Terms of Service

Last Updated: September 1, 2025

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Chesseon, operated by Chesseon LLC ("we," "us," "our," or "Company"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the Chesseon platform, website, and services (collectively, the "Platform").

By accessing or using our Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use our Platform.

We may modify these Terms at any time by posting updated Terms on our Platform. Your continued use after such modifications constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

2. Platform Description

Chesseon is a digital publishing platform focused on chess content where users can:

Create and publish chess-related articles, courses, and content
Engage with other users through social features (posts, comments, messages, reviews, likes, shares)
Monetize content through subscriptions and direct sales
Access premium chess content from other creators

3. Eligibility and Account Registration

Age Requirements

You must be at least 13 years old to use our Platform. Users under 18 must have parental consent.

Account Registration

You must provide accurate, current, and complete information
Email verification is required for all accounts
You are responsible for maintaining account security and confidentiality
One person may maintain only one account
We reserve the right to refuse service or terminate accounts at our discretion

International Users

Our Platform is available internationally, subject to local laws. You are responsible for compliance with your local regulations.

4. User Content and Intellectual Property

Content Ownership

You retain all ownership rights in your content ("Your Content"). You represent and warrant that:

You own or have necessary rights to all content you post
Your Content does not infringe third-party intellectual property rights
You have the right to grant the licenses described below

License to Chesseon

By posting content, you grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, sublicensable, and transferable license to use, reproduce, distribute, prepare derivative works of, display, and perform Your Content in connection with the Platform and our business operations, including for promoting and redistributing the Platform in any media formats and through any media channels.

Chess-Specific Content Guidelines

You may not share copyrighted chess materials (books, videos, databases) without proper authorization
Discussion of ongoing tournaments is permitted but must comply with tournament-specific rules

Content Standards

All content must meet basic quality standards:

No duplicate, spam, or misleading content
Content must match titles and descriptions
Technical functionality required (readable text, working links)
No false or deceptive claims about content or outcomes

5. Monetization and Payments

Creator Monetization

To monetize content, you must:

Verify your e-mail address
Connect a Stripe account to the Platform (Visit "Payments" section of your account page)
Comply with all payment processor requirements
Maintain accurate tax information
Respond to customer inquiries within 7 days

Payment Processing

All payments are processed through Stripe
Chesseon collects a 30% commission on all sales
Transfers to connected accounts occur automatically
You are responsible for applicable taxes on your earnings
We will issue appropriate tax forms (1099-NEC) as required by law

Refunds and Customer Service

Refunds are handled by Chesseon. Customers must contact support@chesseon.com to start the refund process. Customers must contact our support team within 72 hours of the purchase to be eligible for a refund.

Platform Intervention

We reserve the right to intervene in the following circumstances:

Creator fails to respond to customer complaints within 7 days
Repeated complaints about the same creator or content
Payment disputes or fraud allegations
Content that violates platform policies

Interventions may include issuing refunds, suspending monetization, removing content, or terminating accounts.

6. Social Features and Community Guidelines

Acceptable Use

You agree to use social features respectfully and constructively. Prohibited conduct includes:

Harassment, bullying, or threatening behavior
Spam or repetitive messaging
Impersonation of others
Sharing personal information without consent
Posting illegal, harmful, or inappropriate content

Content Moderation

Community reporting is our primary moderation method
We reserve the right to remove content or suspend accounts for violations
Repeated violations may result in permanent account termination

Verified Accounts

We may offer verification badges to high-profile community members at our discretion. Verification does not constitute endorsement of content or opinions.

7. Technical Specifications and Limitations

File Uploads

Maximum file size: 10MB per upload
Supported formats: Images (JPEG, PNG, GIF), Videos (MP4, MOV, AVI)
External video links are permitted and encouraged

Platform Availability

We strive for 99% uptime but cannot guarantee uninterrupted service
Scheduled maintenance will be announced when possible
We are not liable for service interruptions or data loss

8. Privacy and Data Protection

Data Collection and Use

Our Privacy Policy, incorporated by reference, governs our collection and use of your information.

Data Retention

Following account termination, we retain user data for 90 days before permanent deletion, except as required by law or ongoing legal proceedings.

International Data Transfers

As we serve international users, your data may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your residence, including the United States.

9. Prohibited Content and Activities

Prohibited Content

Illegal content or content promoting illegal activities
Copyrighted material without authorization
Malicious software or viruses
Content depicting minors inappropriately
Pornographic or adult content
Hate speech or discriminatory content
False or misleading information

Prohibited Activities

Attempting to hack, disrupt, or compromise platform security
Creating fake accounts or manipulating platform metrics
Violating others' intellectual property rights
Engaging in fraudulent transactions
Circumventing technical restrictions

10. Copyright and DMCA

DMCA Compliance

We comply with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. If you believe content infringes your copyright, submit a takedown notice to our designated agent at dmca@chesseon.com.

Takedown Notice Requirements

Your notice must include:

Your physical or electronic signature
Identification of the copyrighted work
Identification of the infringing material and its location
Your contact information
Statement of good faith belief that use is unauthorized
Statement that information is accurate under penalty of perjury

Counter-Notification

If your content was removed due to a DMCA notice, you may submit a counter-notification. We will restore content within 10-14 business days unless the copyright holder files court action.

Repeat Infringer Policy

We will terminate accounts of users who repeatedly infringe copyrights. Three validated copyright violations may result in permanent account termination.

11. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

Platform Disclaimers

The Platform is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind
We do not guarantee accuracy, completeness, or quality of user content
Chess instruction content is provided for educational purposes only
We are not responsible for the quality or outcomes of creator content

Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

Our total liability to you shall not exceed the amount you paid us in the 12 months preceding the claim
We are not liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
We are not liable for user content or third-party actions

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Chesseon LLC, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including attorney fees) arising from:

Your use of the Platform
Your content or conduct
Your violation of these Terms
Your violation of third-party rights

13. Termination

Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time by visiting your account page. Upon termination:

Your content will be removed within 90 days
Outstanding payments will be processed according to normal schedule
You remain liable for any outstanding obligations

Termination by Us

We may terminate or suspend your account immediately for:

Material breach of these Terms
Fraudulent or illegal activity
Repeated policy violations
Extended inactivity (24+ months)

Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

All licenses granted by you continue for content we have already distributed
Accrued obligations survive termination
Data retention follows our Privacy Policy

14. Dispute Resolution

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by Maryland law, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Dispute Resolution Process

For disputes not resolved through customer service:

Negotiation: 30-day good faith negotiation period
Mediation: Binding mediation in Maryland
Arbitration: Individual arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association
Class Action Waiver: You waive the right to participate in class actions

Exceptions

The following disputes may be resolved in Maryland state or federal courts:

Intellectual property infringement claims
Requests for injunctive relief
Small claims court matters under $5,000

15. General Provisions

Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Chesseon LLC.

Severability

If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue in full force.

Assignment

You may not assign these Terms. We may assign these Terms without notice.

Force Majeure

We are not liable for failures due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

Notices

Legal notices will be sent to your registered email address. Platform updates may be posted on the website.

By using Chesseon, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.