FlatGrad Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using FlatGrad ("the Platform," "Service," "we," "us," or "our"), you ("User," "you," or "your") agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"), our Privacy Policy, Community Guidelines, and all applicable laws and regulations. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use our Platform.

2. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old, or 13 with verifiable parental/guardian consent, to use the Platform. By using the Platform, you represent that you have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement and will comply with all applicable laws.

3. Description of Services

FlatGrad is a student marketplace enabling users to buy, sell, sublease housing, trade tickets, and connect with other verified students. FlatGrad is not a party to any transactions, nor do we guarantee, endorse, or verify listings or users beyond basic student verification.

4. Service Availability

We strive to provide continuous availability but do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free service. Outages, delays, or disruptions may occur without prior notice.

5. Account Registration and Security

You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to maintain the security of your login credentials. You are fully responsible for activity under your account. Report unauthorized use immediately.

6. One Account Policy

Each individual may maintain only one account unless expressly permitted by FlatGrad in writing.

7. Account Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts for violations of these Terms, illegal activity, harmful conduct, fraud, or prolonged inactivity. You may close your account at any time, subject to data retention obligations.

8. Acceptable Use

You agree not to:

• Violate any laws or regulations;
• Post, distribute, or transmit fraudulent, harmful, unlawful, defamatory, or obscene content;
• Harass, stalk, or abuse other users;
• Engage in spamming, phishing, or malicious activity;
• Interfere with Platform functionality;
• Use the Platform for unauthorized commercial solicitation.

9. User Content

You retain rights to content you post but grant FlatGrad a worldwide, royalty-free, sublicensable license to use, reproduce, display, and distribute such content solely to operate and improve the Platform. You represent you own or control rights to such content.

10. Prohibited Content

Posting illegal, harmful, infringing, discriminatory, or explicit material is strictly prohibited.

11. Intellectual Property

All FlatGrad intellectual property, trademarks, and content are owned or licensed by FlatGrad and protected by copyright, trademark, and other applicable laws. Users are granted only a limited, revocable license to access and use the Platform lawfully.

12. Copyright & DMCA

We respect intellectual property rights. If you believe content infringes your copyright, submit a notice in compliance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) to team@flatgrad.com.

13. Safety and Offline Meetings

FlatGrad does not conduct background checks on users. Meeting other users is at your own risk. We strongly recommend meeting in public, well-lit locations and exercising caution. FlatGrad disclaims liability for offline interactions, incidents, or disputes.

14. Payments & Transactions

All transactions are solely between users. FlatGrad does not process payments, guarantee fulfillment, or mediate disputes unless explicitly stated. Users assume all risks in engaging in transactions.

15. Third-Party Services

The Platform may include links or integrations with third-party services. Use of such services is subject to their terms and policies. FlatGrad is not responsible for third-party conduct.

16. Disclaimers of Liability

The Platform is provided "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE." FlatGrad disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, and uninterrupted availability.

17. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, FlatGrad, its affiliates, officers, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages, including loss of profits, goodwill, or data, arising from use of the Platform. Our total liability shall not exceed the greater of:

• (a) one hundred dollars ($100), or
• (b) the amount paid by you to FlatGrad in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim.

18. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless FlatGrad, its affiliates, employees, and officers from any claims, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from your use of the Platform, violation of these Terms, or interactions with other users.

19. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes or claims will be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association under its rules. Arbitration will be conducted in Madison, Wisconsin, or virtually. Class actions and jury trials are expressly waived.

20. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Wisconsin and applicable federal law. Subject to arbitration requirements, courts located in Madison, Wisconsin shall have exclusive jurisdiction.

21. Waiver of Right to Sue

By agreeing to these Terms, you waive the right to bring claims in court (except as otherwise permitted under arbitration rules). Your exclusive remedy is through arbitration.

22. Modifications to Terms

We may revise these Terms at any time. Updates are effective immediately upon posting. Continued use of the Platform after updates constitutes acceptance.

23. Miscellaneous

• These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and FlatGrad regarding Platform use.
• If any provision is found invalid, the remaining provisions remain enforceable.
• Failure to enforce rights or provisions does not constitute a waiver.
• Headings are for convenience only and have no legal effect.

24. Force Majeure

FlatGrad shall not be liable or responsible for any failure or delay in performance caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including acts of God, natural disasters, labor disputes, internet or telecommunications failures, government actions, wars, pandemics, or power outages. Performance shall be excused for the duration of such events.

25. Privacy & Data Compliance

Your use of the Platform is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which complies with applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). By using the Platform, you consent to the collection, use, and sharing of your information as described in our Privacy Policy.

26. Future Paid Features

FlatGrad may, in the future, introduce optional paid features, such as post boosting or premium services. Any payments for such features will be subject to separate payment terms provided at the time of purchase. Users are responsible for any applicable fees, taxes, and third-party processing charges.

27. Arbitration Remedies

Arbitration shall provide all remedies available under applicable law, and the arbitrator shall have authority to award legal and equitable relief, including injunctive and monetary damages. Arbitration costs shall be allocated in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

28. Modification of Terms (Improved Clarity)

We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will take effect 30 days after posting, unless immediate changes are required for legal or security reasons. Continued use of the Platform after the effective date of updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

29. Severability & Non-Waiver (Expanded)

If any provision of these Terms is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect. Our failure to enforce any right or provision shall not be deemed a waiver of such right or provision.

30. Export & Sanctions Compliance

You may not use or access the Platform if you are located in a country or territory subject to comprehensive U.S. trade sanctions or if you are on any U.S. government restricted party list. You agree to comply with all applicable export control and sanctions laws.

31. Legal Notices Contact

Legal notices and correspondence (other than DMCA notices) should be directed to: team@flatgrad.com

Contact Information

FlatGrad

Madison, Wisconsin, USA

Email: team@flatgrad.com

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