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    Terms of Service

    1. Acceptance of Terms

    1.1 Agreement to Terms

    These Terms of Service (“Terms,” “Agreement”) constitute a legally binding agreement between you (“User,” “you,” or “your”) and Early June Ventures, dba Skrutinize (“Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) governing your access to and use of our website, mobile applications, and related services (collectively, the “Services”).

    BY ACCESSING OR USING OUR SERVICES, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE, YOU MUST NOT ACCESS OR USE OUR SERVICES.

    1.2 Capacity to Contract

    By using our Services, you represent and warrant that:

    • You are at least 18 years of age (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction)
    • You have the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract
    • You are not prohibited from using the Services under applicable law
    • All information you provide is accurate and truthful
    • You will comply with all applicable laws and regulations

    1.3 Additional Terms

    Certain features or services may be subject to additional terms and conditions. By using such features or services, you agree to any applicable additional terms.

    1.4 Modifications to Terms

    We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes become effective:

    • Immediately upon posting on our website
    • Upon your continued use of the Services after changes
    • On the date specified in the updated Terms

    Material changes may be notified through:

    • Email to registered users
    • Prominent notice on our website
    • In-app notifications

    Your continued use of the Services after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

    2. Description of Services

    2.1 Comparison and Review Platform

    Skrutinize is an independent comparison and review platform that provides:

    • Comparative analyses of companies, products, and services
    • User-generated reviews and ratings
    • Educational content and buying guides
    • Industry research and data
    • Tools for comparing offerings across providers

    2.2 Nature of Information (Important Disclaimers)

    • We are an independent review platform, not affiliated with reviewed companies unless explicitly disclosed
    • Information is provided for informational purposes only
    • We do not endorse, recommend, or guarantee any company, product, or service
    • Information may be incomplete, inaccurate, or outdated
    • Users should conduct independent research before making decisions
    • We are not responsible for decisions made based on our content

    2.3 Editorial Independence

    We maintain complete editorial independence:

    • Companies cannot pay to remove negative reviews
    • Rankings and ratings are based on our proprietary methodology
    • Advertising relationships do not influence editorial content
    • We clearly disclose material connections with reviewed companies
    • Our editorial team makes content decisions free from commercial influence

    2.4 No Professional Advice

    Our Services do not provide:

    • Legal, financial, tax, or accounting advice
    • Medical, health, or therapeutic advice
    • Investment or trading recommendations
    • Professional services of any kind

    You should consult qualified professionals for advice specific to your circumstances.

    2.5 Service Availability

    We reserve the right to:

    • Modify, suspend, or discontinue any part of the Services
    • Change features, functionality, or content
    • Impose limits on usage or features
    • Remove or refuse to post any content

    We are not liable for any modification, suspension, or discontinuation of the Services.

    3. User Accounts

    3.1 Account Creation

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

    • Accurate and complete registration information
    • A valid email address
    • A secure password meeting our requirements
    • Any other required information

    3.2 Account Responsibilities

    You are responsible for:

    • Maintaining confidentiality of your account credentials
    • All activities occurring under your account
    • Notifying us immediately of unauthorized access
    • Ensuring your account information remains accurate and current
    • Complying with these Terms when using your account

    3.3 Account Security

    You must:

    • Use a strong, unique password
    • Not share your account credentials with others
    • Enable two-factor authentication if available
    • Log out after each session on shared devices
    • Report suspected security breaches immediately

    3.4 Account Termination

    We may suspend or terminate your account:

    • For violation of these Terms
    • For fraudulent or illegal activity
    • For abusive behavior toward other users or staff
    • If required by law or legal process
    • At our sole discretion with or without cause

    You may terminate your account at any time through account settings or by contacting us.

    3.5 Effect of Termination

    Upon account termination:

    • Your right to access the Services ceases immediately
    • We may delete your account data (subject to retention requirements)
    • User-generated content may remain on the platform (see Section 6)
    • Outstanding obligations and liabilities survive termination
    • Provisions intended to survive termination remain in effect

    4. User Conduct

    4.1 Prohibited Conduct

    You agree NOT to:

    A. Content Violations

    • Post false, misleading, defamatory, or fraudulent content
    • Submit fake, duplicate, or incentivized reviews
    • Impersonate any person or entity
    • Post content that infringes intellectual property rights
    • Share private or confidential information without authorization

    B. Platform Abuse

    • Manipulate ratings, rankings, or reviews
    • Engage in vote manipulation or gaming systems
    • Create multiple accounts to circumvent restrictions
    • Use automated tools (bots, scrapers) without permission
    • Interfere with or disrupt the Services

    C. Harmful Activity

    • Harass, threaten, or abuse other users
    • Post hateful, discriminatory, or offensive content
    • Share sexually explicit or inappropriate content
    • Promote illegal activities or violence
    • Distribute malware, viruses, or harmful code

    D. Commercial Misuse

    • Use the Services for unauthorized commercial purposes
    • Spam or send unsolicited communications
    • Advertise products or services without authorization
    • Engage in affiliate marketing without disclosure

    E. Legal Violations

    • Violate applicable laws or regulations
    • Infringe others’ rights (privacy, publicity, intellectual property)
    • Engage in fraudulent or deceptive practices
    • Facilitate illegal activities

    4.2 Monitoring and Enforcement

    We reserve the right to:

    • Monitor user conduct and content
    • Investigate violations
    • Remove violating content without notice
    • Suspend or terminate accounts
    • Report illegal activity to law enforcement
    • Cooperate with legal investigations

    4.3 No Obligation to Monitor

    We are not obligated to:

    • Monitor or review user content
    • Verify accuracy of user submissions
    • Pre-screen content before publication
    • Actively police the Services

    4.4 Repeat Infringer Policy

    We will terminate accounts of repeat infringers of intellectual property rights or these Terms.

    5. Content and Intellectual Property

    5.1 Our Content and Trademarks

    All content on our Services (excluding User Content) is owned by or licensed to us, including:

    • Text, graphics, logos, images, videos
    • Software, code, and functionality
    • Trademarks, service marks, and trade names
    • Database rights and compilations
    • Proprietary algorithms and methodologies

    5.2 Limited License to Use Services

    We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to:

    • Access and use the Services for personal, non-commercial purposes
    • View and print content for personal use
    • Share content using provided sharing features

    You may NOT:

    • Modify, reproduce, or create derivative works
    • Distribute, sell, or commercially exploit our content
    • Remove copyright or proprietary notices
    • Frame or mirror our website
    • Use automated tools to access or copy content (except search engines)
    • Reverse engineer our software or algorithms

    5.3 Trademark Usage

    Our trademarks may not be used without written permission, except:

    • Accurate references to our Services in editorial content
    • Links to our website using our name

    5.4 DMCA and Copyright Policy

    To report copyright infringement, send a DMCA notice to:

    • Email: jj@skrutinize.com
    • Mail: Early June Ventures, dba Skrutinize, DMCA Agent, P.O. Box 246, Fairfax, California, 94978

    A notice must include:

    • Identification of the copyrighted work claimed to be infringed
    • Identification of infringing material and its location
    • Your contact information (address, phone, email)
    • Statement of good faith belief that use is not authorized
    • Statement that information is accurate under penalty of perjury
    • Physical or electronic signature of the copyright owner/agent

    5.5 Counter-Notification

    If your content was removed due to a DMCA notice, you may file a counter-notification including:

    • Identification of removed content and prior location
    • Statement under penalty of perjury that removal was mistake/misidentification
    • Your name, address, phone, and email
    • Statement consenting to jurisdiction of Federal District Court
    • Statement that you will accept service of process
    • Physical or electronic signature

    6. User-Generated Content

    6.1 Types of User Content

    “User Content” includes:

    • Reviews and ratings
    • Comments and discussions
    • Photos, videos, and media
    • Questions and answers
    • Testimonials and experiences
    • Profile information

    6.2 License Grant to Us

    By submitting User Content, you grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, sublicensable, transferable license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works, distribute, display, and incorporate User Content in any media.

    This license continues even after you delete your account or content.

    6.3 Why We Need This License

    We need broad rights to:

    • Display content on our platform
    • Include content in search, archives, and compilations
    • Create reports and analytics
    • Promote the Services
    • Sublicense to partners/providers
    • Adapt content across devices/formats
    • Protect against claims regarding our use

    6.4 Moral Rights Waiver

    To the extent permitted by law, you waive all moral rights in User Content, including attribution and integrity rights.

    6.5 User Content Representations

    You represent and warrant that:

    • You own or have necessary rights to the content
    • It does not infringe third-party rights
    • It complies with these Terms and applicable law
    • Reviews are accurate and not misleading
    • Necessary consents/permissions were obtained
    • It does not contain malware or malicious code

    6.6 User Content Review Guidelines

    Reviews must:

    • Be based on genuine personal experience
    • Be honest and not misleading
    • Disclose material connections (employment, compensation, gifts)
    • Not be submitted in exchange for incentives

    Reviews must not:

    • Be posted by employees about their own company
    • Be posted by competitors to harm a business
    • Include personally identifiable information about others
    • Include false/defamatory statements
    • Violate NDAs or confidentiality terms

    6.7 Content Moderation

    We may:

    • Remove content that violates these Terms
    • Edit for clarity/brevity
    • Reorganize content
    • Reject content for any reason
    • Request verification of claims

    We do not guarantee removal of objectionable content and do not endorse User Content.

    6.8 Content Ownership

    You retain ownership of your User Content, subject to the license granted to us.

    6.9 Removal Requests

    You may request removal by deleting via your account, contacting us, or using DMCA procedures when applicable.

    Even if removed from public view, we may retain copies for backups, legal compliance, security, fraud prevention, and legal holds.

    6.10 Content Backup

    We are not responsible for loss of User Content. You should maintain backups.

    7. Reviews and Ratings

    7.1 Review Authenticity

    Reviews must be based on genuine personal experience and be honest, accurate, conflict-free, and not incentivized.

    7.2 Prohibited Review Practices

    You may not:

    • Post fake reviews
    • Review your own business/employer
    • Harm competitors with reviews
    • Exchange reviews for payment/incentives
    • Post multiple reviews for the same experience
    • Copy reviews from other sources
    • Use reviews for extortion

    7.3 Review Removal Policy

    We may remove reviews that violate guidelines, are false, defamatory, privacy-violating, harassing, or fake.

    7.4 Company Responses

    Companies may respond publicly and request correction of inaccuracies with proof, but may not demand removal of legitimate negative reviews or manipulate rankings.

    7.5 Review Disputes

    We may investigate disputed reviews and request information. Our decision is final for platform content.

    7.6 Rating Methodology

    Rankings are based on proprietary methodology and editorial judgment. We may change methodology at any time.

    8. Information Accuracy and Updates

    8.1 Information Sources

    We compile information from public sources, users, third-party databases, research, company sites, filings, and records.

    8.2 Accuracy Limitations

    Information may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate, and real-time verification is not guaranteed.

    8.3 No Guarantee

    We do not guarantee accuracy, completeness, timeliness, pricing, availability, or link functionality.

    8.4 Correction Requests

    Companies may request corrections with documentation via portal/form. We maintain editorial discretion.

    8.5 Independent Verification

    Users are responsible for verifying information and conducting due diligence.

    9. Disclaimers and Warranties

    9.1 No Warranties

    THE SERVICES AND ALL CONTENT ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND.

    We disclaim all warranties including merchantability, fitness, non-infringement, accuracy, reliability, quality, security, and results.

    9.2 Information Disclaimer

    We do not warrant that information, reviews, availability, pricing, or external links are accurate or safe.

    9.3 No Endorsement

    We do not endorse any company, product, service, user opinion, or third-party website.

    9.4 Third-Party Content

    We are not responsible for third-party content, services, or actions of reviewed companies.

    9.5 User Content Disclaimer

    User Content reflects user opinions; we do not verify statements and are not responsible for defamation or falsehoods.

    9.6 Changes to Services

    We may modify, remove, limit, or discontinue Services at any time.

    9.7 Jurisdictional Variations

    Some jurisdictions restrict disclaimers; your rights may vary.

    10. Limitation of Liability

    10.1 No Liability for Damages

    To the maximum extent permitted by law, we are not liable for direct, indirect, incidental, special, punitive, or consequential damages, including lost profits, data loss, business interruption, or reputational harm.

    10.2 Liability Cap

    If we are found liable, total liability will not exceed the greater of:

    • $100 USD, or
    • Amounts you paid us in the 12 months prior to the claim

    10.3 Scope

    Limitations apply to all legal theories and claims related to Services, content, third parties, security issues, and access.

    10.4 Essential Purpose

    These limitations are fundamental to this Agreement.

    10.5 Jurisdictional Variations

    Some jurisdictions restrict limitations; liability is limited to the maximum extent allowed.

    10.6 Third-Party Claims

    We are not liable for disputes involving third parties, reviewed companies, or other users.

    10.7 Force Majeure

    We are not liable for delays/failures due to events beyond our reasonable control.

    11. Indemnification

    11.1 Your Obligations

    You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Skrutinize and related parties from claims and costs arising from your use, your content, or violations of these Terms or law.

    11.2 Process

    We will notify you; you will control the defense; we may participate at our expense; no settlement without our consent.

    11.3 Examples

    Indemnification includes claims arising from defamation, infringement, fraud, harassment, confidentiality breaches, or misuse of information.

    12. Arbitration and Dispute Resolution

    12.1 Informal Resolution

    Before arbitration/litigation, you must contact us and allow 60 days for good-faith resolution efforts.

    12.2 Binding Arbitration

    Disputes will be resolved by binding arbitration except specified exceptions.

    12.3 Rules

    Arbitration will be conducted by AAA under commercial arbitration rules.

    12.4 Location and Costs

    • Location: Marin County, California (or remote)
    • Claims under $10,000: We pay arbitration fees
    • Claims over $10,000: Fees split per AAA rules
    • Each party pays own attorneys’ fees unless awarded

    12.5 Exceptions

    Not subject to arbitration:

    • Small claims matters
    • Intellectual property disputes
    • Injunctive/equitable relief claims
    • Class waiver enforcement challenges

    12.6 Class Action Waiver

    All claims must be brought individually. No class, consolidated, or representative actions.

    12.7 Opt-Out Right

    You may opt out within 30 days of first accepting these Terms by mailing written notice to the Company address.

    12.8 Severability

    If class waiver is unenforceable, the arbitration agreement is void and claims proceed in court.

    12.9 Changes

    We will notify changes to arbitration terms; continued use accepts changes unless you opt out within 30 days.

    13. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

    13.1 Governing Law

    These Terms are governed by California law, without regard to conflict of law principles.

    13.2 Jurisdiction for Non-Arbitrated Claims

    Exclusive jurisdiction in Marin County, California (subject to federal jurisdiction where applicable).

    13.3 Venue

    Venue is proper in Marin County, California; you waive objections.

    13.4 Waiver of Jury Trial

    To the extent permitted by law, both parties waive jury trial rights.

    13.5 Statute of Limitations

    Claims must be brought within one (1) year or are barred.

    14. Third-Party Links and Services

    We may link to third-party sites for convenience. We do not endorse, control, or assume responsibility for third-party content, availability, policies, or transactions.

    We may have advertising/affiliate relationships and disclose material relationships per FTC guidelines.

    15. Advertising and Sponsored Content

    We may display ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Advertising does not influence editorial content or rankings. Advertisers are responsible for their offers and compliance.

    16. Specific Provisions for Companies

    If your company is reviewed:

    • Information is compiled from public sources
    • Editorial independence is maintained
    • Corrections require documentation
    • Legitimate negative reviews are not removed without valid grounds

    Companies may respond to reviews but cannot pay to change rankings or remove legitimate negative reviews.

    17. Feedback and Suggestions

    If you submit ideas or feedback, you grant us a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free license to use it without restriction, compensation, or confidentiality obligation.

    18. Privacy and Data Protection

    Our Privacy Policy governs our data practices and is incorporated by reference. You consent to data processing, international transfers, and use of cookies as described there. You may opt out of marketing but not transactional communications.

    19. Mobile Applications

    We grant a limited license to install and use our app for personal, non-commercial use. App store terms may also apply. We may require updates and may discontinue support for older versions.

    20. Intellectual Property Claims

    Copyright: DMCA procedures (see Section 5.4).
    Trademark and other IP claims: contact jj@skrutinize.com with details and evidence.

    21. Compliance With Laws

    You agree to comply with applicable laws, including export controls, consumer protection, privacy, and anti-spam laws. You may not use Services where prohibited or if subject to sanctions.

    22. General Provisions

    • Entire Agreement: These Terms + Privacy Policy + additional terms
    • Severability: Unenforceable provisions may be modified or severed
    • No Waiver: Failure to enforce does not waive rights
    • Assignment: You may not assign without consent; we may assign freely
    • No Third-Party Beneficiaries: Except where stated
    • Interpretation: Headings are convenience; “including” is non-limiting
    • Force Majeure: No liability for events beyond control
    • Survival: Key provisions survive termination
    • Language: English controls in conflicts
    • Electronic Communications: Electronic notices satisfy writing requirements

    23. Consumer Rights Notices

    23.1 California Users (Cal. Civ. Code § 1789.3)

    Complaint Assistance Unit
    Division of Consumer Services
    California Department of Consumer Affairs
    1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N 112
    Sacramento, CA 95834
    Phone: (800) 952-5210
    Website: www.dca.ca.gov

    23.2 EU Users

    EU users have rights under GDPR (see Privacy Policy).

    23.3 Other Jurisdictions

    Local consumer protections may apply; these Terms do not limit mandatory rights.

    24. Contact Information

    24.1 General Inquiries

    Email: jj@skrutinize.com
    Mail: Early June Ventures, dba Skrutinize, P.O. Box 246, Fairfax, California, 94978
    Website: www.skrutinize.com

    24.2 Legal Notices

    Email: jj@skrutinize.com
    Mail: Early June Ventures, dba Skrutinize, P.O. Box 246, Fairfax, California, 94978

    24.3 DMCA Agent

    Email: jj@skrutinize.com
    Mail: Early June Ventures, dba Skrutinize, DMCA Agent, P.O. Box 246, Fairfax, California, 94978

    24.4 Privacy Inquiries

    Email: jj@skrutinize.com
    Data Protection Officer: Jan Jepsen (jj@skrutinize.com)
    See Privacy Policy for more information.

    24.5 Response Times

    We will respond to inquiries:

    • Within 5 business days for general inquiries
    • Within timeframes required by law for legal notices
    • As specified in relevant sections for specific requests

    25. Acknowledgment

    By using our Services, you acknowledge that:

    • You have read and understood these Terms
    • You agree to be bound by these Terms
    • You understand risks associated with using the Services
    • You had opportunity to seek legal advice
    • You voluntarily accept these Terms

    IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS, YOU MUST IMMEDIATELY CEASE USING THE SERVICES.

    Company: Early June Ventures, dba Skrutinize
    Website: www.skrutinize.com
    Email: jj@skrutinize.com
    Address: P.O. Box 246, Fairfax, California, 94978

    Effective Date: January 2, 2026
    Last Updated: January 2, 2026

    These Terms of Service were last reviewed and updated on January 2, 2026. Please check this page periodically for updates.