1. Introduction

This Terms of Service ("Agreement") governs your access and use of ScholarNote, a cloud-based Journal Management System ("Service") provided by ScholarNote and affiliated entities (collectively, "ScholarNote", "we", "us"). This Agreement applies to all users, institutions, and guests who access or use the Service via web portals, APIs, mobile applications, or integrations.By accessing or using the Service, you agree to be bound by this Agreement.

2. Structure of the Agreement

The Agreement consists of: (a) these General Terms; and (b) any Service-Specific Terms or module addendums that apply to specific features ("Service-Specific Terms"). In the event of a conflict, the Service-Specific Terms will govern with respect to the relevant feature.

3. Eligibility and Acceptance

You must be of legal age and authorized to bind your organization. By creating an account, clicking an acceptance checkbox, or using the Service you represent and warrant that you have the legal authority to enter into this Agreement. If you do not agree, do not use the Service.

4. Services Provided

ScholarNote provides: manuscript submission modules; editorial workflows; peer-review management; role-based dashboards; reporting; archiving; integrations (identity, ORCID, email gateways, cloud storage, payment processors); and administrative tools. We may introduce, modify, or deprecate features, subject to notice obligations in Service-Specific Terms.

5. Account Registration, Administration & User Responsibilities

1. Users must provide accurate, up-to-date registration information. Institutional users should use official corporate/academic emails.
2. Organizations appoint Administrators responsible for role provisioning, access controls, and workflow configuration.
3. Administrators must maintain credential confidentiality and follow institutional governance for account recovery and delegation.

6. Acceptable Use Policy

Users must not misuse the Service. Prohibited activities include (without limitation): unlawful content; attempts to bypass security; distributing malware; reverse engineering; using the Service to infringe IP rights; spamming; and any action that interferes with the Service or other users' access. Users shall not engage in violating journal ethics.

7. Intellectual Property

ScholarNote and its licensors retain all IP rights in the platform, software, designs, documentation, and trademarks. Users retain ownership of User Content (manuscripts, reviewer reports, editorial notes). You grant ScholarNote a limited license to process and store content to provide the Service.

8. Warranties, Disclaimers & Liability

Disclaimer: The Service is provided "as-is". ScholarNote disclaims all warranties to the maximum extent permitted by law.

Limitation of Liability: Except where prohibited by law, ScholarNote's aggregate liability for direct damages arising from this Agreement will not exceed the sum of fees actually paid by your organization to ScholarNote in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim. ScholarNote is not liable for indirect, incidental, special, punitive, or consequential damages.

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless ScholarNote, its affiliates, officers, and employees from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from your breach of this Agreement, your violation of law, or your misuse of the Service.

10. Fees, Payment & Suspension

Paid services are subject to subscription agreements. Failure to pay may result in suspension. ScholarNote reserves the right to restrict access for non-payment after providing notice in accordance with the subscription terms.

11. Termination & Data Retention

ScholarNote may suspend or terminate accounts for violations, fraud, or non-payment. On termination by you, ScholarNote will retain service data in accordance with our Data Retention policy and any DPA. Institutional agreements may specify retention or export obligations.

12. Confidentiality

ScholarNote treats manuscripts, reviews, editorial decisions, and associated metadata as confidential and uses access controls, NDAs, and internal policies to protect confidentiality. Access by ScholarNote personnel is limited to a need-to-know basis under contractual obligations.

13. Third-Party Services & Integrations

Integrations (e.g., ORCID, cloud storage, identity providers) are governed by their respective terms. ScholarNote is not responsible for third-party security incidents, but will assist in remediation where appropriate.

14. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

This Agreement is governed by the laws specified in your subscription order or ScholarNote's principal place of business. Parties will attempt good-faith negotiations; unresolved disputes may proceed to arbitration or litigation under applicable law as specified in Service-Specific Terms.

15. Miscellaneous

• Force majeure excuses performance for events beyond reasonable control.
• Assignment by you requires ScholarNote consent; ScholarNote may assign to affiliates or in sale of business.
• Notices shall be sent to the primary account email or to support@scholarnote.ac.