Terms of service
v1.0.3
1. Agreement to these Terms
These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of our websites, software, and services (collectively, the “Services”). By accessing or using the Services, you agree to these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, do not use the Services. The Services are intended for users 18 years or older.
We may update these Terms from time to time. If we make material changes, we’ll post the new Terms and, where appropriate, notify you. Continued use of the Services after changes take effect means you accept the new Terms.
2. Who we are
Stirling PDF, Inc. provides an open‑core PDF application available as self‑hosted software and as hosted services. Some components may be offered under separate open‑source licenses. If a component’s open‑source license conflicts with these Terms, that license controls for that component.
3. Accounts and eligibility
You must provide accurate information, keep your credentials confidential, and promptly notify us of any unauthorized use. We may suspend or terminate accounts for breach or risk to the Services.
4. Your use of the Services
4.1 Acceptable Use
To keep the Services safe and lawful, you agree not to:
Break the law or infringe others’ rights (IP, privacy, publicity).
Upload malware, attempt to gain unauthorized access, or interfere with security.
Scrape, spider, or harvest content or data (other than standard indexing by public search engines).
Send spam or run high‑risk/illegal activities.
Impersonate others or misrepresent your affiliation.
4.2 Self‑hosted vs. hosted (AI/SaaS)
Self‑hosted. You operate your own environment and are responsible for backups, security, and compliance. We do not access your self‑hosted content unless you choose to share it (e.g., for support).
Hosted (AI/SaaS). We provide the infrastructure and may process account, usage, and diagnostic data to operate and secure the Services. See the Privacy Policy for details.
5. Software and licenses
If a separate end‑user license (EULA) or open‑source license accompanies software, that license governs to the extent of any conflict with these Terms. Updates may be required and may install automatically.
6. Intellectual property
We (and our licensors) own the Services, including software, content, and trademarks. You may not use our marks without permission. Except for the limited rights these Terms grant, we retain all rights.
7. User files; feedback; DMCA
7.1 User Files
You retain ownership of any files you upload to the Services. We only process those files at your direction to provide requested functionality (e.g., converting, redacting, or signing). We do not host, publish, or share user files with others. Files are processed privately and, if stored at all in the SaaS version, are temporary and only for the duration needed to deliver the Service.
7.2 Feedback
If you submit feedback, you grant us a perpetual, irrevocable, royalty‑free license to use it.
7.3 Copyright Concerns (DMCA)
Although we do not operate as a public hosting or publishing service, if you believe material processed through our Services infringes your copyright, you may notify our designated Copyright Agent. We will respond as required by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. §512).
Copyright Agent
Stirling PDF, Inc. — DMCA Notices
548 Market Street PMB 887643, San Francisco, CA 94104, USA
[email protected]
8. Third-Party Links and Services
The Services may link to or integrate with third‑party sites or services (e.g., authentication providers, payment processors). We are not responsible for those services, and their terms and privacy policies govern your use.
9. Purchases, subscriptions, and trials
If you buy a paid plan, you authorize us (or our Payment Processor, e.g., Stripe) to charge your payment method for recurring subscription fees, taxes, and any applicable charges. Subscriptions auto‑renew for successive periods at the then‑current price unless you cancel at least 30 days before renewal through your account settings; cancellations take effect at the end of the current term. Fees are non‑refundable except where required by law.
10. Service changes; availability
We may change or discontinue features or the Services altogether. We aim for high availability but do not guarantee uninterrupted or error‑free operation.
11. Termination
You may stop using the Services at any time and can cancel subscriptions in your account. We may suspend or terminate access (with or without notice) if you breach these Terms, if required by law, or to protect the Services. Upon termination, rights granted to you end immediately and we may delete Your Content from live systems, subject to law and our data‑retention practices.
12. Disclaimer of warranties
THE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE.” TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, WE DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON‑INFRINGEMENT. We do not warrant that the Services will meet your requirements or be uninterrupted, secure, or error‑free.
13. Limitation of liability
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, WE WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR FOR LOST PROFITS, REVENUE, DATA, OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION.
Cap. Our total liability for all claims arising from or relating to the Services will not exceed the greater of: (a) the amounts you paid to us for the Services in the three (3) months before the event giving rise to liability, or (b) $100 if you paid nothing during that period.
14. Indemnification
You will defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Stirling PDF, its affiliates, and personnel from and against any third‑party claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from Your Content, your use of the Services in violation of these Terms, or your violation of law or third‑party rights.
15. Dispute resolution; arbitration; class-action waiver
Informal process first. Before filing a claim, you and we agree to try to resolve disputes informally. Send a written notice of the dispute to [email protected] and we’ll schedule a teleconference within 45 days.
Arbitration. If we can’t resolve a dispute informally, any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Services will be resolved by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Consumer Arbitration Rules. The Federal Arbitration Act governs the interpretation and enforcement of this section. The arbitrator will have the authority to grant the same relief a court could, consistent with these Terms. Unless we agree otherwise, the arbitration will occur in the county of your residence. Either party may bring qualifying claims in small‑claims court.
Class‑action and jury waiver. You and we waive any right to participate in a class, collective, or representative action or to a jury trial. Claims must be brought individually.
Batch arbitration. If 100 or more similar arbitration demands are filed by the same counsel within 30 days, AAA will administer them in reasonable batches to increase efficiency.
30‑day opt‑out. You may opt out of arbitration by sending written notice to Stirling PDF, Inc., 548 Market Street PMB 887643, San Francisco, CA 94104 within 30 days of first accepting these Terms; include your name, email tied to your account, and a statement that you opt out of arbitration.
16. Governing law and venue
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware (without regard to conflicts of laws), consistent with the Federal Arbitration Act. For any disputes that are not subject to arbitration or small‑claims court, you and we consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state or federal courts in San Francisco County, California.
17. Export and sanctions compliance
You must comply with applicable export control and sanctions laws and represent you are not prohibited from using the Services under U.S. law.
18. Electronic communications; signatures
You consent to receive notices and other communications electronically and agree that electronic signatures and records satisfy legal requirements.
19. California users & consumer rights
California residents may contact the Complaint Assistance Unit of the Division of Consumer Services of the California Department of Consumer Affairs at 1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N 112, Sacramento, CA 95834 or (800) 952‑5210.
20. Miscellaneous
These Terms are the entire agreement between you and us regarding the Services. They do not create third‑party beneficiary rights. We may assign these Terms; you may not assign them without our consent. If any provision is unenforceable, the remainder remains in effect. Failure to enforce is not a waiver. We aren’t liable for delays outside our reasonable control (force majeure).
21. How to contact us
Email: [email protected]
Mail: Stirling PDF, Inc.
548 Market Street PMB 887643
San Francisco, CA 94104, USA.