Terms & Conditions

Thank you for choosing Ruut Chat! These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of our services. By accessing or using Ruut Chat, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use our services.

1. Introduction

Ruut Chat is a communication and customer support platform that enables businesses to connect with their customers through live chat, messaging, and automation tools. Our platform is designed for businesses operating primarily in the African market. By using Ruut Chat ("Service"), you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms.

2. Definitions

• "Service" refers to Ruut Chat, including its websites, applications, software, tools, and all associated services.

• "User" refers to any person, organization, or entity accessing or using Ruut Chat, whether as an individual or representative of an entity.

• "Customer" refers to a business that uses Ruut Chat to communicate with its end-users.

3. Account Registration and Eligibility

To use the Ruut Chat service, you must register an account. You agree to provide accurate and complete information when creating an account and to update it as necessary. You must be at least 18 years old or have legal capacity to enter into contracts in your jurisdiction.

• Business use only: Ruut Chat is intended for businesses and organizations and not for individual use.

• Single User Account: Only one person per account is allowed unless explicitly authorized.
  
  

4. License and Use of Service

When using Ruut Chat, you are granted a license to access and use the Service based on the terms set forth in this agreement. However, this is a limited license, not ownership.

• License Grant: Ruut Chat grants you a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use the Service, in accordance with these Terms. This license is limited to the functionality of the Service as provided and described by Ruut Chat.

• Restrictions on Use:

  • You may not sublicense, sell, lease, or distribute the Service to third parties without explicit written consent from Ruut Chat.

  • You may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the Service, or attempt to derive the source code, except where such restrictions are prohibited by law.

  • You may not use the Service for unlawful purposes or engage in any activities that would disrupt the functioning of the platform (e.g., hacking, spamming, or distributing malware).

• Ownership of Service: All rights, titles, and interest in the Service, including any related intellectual property, trademarks, patents, and copyrights, remain the sole property of Ruut Chat. This license does not grant you ownership of any of these assets.

• Affiliation: While Ruut Chat is an independent service, we acknowledge our use of underlying technology in collaboration with other platforms such as Chatwoot. However, this affiliation is not intended to be prominent or the focal point of the user experience.

• Modifications: You must refrain from making any modifications or adaptations to the Service unless authorized in writing by Ruut Chat.

5. Subscription and Payment Terms

Ruut Chat offers various subscription plans. Your plan and pricing details will be outlined at the time of purchase. Subscription fees may be updated from time to time.

• Payment Terms: Payment is due based on your selected subscription. We accept payments through [list payment methods].

• Billing Cycle: Your subscription will be billed on a [monthly/annual] basis. You authorize us to automatically charge your account at the start of each billing cycle.

• No Refunds: All payments are non-refundable unless otherwise stated in your contract with Ruut Chat.

6. Your Responsibilities

You are responsible for the content you post or transmit via the Service. You must ensure that your use of Ruut Chat complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and third-party rights.

• Prohibited Content: You may not upload, post, or transmit content that is unlawful, obscene, abusive, or infringes on intellectual property rights.

• Data Protection: You must ensure that you are compliant with any relevant data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the African Union’s Data Protection Guidelines when handling personal data of your users.

7. Data Privacy and Security

Data privacy and security are critical aspects of Ruut Chat, particularly as it operates in Africa where various countries have their own regulations surrounding personal data protection (such as Nigeria's NDPR or South Africa's POPIA). As a service handling potentially sensitive customer information, Ruut Chat commits to maintaining high standards of data protection.

• Data Collection: Ruut Chat collects user data (e.g., name, email address, chat logs, and other interaction data) to provide its services effectively. Depending on your jurisdiction, this data may be considered personal data, and Ruut Chat will treat it accordingly, ensuring it is processed lawfully, transparently, and for specific, legitimate purposes.
  
  

• Data Usage: The data collected will be used to facilitate interactions between your business and your customers, including communication, analytics, and support. We may also use the data to improve the platform’s functionality and user experience.
  
  

• Data Storage: Data processed through Ruut Chat may be stored on our secure servers, which could be located in various regions. We ensure that all data is stored securely with encryption, firewalls, and regular security audits to minimize the risk of data breaches.
  
  

• Third-Party Services: In the course of offering our services, Ruut Chat may work with third-party providers (e.g., payment gateways, analytics tools). These third parties will only process your data according to our instructions and are bound by data protection agreements.

  
  

• Compliance: We comply with local and international data protection regulations and take steps to safeguard your data. For example, if you're in the EU, we'll adhere to the GDPR and for users in Africa, we will comply with local data protection laws, such as NDPR (Nigeria), POPIA (South Africa), and others.

  
  

• Data Retention and Deletion: We will retain your data for as long as necessary to provide the Service or as required by law. You can request deletion of your data or an export of your data via the account settings or by contacting us directly. However, please note that after termination of your account, some data may remain in our backup systems for a limited period as per our data retention policy.
  
  

• Security Measures: We implement industry-standard security practices, including data encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and regular penetration testing, to safeguard the data you share with us.
  
  

8. Support and Maintenance

Ruut Chat provides technical support to all customers as outlined in your subscription plan. Support will be available via [email, chat, or phone], during business hours.

• Scheduled Maintenance: We may periodically schedule maintenance that could temporarily interrupt the Service. We will notify you in advance when possible.

  
  

9. Intellectual Property

Ruut Chat’s Intellectual Property (IP) includes the software, source code, user interfaces, designs, logos, trademarks, and any content provided through the Service. These are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

• Ownership of Content: You retain ownership of the content you input or transmit through the Service, such as chat logs, customer data, and other content. However, by using Ruut Chat, you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to store, process, and display this content solely for the purpose of providing and improving the Service.
  
  
  

• Ruut Chat IP: We own all rights, titles, and interests in and to the platform, software, website, and other materials provided to you through the Service. This includes all updates, enhancements, and modifications to the software, as well as any related documentation.
  
  
  

• Trademarks: Ruut Chat's name, logo, and other trademarks are the exclusive property of Ruut. You are not permitted to use our trademarks without prior written consent.
  
  
  

• Third-Party Technology: Ruut Chat may integrate with third-party technologies and services (e.g., Chatwoot). These third-party services may have their own IP rights and terms of use. While Ruut Chat offers access to these integrations, the third-party service’s terms will govern your use of their respective products.

10. Warranty Disclaimer

Ruut Chat provides the Service "as is" and "as available." We do not make any representations or warranties, express or implied, about the functionality, reliability, accuracy, or availability of the Service.

• No Warranty: To the fullest extent permitted by law, Ruut Chat disclaims all warranties, including implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. We do not guarantee that the Service will be error-free or uninterrupted.

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Ruut Chat, its officers, employees, agents, and affiliates (including technology partners) from any and all claims, losses, damages, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising out of or in connection with:

• Your use of the Service.

• Your violation of these Terms.

• Your breach of any applicable law or third-party right.

This indemnification obligation shall survive the termination of your account or these Terms.

12. Termination

You or Ruut Chat may terminate your account at any time, with or without cause, by providing written notice to the other party.

• Suspension of Services: We may suspend or terminate your access to the Service immediately if you breach any of these Terms or engage in illegal activities.

• Consequences of Termination: Upon termination, your account will be deactivated, and you will lose access to the Service and all related data. You may download your data before termination, subject to our data retention policies.

13. Limitation of Liability

Ruut Chat strives to provide reliable services, but there are inherent risks with any online service, especially when handling sensitive data. Thus, we limit our liability to ensure both parties are protected.

• Limitation of Damages: To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Ruut Chat’s total liability, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), or otherwise, will not exceed the fees paid by you for the Service in the last six (6) months preceding the claim. In other words, the amount of money you've spent on Ruut Chat over the last six months is the maximum liability we will owe you in the event of a dispute.

• Exclusion of Indirect Damages: Ruut Chat will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages (including, without limitation, loss of profits, data, or goodwill) arising out of your use or inability to use the Service, even if we were advised of the possibility of such damages.

• Service Availability: While we make every effort to ensure the availability of the Service, we cannot guarantee uninterrupted access at all times. Ruut Chat is not liable for any temporary disruptions, outages, or failures caused by factors outside our control (e.g., internet connection issues, force majeure events).

Third-Party Software and Integrations

Use of Third-Party Services:

"Ruut Chat may integrate with or rely on third-party services and software to enable certain functionalities of the Service. These third-party services may include, but are not limited to, messaging frameworks, payment gateways, analytics tools, email services, or customer support software. By using the Service, you acknowledge and agree that such third-party services are necessary for the proper functioning of certain features of the Service."

Limitations of Third-Party Services:

"Ruut Chat does not own, control, or operate the third-party services integrated into the platform, and as such, does not guarantee the performance, availability, or reliability of these services. Your use of third-party services is subject to the respective third-party’s terms and conditions and privacy policies. Ruut Chat is not liable for any issues arising from the use of these third-party services, including any interruption or failure of functionality related to these integrations."

Third-Party Terms and Conditions:

"By using features powered by third-party services, such as Chatwoot or other integrated platforms, you agree to abide by the terms and conditions of those third-party services. It is your responsibility to review the applicable third-party terms to ensure compliance with their policies."

Modification and Removal of Third-Party Software:

"Ruut Chat reserves the right to modify or discontinue the use of any third-party services or software integrations at its sole discretion, with or without prior notice. We will attempt to notify users of any significant changes that may affect the functionality of the Service, but we cannot guarantee that such notifications will be provided."

Data Sharing with Third-Party Services:

"To provide you with a seamless experience, certain user data may be shared with third-party services as necessary to perform specific functions (e.g., processing payments, providing analytics, or enabling chat functionality). By using the Service, you consent to such data sharing, which will be governed by the third-party’s privacy policy and data protection practices."

Third-Party Software and Integrations

1. Use of Third-Party Services:
   "Ruut Chat may integrate with or rely on third-party services and software to enable certain functionalities of the Service. These third-party services may include, but are not limited to, messaging frameworks, payment gateways, analytics tools, email services, or customer support software. By using the Service, you acknowledge and agree that such third-party services are necessary for the proper functioning of certain features of the Service."

2. Limitations of Third-Party Services:
   "Ruut Chat does not own, control, or operate the third-party services integrated into the platform, and as such, does not guarantee the performance, availability, or reliability of these services. Your use of third-party services is subject to the respective third-party’s terms and conditions and privacy policies. Ruut Chat is not liable for any issues arising from the use of these third-party services, including any interruption or failure of functionality related to these integrations."

3. Third-Party Terms and Conditions:
   "By using features powered by third-party services, such as Chatwoot or other integrated platforms, you agree to abide by the terms and conditions of those third-party services. It is your responsibility to review the applicable third-party terms to ensure compliance with their policies."

4. Modification and Removal of Third-Party Software:
   "Ruut Chat reserves the right to modify or discontinue the use of any third-party services or software integrations at its sole discretion, with or without prior notice. We will attempt to notify users of any significant changes that may affect the functionality of the Service, but we cannot guarantee that such notifications will be provided."

5. Data Sharing with Third-Party Services:
   "To provide you with a seamless experience, certain user data may be shared with third-party services as necessary to perform specific functions (e.g., processing payments, providing analytics, or enabling chat functionality). By using the Service, you consent to such data sharing, which will be governed by the third-party’s privacy policy and data protection practices."

15. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute between you and Ruut Chat, these Terms of Service will be governed by the laws of the country in which your business is registered or where you operate. Specific provisions on dispute resolution are outlined to ensure an efficient and fair resolution process.

• Jurisdiction: The governing law of these Terms will be based on the laws of [Country], such as South Africa or Nigeria, depending on where your primary business operations are based. All disputes arising from these Terms will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in that jurisdiction.

• Dispute Resolution Process:

  • Negotiation: In the event of any dispute, both parties agree to first attempt to resolve the issue through informal negotiations.

  • Mediation/Arbitration: If informal resolution fails, the dispute will be resolved through mediation or arbitration under the rules of [Insert Mediation/Arbitration Institution], in the jurisdiction where Ruut Chat operates. The decision of the arbitrator(s) will be binding on both parties.

  • Costs: Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, each party will bear its own costs associated with arbitration or mediation.

• No Class Actions: You agree that any claims arising out of or in connection with these Terms will be handled on an individual basis and not as part of a class or representative action.

16. Miscellaneous

• Entire Agreement: These Terms, together with any other legal notices and agreements published by Ruut Chat on the Service, shall constitute the entire agreement between you and Ruut Chat concerning your use of the Service. If there is any conflict between these Terms and any other agreement, these Terms will prevail unless otherwise stated.

• Severability: If any provision of these Terms is found to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable under applicable law, such provision will be enforced to the maximum extent possible, and the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.

• Waiver: No waiver of any provision of these Terms will be deemed a further or continuing waiver of such provision or any other provision, and Ruut Chat's failure to assert any right or provision under these Terms will not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.

• Force Majeure: Ruut Chat will not be held liable for any failure or delay in performance of the Service due to causes beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, war, labor disputes, acts of government, or failures of telecommunications providers.

• Assignment: You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms without the prior written consent of Ruut Chat. Ruut Chat may freely assign its rights and obligations to any third party at any time without your consent.

• Relationship of the Parties: No agency, partnership, joint venture, or employment relationship is created between you and Ruut Chat as a result of these Terms. You do not have any authority to bind Ruut Chat in any manner.

• Headings: The section titles and headings used in these Terms are for convenience only and have no legal or contractual effect.

• Survival: The provisions of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination or expiration will survive, including, without limitation, provisions related to ownership, indemnity, warranty disclaimers, limitation of liability, and dispute resolution.

• No Third-Party Beneficiaries: Except as otherwise expressly provided in these Terms, nothing in this agreement is intended to confer any rights or benefits on third parties.

• Language: These Terms have been drafted in English. If translated versions are available, they are provided for convenience only, and the English version will prevail in case of any conflict.

• Marketing and Promotion: By using Ruut Chat, you agree that we may use your company’s name, logo, and other public-facing information in promotional materials, case studies, and success stories, unless you opt out by notifying us in writing.

• Notification: Any notifications or communications under these Terms should be sent via email or postal mail to the contact information provided in your account. You agree that we may send notifications regarding changes to these Terms, system outages, new features, and other important information to the email address associated with your account.