Terms and Conditions

Effective Date: December 15, 2024
Last Updated: December 15, 2024

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the CodeLegal Network website (codelegalnet.org) and services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use, our Privacy Policy, and our Cookie Policy. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our website or services.

2. About CodeLegal Network

CodeLegal Network is a specialized law firm providing legal services to the IT sector in Canada. We serve technology companies, software developers, startups, and IT professionals with comprehensive legal solutions tailored to the technology industry.

Contact Information:

• Email: info@codelegalnet.org
• Phone: +1 (905) 881-4860
• Address: 6813 Steeles Ave W, Etobicoke, ON M9V 4R9, Canada

3. Description of Services

CodeLegal Network provides specialized legal services including:

3.1 IT Legal Services

• Technology contract drafting and review
• Software licensing and intellectual property protection
• Privacy and data protection compliance (GDPR, PIPEDA, CCPA)
• Cybersecurity and data breach response
• Employment law for IT professionals
• Startup formation and business incorporation

3.2 Technology Industry Specialization

• SaaS and cloud computing legal frameworks
• API and integration agreements
• Open source software compliance
• E-commerce and digital platform regulation
• Fintech and cryptocurrency legal guidance
• AI and machine learning legal compliance

3.3 Business Legal Services

• Corporate formation and governance
• Investment and venture capital transactions
• Mergers and acquisitions in the tech sector
• Commercial litigation and dispute resolution
• Regulatory compliance and government relations
• International business and cross-border transactions

4. Attorney-Client Relationship

4.1 Formation of Attorney-Client Relationship

IMPORTANT: Visiting our website, reading our content, using our contact forms, or receiving general information does NOT create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship is only formed when:

• You engage our services through a written retainer agreement
• We explicitly agree to represent you in writing
• You receive a signed engagement letter from CodeLegal Network
• We confirm representation through official correspondence

4.2 No Legal Advice

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on our website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. IT legal matters are complex and fact-specific. You should not act upon any information on this website without seeking professional legal counsel that considers your specific circumstances, technology requirements, and business objectives.

4.3 Confidentiality Before Engagement

Until an attorney-client relationship is established:

• Communications through our website are not protected by attorney-client privilege
• Information shared may not be confidential
• We may not be able to provide specific legal advice
• Potential conflicts of interest may not be evaluated

4.4 IT Industry Confidentiality

We understand the sensitive nature of technology information and implement appropriate safeguards even before formal engagement, but full confidentiality protection only applies after establishing an attorney-client relationship.

5. Website Usage

5.1 Permitted Use

You may use our website to:

• Learn about our IT legal services and expertise
• Contact us for potential legal representation
• Access general legal information about technology law
• Download publicly available resources and whitepapers
• Subscribe to our newsletter and legal updates
• Schedule consultations and appointments

5.2 Prohibited Use

You may not use our website to:

• Engage in any unlawful activities or illegal purposes
• Transmit harmful, malicious, or disruptive content
• Infringe on intellectual property rights
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Use our services for purposes other than obtaining legal services
• Harass, abuse, or threaten our staff or other users
• Violate any applicable laws, regulations, or professional standards
• Reverse engineer or compromise our website security

5.3 IT Industry Specific Usage

Given our IT sector focus, you also may not:

• Attempt to hack, penetrate, or test our security systems
• Use automated tools to scrape or harvest our content
• Interfere with our website’s functionality or performance
• Attempt to access confidential client information
• Violate technology industry ethical standards

6. Contact Forms and Communications

6.1 Contact Form Usage

Our website includes contact forms for potential clients in the IT sector. By using these forms, you acknowledge that:

• The information transmitted is not confidential until we establish representation
• No attorney-client relationship is created through form submission
• We may use the information to evaluate potential representation
• We reserve the right to decline representation for any reason
• Information may be used for conflict checking and business development

6.2 Response Policy

We will make reasonable efforts to respond to inquiries within 24-48 hours during business days. However:

• We do not guarantee response times
• We do not guarantee we will respond to all inquiries
• Initial responses do not constitute legal advice
• Urgent matters should be communicated by phone
• Complex IT legal issues may require additional time to assess

6.3 Information Accuracy

You agree to provide accurate and complete information when using our contact forms:

• False or misleading information may result in termination of communications
• Incomplete information may delay our response or assessment
• Technical details should be accurate for proper legal evaluation
• Business information should be current and truthful

6.4 Technical Support

For technical issues with our contact forms:

• Contact our technical support at support@codelegalnet.org
• Report any security concerns immediately
• Provide details about browser and device specifications
• Include screenshots or error messages when possible

7. Intellectual Property Rights

7.1 Ownership

All content on codelegalnet.org is owned by CodeLegal Network or our licensors and is protected by:

• Copyright laws and international copyright treaties
• Trademark laws and service mark protections
• Trade secret and proprietary information laws
• Database rights and compilation protections

7.2 Protected Content

Protected content includes:

• Website text, graphics, logos, and images
• Legal templates, forms, and documents
• Articles, blog posts, and legal commentary
• Videos, podcasts, and multimedia content
• Software code and website functionality
• Client resources and educational materials

7.3 Limited License

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

• Access and view our website content
• Download publicly available resources for personal use
• Print content for your own reference
• Share links to our content (but not the content itself)

7.4 Restrictions

You may not:

• Reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works of our content
• Use our content for commercial purposes without written permission
• Remove or alter any copyright or proprietary notices
• Use our trademarks or service marks without authorization
• Republish our content on other websites or platforms
• Create competing legal services using our content

8. Disclaimer of Warranties

8.1 “As Is” Basis

Our website and services are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. We make no warranties, express or implied, regarding:

• The accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of information
• The availability or functionality of our website
• The outcomes of legal matters or representations
• The fitness for any particular purpose or use
• The compatibility with your technology systems

8.2 IT Industry Disclaimers

Given our IT sector focus, we specifically disclaim warranties regarding:

• Technology law developments and regulatory changes
• Compatibility with specific software or hardware systems
• Compliance with rapidly evolving IT industry standards
• Outcomes of intellectual property or technology disputes
• Cybersecurity or data protection effectiveness

8.3 No Guarantee of Results

We do not guarantee:

• Specific results or outcomes from our legal services
• Successful resolution of legal matters
• Compliance with all applicable regulations
• Protection from all legal risks or liabilities
• Achievement of business objectives through legal services

8.4 Third-Party Content

Our website may contain links to third-party resources. We are not responsible for:

• The accuracy or content of third-party websites
• The availability of external resources
• The privacy practices of third-party sites
• The security of external links or downloads

9. Limitation of Liability

9.1 Limitation of Damages

To the maximum extent permitted by law, CodeLegal Network shall not be liable for any:

• Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
• Lost profits, revenue, or business opportunities
• Data loss or corruption
• System downtime or technology failures
• Third-party claims or actions
• Punitive or exemplary damages

9.2 Maximum Liability

Our total liability for any claims arising under these Terms shall not exceed:

• The amount you paid for our services in the 12 months preceding the claim
• $1,000 CAD if no services were purchased
• The amount covered by our professional liability insurance

9.3 IT Industry Specific Limitations

Given the nature of technology law, we specifically limit liability for:

• Rapidly changing technology regulations and standards
• Cybersecurity incidents affecting client systems
• Third-party technology failures or breaches
• Compliance with evolving international regulations
• Intellectual property disputes and outcomes

10. Indemnification

10.1 General Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless CodeLegal Network, our attorneys, employees, and agents from any claims, losses, damages, or expenses arising from:

• Your use of our website or services
• Your violation of these Terms of Use
• Your violation of any law or regulation
• Your violation of any third-party rights
• Your provision of false or misleading information

10.2 Technology-Related Indemnification

You specifically agree to indemnify us for claims related to:

• Your technology products, services, or platforms
• Your data processing or privacy practices
• Your intellectual property or technology licensing
• Your compliance with industry regulations
• Your cybersecurity incidents or data breaches

11. Professional Standards and Ethics

11.1 Regulatory Compliance

CodeLegal Network operates in accordance with:

• Law Society of Ontario rules and regulations
• Canadian Bar Association standards and guidelines
• Provincial and federal legal requirements
• Professional codes of conduct and ethics
• International legal practice standards

11.2 Conflict of Interest

We maintain strict policies regarding conflicts of interest:

• Comprehensive conflict checking procedures
• Information barriers when necessary
• Independent representation for all clients
• Disclosure of potential conflicts when identified
• Withdrawal from representation when conflicts arise

11.3 Professional Independence

Our legal advice is provided independently and is not influenced by:

• Third-party interests or relationships
• Business partnerships or affiliations
• Technology vendor relationships
• Financial incentives or arrangements
• Personal or professional conflicts

11.4 IT Industry Ethics

We maintain high ethical standards specific to technology law:

• Confidentiality of proprietary technology information
• Proper handling of trade secrets and intellectual property
• Compliance with technology industry ethical standards
• Responsible use of legal technology tools
• Protection of client technology assets and information

12. Privacy and Data Protection

12.1 Privacy Policy

Our Privacy Policy, incorporated by reference, explains how we:

• Collect, use, and protect personal information
• Maintain client confidentiality and privilege
• Comply with privacy laws and regulations
• Implement data security measures
• Handle international data transfers

12.2 GDPR Compliance

For EU individuals, we provide additional protections under GDPR:

• Legal basis for data processing
• Individual rights and protections
• Data transfer safeguards
• Breach notification procedures
• Supervisory authority contact information

12.3 IT Industry Data Protection

We implement enhanced protection for:

• Technology company confidential information
• Software development and proprietary code
• Client databases and customer information
• Intellectual property and trade secrets
• Cybersecurity and incident response data

13. Fees and Payment

13.1 Fee Structure

Our legal fees are determined based on:

• The complexity and scope of the legal matter
• The time and resources required
• The experience level of assigned attorneys
• The urgency and timeline of the matter
• The value and strategic importance of the services

13.2 IT Industry Pricing

We offer specialized pricing for:

• Technology startup packages
• SaaS and software licensing matters
• Privacy compliance and GDPR services
• Intellectual property portfolios
• Ongoing legal support and retainers

13.3 Payment Terms

Payment terms will be specified in our engagement letter:

• Retainers may be required for certain matters
• Invoices are generally payable within 30 days
• Interest may be charged on overdue accounts
• We reserve the right to withdraw from representation for non-payment
• Payment methods include wire transfer, check, and electronic payment

13.4 Expense Reimbursement

Clients are responsible for reimbursing reasonable expenses:

• Court filing fees and legal process costs
• Expert witness fees and consultant costs
• Travel expenses for legal proceedings
• Document production and discovery costs
• Technology tools and legal research expenses

14. Termination

14.1 Termination by Client

You may terminate our services at any time by:

• Providing written notice to our firm
• Paying all outstanding fees and expenses
• Cooperating with transition to new counsel
• Returning any confidential firm materials

14.2 Termination by Firm

We may terminate our services in accordance with professional rules for:

• Non-payment of fees or expenses
• Conflict of interest that cannot be resolved
• Client’s failure to cooperate or provide necessary information
• Violation of these Terms of Use
• Breach of our engagement agreement
• Professional or ethical considerations

14.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• We will provide you with your client file materials
• We will account for any unused retainer funds
• We will assist with transition to new counsel if requested
• Confidentiality obligations continue indefinitely
• You remain responsible for all fees and expenses incurred

15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

15.1 Applicable Law

These Terms are governed by:

• The laws of Ontario, Canada
• Canadian federal laws and regulations
• Professional conduct rules and standards
• Applicable international legal principles

15.2 Jurisdiction

Any disputes arising from these Terms or our services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of:

• The courts of Ontario, Canada
• Federal courts of Canada when applicable
• Professional regulatory bodies when appropriate

15.3 Dispute Resolution

Before initiating formal legal proceedings:

• We encourage direct communication to resolve disputes
• Mediation may be required for certain disputes
• Professional regulatory procedures may apply
• Alternative dispute resolution may be available

16. International Considerations

16.1 Cross-Border Legal Services

We may provide legal services involving:

• International technology transactions
• Cross-border data transfers and privacy compliance
• Global intellectual property protection
• International business formations and investments
• Multi-jurisdictional regulatory compliance

16.2 Foreign Law Limitations

We practice Canadian law and cannot provide advice on:

• Foreign legal systems without local counsel
• International law beyond our expertise
• Foreign regulatory compliance without consultation
• Local court procedures in other jurisdictions

16.3 International Client Services

For international clients:

• We may coordinate with local counsel in other jurisdictions
• Currency exchange and international payment may apply
• Time zone differences may affect communication
• Additional compliance requirements may apply

17. Technology and Security

17.1 Website Security

We implement security measures including:

• SSL encryption for data transmission
• Regular security updates and patches
• Access controls and authentication
• Monitoring and incident response
• Backup and disaster recovery procedures

17.2 Client Technology Requirements

For optimal service delivery:

• Secure email communication capabilities
• Video conferencing technology for remote meetings
• Document sharing and collaboration tools
• Compliance with our technology standards
• Regular software updates and security measures

17.3 Technology Limitations

We are not responsible for:

• Client technology failures or limitations
• Internet connectivity issues
• Third-party technology service disruptions
• Compatibility issues with client systems
• Security breaches of client technology

18. Updates to Terms

18.1 Modification Rights

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify users of material changes by:

• Posting updated Terms on our website
• Sending email notifications to active clients
• Updating the “Last Updated” date
• Providing reasonable notice of significant changes

18.2 Continued Use

Your continued use of our website and services after modifications constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

18.3 Professional Updates

Changes may be necessary due to:

• Legal and regulatory developments
• Professional conduct rule changes
• Technology industry developments
• Best practice improvements

19. Severability and Entire Agreement

19.1 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

19.2 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and any engagement letter, constitute the entire agreement between you and CodeLegal Network regarding the use of our website and services.

20. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Use or our legal services:

CodeLegal Network
Legal Services for the IT Sector
6813 Steeles Ave W
Etobicoke, ON M9V 4R9
Canada

Email: info@codelegalnet.org
Phone: +1 (905) 881-4860

For urgent legal matters:
Phone: +1 (905) 881-4860
Email: urgent@codelegalnet.org

For technical support:
Email: support@codelegalnet.org

For privacy inquiries:
Email: privacy@codelegalnet.org

21. Emergency Legal Matters

21.1 Urgent IT Legal Issues

For urgent technology legal matters requiring immediate attention:

• Contact us by phone rather than using website forms
• Clearly identify the matter as urgent
• Provide sufficient detail for initial assessment
• Be prepared to engage counsel immediately if needed

21.2 After-Hours Emergency

For true legal emergencies outside business hours:

• Call our main number for emergency instructions
• Leave detailed voicemail with contact information
• Send follow-up email with urgent matter details
• Seek immediate legal counsel elsewhere if we are unavailable

21.3 Cybersecurity Incidents

For cybersecurity incidents and data breaches:

• Contact us immediately by phone
• Preserve evidence and document the incident
• Implement immediate containment measures
• Do not communicate about the incident publicly until advised

IMPORTANT NOTICE: These Terms of Use do not create an attorney-client relationship. For specific legal advice regarding your IT business or technology legal matters, please contact us to discuss potential representation. CodeLegal Network is committed to providing exceptional legal services to the IT sector while maintaining the highest professional standards.*