Terms and Conditions

1. Agreement to These Terms

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") form a legal agreement between you ("you," "your," or "User") and BēCN Technologies, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company doing business as BēCN Pets ("BēCN," "we," "us," or "our"), and govern your access to and use of:

1. the website located at becnpets.com and any subdomains (the "Site");
2. the BēCN Pets web application, features, and related online services (the "App"); and
3. the BēCN Pets tag and any related hardware or physical products we supply.

The Site, the App, and the tag are collectively the "Services."

By accessing or using the Services — including by scanning a tag, creating an Account, or otherwise using the Site or App — you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the Services.

If you are entering into these Terms on behalf of an organization (including a shelter, rescue organization, veterinary practice, or other business), you represent that you have authority to bind that organization, and "you" refers to that organization.

2. Definitions

• "Account" means the account you create to access and use the App.
• "Caregiver" means a person authorized by a pet's owner to act on the owner's behalf with respect to that pet, including a family member, guardian, or agent.
• "Content" means text, photographs, images, audio, video, and other material that you submit to or through the Services.
• "Finder" means a person who scans a tag and is not the pet's owner or an authorized Caregiver.
• "Pet Passport" means the profile of a pet, and the information associated with it, made available through the Services when its tag is scanned.
• "Rescue Alert" means a notification generated by the Services indicating that a pet may be lost, found, or in need of assistance.

3. Eligibility

3.1 Age. You must be at least 18 years old to create an Account.

3.2 Minors. If you are at least 13 but under 18, you may use the Services only with the involvement of, and under the supervision of, a parent or legal guardian who agrees to these Terms on your behalf and accepts responsibility for your use of the Services.

3.3 Caregivers and Supported Users. The Services are designed to support pet owners and caregivers, including individuals with disabilities, older adults, and others who may benefit from assistance. Where a person using the Services does not have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement, the Account must be created and maintained by a parent, legal guardian, or authorized Caregiver who accepts these Terms and responsibility for the Account and its activity.

3.4 Accurate Information. You represent and warrant that all information you provide in connection with the Services is accurate, current, and complete, and that you will keep it updated.

3.5 Compliance. You are responsible for complying with all laws applicable to you in connection with your use of the Services.

4. The Services

4.1 Description. BēCN Pets provides a pet identification and community-support service. A tag displays a machine-readable code. When that code is scanned, the Services open a Pet Passport that displays information the pet's owner has chosen to make available, and may generate a Rescue Alert where the scan indicates a pet may be lost or found.

4.2 The tag. The tag contains no battery, no electronics, and no transmitter. It does not generate, store, or transmit data on its own. Information becomes available through the Services only when someone scans the tag with a device connected to the internet.

4.3 Not a Tracking Device. The tag does not provide real-time location tracking or GPS tracking. BēCN does not continuously monitor your pet's location. Location information, where available, is derived from the device used to scan a tag or to use the App, and is subject to Section 9.

4.4 No Guarantee of Recovery. The Services are a tool to assist in identifying a pet and connecting people who may be able to help. BēCN does not guarantee that a lost pet will be found or recovered, that any particular person will scan a tag, or that any Rescue Alert will be delivered, seen, or acted upon.

4.5 Coverage and Connectivity. The Services depend on internet connectivity, the availability of third-party networks, and the continued operation of systems we do not control. The Services may not be available in all locations or at all times.

5. Accounts and Registration

5.1 Creating an Account. Certain features require an Account. You agree to provide accurate information and to maintain the security of your Account credentials. You may not share your Account with any person who is not an authorized Caregiver for the pets in that Account.

5.2 Authentication. We may authenticate you using a sign-in link or code sent to the email address associated with your Account. You are responsible for maintaining access to that email address. If you lose access to it, you may lose access to your Account.

5.3 Responsibility. You are responsible for all activity that occurs under your Account. Notify us promptly at support@becnpets.com if you believe your Account has been accessed without authorization.

5.4 Accuracy of Pet Information. You are responsible for the accuracy of the information in each Pet Passport you control, including your contact details and the information you choose to make visible to a Finder. Information you publish in a Pet Passport may be visible to anyone who scans the tag.

6. Tags and Physical Products

6.1 What the tag is. Physical tags have passive NFC chips and use QR Codes made for everyday pet wear. A tag is not an electronic device. It contains no battery, no transmitter, and no tracking capability, and it cannot report a location on its own. A tag works only when a person chooses to scan it.

6.2 Use. The tag is intended to be attached to a pet's collar, harness, or similar attachment. You are responsible for attaching it securely and for confirming it remains attached.

6.3 Activation. A tag may require activation and association with a Pet Passport before it functions. An unactivated tag may not display a Pet Passport.

6.4 Appearance and Wear. The tag is not indestructible or scratch-proof. Normal wear, abrasion, chewing, or damage may render the code unreadable. Replacement tag policies, if any, are described at the point of sale or in the App.

6.5 Ownership. You own the physical tag you purchase. We retain all rights in the Services, software, and any content we provide.

6.6 Resale and Transfer. A tag is associated with a Pet Passport. If you transfer a tag to another person, you are responsible for transferring or removing the associated Pet Passport information. We are not responsible for information left visible by a tag you have transferred.

7. Acceptable Use

You agree not to:

1. use the Services in violation of any applicable law or regulation;
2. scan, access, or attempt to access a Pet Passport other than for a legitimate purpose such as helping a pet or contacting its owner;
3. use the Services to harass, stalk, threaten, defame, or harm any person, or to obtain information about a person for an improper purpose;
4. submit false, misleading, or fraudulent information, including false reports that a pet is lost or found;
5. impersonate any person or misrepresent your affiliation with any person or organization;
6. upload any Content that is unlawful, infringing, obscene, or that you do not have the right to submit;
7. introduce viruses, malware, or any code designed to disrupt or damage the Services;
8. scrape, harvest, or systematically extract data or personal information from the Services;
9. attempt to probe, scan, or test the vulnerability of the Services, or circumvent any security or access control measure;
10. reverse engineer, decompile, or attempt to derive source code from the Services, except as permitted by law;
11. use the Services to develop a competing product; or
12. use the Services in any manner that could disable, overburden, or impair them.

We may investigate and take appropriate action, including suspension or termination, for any violation of this Section.

8. Your Content

8.1 Ownership. You retain ownership of the Content you submit.

8.2 License to Us. You grant BēCN a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, transferable, sublicensable license to host, store, reproduce, display, and distribute your Content solely for the purpose of operating, providing, and improving the Services, and as otherwise described in our Privacy Policy.

8.3 Responsibility. You are solely responsible for your Content and represent that you have all rights necessary to submit it.

8.4 Visibility. Content you place in a Pet Passport may be visible to anyone who scans the tag, including information you choose to make available to Finders. Choose what you publish accordingly.

8.5 Removal. We have no obligation to monitor Content, but we may remove any Content that we believe violates these Terms or applicable law.

9. Location and Rescue Features

This section describes features that involve location information. Please read it carefully.

9.1 How Location Information Arises. The tag does not transmit location. Where location information is used by the Services, it is derived from the device used to scan a tag or to use the App, and only where that device permits the sharing of location.

9.2 Rescue Alerts. Where a scan indicates that a pet may be lost, the Services may generate a Rescue Alert. A Rescue Alert may include limited information about the pet, the general area in which the scan occurred, and a means of contacting the pet's owner or Caregiver through the Services.

9.3 What a Finder Sees. When a Finder scans a tag, the Finder may see the information the owner has chosen to publish in the Pet Passport. You control what is published. We recommend that you do not publish your home address, your full name where not necessary, or any other information you would not wish a stranger to see. The Services are designed so that communication can occur without either party disclosing direct contact details, where you choose that option.

9.4 Your Choices. You may be able to configure which information is visible in a Pet Passport and whether location is shared. Your choices affect the usefulness of the rescue features. If you disable location sharing, certain features may not function.

9.5 Accuracy. Location information may be imprecise, delayed, or inaccurate. Do not rely on it for safety-critical decisions. See Section 10.

10. Not an Emergency Service

THE SERVICES ARE NOT AN EMERGENCY SERVICE, AND THEY ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES.

The Services do not connect you to police, fire, ambulance, animal control, veterinary emergency care, or any other emergency responder. If a pet is injured, in danger, or in need of urgent care, contact a veterinarian, animal control, or emergency services directly.

Rescue Alerts are informational. They are not monitored by a person in real time, and neither BēCN nor any third party operates a monitoring center in connection with them. Do not rely on the Services to summon assistance.

11. Not a Medical, Veterinary, or Professional Service

The Services do not provide veterinary, medical, legal, or professional advice. Information presented through the Services, including any health or care information you choose to record, is for your own reference only. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for matters concerning an animal's health. We are not a veterinary practice and do not practice veterinary medicine.

12. Fees, Subscriptions, and Renewal

12.1 Fees. Some features of the Services may require payment. Where a fee applies, the price and the terms are presented before you complete a purchase.

12.2 Subscription Terms. Where you purchase a subscription, it will renew automatically at the end of each billing period at the then-current price, unless you cancel before the renewal date. The specific billing period, price, and any introductory or included period are presented at the point of purchase.

12.3 Cancellation. You may cancel a subscription at any time through your Account or by contacting us at support@becnpets.com. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period, and you retain access until then.

12.4 Refunds. Except where required by law, fees are non-refundable. Nothing in this Section limits any statutory right to cancel or refund that applies to you.

12.5 Price Changes. We may change prices with reasonable advance notice. Changes apply to the next billing period after notice.

12.6 Taxes. Fees are exclusive of applicable taxes, which you are responsible for, except for taxes on our net income.

12.7 Effect of Non-Payment. Where fees are unpaid or a subscription lapses, the associated Pet Passport may become unavailable or be deactivated. A deactivated tag may not display the Pet Passport, which may affect a Finder's ability to contact you about your pet. We will provide notice before deactivation where reasonably practicable.

13. Intellectual Property

13.1 Our Rights. The Services — including all software, design, text, graphics, logos, trademarks, and the name "BēCN Pets" — are owned by or licensed to BēCN Technologies, LLC and are protected by intellectual property laws. All rights not expressly granted are reserved.

13.2 Trademarks. "BēCN," "BēCN Pets," and associated logos are trademarks of BēCN Technologies, LLC. You may not use them without our prior written consent.

13.3 Feedback. If you provide suggestions or feedback, you grant us the right to use it without restriction or compensation.

14. Third-Party Services

The Services may integrate with or link to third-party services, including email providers, hosting providers, mapping or location services, and payment processors. Those services are governed by their own terms and privacy policies. We are not responsible for third-party services, and your use of them is at your own risk.

15. Availability, Changes, and Discontinuation

15.1 Changes. We may modify, add, or remove features of the Services at any time. Where a change materially reduces functionality you have paid for, we will provide reasonable notice.

15.2 Maintenance. The Services may be unavailable during maintenance or due to circumstances beyond our control.

15.3 Discontinuation. We may discontinue the Services or any part of them. Where we discontinue a Service for which you have paid, we will provide reasonable advance notice and, where appropriate, a pro-rata refund or an opportunity to export your Content.

16. Disclaimers of Warranty

THE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE," WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, BĒCN DISCLAIMS ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, AND ANY WARRANTY ARISING FROM COURSE OF DEALING OR USAGE OF TRADE.

WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT:

1. THE SERVICES WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, TIMELY, SECURE, OR ERROR-FREE;
2. A TAG WILL REMAIN ATTACHED, LEGIBLE, OR FUNCTIONAL;
3. A SCAN WILL RESULT IN NOTIFICATION TO ANY PERSON, OR THAT ANY PERSON WILL RESPOND;
4. A LOST PET WILL BE FOUND OR RECOVERED;
5. INFORMATION IN A PET PASSPORT WILL BE ACCURATE OR COMPLETE; OR
6. LOCATION INFORMATION WILL BE ACCURATE OR AVAILABLE.

Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of certain warranties, so some of the above may not apply to you.

17. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, BĒCN AND ITS OFFICERS, MEMBERS, EMPLOYEES, AND SUPPLIERS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR FOR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS, REVENUE, DATA, GOODWILL, OR EMOTIONAL DISTRESS, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE SERVICES, WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

OUR TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE SERVICES WILL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF (A) THE AMOUNT YOU PAID TO BĒCN IN THE TWELVE MONTHS PRECEDING THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM, OR (B) ONE HUNDRED U.S. DOLLARS (US$100).

Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability that cannot be excluded or limited under applicable law, including liability for fraud or for death or personal injury caused by negligence where such limitation is prohibited.

18. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless BēCN and its officers, members, employees, and suppliers from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or relating to: (a) your use of the Services; (b) your Content; (c) your violation of these Terms; or (d) your violation of any law or the rights of any third party.

19. Suspension and Termination

19.1 By You. You may stop using the Services at any time and may close your Account by contacting support@becnpets.com.

19.2 By Us. We may suspend or terminate your access if you materially breach these Terms, if we are required to by law, or if continuing to provide the Services would create a risk of harm or legal exposure.

19.3 Effect. On termination, your right to use the Services ends. Sections that by their nature should survive — including Sections 8, 13, and 16 through 22 — will survive.

19.4 Deactivation of a tag. Where an Account is closed or terminated, the associated tag may be deactivated and may no longer display a Pet Passport.

20. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

20.1 Governing Law. These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Ohio, without regard to its conflict of laws principles. The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods does not apply.

20.2 Informal Resolution. Before filing a claim, you agree to contact us at support@becnpets.com and attempt to resolve the dispute informally for at least 30 days.

20.3 Venue. Subject to any mandatory provision of applicable law, you and BēCN agree to bring any dispute exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Franklin County, Ohio, and each party consents to personal jurisdiction there.

20.4 Class Action Waiver. To the extent permitted by law, you and BēCN agree that any dispute will be brought individually and not as part of a class, consolidated, or representative action.

20.5 Time Limit. To the extent permitted by law, any claim arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Services must be brought within one year after the claim arises.

21. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. When we do, we will revise the "Last Updated" date and, where the change is material, provide notice through the Services or by email. Your continued use of the Services after a change takes effect constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms. If you do not agree, you must stop using the Services.

22. General

22.1 Entire Agreement. These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any terms presented at the point of purchase, are the entire agreement between you and BēCN regarding the Services.

22.2 Severability. If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full force, and the unenforceable provision will be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable.

22.3 No Waiver. Our failure to enforce any provision is not a waiver of our right to do so later.

22.4 Assignment. You may not assign these Terms without our written consent. We may assign them in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.

22.5 Force Majeure. We are not liable for delays or failures caused by events beyond our reasonable control.

22.6 Notices. Notices to you may be given through the Services or by email to the address associated with your Account. Notices to us must be sent to the address in Section 23.

22.7 Language. These Terms are drafted in English, which is the controlling language.

23. Contact

BēCN Technologies, LLC
Email: support@becnpets.com
Website: becnpets.com

For questions about these Terms, contact us at the email address above.