Terms of Service
Effective Date: 2/24/2026
1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using PlantRef ("the Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you disagree with any part of these terms, you may not access the Service.
2. Description of Service
PlantRef is an educational platform that provides plant identification and learning tools through flashcards, quizzes, and interactive content. The Service is designed to help users learn about plants and botany.
3. User Accounts
Account Creation
You may create an account to access additional features. You are responsible for:
- Providing accurate and complete information
- Maintaining the security of your account
- All activities that occur under your account
- Notifying us of any unauthorized use
Account Termination
We may terminate or suspend your account at any time for violations of these Terms or for any other reason at our sole discretion.
4. Content and Intellectual Property
Image Uploads and Ownership
Critical: Image Rights Transfer
By uploading any images to PlantRef, you hereby transfer and assign all rights, title, and interest in and to such images to PlantRef. This includes, but is not limited to, all copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property rights.
When you upload images to our platform:
- You transfer full ownership of the images to PlantRef
- PlantRef becomes the sole owner of all rights to the images
- You waive any moral rights or attribution rights you may have
- PlantRef may use, modify, distribute, sell, or license the images without restriction
- You cannot revoke this transfer of rights
- You warrant that you have the legal right to transfer ownership of the images
- You agree to indemnify PlantRef against any claims related to the images
Platform Content
All content provided by PlantRef, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, and software, is the property of PlantRef and is protected by intellectual property laws.
5. Acceptable Use
You agree not to:
- Upload content that is illegal, harmful, or offensive
- Upload images you do not have the right to transfer
- Interfere with or disrupt the Service
- Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Service
- Use the Service for any commercial purpose without permission
- Upload malware, viruses, or other harmful code
- Harass, abuse, or harm other users
6. Educational Use
PlantRef is designed for educational purposes. Educational institutions may use the Service for their students under the following conditions:
- Students must comply with these Terms
- Institutions are responsible for their students' use
- All uploaded content becomes property of PlantRef
- PlantRef may use student-generated content for educational purposes
7. Privacy
Your privacy is important to us. Please review our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, and protect your information.
8. Disclaimers
The Service is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. We do not guarantee:
- The accuracy of plant identification or information
- Uninterrupted or error-free operation
- That the Service will meet your specific needs
- The security of your data
9. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, PlantRef shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, data, or use.
10. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless PlantRef from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:
- Your use of the Service
- Your violation of these Terms
- Your uploaded content
- Your violation of any third-party rights
11. Changes to Terms
We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify users of material changes by posting the updated Terms on this page. Your continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.
12. Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction where PlantRef is operated, without regard to conflict of law principles.
13. Contact Information
If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us at:
Email: legal@plantref.org
Website: www.plantref.org