Agreement to Terms

Welcome to Recipe Scout! These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Recipe Scout mobile application (the "App"), including any content, functionality, and services offered through the App.

By creating an account or using the App, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access or use the App.

1. Definitions

• "App" refers to the Recipe Scout mobile application for iOS and Android
• "We," "Us," "Our" refers to Recipe Scout and its operators
• "You," "Your," "User" refers to the person accessing or using the App
• "Content" refers to recipes, images, text, data, and other materials
• "Account" refers to your registered user account
• "Services" refers to all features and functionality provided by the App

2. Eligibility

2.1 Age Requirement

You must be at least 13 years old (or 16 in the European Union) to use the App. By using the App, you represent and warrant that you meet this age requirement.

2.2 Account Registration

To access certain features, you must create an account by providing:

• A valid email address
• Your full name
• A secure password

You agree to:

• Provide accurate and complete information
• Keep your account information up to date
• Maintain the security of your password
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access

You are responsible for all activities that occur under your account.

3. License and Restrictions

3.1 Limited License

Subject to these Terms, we grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to:

• Download and install the App on your personal devices
• Access and use the App for personal, non-commercial purposes

3.2 Restrictions

You agree NOT to:

Technical Restrictions:

• Reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the App
• Modify, adapt, or create derivative works of the App
• Remove or alter any copyright, trademark, or proprietary notices
• Use automated systems (bots, scrapers) to access the App
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Interfere with or disrupt the App's functionality

Content Restrictions:

• Upload illegal, harmful, or offensive content
• Infringe on intellectual property rights of others
• Impersonate others or misrepresent your affiliation
• Transmit viruses, malware, or harmful code
• Spam or harass other users

Commercial Restrictions:

• Use the App for commercial purposes without permission
• Resell, redistribute, or sublicense the App
• Use the App to compete with our services

4. User Content

4.1 Your Content

You retain ownership of all recipes, images, notes, and other content you create or upload ("User Content"). By using the App, you grant us a limited license to:

• Store and display your User Content
• Process your User Content to provide Services (e.g., AI analysis, search)
• Backup and sync your User Content across your devices

This license ends when you delete your content or account, except for:

• Content shared with other users (if applicable)
• Cached or backup copies (deleted within 90 days)

4.2 Imported Content

When you import recipes from external websites:

• You are responsible for ensuring you have the right to save and use that content
• We do not claim ownership of imported recipes
• You agree to respect copyright and intellectual property rights
• We are not responsible for the accuracy or legality of imported content

4.3 Content Standards

All User Content must:

• Comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Not infringe on third-party rights
• Not contain harmful, offensive, or illegal material
• Be appropriate for a general audience

We reserve the right to remove content that violates these standards.

5. Third-Party Services

5.1 External Recipe Websites

The App allows you to import recipes from external websites. We:

• Do not control or endorse third-party websites
• Are not responsible for their content, accuracy, or availability
• Do not guarantee the quality of imported recipes
• Are not liable for any issues arising from imported content

5.2 AI Services

We use third-party AI services (Google Gemini, OpenRouter) to:

• Extract recipes from images and documents
• Provide recipe recommendations
• Answer cooking questions

By using these features, you acknowledge that:

• Your content may be processed by these third-party services
• AI-generated content may contain errors or inaccuracies
• You should verify AI-generated information before use
• We are not liable for AI errors or inaccuracies

5.3 Third-Party Terms

Your use of third-party services through the App is subject to their respective terms and privacy policies.

6. Cooking Timers and Notifications

6.1 Timer Functionality

The App provides cooking timers with precise notifications. You acknowledge that:

• Timers are provided as a convenience tool
• Technical issues may affect timer accuracy
• You are responsible for monitoring your cooking
• We are not liable for overcooked, undercooked, or burnt food

6.2 Notifications

By using timer features, you consent to receive notifications. You can manage notification settings in your device preferences.

7. Intellectual Property

7.1 Our Rights

The App and its original content (excluding User Content) are owned by Recipe Scout and protected by:

• Copyright laws
• Trademark laws
• Other intellectual property rights

Our trademarks, logos, and service marks may not be used without prior written consent.

7.2 Feedback

If you provide feedback, suggestions, or ideas about the App, you grant us a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, modify, and incorporate such feedback without compensation or attribution.

8. Disclaimer of Warranties

We disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including:

• Merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose
• Non-infringement of third-party rights
• Accuracy, reliability, or completeness of content
• Uninterrupted or error-free operation
• Security or freedom from viruses

RECIPE INFORMATION:

• Recipes are provided for informational purposes only
• We do not guarantee the accuracy, safety, or suitability of recipes
• You are responsible for verifying ingredients and cooking methods
• We are not liable for allergic reactions, food poisoning, or injuries

DIETARY AND HEALTH INFORMATION:

• The App is not a substitute for professional dietary or medical advice
• Consult healthcare professionals for dietary restrictions or health concerns
• We make no claims about nutritional accuracy

9. Limitation of Liability

We shall not be liable for:

• Indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages
• Loss of profits, data, or business opportunities
• Personal injury or property damage
• Food-related incidents (allergic reactions, illness, burns, etc.)
• Damages arising from third-party content or services
• Unauthorized access to your account or data

MAXIMUM LIABILITY:

Our total liability shall not exceed the amount you paid us in the past 12 months (or $100 if you have not paid us).

EXCEPTIONS:

Some jurisdictions do not allow limitation of liability for personal injury or certain damages. In such cases, our liability is limited to the extent permitted by law.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Recipe Scout, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your use of the App
• Your User Content
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of third-party rights
• Your negligence or willful misconduct

11. Account Termination

11.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time by:

• Using the in-app account deletion feature (Settings → Account → Delete Account)
• Contacting our support team

Upon deletion:

• Your account and User Content will be permanently deleted
• You will lose access to all saved recipes and data
• Deletion is irreversible

11.2 Termination by Us

We may suspend or terminate your account if you:

• Violate these Terms
• Engage in fraudulent or illegal activity
• Abuse or misuse the App
• Fail to pay fees (if applicable in the future)

We will provide notice when reasonably possible, except in cases of:

• Legal requirements
• Security concerns
• Severe violations

11.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your license to use the App ends immediately
• We may delete your data (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Provisions that should survive termination remain in effect

12. Changes to the App and Terms

12.1 Changes to the App

We reserve the right to:

• Modify, suspend, or discontinue any feature
• Change pricing or introduce fees (with notice)
• Update the App for security or performance

We will provide reasonable notice of material changes.

12.2 Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms at any time. We will notify you by:

• Posting updated Terms in the App
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Sending a notification (for material changes)

Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance. If you disagree, you must stop using the App.

13. Dispute Resolution

13.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Virginia, United States, without regard to conflict of law principles.

13.2 Informal Resolution

Before filing a claim, you agree to contact us to attempt informal resolution:

• Email: croznoah@gmail.com
• We will respond within 30 days
• Good faith negotiation for 60 days

13.3 Arbitration Agreement (if applicable in your jurisdiction)

Any dispute arising from these Terms or the App shall be resolved through binding arbitration, except:

• Small claims court matters
• Intellectual property disputes
• Injunctive relief

Arbitration Rules:

• Conducted by the American Arbitration Association
• Individual basis only (no class actions)
• Location: Alexandria, Virginia or mutually agreed location
• Costs split equally unless otherwise awarded

Class Action Waiver:

You agree to resolve disputes individually and waive the right to participate in class actions.

Opt-Out:

You may opt out of arbitration within 30 days of first use by emailing: croznoah@gmail.com

13.4 Jurisdiction

If arbitration does not apply, disputes shall be resolved in the courts of Alexandria, Virginia.

14. General Provisions

14.1 Entire Agreement

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

14.2 Severability

If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in effect.

14.3 Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right does not waive that right.

14.4 Assignment

You may not assign these Terms. We may assign our rights and obligations without notice.

14.5 Force Majeure

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

14.6 Export Controls

You agree to comply with all export laws and restrictions.

14.7 Government Users

If you are a U.S. government entity, the App is a "commercial item" with restricted rights.

15. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, please contact us:

16. Acknowledgment

By using Recipe Scout, you acknowledge that:

• You have read and understood these Terms
• You agree to be bound by these Terms
• You have the authority to enter into this agreement
• You will comply with all applicable laws

Thank you for using Recipe Scout! Happy cooking!