The Knot Worldwide Inc. Terms of Use

 

Effective Date: November 12, 2020

 

These Terms of Use describe the terms and conditions (the “Terms”) of The Knot Worldwide (“TKWW,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). These Terms apply to all websites and mobile applications owned and operated by us or our affiliates that link to these Terms, and related online and offline services thereto (including our social media pages) (collectively, the “Services”).

 

For additional terms applicable to TheBash.com Web and mobile Web pages, and any of our The Bash or GigMasters branded properties (“The Bash”) only, see the Additional Terms Specific to The Bash, in Sections 27 through 30, below.

 

For Contact Information for Specific Properties, see Section 31, below

 

1. Your Acceptance of the Terms

 

By using or accessing the Services, you confirm your agreement to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy, which are incorporated herein by reference. If you do not agree to these Terms and the Privacy Policy, please do not use or access the Services. The Terms expressly supersede any prior Terms of Use between you and us or any of our affiliates or predecessors. Certain features, products, or software that you use, purchase, or download through the Services may be subject to additional terms and conditions presented to you at the time that you use, purchase, or download them. For example, any contests, sweepstakes, or other promotions (each a “Promotion,” and, collectively, “Promotions”) made available through the Services may be governed by rules that are separate from these Terms. If you participate in any Promotions, please review the applicable rules as well as our Privacy Policy. If the rules for a Promotion conflict with the Terms, the Promotion rules shall apply. Similarly, some areas of the Services (including, without limitation, The Knot Shop) are hosted or provided by our third-party hosts or service providers and are subject to additional terms and conditions of use, which are posted within those areas on such third parties’ websites.

 

PLEASE CAREFULLY REVIEW SECTION 22 “MANDATORY ARBITRATION AND CLASS ACTION WAIVER” SET FORTH BELOW AS IT WILL REQUIRE YOU TO RESOLVE DISPUTES WITH US ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS THROUGH FINAL AND BINDING ARBITRATION. BY ENTERING THESE TERMS, YOU EXPRESSLY ACKNOWLEDGE YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL OF THE TERMS INCLUDED HEREIN AND HAVE TAKEN TIME TO CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES OF THIS IMPORTANT DECISION.

 

We reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to change, modify, add, or remove portions of these Terms at any time, and you agree to be bound by such modifications or revisions. It is your responsibility to check the Terms periodically because any changes will be binding on you. By continuing to access or use the Services after those revisions become effective, you agree to be bound by the revised Terms.

 

2. The Services and Users of the Services

 

Through our Services we offer an innovative community and marketplace for the wedding industry, expectant parents, and for other important life events. Our Services are only available to business entities and individuals at least 18 years of age who can form legally binding contracts under applicable law.

Users of our Services include individual users such as prospective brides and grooms, newlyweds, wedding guests, people hosting an event, cohabitants of a residence, and expectant parents (collectively, “Members”), and companies and other third parties offering products and services related to weddings or other important life events (collectively, “Vendors”) (all of the foregoing, including Members and Vendors, are referred to collectively, herein as “Users”). Certain areas of the Services may provide a place for Members to interact with Vendors and book services that a Vendor offers.

 

a. Members

 

As a Member, you acknowledge that while we use techniques to help verify the identity of Vendors when they register for memberships or subscriptions on our Services, we cannot and will not guarantee each Vendor’s identity, capabilities, that it has obtained all required permits, licenses or consents, or that it complies with all applicable laws. We do not endorse any particular Vendor nor do we guarantee the quality of their goods or services. You should use our Services as a starting point for identifying organizations that provide the products and services you need, then conduct your own research to ensure the service providers you choose to do business are appropriate for you.

 

b. Vendors

 

If you are agreeing to the Terms on behalf of a company or other legal entity, you represent and warrant that you have the authority to bind that company or other legal entity to the Terms and, in such event, “you” and “your” refer to that company or other entity.

 

As a Vendor you acknowledge that we will not endorse you or your products or services. We are in no way responsible for assisting you in reaching an agreement with Members. We are not responsible for assisting you in providing goods and services to Members. Your membership or subscription to our Services may not be transferred or sold to another party.

 

As a Vendor you must list the true and correct name of your business on the Services. If there is a change to that business name, Vendors must promptly update the Services and may need to provide additional documentation for proof of name change. Vendors who engage in the sale of goods and services must have a valid business operations license, as applicable. If you or your company experiences a dissolution, merger or other significant change in personnel (e.g., sale of company), then we, in our sole discretion, have the right to determine whether to keep active, transfer or terminate your account, including all content previously associated with such account.

 

We may offer different types of paid and free memberships or subscriptions. For instance, we may offer “Basic,” “Free Trial,” “Lite,” or other unpaid vendor memberships. These unpaid Vendor memberships do not guarantee any advertising placement or other benefits. We reserve the right to modify the terms of or cancel any such unpaid vendor memberships. We may also offer memberships or subscriptions for which a Vendor pays (“Paid Subscriptions”). Additional terms and conditions described in the Terms of Purchase apply to such Paid Subscriptions, and are made a part of the Terms by reference. If there is a conflict between the Terms and the terms for any service offered on or through the Services, such as Paid Subscriptions, the latter terms shall control with respect to your use of that portion of the Services.

 

3. We Are a Neutral Venue

 

As a User, you acknowledge that we are not a product or service provider, vendor, or an agent representative for any Vendor. We and the Services function solely as a neutral venue and digital clearinghouse where Users may connect for particular types of services or products. We are not involved in or a party to the actual transaction between Users. As a result, we have no control over the existence, quality, accuracy, safety, or legality of the transactions that take place on our Services or the accuracy of any Vendor listings. We have no control over the ability of Vendors to provide items or perform services or the ability of Members to pay for any goods and services. We make no representations or warranties and are not liable or responsible for the actions or inactions of our Users.

 

4. Nondiscrimination Policy

 

We want all Users to feel welcome and included on our Services. Accordingly, we prohibit discrimination against Users, guests, or Our Representatives (as defined below) based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital, family, pregnancy status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran or citizenship status, age, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, regional, state, or local law. Such discrimination includes, but is not limited to, refusing to provide or accept services or any other conduct that improperly takes into account these characteristics. This prohibition applies to the posting of discriminatory content, such as reviews or forum posts, on the Services. We will, at our discretion, take steps to enforce this policy, up to and including suspending from our Services those Vendors and Members who violate this policy. If you experience discrimination with any Member or Vendor, please contact support at policy@theknotww.com, with the subject “Nondiscrimination Policy,” so we can investigate and take appropriate measures.

 

We reserve the right to suspend any User’s access to the Services and cancel the contract of any Vendor to violates these rules or who engages in offensive and detrimental behavior, including behavior that shocks, insults, or offends the community and public morals and decency, including through making racist, discriminatory or offensive comments on our properties and elsewhere or by taking actions that would tend to reflect poorly on us.

 

5. Jurisdictional Issues

 

We control and operate the Services from our facilities in the United States of America and, unless otherwise specified, the materials displayed on the Services are presented solely for the purpose of promoting products and services available in the United States, its territories, possessions, and protectorates. We do not represent that materials on the Services are appropriate or available for use in other locations. If you choose to access the Services from other locations, you are responsible for compliance with local laws, if and to the extent that local laws are applicable. Our affiliated companies have Websites that are intended to serve many other countries in the world. Please see Bodas.net for access to sites focused on Europe, Latin America, Canada and India.

 

6. Accounts, Passwords and Security

 

To access certain features or areas of the Services, you may be required to register and create an account. You agree to provide true, accurate, current, and complete information about yourself as prompted by the applicable registration or log-in form, and you are responsible for keeping such information up to date (this includes your contact information, so that we can reliably contact you). In addition, certain features of the Services may only be available to our registered Users. To access those areas of the Services you will be required to log in using your username and password. You are responsible for all activity occurring when the Services are accessed through your account, whether authorized by you or not.

Therefore, if you create an account, be sure to protect the confidentiality of your account password. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to protect your password or account information.

 

7. Privacy

 

Our Privacy Policy, describes how we handle the information you provide to us when you use our Services. You understand that through your use of the Services you consent to the collection and use (as set forth in the Privacy Policy) of this information, including the processing and use by us and our affiliates. To the extent that you interact directly with a Vendor through our Services, you are subject to their Privacy Policy in connection with such interactions.

 

8. Rules for Using the Services

 

You must comply with all applicable laws and contractual obligations when you use the Services. In using the Services, you also agree to abide by the rules outlined below.

 

Users of the Services

 

As a User of the Services, you expressly agree not to:

 

 

Vendors

 

If you are a Vendor, you further expressly agree not to:

 

 

We reserve the right to suspend any User’s access to the Services and/or cancel the contract of any User that violates these rules.

 

9. Protection of Intellectual Property Content

 

Our Services contain copyrighted material, inventions, know-how, potentially patentable business method material, design logos, phrases, names, logos, HTML code and/or other computer code and/or scripts (collectively, “Intellectual Property Content”). Unless otherwise indicated and/or provided pursuant to a third-party license, our Intellectual Property Content is our sole property, and we retain all appurtenant rights, interests and title thereto. We also claim ownership rights under the copyright and trademark laws with regard to the “look,” “feel,” “appearance” and “graphic function” of this Services, including but not limited to its color combinations, sounds, layouts and designs.

 

You may use the Services (including any content and materials included on the Services) for your own personal, non-commercial use, but you may not use it for commercial purposes. You may not modify, copy, reproduce, republish, upload, post, transmit, translate, sell, create derivative works, exploit, or distribute in any manner or medium (including by email or other electronic means) any material from the Services unless explicitly authorized in these Terms. You may not frame or link to the Services without our prior written permission.

 

The Services contain trademarks, trade names, trade dress, service marks, domain names or other indicia of ownership (collectively the “Marks”) owned or licensed for use by us, including but not limited to, THE KNOT, THE KNOT WORLDWIDE, TKWW, WEDDING PRO, THE BASH, THE BUMP, HOW THEY ASKED, TWO BRIGHT LIGHTS, AND MATCHMAKER PRO. Unless otherwise agreed to in writing, you agree that no right, property, license, permission, or interest of any kind in or to the Marks is or is intended to be given or transferred to or acquired by you pursuant to the execution, performance, or non-performance of the Terms or any part thereof. You shall in no way contest or deny the validity of, our right of title to or license of use for, the Marks, and you shall not encourage or assist others directly or indirectly to do so, during the lifetime of the Terms and thereafter. You shall not utilize the Marks or any similar marks in any manner that would diminish their value or harm their reputation.

 

You shall not use or register any domain name, trademark, or service mark that is identical to or similar to any of the Marks.

 

10. Content Submitted by Users

 

The Services may offer Users the opportunity to submit or post information to the Services, and to share information with other Users through message boards, Vendor advertisements and listings, and other means. You agree to use common sense and good judgment when conducting or posting any online communication or distribution of information.

 

Any information submitted to the Services through any means is “Submitted Content.”

 

By posting Submitted Content, you expressly represent and warrant the following: (i) you are the owner, with all appurtenant rights thereto, of any and all Submitted Content; or (ii) you are the legitimate and rightful grantee of a worldwide, royalty free, perpetual, irrevocable, sub-licensable, non-exclusive license to use, distribute, reproduce, and distribute Submitted Content. You further represent and warrant that all persons and entities connected with the Submitted Content, and all other persons and entities whose names, voices, photographs, likenesses, works, services, and materials have been used in the Submitted Content or its exploitation, have authorized the use of their names, voices, photographs, likenesses, performances, and biographical data in connection with the advertising, promotion, trade and other exploitation of the Submitted Content and the rights granted herein.

 

Users are solely responsible for their Submitted Content. We do not control the Submitted Content of Users. We are not a publisher of Submitted Content and we are not responsible for its accuracy or legality. You assume legal responsibility for and will indemnify us from all liabilities, losses, or damages incurred as a result of any of your Submitted Content.

 

11. Our License to Submitted Content

 

By posting Submitted Content to any part of the Services, you automatically grant, and you represent and warrant that you have the right to grant to us, an irrevocable, perpetual, non-exclusive, transferable, fully-paid-up, royalty-free, worldwide license (with the right to sublicense at multiple levels) to use, copy, publicly perform, publicly display, reformat, translate, excerpt (in whole or in part), and distribute such Submitted Content for any purpose and in any format on or in connection with the Services, our business, or the promotion thereof, to prepare derivative works of, or incorporate such Submitted Content into other works, and to grant and authorize sublicenses of the foregoing. Additionally, by providing Submitted Content, you authorize us to use the names, voices, photographs, likenesses, performances, and biographical data included in or associated with any Submitted Content in connection with the advertising, promotion, trade and other exploitation of the Submitted Content and the rights granted herein. You acknowledge that we may retain archived copies of your Submitted Content and may continue to use your Submitted Content in connection with any materials that were created prior to your removal of your Submitted Content, in accordance with the license described above.

 

We always want to receive messages and feedback from our Users and welcome any comments regarding the Services. Any ideas, suggestions, comments or proposals you send to us (collectively, “Submissions”) are entirely voluntary and we will be free to use such Submissions as we see fit and without any obligation or compensation to you.

 

12. Rules Regarding Submitting Content

 

By using our Services, you agree not to post any Submitted Content that you know is incorrect or not current.

 

You further agree not to post Submitted Content or take any action that:

 

 

We reserve the right, but do not have the obligation to monitor, remove, or restrict any Submitted Content for any reason, including, without limitation, that your Submitted Content is in violation of these Terms or is otherwise inappropriate, as determined in our sole discretion.

 

You agree that any action or inaction by us or any of our directors, officers, shareholders, parents, subsidiaries, employees, consultants, affiliates, partners, agents or representatives (collectively, our “Representatives”) to prevent, restrict, redress, or regulate Submitted Content, or to implement other enforcement measures against any Submitted Content, is undertaken voluntarily and in good faith. Our Representatives may moderate Submitted Content, conduct, and compliance with these Terms at our discretion but they do not have any authority to make binding commitments, promises or representations on our behalf.

 

You expressly agree that Our Representatives and anyone else authorized to act on our behalf shall in no circumstances be liable as a result of any representation that we would or would not restrict or redress any Submitted Content, conduct or potential or purported violation of the Terms.

 

13. Tools & Changes to Services

 

The Services offers several tools to Users (collectively, “User Tools”), some of which are provided by third parties. We are not responsible for the availability, suitability or effectiveness of any of these User Tools, whether provided by a third party or not.

 

In order to optimize Services operation, we are constantly testing and evolving the Services and the services offered on it. We reserve the right to modify or discontinue any User Tools or other services or features provided on the Services at any time without warning. You agree that we may make such changes and reverse or modify them at any time, without notice.

 

We are not responsible for any data you lose as a result of a malfunction of the User Tools or the Services or for any other reason or any consequential damages resulting from such data loss. You should always keep a back-up copy of all such information on your computer and in hard copy.

 

14. Fees & Payments

 

There are no minimum fees for Users to join our Services. Optional fee-based services are available but participation is not mandatory.

 

Members: There are currently no fee-based services for a large portion of our Services. We may offer optional fee-based services, which may include services provided by third parties. Your use of such services shall be subject to any applicable additional terms and conditions which may include the third parties’ terms and conditions, and in such circumstances, the third parties, and not us, are responsible for delivering any purchases goods or performing any booked services, and in issuing any applicable refunds. Your credit card will not be charged unless and until you agree to use that fee-based service and/or to incur a charge with us. The fee and timing of payments for the fee-based service will be described separately as part of the applicable fee-based service.

 

We also provide wedding website customized domain or similar service subscriptions in annual increments and related services (“WWCD”). Occasional service outages, downtime, or disruptions to functionality may occur that we do not or cannot control. If such outages, downtime, or disruptions occur, we will use commercially reasonable efforts to assist with restoring service as soon as possible. We are not liable or responsible for damages if such outages occur. To the extent available, we will register the domain for your WWCD and act as your nominee only. Any and all responsibility and liability associated with the WWCD domain name or content on the domain is yours. We reserve the right at any time to reject (e.g., at the time of selection or any time afterward), abandon, or transfer (including on your behalf) any domains and/or wedding websites in the event that we receive notification that the domain infringes or allegedly infringes any third-party right or for any other reason. After selecting a domain name, it may take an estimated twenty-four (24) business hours for your website to be viewable online (although no guarantees are made by us with respect thereto). If the selected domain expires, the wedding website will revert to a subdomain selected by the Company in its sole discretion.

 

Cash Gifting. In addition to and without limiting anything contained herein or in the Privacy Policy, if you use any cash gifting feature or similar product or service (each, a “Cash Gifting Service”), you agree to the following:

 

 

Vendors: Vendors with valid Vendor accounts may opt into additional paid services (“Premium Services”). Such Premium Services will be subject to additional terms.

 

We may add new services for additional fees and charges, or add or amend fees and charges for existing services, at any time in our sole discretion. In order to optimize the Services, we are constantly testing new initiatives and product offerings and may change the operation of the Services, including the order and manner in which advertisements appear on it, the way that services are delivered, and the way that new customers are charged for services. You agree that we may test, implement, remove or modify features on the Services at any time without notice.

 

Payments for Fee-based Programs. If you opt-in to a fee-based program, you irrevocably and expressly authorize us to debit or credit, as applicable, any monies to the account that you have identified. You agree that it is your responsibility to maintain a valid, non-expired credit card on file with us while engaging in fee-based activities on our Services. You agree that if you do not maintain a valid, non-expired card on file with us during any billing attempt, you may be subject to interest and penalties as enumerated below and we may suspend or terminate your access to any such fee-based program upon any payment default.

 

You irrevocably and expressly authorize us to withhold any monies and/or debit any monies from any account that you have identified for any charge backs, fees, costs, deductions, adjustments, and any other amounts owed to us. We reserve our rights to all actions and remedies in connection with any monies owed to us. You will indemnify, defend and hold us harmless for any claims, demands or causes of actions that we take toward any identified account pursuant to this Section.

 

Billing Policies. You are responsible for paying any and all applicable fees as set forth in any agreement entered into (i) through the Services (including for any mobile application or goods or services provided by a Vendor to a Member (a “User Provided Service”) or (ii) by clicking through to another digital property or mobile application that requires payment, and applicable taxes associated with the Services in a timely manner with a valid payment method. Unless we state in writing otherwise, all fees and charges are nonrefundable and all fees are quoted in U.S. Dollars. All payments must be made by the methods specified within the Services. If you want to use a different debit or credit card, or there is a change in debit or credit card validity or expiration date, or if you believe someone has accessed the Services using your user name and password without your authorization, you must contact policy@theknotww.com.

 

Unpaid Fees. If, for any reason, any fees you owe us have not been received or in any manner realized by us (“Unpaid Fees”), you agree to pay such Unpaid Fees immediately. In addition, we may charge interest, in the amount of 2.0% per month (or the maximum amount allowed by law), on any unpaid account balance that you maintain. Any partial payments made by Users will first be applied to the most recent fees owed to us, including interest. We reserve the right to waive or reduce the amount of any Unpaid Fees, penalties, or interest at any time. You also agree to pay any attorney fees, and other costs of collection incurred by us with respect to any Unpaid Fees. You also consent and authorize us, in our sole discretion, to make appropriate reports to credit reporting agencies, financial institutions, tax agencies and law enforcement authorities, and cooperate with them in any resulting investigation or prosecution.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company agrees that it will not charge any late fees or interest to a User’s credit card.

 

Correcting Mistakes in Payments to Vendors and Members. We reserve the right to fix any processing errors we discover. We will correct any processing errors by debiting or crediting the payment method used for the erroneous refund or reimbursement. Users will look solely to other Users (including vendors) to resolve any payment errors made by such User, and we will have no liability for such errors.

 

Payment and Third-Party Payment Processors. Purchases made through the Services (including for any User Provided Service) may be processed through a third-party payment processor or other payment service provider (each, a “Payment Processor”). If applicable, you may be provided a notice when entering your payment information directing you to such Payment Processor’s terms of use and privacy policy. All payments are governed by the Payment Processor’s terms of use and privacy policy.

 

Parties Relationship. The applicable User, and not us, is responsible for delivering any purchased goods or providing any services. If you, as a User, choose to enter into a transaction with another User, you agree and understand that you will be required to enter into an agreement with such User and agree to any terms or conditions which may be imposed by such User. As a User, you acknowledge and agree that you, and not us, will be responsible for performing the obligations of such agreements, except as otherwise expressly set forth in the Terms.

 

Charges on Your Account. You are responsible for all charges incurred under your account made by you or anyone who uses your account. If your payment method fails or you are past due on amounts owed, we may collect fees owed using other collection mechanisms. Your account may be deactivated without notice to you if payment is past due, regardless of the dollar amount. You are also responsible for paying any taxes imposed on your use of the Services or any services contained therein (including for any Vendor Provided Service), including, but not limited to, sales, use or value-added taxes. To the extent we are obligated to collect such taxes, the applicable tax will be added to your billing account.

 

Authorization; Payment Processing. You expressly authorize us to debit or credit any monies from the payment method you have chosen. Authorization to charge your chosen payment method account will remain in effect until you cancel or modify your preferences within the Services; provided, however, that such notice will not affect charges submitted before we could reasonably act. The Vendor shall be responsible for all fees associated with the processing of the payment method, including payment processing and associated bank fees.

 

Automatic Membership Renewal (“Auto-Renew”). If you are a Vendor and you enter into a Terms of Purchase (TOP) / Terms of Sale (TOS) agreement with us, any terms in those TOP /TOS documents relating to automatic renewal or the explicit lack thereof, will prevail. Absent such terms, Vendor memberships may renew automatically for successive periods. Without limiting the foregoing, if you sign up, upgrade, or renew your membership, you are automatically entered into our auto-renew program unless otherwise specified in the applicable terms or agreement. This means that, unless otherwise specified in the applicable terms or agreement, we will charge your selected payment method at the start of each new membership term and during the membership term. To avoid having fees billed for the renewal term to your selected payment method, you must cancel your subscription before it renews as indicated in the applicable terms or agreement. You may cancel your membership by contacting us at support@weddingpro.com. If you are enrolled in a monthly or other periodic payment plan and you decide to cancel during the membership period, you acknowledge and agree that, unless otherwise agreed in writing, you may continue to be billed on a monthly or other applicable periodic basis until your originally scheduled membership expiration date. Renewal pricing terms are subject to change, with notice, prior to the beginning of the next billing period.

 

15.1. Text Messaging

By using the Services, you agree that we and those acting on our behalf may, in certain circumstances, send you text (SMS) messages at the phone number you provided us. These messages may include operational messages about your use of the Services, as well as marketing or other promotional messages. You may not be able to use the Services without agreeing to receive operational text messages. Users of the Services may also send you text messages through the Services.

 

You may opt-out of receiving marketing text messages at any time by texting STOP to any text message from us or sending an email to legal@theknotww.com, indicating that you no longer wish to receive marketing texts along with the phone number of the mobile device receiving the messages. You may continue to receive text messages for a short period while we process your request, and you may also receive text messages confirming the receipt of your opt-out request. If you do not want to receive operational text messages from us, do not use the Services. Text messages may be sent using an automatic telephone dialing system. Your agreement to receive marketing texts is not a condition of any purchase or use of the Services. Carriers, text messaging platforms, and TKWW and its Representatives are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. If you change or deactivate the phone number you provided to us, you must update your account information to help prevent us from inadvertently communicating with anyone who acquires your old number. Data and message rates may apply for SMS and MMS alerts, whether you send or receive such messages. Please contact your mobile network operator for details.

 

15.2. E-SIGN Disclosure

By agreeing to receive text messages, you also consent to the use of an electronic record to document your agreement. You may withdraw your consent to the use of the electronic record by sending a message to policy@theknotww.com. To view and retain a copy of this disclosure or any information regarding your enrollment in this program, you will need (i) a device (such as a computer or mobile phone) with a web browser and Internet access and (ii) either a printer or storage space on such device. For a free paper copy, or to update our records of your contact information, please contact us via policy@theknotww.com with contact information and the address for delivery.

 

16. Coupons & Discounts

 

We may allow you to receive promotional coupons (“Coupons”), or other promotions or discounts (“Discounts”) that may be used to purchase goods and services from us or third parties (“Coupon Vendors”). Additional terms and conditions may be contained on each Coupon or Discount. Any violation of the terms and conditions will make the Coupon Discount void. We are not responsible for lost or stolen Coupons. Coupons or Discounts are not redeemable for cash. Only one Coupon or Discount per redemption. A Coupon or Discount is automatically void if prohibited by law. A Coupon or Discount may not be used for alcohol, tips, taxes, and any other statutory limitations. You acknowledge and agree that we may stop (permanently or temporarily) providing the Coupons or Discounts to you or to users generally at our sole discretion, without prior notice to you.

 

17. Disclaimers of Warranties

 

THE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED FOR ENTERTAINMENT, EDUCATIONAL, AND PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. TKWW AND ITS PARENTS, SUBSIDIARIES OR OTHER AFFILIATES, OR ANY OF OUR OR THEIR DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, STOCKHOLDERS, EMPLOYEES, CONSULTANTS, PARTNERS, AGENTS, OTHER OF OUR REPRESENTATIVES, OR CONTENT OR SERVICE PROVIDERS (THE “LIMITED PARTIES”) IS NOT ITSELF A PROVIDER OF HEALTH CARE OR TELEHEALTH SERVICES, AND THE SERVICES ARE NOT INTENDED TO, AND DO NOT CONSTITUTE COUNSELING OR THERAPY OR HEALTH, MEDICAL, OR LEGAL ADVICE. YOU AGREE THAT USE OF THE SERVICES IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. WHILE WE ENABLE USERS TO COMMUNICATE WITH ONE ANOTHER, WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR MONITORING SUCH INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS, AND WE ARE NOT A PARTY TO TRANSACTIONS OR INTERACTIONS THAT MAY OCCUR BETWEEN USERS, WHETHER ONLINE OR OFFLINE. ADDITIONALLY, WE CANNOT AND DO NOT REPRESENT OR WARRANT THAT ANY VENDOR IS LICENSED, QUALIFIED, INSURED OR CAPABLE OF PERFORMING ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE, AND WE MAKE NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES ABOUT THE EXPERTISE, PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS, OR QUALITY OF WORK OF ANY VENDOR , OR THE SUITABILITY, RELIABILITY OR ACCURACY OF THE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES THEY PROVIDE. WE PROVIDE THE SERVICES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY CONTENT PROVIDED, DISPLAYED, OR GENERATED THROUGH THE SERVICES, OR ANY PRODUCTS OR SERVICES ORDERED OR PROVIDED VIA THE SERVICES, ON AN “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED (INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT). THIS MEANS THAT WE MAKE NO PROMISES THAT:

 

 

ALTHOUGH WE TRY TO ENSURE THAT THE INFORMATION POSTED ON THE SERVICES IS ACCURATE AND UP-TO-DATE, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHANGE OR MAKE CORRECTIONS TO ANY OF THE INFORMATION (INCLUDING PRICING) AT ANY TIME. WE CANNOT, AND DO NOT, GUARANTEE THE CORRECTNESS, TIMELINESS, PRECISION, THOROUGHNESS OR COMPLETENESS OF ANY OF THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON THE SERVICES, NOR WILL WE BE LIABLE FOR ANY INACCURACY OR OMISSION CONCERNING ANY OF THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THE SERVICES. NO ADVICE, RESULTS OR INFORMATION, WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN, OBTAINED BY YOU FROM US OR THROUGH THE SERVICES SHALL CREATE ANY WARRANTY NOT EXPRESSLY MADE HEREIN. WHILE WE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO GUARANTEE AVAILABILITY, PRICE, AND QUALITY OF ITEMS SOLD BY US THROUGH THE SERVICES, UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES MAY WARRANT MODIFICATIONS AT ANY TIME, AND PRODUCTS AND SERVICES MAY VARY SLIGHTLY IN COLOR AND SIZE.

 

SOME JURISDICTIONS, INCLUDING NEW JERSEY, HAVE LAWS THAT MAY APPLY TO THE SERVICES AND THAT DO NOT ALLOW CERTAIN PROVISIONS SUCH AS LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY AND EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN WARRANTIES, AMONG OTHERS. TO THE EXTENT THAT A LIMITATION, EXCLUSION, RESTRICTION OR OTHER PROVISION SET OUT HEREIN IS SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW, SUCH LIMITATION, EXCLUSION, RESTRICTION OR PROVISION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

 

18. Limited Liability

 

IN NO EVENT SHALL WE OR ANY OF THE LIMITED PARTIES (AS DEFINED ABOVE), BE LIABLE TO YOU OR ANYONE ELSE FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT DAMAGES, LOST PROFITS, ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER ARISING FROM, OR DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY RELATED TO, THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE SERVICES, FOR USE OF COUPONS, OR FOR ANY DECISION MADE OR ACTION TAKEN BY YOU IN RELIANCE ON INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE SERVICES, WHETHER IN AN ACTION FOR BREACH OF WARRANTY OR CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE OR OTHER TORTIOUS ACTION, AND NOTWITHSTANDING THE FAILURE OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE OF ANY REMEDY. OUR LIABILITY, AND THAT OF THE LIMITED PARTIES (AS DEFINED ABOVE) TO YOU OR ANY THIRD PARTIES IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, IS LIMITED TO THE LESSER OF THE AMOUNT OF FEES YOU PAY TO US IN THE 12 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE ACTION GIVING RISE TO LIABILITY OR $100, NOTWITHSTANDING THE FAILURE OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE OF ANY REMEDY.

 

You are solely responsible for your interactions with other Users, and we are not a party to any such disputes. We reserve the right, but do not have any obligation, to monitor disputes between you and other Users. Any and all communications, correspondence, verbal or written, or any warranties or representations, made with regard to products and services offered through the Services by Users are not provided by us and are specifically and solely between the Users. We have no liability for your interactions with other Users, or for any User’s action or inaction.

 

You agree to release the Limited Parties from all claims, demands and damages (actual and consequential) of any kind and nature, known and unknown, suspected and unsuspected, disclosed and undisclosed, arising out of or in any way connected with any disputes between you and any third parties or in any way related to goods, services, or events involving third parties.

 

If you are a California resident, you waive California Civil Code §1542, which states that “a general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his favor at the time of executing the release, which if known by him must have materially affected his settlement with the debtor.” For avoidance of doubt, any disputes directly with us shall be handled in accordance with these Terms.

 

FOR THOSE JURISDICTIONS THAT DO NOT PERMIT LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR GROSS NEGLIGENCE, THIS LIMITATION OF LIABILITY SHALL NOT APPLY TO ANY WILLFUL, WANTON, INTENTIONAL, RECKLESS MISCONDUCT, OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE OF THE COMPANY.

 

19. Indemnity

 

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold us and the Limited Parties harmless from any claim or demand, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, made by any third party due to or arising in any manner in whole or in part out of your use of the Services, including but not limited to (i) your advertising, provision of or failure to pay for goods or services promoted on the Services; (ii) claims that any of your Submitted Content includes materials owned by third parties without authorization, was defamatory or harassing, or otherwise violated the rights of any third party or (iii) your breach of these Terms, or applicable law, by your or by someone accessing the Services via your account. We reserve the right, at our own expense, to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter subject to indemnification by you, in which event you agree to cooperate with us in defending such claims. These indemnification, defense, and hold harmless obligations will survive these Terms and the termination of your use of the Services.

 

20. Suspension or Termination of Access and Remedies

 

We have the right to deny access to, and to suspend or terminate your access to, the Services, or to any features or portions of the Services, and to remove and discard any content or materials you have submitted to the Services, at any time and for any reason or for no reason and without notice to you.

Actions that may result in the rejection or removal of your participation can include, but are not limited to: any violation of the Terms; your creation, maintenance and/or management of more than one account; your non-payment in full any unpaid fees; any attempt by you to improperly influence, or cause another to improperly influence the feedback of Members; your unethical conduct, to be determined at our sole discretion; or any attempt by you to harass, or cause another to harass, or have inappropriate communications with a Member.

 

In the event that we suspend or terminate your access to and/or use of the Services, you will continue to be bound by the Terms that were in effect as of the date of your suspension or termination. In the event we suspend or terminate your account or the Terms, you understand and agree that you shall receive no refund or exchange for any unused time on a subscription, any license or subscription fees for any portion of the Services, any content or data associated with your account or for anything else, unless applicable terms provide otherwise.

 

If you are a Vendor, after your relationship with us is terminated for any reason, we shall be entitled to retain and display all reviews associated with you on the Services as well as basic directory information, including, without limitation, business name, mailing address, website address and telephone number.

 

Remedies for use of our Services that violate the Terms include, but are not limited to, the immediate termination of your membership, notifying our Users of your actions, issuing a warning (including a public warning), temporarily suspending your membership, monetary compensation, and injunctive relief.

 

21. Governing Law; Venue and Jurisdiction

 

By using the Services, you agree that the laws of the State of Maryland, without regard to principles of conflict of laws of any state or jurisdiction, will govern the Terms and any dispute of any sort that might arise between you and us or any of our affiliates. With respect to any disputes or claims not subject to arbitration, you agree not to commence or prosecute any action in connection therewith other than in the state and federal courts of Maryland, and you hereby consent to, and waive all defenses of lack of personal jurisdiction and forum non conveniens with respect to, venue and jurisdiction in the state and federal courts of Maryland.

 

22. MANDATORY ARBITRATION AND CLASS ACTION WAIVER

 

PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY. IT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING YOUR RIGHT TO FILE A LAWSUIT IN COURT.

 

Application. You and we agree that these Terms affect interstate commerce and that the U.S. Federal Arbitration Act governs the interpretation and enforcement of these arbitration provisions. This section entitled “Mandatory Arbitration and Class Action Waiver” is intended to be interpreted broadly and governs any and all disputes between you and us. Any and all disputes may include, but are not limited to (i) claims arising out of or relating to any aspect of the relationship between you and us, whether based in contract, tort, statute, fraud, misrepresentation or any other legal theory; (ii) claims that arose before these Terms or any prior agreement (including, but not limited to, claims related to advertising); and (iii) claims that may arise after the termination of these Terms. The only disputes excluded from the broad prohibition in this subsection entitled “Application” are the litigation of certain intellectual property and small court claims, as provided in the subsection entitled “Exception” below.

 

Initial Dispute Resolution. Most disputes can be resolved without resorting to arbitration. If you have any dispute with us, you agree that you will try to resolve your dispute with us before taking any formal action by contacting us at The Knot Worldwide Inc., 2 Wisconsin Cir., 3rd Floor, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 or policy@theknotww.com. When you contact us, you must provide a brief, written description of the dispute and your contact information. If you have an account with us, you must include the email address associated with your account. Except for intellectual property and small claims court claims (see the subsection entitled “Exception” below), you and we agree to use good faith efforts to resolve any dispute, claim, question, or disagreement directly through consultation with each other. You and we agree to engage in good faith discussions before initiating a lawsuit or arbitration and understand that good faith discussions are a precondition of initiating a lawsuit or arbitration.

 

Binding Arbitration. If we do not reach an agreed-upon solution within a period of sixty (60) days from the time informal dispute resolution is initiated under the Initial Dispute Resolution provision above, then either party may initiate binding arbitration as the sole means to resolve claims (except as provided in the subsection entitled “Exception” below), as long as the party agrees with the terms set forth below.

Specifically, all claims arising out of or relating to these Terms (including the Terms’ formation, performance, and breach), the parties’ relationship with each other, and/or your use of the Services shall be finally settled by binding arbitration administered by JAMS in accordance with either (i) the JAMS Streamlined Arbitration Procedure Rules, for claims that do not exceed $250,000; or (ii) the JAMS Comprehensive Arbitration Rules and Procedures, for claims exceeding $250,000. The JAMS rules and procedures just identified shall be those effect at the time the arbitration is initiated (not the Last Modified date of these Terms), excluding any rules or procedures governing or permitting class actions.

 

Arbitrator’s Powers. The arbitrator (and not any federal, state, or local court or agency) shall have exclusive authority to resolve all disputes arising out of or relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, or formation of these Terms. Such disputes may include, but are not limited to, any claim that all or any part of these Terms is void or voidable, whether a claim is subject to arbitration, or the question of waiver by litigation conduct. The arbitrator shall be empowered to grant whatever relief would be available in a court under law or in equity. The arbitrator’s award shall be written and shall be binding on the parties and may be entered as a judgment in any court of competent jurisdiction.

 

Filing a Demand. To start an arbitration, you must do all three of the following: (i) Write a Demand for Arbitration that includes a description of the claim and the amount of damages you seek to recover (you may find a copy of a Demand for Arbitration at www.jamsadr.com); (ii) send three copies of the Demand for Arbitration, plus the appropriate filing fee, to JAMS, 1155 F Street, NW, Suite 1150, Washington, DC 20004; and (iii) Send one copy of the Demand for Arbitration to us at: The Knot Worldwide Inc., 2 Wisconsin Cir., 3rd Floor, Chevy Chase, MD 20815.

 

To the extent the filing fee for the arbitration exceeds the cost of filing a lawsuit, we will pay the additional cost. If the arbitrator finds the arbitration to be non-frivolous, we will pay the fees invoiced by JAMS, including filing fees and arbitrator and hearing expenses. You are responsible for your own attorneys' fees unless the arbitration rules and/or applicable law provide otherwise.

 

The parties understand that, absent this mandatory arbitration provision, they would have the right to sue in court and have a jury trial. They further understand that, in some instances, the costs of arbitration could exceed the costs of litigation and the right to discovery may be more limited in arbitration than in court. If you are a resident of the United States, arbitration may take place in the county where you reside at the time of filing, unless you and we both agree to another location or telephonic arbitration. For individuals residing outside the United States, arbitration shall be initiated in Maryland, United States, and you and us agree to submit to the personal jurisdiction of any federal or state court in Maryland in order to compel arbitration, stay proceedings pending arbitration, or to confirm, modify, vacate, or enter judgment on the award entered by the arbitrator.

 

Class Action Waiver. YOU AND WE AGREE THAT EACH MAY BRING CLAIMS AGAINST THE OTHER ONLY IN YOUR OR OUR INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS OR REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING.

This means that you and we expressly waive any rights to file a class action or seek relief on a class basis. If any court or arbitrator determines that the class action waiver set forth in this paragraph is void or unenforceable for any reason or that an arbitration can proceed on a class basis, then the arbitration provisions set forth above shall be deemed null and void in their entirety and the parties shall be deemed to have not agreed to arbitrate disputes.

 

Exception: Litigation of Intellectual Property and Small Claims Court Claims. Notwithstanding the parties’ decision to resolve all disputes through arbitration, either party may bring enforcement actions, validity determinations or claims arising from or relating to theft, piracy, or unauthorized use of intellectual property in state or federal court with jurisdiction or in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to protect its intellectual property rights. “Intellectual property rights” means patents, copyrights, moral rights, trademarks, and trade secrets—but does not include privacy or publicity rights. Either party may also seek relief in a small claims court for disputes or claims within the scope of that court’s jurisdiction.

 

30-Day Right to Opt Out. You have the right to opt out and not be bound by the arbitration and class action waiver provisions set forth above by sending written notice of your decision to opt out to at The Knot Worldwide Inc. Attn: Legal Department, 2 Wisconsin Cir., 3rd Floor, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 or legal@theknotww.com. Your written notice must have the subject line, “ARBITRATION AND CLASS ACTION WAIVER OPT-OUT.” The notice must be sent within thirty (30) days of (i) the Effective Date of these Terms; or (ii) your first date that you used the Services that contained any versions of the Terms that included this version of the Mandatory Arbitration and Class Action Waiver, whichever is later.

Otherwise you shall be bound to arbitrate disputes in accordance with this section entitled “Mandatory Arbitration and Class Action Waiver.” If you opt out of these arbitration provisions, we also will not be bound by them.

 

Changes to This Section. We will provide thirty (30) days' notice of any material changes to this section by posting notice on the Services or informing you via email, and complying with any other applicable legal notice or consent requirements. Amendments will become effective thirty (30) days after they are posted on the Services or sent to you by email. Changes to this section will otherwise apply prospectively only to claims arising after the thirtieth (30th) day.

 

If a court or arbitrator decides that this subsection (“Changes to this Section”) is not enforceable or valid, then this subsection will be deemed to be severed from the section entitled “Mandatory Arbitration and Class Action Waiver.” If this happens, the court or arbitrator shall apply the first Mandatory Arbitration and Class Action Waiver section or similar section in existence after you began using the Services.

 

Survival. This Mandatory Arbitration and Class Action Waiver section shall survive any termination of your use of the Services.

 

23. Claims of Copyright Infringement — DMCA Notice

 

We take claims of copyright infringement seriously and will respond to notices of alleged copyright infringement that comply with applicable law. If you believe any materials accessible on or from the Services infringe your copyright, you may request removal of those materials from the Services by submitting written notification to our Copyright Agent (designated below).

 

In accordance with the Online Copyright Infringement Liability Limitation Act of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. § 512) (“DMCA”) the written notice (the “DMCA Notice”) must include substantially the following:

 

 

Completed notices should be sent by email to: copyright@theknotww.com or by mail at: The Knot Worldwide Inc., Attn: Legal Department, Two Wisconsin Circle, 3rd Floor, Chevy Chase, MD 20815.

 

If you fail to comply with all of the requirements of Section 512(c)(3) of the DMCA, your DMCA Notice may not be effective. Please be aware that if you knowingly materially misrepresent that material or activity on the Services is infringing your copyright, you may be held liable for damages (including costs and attorneys' fees) under Section 512(f) of the DMCA.

 

If you believe that material you posted on the Services was removed or access to it was disabled by mistake or misidentification, you may file a counter-notification with us (a “Counter-Notice”) by submitting written notification to our copyright agent (identified below). Pursuant to the DMCA, the Counter-Notice must include substantially the following:

 

 

Completed Counter-Notices should be sent by email to: copyright@theknotww.com or by mail to:

The Knot Worldwide Inc. Attn: Legal Department, Two Wisconsin Circle, 3rd Floor, Chevy Chase, MD 20815.

 

The DMCA allows us to restore the removed content if the party filing the original DMCA Notice does not file a court action against you within ten business days of receiving the copy of your Counter-Notice. If you knowingly materially misrepresent that material or activity on the Services was removed or disabled by mistake or misidentification, you may be held liable for damages (including costs and attorneys' fees) under Section 512(f) of the DMCA. It is our policy in appropriate circumstances to disable and/or terminate the accounts of users who are repeat infringers.

 

24. Linked Websites

 

The Services may contain links to other websites or to third-party sellers of products and services. Such links are provided for your convenience only. You access such links at your own risk. We are not responsible for, and do not endorse, the content of any such sites, or the products and services sold on them. We are not responsible for the availability or accuracy of the content on such sites. When you visit a linked site, you should read the terms of use and privacy policy that govern that particular linked website.

 

25. The Services Do Not Provide Medical Advice

 

 

26. General Provisions

 

 

Additional Terms Specific to The Bash:

These additional terms are applicable to the TheBash.com Web and mobile Web pages, and any of our The Bash or GigMasters branded properties (“The Bash”):

 

27. Rules of Conduct

 

In addition to the rules specified above, there are additional rules of conduct that all Users of the Bash are required to follow. Specifically, you agree not to:

 

 

28. Event Protection Policy.

 

By accessing or using The Bash and agreeing to these Terms, you further agree to our Event Protection Policy, which is incorporated herein by reference and located at https://www.thebash.com/event-protection. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if you are a Vendor, you agree that The Bash may take certain actions as it deems appropriate for cancellation of events after confirmation. Such actions may include publishing a review, suspending you from using the Bash or any of the Services or assessing a cancellation fee. The Bash reserves the right, in certain situations and in its sole discretion, to cancel any event or issue a refund for an event made via The Bash or related services. As a Vendor and/or a User, you agree that The Bash should not be liable for any such cancellations or refunds.

 

29. Payments

 

Billing Policies. You are responsible for paying any and all applicable fees (including subscription fees) as set forth on Pricing and Payment Terms of The Bash at https://www.thebash.com/pricing-payments in any agreement entered into (i) through the Services (including for any mobile application or goods or services provided by a User to another User (a “User Provided Service”)) or (ii) by clicking through to another digital property or mobile application (including through the Apple App Store) that requires payment; as well as applicable taxes associated with the Services in a timely manner with a valid payment method.

 

Chargebacks. It is the responsibility of the Vendor to issue any refunds to Users via the Services and Users should direct all refund requests to the applicable Vendor. The Bash will not be responsible or liable in any way for refunds or errors in issuing refunds in connection with your use of the Services. Users shall only initiate chargebacks or request refunds in situations where a User has a good faith belief that the charged amount is incorrect, the charge was fraudulent or there was some other error with the billed amount (“Valid Chargeback Request”). If you violate the foregoing, The Bash reserves the right to pursue all remedies available to it, including suspension of your access to the Services.

 

Fees. When an event is booked by a Client who finds a Vendor on The Bash, The Bash collects a fee, as set forth on our pricing and payment page at https://www.thebash.com/pricing-payments or disclosed to you at your time of registration or at the time the event is booked by the Vendor and Client. Should the Vendor not perform at the event, the fee will be refunded, provided that all refund requests must be provided as specified in the Event Protection Policy at https://www.thebash.com/event-protection.

 

Lite Memberships. Lite memberships are offered for a three (3) month term. There is no guarantee lite memberships will continue to be offered and/or offered for free after the agreed upon membership length.

 

30. Suspension or Termination of Access

 

In addition to the reasons already specified in these Terms, The Bash may temporarily suspend or permanently Terminate your membership and/or deactivate the access of a Vendor of Member of the Bash to the Services if it takes any of the following actions, including, but not limited to: (a) engaging in any Circumventing Tactics or otherwise violating these Terms; (b) failing to reply to gig-alert or other e-mails in a timely fashion, (c) falsifying events, client information, reviews, or artificially inflating ratings or event totals, (d) failing to arrive or perform (being a "no-show") for an event or cancelling an event and failing to return the client's deposit or balance payment for said no-show or cancellation, (e) posting contact information (e.g., website URL links and addresses, email links and addresses and telephone numbers) on the Member or Vendor’s profile; or (f) similar actions designed to violate the Terms.

 

Contact Information for Specific Properties

 

31. Contact Us

 

If you have any questions or comments regarding these Terms, you can contact us at policy@theknotww.com. If you have questions about a particular TKWW property, you can also contact us using the property-specific contact information as follows: