Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("User", "you", or "your") and Axcess Lab LLC, Series ApplyOCR ("we", "us", or "our"), a Delaware protected series, governing your access to and use of our optical character recognition API service operating under the trade name "ApplyOCR".

By accessing or using the Service, you agree to:

• Be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
• Be at least 18 years old (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction)
• Have the authority to enter into this agreement

If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use the Service.

2. Service Description

2.1 Overview

ApplyOCR provides an API-based optical character recognition service that:

• Processes documents: PDF files and images (JPG, JPEG, PNG, TIFF/TIF, WEBP)
• Extracts text: Using advanced OCR engines (Surya-OCR, PaddleOCR)
• Detects tables: Using Microsoft Table Transformer technology
• Returns structured data: JSON-formatted OCR results with metadata
• Batch processing: Multiple document processing via ZIP archives

2.2 Technical Specifications

• Technology stack: FastAPI, PostgreSQL, Redis, PaddleOCR, Surya-OCR
• Supported formats: PDF (including password-protected), JPG, JPEG, PNG, TIFF/TIF, WEBP, ZIP
• Maximum file size: 50MB per file (Free tier), 200MB (Paid tiers)
• API protocol: RESTful API over HTTPS with JSON responses
• Authentication: API key-based authentication via X-API-Key header

2.3 Service Tiers

3. Account Registration and Management

3.1 Account Creation

To use the Service, you must:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete registration information
• Maintain and promptly update your account information
• Maintain the security of your password and API keys
• Accept responsibility for all activities under your account
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access

3.2 API Key Management

Your API keys provide access to the Service. You must:

• Keep API keys confidential and secure
• Not share API keys with third parties
• Rotate keys regularly for security
• Revoke compromised keys immediately
• Use separate keys for different environments (development, production)

3.3 Account Restrictions

You may not:

• Create multiple accounts to circumvent usage limits
• Share accounts or API keys across organizations
• Impersonate any person or entity
• Provide false or misleading information
• Register accounts through automated means or bots

4. Acceptable Use Policy

4.1 Permitted Uses

You may use the Service to:

• Extract text from your own documents or documents you have rights to process
• Integrate OCR functionality into your applications
• Process documents for legitimate business purposes
• Analyze and structure document data
• Automate document workflows

4.2 Prohibited Uses

You may NOT use the Service to:

4.3 Content Restrictions

Documents submitted for processing must not contain:

• Child sexual abuse material (CSAM)
• Content promoting terrorism or violent extremism
• Personal information processed without proper legal basis
• Copyrighted material you do not have rights to process
• Content violating export control or sanctions laws

4.4 Security Requirements

You agree to:

• Scan uploaded files for malware before submission
• Implement reasonable security measures for API key storage
• Use HTTPS for all API communications
• Report security vulnerabilities responsibly
• Comply with applicable data protection laws (GDPR, CCPA, etc.)

5. API Usage and Rate Limits

5.1 Rate Limits

To ensure fair usage and service stability, we enforce the following limits:

• Free Tier: 10 requests/minute, 10 pages/month
• Starter Plan: 30 requests/minute, 1,000 pages/month
• Pro Plan: 60 requests/minute, 5,000 pages/month
• Enterprise Plan: Custom limits negotiated based on use case

5.2 Fair Use Policy

Even within your rate limits, you must:

• Implement exponential backoff for failed requests
• Cache results when appropriate to minimize redundant requests
• Avoid sending duplicate requests unnecessarily
• Batch multiple documents into ZIP files for efficiency
• Not attempt to overload or stress-test the service without prior approval

5.3 File Size Limits

• Free Tier: Maximum 50MB per file, 100MB per batch ZIP
• Paid Plans: Maximum 200MB per file, 500MB per batch ZIP
• Enterprise: Custom limits available

5.4 API Best Practices

• Include request IDs for debugging and support
• Monitor your usage through the dashboard
• Set up alerts for approaching usage limits
• Use appropriate HTTP methods and status codes
• Implement proper error handling and retry logic

6. Payment Terms and Billing

6.1 Pricing and Plans

Current pricing is available at our pricing page. We offer:

• Free Tier: No credit card required, limited usage
• Subscription Plans: Monthly billing
• Add-on Pages: Purchase additional page packs when you need extra capacity
• Enterprise Plans: Custom contracts with volume discounts

6.2 Billing and Payment

For paid plans:

• Payments are processed by Stripe, a PCI-DSS compliant third-party payment processor
• We do not store your complete credit card information
• Subscriptions renew automatically unless cancelled
• Invoices are sent via email at the beginning of each billing period
• Payment is due upon invoice issuance

6.3 Overages

If you exceed your plan limits:

• Free Tier: Service throttled or blocked until next month
• Paid Plans: Charged for overages at standard rates
• We will notify you when approaching limits (80%, 90%, 100%)
• You can upgrade your plan at any time

6.4 Refunds and Cancellations

• Cancellation: You may cancel at any time; no further charges will be incurred
• Prorated refunds: Not provided for partial months
• Service issues: Refunds available for documented service outages exceeding SLA
• Add-on pages: No refunds for unused add-on page credits

6.5 Price Changes

We reserve the right to change pricing with:

• 30 days notice for existing customers
• Email notification to registered email address
• Existing subscriptions honored until renewal
• Option to cancel before price increase takes effect

6.6 Taxes

Prices do not include applicable sales tax, VAT, or other taxes. You are responsible for paying all taxes associated with your use of the Service.

7. Data Processing and Retention

7.1 Document Processing

When you submit documents to our Service:

• Processing: Documents are processed in memory and immediately deleted after OCR completion
• No storage: We do NOT store document contents or extracted text on our servers
• Temporary storage: Files temporarily stored in memory during processing only
• Virus scanning: All uploaded files scanned by ClamAV before processing

7.2 Metadata and Logs

We collect and retain the following metadata for operational, billing, and security purposes:

• Request metadata (timestamp, endpoint, response status)
• Document metadata (filename, file size, page count, file type)
• Processing metrics (processing time, OCR engine used)
• API key usage (for billing and rate limiting)
• IP addresses (for security and fraud prevention)

This data is retained for the duration of your account for billing accuracy, service analytics, and security monitoring. After account deletion, metadata logs may be retained for up to 30 days for final billing reconciliation and fraud prevention.

7.3 Data Location

• Service hosted on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) in the United States
• Database backups stored in the same region
• Enterprise customers may request data residency in specific regions
• Data transfers comply with GDPR requirements

7.4 Data Ownership

You retain all rights to:

• Documents you upload to the Service
• Text and data extracted by the Service
• Any derivative works you create using extracted data

We claim no ownership rights to your content.

8. Intellectual Property Rights

8.1 Our Intellectual Property

The Service, including but not limited to:

• Software, code, and algorithms
• OCR models and machine learning systems
• API design and documentation
• Trademarks, logos, and branding
• Website design and content

are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. All rights reserved.

8.2 License Grant to You

Subject to these Terms, we grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to:

• Access and use the Service via our API
• Integrate the Service into your applications
• Use extracted OCR results in your products

8.3 License Grant to Us

By submitting documents to the Service, you grant us a limited license to:

• Process your documents to provide OCR services
• Store metadata as described in our Privacy Policy
• Use anonymized, aggregated data for service improvement

This license terminates when we delete your documents (immediately after processing).

8.4 Technology Components

Our Service utilizes a combination of proprietary and open-source technologies. We comply with all applicable open-source licenses. Full attributions and license information are available at our Open Source Licenses page.

8.5 Trademark Usage

You may not use our trademarks, logos, or branding without prior written permission, except to accurately describe your integration with our Service.

9. Service Level Agreement (SLA)

9.1 Service Availability

9.2 Service Credits

For Enterprise customers with custom SLA agreements, service credits may be available for documented extended outages:

• Enterprise SLA terms are negotiated individually
• Free and standard paid plans are provided "as-is" without specific uptime guarantees
• Scheduled maintenance windows are excluded from availability calculations

How to Claim Service Credits:

• Email support@applyocr.com with subject line "SLA Credit Request"
• Include your account email, affected billing period, and documented downtime
• Claims must be submitted within 30 days of the SLA violation
• Service credits applied to your next monthly invoice
• Credits cannot be redeemed for cash or refunds

9.3 Exclusions

SLA does not apply to downtime caused by:

• Scheduled maintenance (with 48-hour notice)
• Emergency maintenance for security issues
• Force majeure events (defined below)
• Your network or equipment issues
• Abuse or violations of these Terms
• Third-party service failures (Oracle Cloud, Stripe, DNS providers, etc.)

9.4 Force Majeure Definition

"Force majeure" means circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• Acts of God (earthquakes, floods, fires, natural disasters)
• War, terrorism, riots, civil unrest
• Government actions, orders, or regulations
• Pandemics, epidemics, or public health emergencies
• Internet backbone or infrastructure failures
• Denial-of-service attacks or cyberattacks
• Labor disputes, strikes, or lockouts (not involving our employees)
• Power outages, telecommunications failures

We are not liable for any failure to perform our obligations due to force majeure events.

9.5 Performance Expectations

Typical processing times (may vary based on load):

• Small image (800x600): 2-5 seconds
• PDF (5 pages): 10-20 seconds
• Large document (20 pages): 45-90 seconds

These are estimates only and not SLA guarantees.

10. Limitation of Liability

10.1 Service "AS IS"

THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

10.2 OCR Accuracy

We do not guarantee 100% accuracy in text extraction. OCR accuracy depends on document quality, formatting, language, and other factors beyond our control. You are responsible for verifying extracted text accuracy for your use case.

10.3 Limitation of Damages

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL WE BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, USE, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES, RESULTING FROM:

• Your access to or use of or inability to access or use the Service
• Any conduct or content of any third party on the Service
• Any content obtained from the Service (including OCR results)
• Unauthorized access, use, or alteration of your transmissions or content

10.4 Cap on Liability

OUR TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS OR THE SERVICE SHALL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF:

• The amount you paid us in the 12 months prior to the event giving rise to liability, OR
• $100 USD

10.5 No Liability for User Content

We are not responsible for the content of documents you process or any consequences resulting from processing such documents. You are solely responsible for ensuring you have the right to process documents submitted to the Service.

10.6 Jurisdictional Limitations

Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of certain warranties or limitation of liability for incidental or consequential damages. In such jurisdictions, our liability shall be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.

11. Termination and Suspension

11.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time by:

• Deleting your account through the dashboard
• Contacting support at support@applyocr.com
• Cancelling your subscription (service continues until end of billing period)

11.2 Termination by Us

We may suspend or terminate your access immediately, without prior notice, for:

• Violation of these Terms or our Acceptable Use Policy
• Non-payment of fees
• Fraudulent or illegal activity
• Security threats or abuse of the Service
• Court orders or legal requirements
• Uploading prohibited content (CSAM, malware, etc.)

11.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your right to access and use the Service immediately ceases
• All API keys are revoked
• Your account data will be deleted within 30 days (except as required by law)
• No refunds for unused subscription time (except for termination by us without cause)
• Outstanding fees remain due and payable

11.4 Survival

The following sections survive termination:

• Intellectual Property Rights
• Limitation of Liability
• Indemnification
• Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
• Payment obligations for services rendered

11.5 Data Export

Before termination, you may export:

• Usage logs and statistics from your dashboard
• Account information and settings
• API request history (metadata only, not document content)

12. DMCA and Copyright Policy

12.1 Copyright Compliance

We respect intellectual property rights. You may only process documents that you own or have proper authorization to process. Processing copyrighted material without authorization violates these Terms.

12.2 DMCA Takedown Notices

If you believe content processed through our Service infringes your copyright, send a DMCA notice to dmca@applyocr.com including:

• Your contact information
• Description of the copyrighted work
• Description of the infringing activity
• Statement of good faith belief
• Statement under penalty of perjury that information is accurate
• Your physical or electronic signature

12.3 Counter-Notices

If you believe content was removed in error, you may file a counter-notice as provided under the DMCA.

12.4 Repeat Infringer Policy

We will terminate accounts of users who are repeat copyright infringers.

12.5 Important Note

13. Warranties and Disclaimers

13.1 Your Warranties

You represent and warrant that:

• You have the right to use all documents you submit for processing
• Your use of the Service complies with all applicable laws
• You will not upload prohibited content or malware
• All registration information you provide is accurate
• You are authorized to enter into this agreement

13.2 Service Disclaimers

WE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING:

• Warranties that the Service will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free
• Warranties regarding OCR accuracy or completeness
• Warranties that defects will be corrected
• Warranties regarding third-party content or services

13.3 No Professional Advice

The Service is not a substitute for professional advice (legal, financial, medical, etc.). OCR results should be verified for critical applications.

13.4 Third-Party Services

We are not responsible for third-party services, integrations, or content. Your use of third-party services is governed by their terms.

14. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless ApplyOCR, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, and licensors from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, expenses, or fees (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:

• Your use or misuse of the Service
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any rights of another party
• Documents you upload or process through the Service
• Your violation of applicable laws or regulations
• Unauthorized use of the Service through your account

14.1 Defense of Claims

We reserve the right to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter subject to indemnification by you, in which case you will cooperate with us in asserting any available defenses.

15. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

15.1 Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, United States, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

15.2 Dispute Resolution

For disputes arising under these Terms:

1. Informal Resolution: Contact us first to attempt informal resolution
2. Mediation: If informal resolution fails, both parties agree to attempt mediation
3. Arbitration: If mediation fails, binding arbitration under AAA rules

15.3 Arbitration

• Arbitration conducted by the American Arbitration Association (AAA)
• Single arbitrator mutually agreed upon or appointed by AAA
• Location: Delaware or via video conference
• Costs split equally between parties (except filing fees paid by claimant)
• Arbitrator's decision is final and binding

15.4 Exceptions to Arbitration

Either party may seek injunctive relief in court for:

• Intellectual property disputes
• Violations of confidentiality obligations
• Unauthorized access to systems

15.5 Class Action Waiver

YOU AGREE THAT DISPUTES WILL BE RESOLVED ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS ONLY, AND NOT AS A CLASS ACTION, CONSOLIDATED ACTION, OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION.

15.6 Jurisdiction and Venue

If arbitration does not apply, you agree to submit to the personal and exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Delaware.

16. Changes to Terms

16.1 Modifications

We may modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective:

• Immediately upon posting for non-material changes
• 30 days after notice for material changes

16.2 Notice of Changes

We will notify you of material changes by:

• Email to your registered email address
• Prominent notice on our website
• Dashboard notification
• Updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this page

16.3 Acceptance of Changes

Continued use of the Service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms. If you do not agree to the changes, you must stop using the Service and may terminate your account.

16.4 Version History

Previous versions of these Terms are available upon request at legal@applyocr.com.

17. Contact Information

For questions, concerns, or notices regarding these Terms:

Effective Date: These Terms are effective as of the "Last updated" date shown at the top of this page.