Welcome to www.IP.Expert, a platform owned and provided by Oravius FZ LLC., that facilitates communication between intellectual property professionals and potential users of intellectual property services. IP. Expert acts as a venue for providers and purchasers of intellectual property services to exchange information with the goal of eventually forming a professional relationship. IPExpert takes no position and offers no opinion on when or if an expert-client relationship has been formed.
Before using the IPExpert, you must read and accept the whole User Agreement, the Privacy policy, the Code of Ethics and Conduct, and all linked information.
Every new User relationship with IPExpert is founded on a contract that defines clear expectations for both parties. As we do not have a personal relationship with each User, it is crucial to outline these fundamental guidelines upfront to ensure transparency and mutual understanding.
This User Agreement (“Agreement”) is a legally binding contract between you (“User”) and IPExpert (“we” or “us”). By accessing or using the IPExpert platform, you agree to be bound by all agreements that constitute IPExpert’s Terms of Service, including the Privacy Policy, Code of Ethics and Conduct, applicable Escrow Instructions, and this User Agreement.
To use our platform, you must read and agree to this Agreement. If you do not understand or accept the terms, you may not use our platform. If you are accessing our Platform on behalf of a business, you must have the authority to agree to the Terms of our Platform on behalf of that business.
If you agree to this agreement, you are welcome to IP.Expert Platform!
DEFINITIONS
In this User Agreement, capitalized terms are defined as follows, with each term appearing enclosed in quotation marks.
“Account” means a registered profile created by a User on the Website to access and use the Website Services. An Account may be established by an individual or a business entity and is required to engage in transactions, communicate with other Users, and utilize the Website’s features. Each Account must be associated with accurate and complete information, and its use is subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
“Client” means any authorized User of the Website or Website Services, including Direct Contract Services, who seeks, requests, or obtains Expert Services from another User, whether as an individual or a business entity, in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
“Confidential Information” means any non-public, proprietary, or sensitive information disclosed by one party to another in connection with the use of the Website or Website Services, whether in written, electronic, or verbal form. This includes but is not limited to, business plans, trade secrets, financial information, technical data, strategies, customer lists, personal data, project details, and any other information designated as confidential or that should reasonably be understood as confidential due to its nature. Confidential Information does not include information that: (a) is or becomes publicly available through no breach of this Agreement; (b) is lawfully received from a third party without confidentiality obligations; (c) is independently developed without reference to the disclosed Confidential Information; or (d) is required to be disclosed by law or a valid legal process, provided that the disclosing party is given prior notice to the extent permitted by law.
“Direct Contract” means a contractual agreement formed directly between a Client and an Expert through the Website or Website Services, where the terms, scope, deliverables, and payment arrangements are negotiated and agreed upon by both parties without the direct involvement of the Website as a contracting party. The Website may facilitate communication, payment processing, and dispute resolution services but does not act as an employer, agent, or guarantor of either party’s obligations under the Direct Contract.
“Dispute Resolution Process” means the procedures established by the Website to address and resolve conflicts between Users.
“Inactive Account” means an Account that has not been accessed, used, or engaged in any transactions on the Website for a continuous period of three (3) months. The Website reserves the right to take appropriate actions regarding Inactive Accounts, including but not limited to temporary suspension, restriction of certain features, or permanent deactivation, in accordance with this Agreement and applicable policies.
“Fixed-Price Contract” means a contractual agreement between a Client and an Expert through the Website or Website Services, in which the Client agrees to pay a predetermined, fixed amount for the completion of specific deliverables or services.
The terms, scope, milestones, and payment schedule are agreed upon before work begins. Payment is typically released upon the satisfactory completion of agreed-upon deliverables, subject to any applicable Dispute Resolution Process or Website policies.
“Expert” means a registered User of the Website who offers professional services within their field of expertise through the Website or Website Services. An Expert may be an individual or a business entity providing specialized knowledge, skills, or consultancy in areas relevant to the Website are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of their qualifications, experience, and service offerings, and they must comply with the Site’s terms, policies, and applicable laws.
“Expert Fees” means: (a) for an Hourly Contract, the amount reflected in the Hourly Invoice (the number of hours invoiced by the Expert, multiplied by the hourly rate charged by the Expert); (b) for a Fixed-Price Contract, the fixed fee agreed between a Client and an Expert; and (c) any bonuses or other payments made by a Client to an Expert.
“Expert Services” means all services performed for or delivered to Clients by an Expert through the Website or Website Services. These services may be provided under Fixed-Price Contracts, Milestone Payments, Hourly Contracts, or other payment structures as agreed upon by the parties. Expert Services must comply with the Website’s terms, policies, and applicable laws, and the Expert is solely responsible for the quality, timeliness, and completion of the agreed-upon work.
“Hourly Contract” means a contractual agreement between a Client and an Expert through the Website or Website Services, where payment is based on the number of hours worked. The Expert records and submits time spent on the project, and the Client is billed accordingly at the agreed-upon hourly rate. Hourly Contracts may be subject to time-tracking requirements, invoicing procedures, and dispute-resolution mechanisms as outlined in the Website’s policies.
“Milestone Payments” means a payment made by the Client for the provision of Seller Services, where the Client agrees to release funds to the Expert upon the successful completion of predefined project phases or deliverables, and which will be released in accordance with the section “Milestone Payments” of these terms and conditions.
“Intellectual Property Rights” means all legal rights associated with intellectual property, including but not limited to patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, moral rights, database rights, industrial designs, and any other proprietary rights recognized under applicable laws. These rights cover all aspects of ownership, use, reproduction, modification, distribution, licensing, and protection of intellectual property, whether registered or unregistered. Any Intellectual Property Rights related to the work product created through the Website or Website Services shall be governed by the terms agreed upon between the Client and Expert, subject to the Website’s policies and applicable laws.
“Listing” means a service offering posted by an Expert on the Website, detailing the scope, pricing, and terms of the services they provide. Listings allow Clients to browse and directly purchase or negotiate services, subject to the Site’s policies and applicable agreements.
“Service Contract” means the legally binding agreement between a Client and an Expert for the provision of Expert Services through the Website. A Service Contract includes the terms agreed upon by both parties, such as the scope of work, deliverables, payment terms, timelines, and any other contractual provisions set forth in the Request and accepted on the Website.
“Request” means a specific job, task, or engagement posted by a Client on the Website, seeking Expert Services. A Request may be governed by a Fixed-Price Contract, Hourly Contract, or another agreed-upon payment structure, and includes a defined scope, deliverables, deadlines, and payment terms as outlined by the Client.
“User Contract” means this User Agreement, the Code of Ethics and Conduct as amended from time to time, and any additional contractual provisions mutually agreed upon by the Client and the Expert and uploaded to the Website, provided they do not conflict with this User Agreement or the Code of Ethics and Conduct, the terms of the Request as awarded and accepted on the Website, to the extent they align with this User Agreement and the Code of Ethics and Conduct, and any other material incorporated by reference from time to time.
“User(s)”, “you” or “your” means an individual who visits or uses the Website.
“Platform” means the entire IPExpert digital environment, including but not limited to the website, mobile applications, APIs, and any other tools, technologies, or services provided by IPExpert to facilitate interaction, communication, and transactions between Clients and Experts.
Purpose of IPExpert:
Relationship between IPExpert and Users: We offer a “Platform” for “Users” to find and connect with each other. We are not involved in negotiations or delivery of “Expertise Services”. IPExpert is a “Platform” that facilitates communication between intellectual property professionals and potential users of intellectual property services. IPExpert acts as a platform for providers and purchasers of intellectual property services to exchange information, with the ultimate goal of fostering professional relationships. IPExpert takes no position and offers no opinion on when or if an “Expert”-“Client” relationship has been formed.
In order to provide an optimal “Platform” for Clients and Intellectual Property Professionals, does not involve itself in the agreements between “Experts” and “Clients” or the actual representation of “Clients”. Therefore, we cannot ensure the completion of the agreement or the integrity of either party. The “User”, and not IPExpert, is solely responsible for assessing the integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness of all persons with whom the User communicates on the “Platform”.
“Users” are responsible for paying their own taxes, obtaining their own insurance, and ensuring they comply with applicable laws and regulations.
“Users” publish and ask IPExpert to publish information and feedback on the “Platform”. We are not responsible for that content, and your publication or use of it is at your own risk.
1. Account Registration and Eligibility:
- Creating an “Account”: You must register for an “Account” to have full access to our “Platform,” and your registration is subject to our approval. We reserve the right to decline a registration either to join IPExpert or to add an “Account” of any type for any lawful reason or any business considerations.
- Types of “Accounts”: We offer “Client” and “Expert” “Accounts”. You can add “Account” Types without re-registering. Once you register for an “Account”, you can add “Account” types without re-registering. You promise to register for only one “Account” that requires a unique login. This “Account” will house all of your “Account” types.
- Eligibility for an “Account”: You promise to use our “Platform” for business purposes only and only in ways that are legal. You also promise that you are eligible to enter into this “Agreement”, including because you are at least 18 years old and you meet the legal age requirement in your country.
- Profile Information: To register for an “Account” to use our “Platform”, you must provide accurate and complete information on your “Profile” and keep it current. You must complete a “User” profile (“Profile”), which you consent to be shown to other “Users” and, unless you change your privacy settings, to be shown to the public. You agree to provide accurate and complete information on your “Profile”—and on all registration and other forms you access while using our “Platform” or provide to us—and you agree to keep that information current. You agree not to provide any false or misleading information about your identity or location, your business, the beneficial owner(s) of your business, your skills, or the services your business provides, and you agree to correct any information that is or becomes false or misleading. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate the “Account” or access to our “Platform” of anyone who provides false, inaccurate, or incomplete information in creating, marketing, or maintaining a “Profile” or an “Account”.
2. Verification of Identity and Location:
Your “Account” will be subject to verification. When you register for an “Account” and periodically thereafter, your “Account” will be subject to verification, including but not limited to validation against third-party databases or the verification of one or more official government or legal documents that confirm your identity, your location, and your ability to act on behalf of your business on IP.Expert. You authorize IPExpert, directly or through third parties, to make any inquiries necessary to validate your identity, your location, and confirm your ownership of your business, email address, or financial accounts, subject to applicable law. When requested, you must timely provide us with complete information about yourself and your business, which includes providing official government or legal documents and cooperating with other reasonable requests we make to verify your identity. During verification, some “Account” features may be temporarily limited but will be restored if verification is successfully completed.
3. Security:
Keep your username and password confidential. Each person who uses our “Platform” must register for their own “Account” with a username and password. You are responsible for safeguarding and maintaining the confidentiality of your username and password and agree not to share your username or password with anyone. You are responsible for safeguarding your username and password and for any use of our “Platform” with your username and password. You agree to notify us immediately if you suspect or become aware of any unauthorized use of your “Account” or any unauthorized access to your password. You further agree not to use the “Account” or log in with the username and password of another “User”.
4. Client and Expert Relationship:
- Independent Relationship: The “User” (whether a “Client” or an “Expert”) is solely responsible for deciding whether to enter into agreements with other “Users” on the platform. IP.Expert provides a “Platform” for connecting “Clients” and “Experts” but is not a party to any Service Agreement between them.
- Service Agreements Between Clients and Experts: “Clients” and “Experts” may agree to additional contractual terms governing the scope of work, payment terms, deadlines, intellectual property rights, confidentiality, and other service conditions. Any such agreement must not conflict with this: “Agreement”, the “Code of Ethics and Conduct”, or any other “Platform”’s policies.
- User Disputes: If a dispute arises between a “Client” and an “Expert”, both parties must first attempt to resolve it directly. For disputes arising between “Client” and “Expert”, you agree to abide by the dispute resolution process that is explained in the Escrow Instructions that apply to your particular Service Contract. If that process does not resolve your dispute, you may pursue your dispute independently, but you acknowledge and agree that IPExpert will not and is not obligated to provide any further dispute resolution assistance.
5. Fees and Payments:
We charge fees for certain services, such as introduction fees for “Requests”, “Listing” upgrades, and memberships. When you use a service that has a fee, you have an opportunity to review and accept the fees that you will be charged based on our Pricing and Fees Guide, which we may change from time to time, and will update by placing on our “Platform”. We may choose to temporarily change the fees for our services for promotional events (for example, discounts on memberships) or new services, and such changes are effective when we post a temporary promotional event or new service on our “Platform”, or as notified through promotional correspondence.
Unless otherwise stated, all fees are quoted in United States Dollars.
If Expert chooses to withdraw funds in a currency other than U.S. dollars, IPExpert Escrow (or an affiliate) will impose a foreign currency conversion charge, and the rate may differ from rates that are in effect on the date of the payment. You may be able to obtain a better rate from your bank or financial institution.
IPExpert Fees are exclusive of taxes. IPExpert may be required by applicable law to collect or pay certain taxes or levies, including income tax or VAT (which some jurisdictions refer to as GST or local sales taxes). These collection and withholding requirements and rates may change based on changes to the law in your area. Any amounts IPExpert is required or permitted to collect or withhold for the payment of any such taxes shall be collected or withheld in addition to the fees owed to IPExpert under the Terms of Service.
6. Payment and Escrow Services:
IPExpert provides escrow services to facilitate secure and transparent transactions between Clients and Experts. All payments for projects must be made by the Client into an Escrow Account before work commences. Funds held in escrow are disbursed to the Expert in accordance with the terms and milestones set forth in the applicable Escrow Instructions. In cases where a Client fails to make timely payments or fulfill payment obligations, IPExpert reserves the right to take appropriate action, which may include account restrictions, suspension of services, or initiation of dispute resolution procedures.
Clients acknowledge and agree that, unless otherwise expressly stated, all payments made through the Platform are non-refundable, and chargebacks are not permitted. Each User is required to maintain at least one valid payment method on file, and all transactions on the Platform are conducted in United States Dollars (USD). If a User’s selected payment method is denominated in a currency other than USD, IPExpert may convert the payment amount using a foreign exchange rate that may differ from publicly available rates and may include a currency conversion fee. Users understand that the rate offered by IPExpert may not be the most favorable available and that alternative rates may be obtained from financial institutions.
7. Fair Use and Platform Value
IPExpert is designed to foster trusted professional relationships and facilitate secure, transparent transactions between Clients and Experts. To support the sustainability and quality of the Platform, Users are encouraged to communicate, collaborate, and process service-related payments through IPExpert when the initial contact or project request is made via the Platform.
We ask all Users to respect the value the Platform provides. While IPExpert does not prevent Clients and Experts from forming long-term relationships or collaborating outside the Platform, deliberately using IPExpert to source contacts while avoiding its service structure may be considered a misuse of the Platform. Such conduct may result in temporary suspension, account review, or other appropriate action in accordance with our policies.
If a User wishes to engage in off-platform work following a connection made through IPExpert, we encourage transparency. An optional opt-out process may be available for continued work outside the Platform, subject to the applicable opt-out terms outlined in our Pricing and Fees Guide.
8. Compliance Records:
Users are responsible for creating, storing, and maintaining their own business records, including communications, contracts, and financial documentation. You agree that IPExpert has no obligation to guarantee the storage or retrieval of any user data or content unless otherwise required by law. It is your responsibility to ensure proper backups of your materials and to comply with applicable legal requirements concerning business and recordkeeping practices.
9. Data Privacy and Protection
By accessing and using the Platform, you acknowledge and agree to the collection, use, storage, and processing of your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws, including the United Arab Emirates Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on the Protection of Personal Data. IPExpert will take reasonable measures to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of User data and will only use personal data for legitimate purposes related to the operation of the Platform, the provision of services, communication with Users, and compliance with legal obligations.
Users are responsible for ensuring that any data shared via the Platform does not infringe on the privacy rights of third parties and is shared in compliance with applicable laws. Where Users process personal data of others in the course of using the Platform, they acknowledge that they may be deemed data controllers or processors and are independently responsible for their compliance obligations.
IPExpert may share User data with third-party service providers as necessary to provide the Platform’s functionalities, including payment processing, identity verification, or customer support. All such sharing is governed by appropriate contractual safeguards. Users are encouraged to review our full Privacy Policy to understand how data is collected, handled, and protected.
10. Intellectual Property and Content Ownership
All content made available by IPExpert, including software, design, and proprietary information, is the intellectual property of IPExpert or its licensors. Users retain ownership of content they upload, such as Listings or profile information, but grant IPExpert a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, reproduce, and display such content as necessary to operate and promote the Platform. The intellectual property rights in deliverables arising from Service Contracts shall be governed by the terms of the agreement between the Client and Expert.
11. User Conduct
Users agree to use the Platform in a professional, lawful, and respectful manner. Any behavior that constitutes harassment, abuse, discrimination, fraud, or misuse of the Platform may result in suspension or termination of the User’s Account. Users must not post false, misleading, or defamatory content and must comply with all applicable laws and Platform policies.
12. Warranty Disclaimer:
IPExpert provides its Platform and services “as is” and without any warranty of any kind, express or implied. We do not guarantee the reliability, quality, or accuracy of any service or content available through the Platform. Your use of the Platform and any interaction with other Users is solely at your own risk.
13. Limitation of Liability:
To the fullest extent permitted by law, IPExpert shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages, including lost profits, data, or business opportunities, arising from or related to your use of the Platform, services, or interactions with other Users, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.
14. Release:
You agree to release and hold harmless IPExpert, its affiliates, officers, directors, and employees from any and all claims, demands, and damages (actual and consequential) of every kind arising out of or in any way connected to disputes with other Users, including but not limited to disagreements regarding Service Contracts, Listings, payments, and services provided.
15. Indemnification:
You agree to cover our costs or losses if you do something using our Services that gets us sued or fined.
16. Agreement Termination:
This Agreement may be terminated at any time by either party, with or without cause. You or IPExpert may choose to end this Agreement by closing your Account or discontinuing your use of the Platform. Termination does not affect any rights or obligations that accrued prior to the effective date of termination.
Upon closure of your Account, your access to the Platform and any stored information may be permanently removed, except where retention is required by law. IPExpert disclaims any liability for the loss of data or content following Account closure. However, IPExpert may retain certain Account information as necessary to comply with legal obligations, regulatory requirements, dispute resolution, or as outlined in our Privacy Policy.
Notwithstanding termination, certain provisions of this Agreement shall survive, including but not limited to those relating to intellectual property rights, fees, confidentiality, limitation of liability, dispute resolution, and indemnification. These terms will remain in full force and effect to the extent they are intended to survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement.
17. Dispute Resolution:
In the event of any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement or your use of the Platform, the parties agree to first attempt to resolve the matter amicably through direct negotiation and good-faith discussions. Users must first contact IPExpert support to seek informal resolution.
If no amicable settlement is reached within a reasonable period, the dispute shall be submitted to final and binding arbitration in accordance with the applicable laws of the United Arab Emirates. Arbitration proceedings shall be conducted in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in accordance with the rules of the Ras Al Khaimah Centre for Reconciliation and Commercial Arbitration (RAK RCAA) or such other recognized arbitration institution as may be agreed by the parties. The arbitration shall be conducted in English unlesss otherwise agreed by the parties.
This Agreement and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with it shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the United Arab Emirates, and the competent courts of Ras Al Khaimah shall have jurisdiction to enforce any arbitral award or address any non-arbitrable matters.
18. General Provisions:
This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between you and IPExpert with respect to your access to and use of the Platform and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous agreements, whether written or oral, relating to the same subject matter.
IPExpert reserves the right to modify this Agreement at any time. In the event of material changes, we will provide reasonable advance notice through the Platform or by other appropriate means. Your continued use of the Platform after such notice constitutes your acceptance of the revised terms.
You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of IPExpert. Any attempted assignment without such consent shall be null and void.
If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable under applicable law, that provision shall be modified to the extent necessary to comply with the law, and the remainder of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. The provisions will be interpreted, where possible, to give effect to the original intent.
Neither party shall be liable for any delay or failure in performance under this Agreement due to causes beyond their reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, natural disasters, governmental actions, labor disputes, internet outages, or other unforeseen events (“Force Majeure”). Obligations affected by such events will be suspended for the duration of the event.
This Agreement is published in English, and the English version shall prevail in the event of any discrepancy or conflict with translated versions. By using the Platform, you consent to receive all records, notices, disclosures, and communications from IPExpert and its affiliates electronically. These electronic communications will satisfy any legal requirement that such communications be in writing.
Effective Date: 20-01-2025
Last Updated: 25-03-2025
