Terms and conditions - Credit packs

Please read these terms and conditions ("Terms") carefully before purchasing or using FTO Checker credit packs. By purchasing credit packs or using a pack code, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

 

1. Scope of service

FTO Checker is an online platform that uses AI to assist users in identifying potentially relevant patents and publications related to a submitted invention description. The output is a structured report sent by email.

Credit Packs allow organizations (incubators, accelerators, business angels, or similar entities - "Pack Purchaser") to purchase multiple report credits in advance for distribution to their portfolio companies or affiliated users ("End Users").

This service is intended to provide informational support only. It does not constitute legal advice or a professional freedom-to-operate opinion.

 

2. Pack purchase and code distribution

2.1 Purchase

  • Pack Purchasers acquire credits through Stripe invoicing (card or bank transfer)
  • Upon payment confirmation, a unique pack code is automatically generated and sent by email
  • Pack codes are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase

2.2 Code distribution

  • The Pack Purchaser is solely responsible for distributing the pack code to End Users
  • Pack codes are transferable and may be shared freely within the Purchaser's organization or portfolio
  • FTO Checker does not control or monitor how pack codes are distributed
  • There is no rate limiting on pack code usage beyond the total credit limit

2.3 Credit consumption

  • Each submitted report consumes one (1) credit from the pack
  • Credits are consumed on a first-come, first-served basis when the pack code is used
  • Credits cannot be transferred between different pack codes
  • Unused credits expire 12 months after pack purchase date

 

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Pack purchaser responsibilities

The Pack Purchaser agrees to:

  • Maintain the confidentiality of the pack code or distribute it only to authorized End Users
  • Notify FTO Checker immediately if a pack code is compromised
  • Provide first-level support to End Users regarding pack code usage
  • Monitor credit usage through monthly reports provided by FTO Checker

3.2 End user responsibilities

By using a pack code, each End User confirms that:

  • They are authorized to use the pack code by the Pack Purchaser
  • They are authorized to submit the invention description
  • Their submission does not violate any third-party rights
  • They will not use the service for unlawful or abusive purposes
  • They remain solely responsible for the content of their submission

 

4. Report ownership and rights

4.1 Intellectual property

All materials on this website, including text, graphics, logos, and software, are the intellectual property of FTO Checker or its licensors. You may not reproduce, modify, or distribute any part of the site without explicit permission.

4.2 Report ownership

  • Each End User retains full ownership of their submitted invention description
  • Generated reports belong to the End User who submitted the request, not to the Pack Purchaser
  • End Users are free to use their reports in any way they choose
  • Pack Purchasers receive monthly usage statistics but do not receive copies of individual reports unless shared directly by the End User

 

5. Confidentiality and data handling

We treat all invention data with confidentiality, regardless of whether submitted through individual purchase or pack code:

  • We never use exact descriptions for external queries
  • We delete submissions shortly after report delivery
  • Pack Purchasers receive aggregated usage statistics only (user emails, report counts, dates)
  • Details are outlined in our privacy policy

 

6. Payment terms and refunds

6.1 Payment

  • Payments are processed securely through Stripe
  • Payment methods include credit card (immediate) or bank transfer (1-5 business days)
  • Pack codes are generated only after payment confirmation

6.2 No refunds

  • All pack purchases are final and non-refundable once the pack code has been generated
  • Unused credits cannot be refunded, even if the pack expires
  • Credits cannot be transferred or exchanged for cash

6.3 Pack expiration

  • Packs expire 12 months after purchase date
  • Expired packs cannot be used to generate new reports
  • FTO Checker will send expiration warnings to Pack Purchasers
  • Renewal requires purchasing a new pack at current prices

6.4 Pack exhaustion

  • When a pack's credits are fully consumed, the pack code becomes invalid
  • FTO Checker will send notifications at 10, 5, and 0 credits remaining
  • No automatic renewal occurs - new packs must be purchased separately

 

7. Support

7.1 Support hierarchy

  • End Users should first contact their Pack Purchaser for pack code issues
  • Pack Purchasers may contact FTO Checker at support@ftochecker.com for technical issues, credit consumption questions, report generation failures, or invoice/payment questions

7.2 Report content

  • Questions about report content or interpretation should be directed to qualified patent attorneys
  • FTO Checker does not provide legal advice or opinions on report findings

 

8. Disclaimers

FTO Checker provides informational tools only. While we aim to deliver relevant and high-quality results:

  • We do not guarantee completeness or legal relevance of any report
  • We are not liable for any decisions made based on reports
  • Reports generated through pack codes have the same scope and limitations as individually purchased reports
  • You are encouraged to consult a qualified patent attorney for legal opinions

 

9. Limitation of liability

To the extent permitted by law:

  • FTO Checker shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the service, including but not limited to loss of business, data, or profits
  • This limitation applies to both Pack Purchasers and End Users
  • FTO Checker's maximum liability is limited to the amount paid for the specific pack in question
  • FTO Checker is not responsible for disputes between Pack Purchasers and End Users regarding pack code distribution or usage

 

10. Pack code misuse

FTO Checker reserves the right to:

  • Deactivate pack codes that are used in violation of these Terms
  • Refuse service to Pack Purchasers or End Users who abuse the system
  • Modify pack code validation rules to prevent fraud or abuse

However, we do not monitor or restrict the distribution of pack codes by Pack Purchasers.

 

11. Changes to the service or Terms

We may modify or discontinue the service, or update these Terms, at any time without prior notice. Changes do not affect existing valid pack codes but will apply to future purchases. The latest version will always be available on our website.

 

12. Notifications

12.1 To pack purchasers

FTO Checker will send email notifications to Pack Purchasers regarding:

  • Pack code generation (upon purchase)
  • Monthly usage reports (if pack was used that month)
  • Critical alerts (10, 5, 0 credits remaining)
  • Pack expiration warnings
  • Pack exhaustion notices

12.2 To end users

End Users will receive:

  • Report delivery emails
  • Error notifications if report generation fails

 

13. Governing law and jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of Switzerland. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of Swiss courts.

 

14. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary so that these Terms will otherwise remain in full force and effect.

 

15. Contact

For questions about these Terms: