1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the Indo-French Innovation Network (the “Platform”), you (“User”) agree to be bound by these Terms, the Privacy Policy, and the Cookie Policy. If you use the Platform on behalf of an organization, you represent that you have authority to bind that organization. If you do not agree, do not use the Platform.

2. Roles and Access

Personas include Startups, Investors, Academia, and Corporates. Registered users must belong to one persona and be affiliated with an organization. Roles include Platform Admins (IFCCI/SER), Super Users, Steerco Members, Organization Admins, and Affiliated Users. Access to features varies by role; guests have limited view-only access.

3. Eligibility & Registration

Users must be of legal age. Accurate identity, contact, and professional data are required. False information or breach may lead to suspension.

4. User Conduct & Content

• Must comply with applicable laws and policies, including the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (India) and the GDPR, where applicable.
• Prohibited: unlawful, defamatory, harmful, or platform-disruptive content.
• You retain ownership of user content, granting the Platform a worldwide, royalty-free license to use it.
• Moderation: Platform may review, flag, remove content, or suspend accounts for violations.

5. Connects and Transactions

The Platform acts only as an intermediary (facilitator) and is not a party to any transaction. Users are responsible for engagements, contracts, disputes, payments, tax, and compliance. Platform disclaims liability for third-party transactions.

6. Service Availability & Modifications

Services are provided “as-is.” The Platform may modify, suspend, or discontinue features at any time.

7. Intellectual Property

• Users retain ownership of content submitted but grant the Platform a non-exclusive license to use it for operating and promoting the Platform. The Platform’s software, design, and branding remain its exclusive property.
• Users must respect IP rights and not use trademarks without permission.

8. Third-Party Links & Tools

Links or integrations (e.g., AI searches, external funding sites) are provided “as-is.” Platform disclaims liability. Certain features may redirect to third-party sites. Those sites have their own terms and privacy practices. The Platform is not liable for their content or performance.

9. Privacy & Data Processing

Use of personal data is governed by our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws, including the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (India) and, where applicable, the GDPR.

10. Password Use and Security

If you use a password to access the Platform, you must not disclose your password and must take reasonable steps to keep it confidential and secure. You agree to promptly notify the Platform if you become aware of or reasonably suspect any unauthorised use of your account or any breach of security.

The Platform shall not be responsible for any loss or damage arising from unauthorised access resulting from your failure to maintain the confidentiality of your login credentials, except to the extent such loss arises from the Platform’s failure to comply with applicable law or maintain reasonable security safeguards.

11. Indemnity

You agree to indemnify the Platform for losses or claims resulting from your misuse, breach, or content.

12. Termination

The Platform may suspend or terminate accounts for violations or at its discretion. User-initiated termination may not eliminate stored data, which shall be retained or deleted in accordance with the Privacy Policy and applicable law.

13. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

For users based in India, these Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with Indian law, and the courts of Delhi shall have exclusive jurisdiction.

For users based in France or the European Union, these Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with French law, and the courts of Paris shall have exclusive jurisdiction.

In the case of cross-border disputes involving users from multiple jurisdictions, the governing law and jurisdiction shall be determined based on the primary place of establishment of the user against whom the claim is brought.

14. Force Majeure

The Platform shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance where such failure or delay is due to events beyond its reasonable control (“Force Majeure”), including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, war, terrorism, civil unrest, governmental actions, changes in law, power or internet outages, technical failures, labour disputes, or disruptions to telecommunications or hosting services.

15. Age Requirement

You must be of legal majority age.

16. Modification of Terms

The Platform may revise these Terms at any time. Continued use of the Platform implies acceptance of the revised Terms. Notice of material changes will be provided through in-platform notifications. Changes affecting personal data processing shall follow the Privacy Policy and applicable law.

17. Severability & Waiver

If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. Failure to enforce any provision shall not constitute a waiver of such provision or any other rights.

18. Contact & Notices

Details of the Platform entity and contact information for notices are provided on the Platform. For matters relating to personal data, users should refer to the contact details in the Privacy Policy.

19. Acceptable Use

Users must not post unlawful, harmful, or infringing content, attempt to disrupt the Platform, or misuse data. Violations may result in suspension or termination.

20. Liability and Disclaimers

The Platform is provided on an “as-is” basis without warranties or guarantees regarding accuracy, uptime, or results. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Platform’s liability is limited to direct damages up to any fees paid, and indirect or consequential damages are excluded.