Terms of Use

1. Acceptance of Terms

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, you may not use our services.

Age Requirement: You must be at least 13 years old to use our services. If you are between 13 and 18, you must have parental consent.

2. Description of Services

Sumeru Labs provides a digital platform offering:

Reading Platform: Access to novels and interactive visual novel games
Creator Center: Tools for authors and creators to publish and monetize content
AI-Assisted Creation: Artificial intelligence tools for content creation assistance
Virtual Economy: Virtual items, rewards, and in-platform purchases
Community Features: User profiles, avatars, and social interactions

3. User Accounts and Registration

3.1 Account Creation

You may create an account using third-party login services or direct registration
You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
You must provide accurate and complete information during registration
One person may maintain only one account

3.2 Account Security

You are responsible for all activities that occur under your account
Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account
We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms

3.3 Account Termination

You may terminate your account at any time
We may terminate or suspend your account for violations of these Terms
Upon termination, your access to paid content and virtual items will be revoked

4. User-Generated Content and Intellectual Property

4.1 Your Content Ownership

Creators retain full copyright ownership of all original content they create and publish
This includes novels, visual novels, artwork, audio, character designs, and other creative works
You grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide license to display, distribute, and promote your content on our platform

4.2 Platform Rights and Revenue Sharing

We collect a 30% platform fee from content sales and transactions
Creators receive 70% of net revenue from their content sales
We handle payment processing, content delivery, and customer support

4.3 Content Restrictions

Published content that has been sold cannot be removed from the platform except for legal violations
Creators must confirm they have not signed exclusive distribution agreements with other platforms
Creators may edit and update content subject to technical limitations and sales history

4.4 Prohibited Content

You may not create, upload, or distribute content that:

Violates any laws or regulations
Infringes on third-party intellectual property rights
Contains hate speech, harassment, or discrimination
Depicts illegal activities or harmful conduct
Contains malware, viruses, or harmful code
Violates privacy rights of others
Is sexually explicit involving minors
Promotes violence or self-harm

5. AI-Assisted Content Creation

5.1 AI Tools and Services

We provide AI assistance for:

Text Generation: Writing suggestions, grammar correction, and creative assistance
Image Generation: Character design, cover art, and illustration creation
Audio Generation: Voice synthesis, sound effects, and music creation
Avatar Creation: Character and profile avatar generation

5.2 AI-Generated Content Ownership

Human creators own AI-assisted content when they provide substantial creative input and direction
AI tools are provided as creative assistance, not as autonomous content creators
All AI-generated content must be reviewed and approved by human creators before publication
We do not claim ownership over content created using our AI tools

5.3 AI Usage Restrictions

AI tools may not be used to create prohibited content (as defined in Section 4.4)
Users may not attempt to reverse-engineer or extract AI models
AI-generated content must comply with all content guidelines and legal requirements
AI-generated content should be appropriately labeled when required by law

5.4 AI Training and Improvement

Your inputs to AI tools may be used to improve our AI systems (with opt-out available)
We do not use third-party copyrighted content to train AI without permission
Users can opt out of AI improvement programs in their account settings

6. Virtual Items and Gaming Economy

6.1 Virtual Items

Our platform includes virtual items such as:

Drop Items: Earned through reading novels and completing games
Purchasable Items: Available for purchase with real money (avatar frames, special effects, etc.)
Avatar Accessories: Customization options for user profiles

6.2 Virtual Item Ownership and Value

Virtual items have no real-world monetary value
Virtual items cannot be transferred, traded, or sold to other users
Virtual items cannot be exchanged for real money or cash equivalents
Virtual items are tied to your account and may be modified or removed for technical or legal reasons

6.3 Virtual Item Purchases

All virtual item purchases are final and non-refundable
Prices are subject to change without notice
We reserve the right to modify or discontinue virtual items
Fraudulent purchases will result in account termination

7. Payment Terms and Subscriptions

7.1 Payment Processing

Payments are processed through Stripe, Apple App Store, and Google Play Store
All prices are displayed in USD unless otherwise specified
Additional taxes may apply based on your location

7.2 Subscriptions and Recurring Payments

Subscription services automatically renew unless cancelled
You may cancel subscriptions through your account settings or app store
Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period
No refunds for partial periods unless required by law

7.3 Creator Revenue

Creator revenue is calculated after platform fees and payment processing costs
Revenue payments are made monthly for balances over $50
Tax documentation may be required for revenue payments
We reserve the right to withhold payments for Terms violations

8. Intellectual Property and Copyright

8.1 Platform Content

Our platform, including software, design, and non-user content, is owned by Sumeru Labs
You may not copy, modify, or redistribute our proprietary technology
All trademarks and service marks are property of their respective owners

8.2 Copyright Infringement (DMCA)

We respect intellectual property rights and comply with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act
To report copyright infringement, contact: xiaoyu@sumeru-labs.com
Include specific information about the allegedly infringing content
False copyright claims may result in account termination

8.3 User-Generated Content License

By publishing content on our platform, you grant us:

Non-exclusive, worldwide license to display and distribute your content
Right to promote and market your content across our platform
Permission to create promotional materials featuring your content
Right to provide content to users who have purchased access

9. Community Guidelines and Conduct

9.1 Acceptable Use

Use the platform in accordance with all applicable laws
Respect other users and creators
Do not engage in harassment, bullying, or abuse
Report violations through our reporting system

9.2 Prohibited Activities

Creating multiple accounts to circumvent restrictions
Attempting to hack, exploit, or reverse-engineer our services
Engaging in fraudulent or deceptive practices
Spamming or sending unsolicited communications
Impersonating other users or entities

9.3 Content Moderation

We reserve the right to review and moderate all content
Content may be removed without notice for Terms violations
Repeat violations may result in account suspension or termination
Appeals process available for content removal decisions

10. Third-Party Services and Integrations

10.1 Third-Party Login

We integrate with third-party authentication services
Your use of third-party services is subject to their terms and policies
We are not responsible for third-party service availability or security

10.2 Analytics and Advertising

We use Google Analytics, Google AdSense, and Google AdMob
These services may collect data according to their privacy policies
You can opt out of personalized advertising through Google Ad Settings

10.3 Payment Processors

Stripe, Apple, and Google process payments according to their terms
We are not responsible for payment processor errors or disputes
Contact payment processors directly for billing inquiries

11. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

11.1 Service Availability

Services are provided "as is" without warranties of any kind
We do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free service
Platform maintenance may cause temporary service interruptions

11.2 Content Disclaimers

We do not endorse user-generated content
Creators are solely responsible for their content accuracy and legality
AI-generated content may contain errors or inaccuracies

11.3 Limitation of Liability

Our liability is limited to the maximum extent permitted by law
We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
Maximum liability limited to amounts paid by you in the preceding 12 months

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Sumeru Labs from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:

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

13. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is governed by our Privacy Policy
We collect and use data as described in our Privacy Policy
You consent to data processing necessary for service provision
International data transfers may occur as described in our Privacy Policy

14. Changes to Terms

14.1 Modification Rights

We may modify these Terms at any time
Material changes will be communicated through email or platform notice
Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance
You may terminate your account if you disagree with changes

14.2 Notice Period

Major changes will have a 30-day notice period
Minor clarifications may be implemented immediately
Changes affecting creator revenue will have a 60-day notice period

15. Dispute Resolution and Governing Law

15.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of New York
Disputes will be resolved in New York state or federal courts
You consent to personal jurisdiction in New York

15.2 Arbitration

Most disputes will be resolved through binding arbitration
Class action lawsuits are waived except where prohibited by law
Small claims court disputes may proceed outside arbitration

15.3 Informal Resolution

Contact us first to attempt informal resolution: xiaoyu@sumeru-labs.com
Good faith effort to resolve disputes before formal proceedings
Mediation available for complex disputes

16. Termination

16.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time
Downloaded content access will be revoked upon termination
Virtual items and subscriptions are non-refundable upon voluntary termination

16.2 Termination by Us

We may terminate accounts for Terms violations
Immediate termination for severe violations (illegal content, fraud)
Notice provided for non-severe violations when possible

16.3 Effect of Termination

Access to platform and content will be revoked
Creator content may remain available to existing purchasers
Unpaid creator revenue will be processed according to normal schedule

17. Miscellaneous

17.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, along with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement
No other representations or agreements are binding
Written modifications require authorized signature

17.2 Severability

If any provision is found unenforceable, the remainder remains in effect
Unenforceable provisions will be modified to achieve their intended purpose
No waiver of any provision unless explicitly stated in writing

17.3 Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays due to circumstances beyond our control
This includes natural disasters, government actions, and technical failures
Service will be restored as soon as reasonably possible

18. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms:

General Inquiries: xiaoyu@sumeru-labs.com or yuqing@sumeru-labs.com
Creator Support: Include "Creator Terms" in subject line
Legal Notices: Include "Legal" in subject line
Address: Sumeru Labs Inc., 100 W 31st Street, New York, NY 10001

Response Time: We aim to respond to all inquiries within 5 business days.