless StoneBridge, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses, including reasonable legal fees, arising out of or in any way connected with your access to or use of the platform, your violation of these Terms, or your infringement of any intellectual property or other rights of any person or entity.
16. Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of [Your Jurisdiction], without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any disputes arising under or in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in [Your Jurisdiction].
17. Changes to Terms
17.1 Amendments
StoneBridge reserves the right to modify or replace these Terms at any time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting on the platform. Your continued use of StoneBridge following the posting of revised Terms constitutes your acceptance of the changes.
17.2 Notification
We will make reasonable efforts to notify you of significant changes to these Terms, such as through email notifications or prominent notices on our website.
18. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Policy
Our Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Policy outlines our commitment to preventing and detecting money laundering activities within StoneBridge. By using our platform, you agree to comply with these AML provisions.
19. Contact Us
If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at:
- Email: support@stonebridge.com
- Address: [Your Company Address]
- Phone: [Your Contact Number]
Effective Date: [Insert Date]
Last Reviewed: [Insert Date]
Approved By: [Name/Title]