Terms & Conditions
Effective Date: February 3, 2025
These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern the use of the BOLG Biotechnology Open Lab Gate platform ("Platform") by all users, including clients (individuals and agencies), biotech freelancers (individuals and agencies), and companies listed in the Biotech Companies Directory (collectively, "Users"). By accessing or using the Platform, Users agree to be bound by these Terms. If Users do not agree, they must refrain from using the Platform.
1. Eligibility
1.1 Users must be at least 18 years old or have reached the legal age of majority in their jurisdiction, whichever is higher, and possess the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements.
1.2 Users must accept these Terms to access certain Platform features, even as visitors.
1.3 BOLG Biotechnology Open Lab Gate reserves the right to request verification of identity, age, and authorization to act on behalf of an entity.
1.4 Users must not be previously suspended or banned from the Platform.
1.5 Users must comply with local, national, and international laws when accessing and using the Platform.
2. Account Creation
2.1 Users must create an account to access the Platform. All information provided during account creation, including personal details, skills, experience, business data, and location, must be accurate and kept up to date.
2.2 Users are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their account credentials.
2.3 Clients and biotech freelancers may create individual or agency accounts. Client agency accounts require approval from the Platform. Biotech freelancer accounts, whether individual or agency, require approval from the Platform.
2.4 To register for any agency account, whether client or biotech freelancer, the user must have full authority to accept these Terms on behalf of their organization.
2.5 Companies registering for the Biotech Companies Directory must have full authority to accept these Terms on behalf of their organization and require approval from the Platform.
2.6 Users must ensure their account and business information remain accurate and updated.
2.7 Any fraudulent, misleading, or inaccurate account details may lead to suspension or termination of the account.
2.8 Users are prohibited from creating multiple accounts unless explicitly authorized by BOLG Biotechnology Open Lab Gate.
3. Platform Usage
3.1 BOLG Biotechnology Open Lab Gate is a specialized digital marketplace connecting biotech professionals and clients.
3.2 The Platform facilitates project postings, collaborations, secure payment processing, and serves as a biotech directory.
3.3 Users must use the Platform lawfully and in compliance with all applicable regulations.
3.4 Companies listed in the Biotech Companies Directory may use the Platform only to showcase services and products.
3.5 Users must not use the Platform for:
Fraudulent activities, spamming, or phishing
Posting false or misleading project details
Engaging in discrimination, harassment, or abusive conduct
Circumventing fees or payment processes
3.6 BOLG Biotechnology Open Lab Gate reserves the right to monitor user activity and investigate any suspected misconduct.
4. Username and Password
4.1 Users are responsible for securing their login credentials.
4.2 Sharing account credentials is strictly prohibited.
4.3 Users must immediately notify BOLG Biotechnology Open Lab Gate if they suspect unauthorized access to their account.
4.4 BOLG Biotechnology Open Lab Gate is not liable for any loss or damage arising from unauthorized account access due to user negligence.
5. Payments & Fees
A) Hourly Rate-Based Projects
5.1 Clients prepay for agreed-upon hours, with funds securely held in escrow.
5.2 Review Period: Monday (12:00 noon UTC) – Friday (11:59 PM UTC).
5.3 Holding Period: Saturday (12:00 AM UTC) – Monday (11:59 PM UTC).
5.4 Payment Availability: Funds become accessible the following Tuesday (12:00 AM UTC), 9 days after work submission.
B) Fixed Price-Based Projects
5.5 Clients make upfront payments, securely held in escrow.
5.6 Work Approval: Clients have 5 days to approve submitted work.
5.7 Holding Period: A 3-day period ensures smooth processing and dispute resolution.
5.8 Payment Availability: Funds become available after the holding period.
C) Service Fees
5.9 Biotech freelancers will be charged a service fee based on total earnings:
20% for earnings under $1,000
15% for earnings between $1,000 – $5,000
10% for earnings between $5,000 – $50,000
5% for earnings above $50,000
5.10 BOLG Biotechnology Open Lab Gate reserves the right to update these fee structures at any time.
5.11 Clients will be charged a 5% processing fee, plus applicable taxes.
5.12 Refund policies apply in cases of project disputes, cancellations, or policy violations.
6. Subscription Plans
6.1 Different subscription plans are available for Clients, biotech freelancers, and companies in the Biotech Companies Directory.
6.2 Applicable taxes will be added, and subscription terms may change.
6.3 Failure to renew a subscription may result in restricted access to certain Platform features.
7. Taxes
7.1 Users are responsible for all applicable taxes on payments.
7.2 BOLG Biotechnology Open Lab Gate does not withhold taxes unless legally required.
7.3 Users must ensure compliance with their local tax obligations.
8. Payment Options (Subject to Change)
8.1 Biotech freelancers can withdraw earnings via PayPal (subject to country availability).
8.2 Clients can make payments using Credit/Debit Cards.
8.3 Applicable taxes are added where required.
8.4 BOLG Biotechnology Open Lab Gate reserves the right to modify available payment options.
9. Intellectual Property
9.1 Users grant BOLG Biotechnology Open Lab Gate a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use posted content.
9.2 Upon project completion, intellectual property rights transfer to the client.
9.3 Biotech freelancers agree to transfer all project-related intellectual property rights to the client.
9.4 Clients receive exclusive rights to use, modify, reproduce, and distribute project deliverables.
9.5 BOLG Biotechnology Open Lab Gate does not claim ownership over client deliverables.
10. Content Guidelines
10.1 Users are prohibited from posting offensive, defamatory, or discriminatory content.
10.2 BOLG Biotechnology Open Lab Gate reserves the right to remove content violating these guidelines.
11. User Disputes
11.1 BOLG Biotechnology Open Lab Gate acts as a neutral platform and is not liable for disputes between Users.
11.2 Clients and freelancers must resolve disputes directly, though BOLG Biotechnology Open Lab Gate may assist in communication.
12. Limitation of Liability
12.1 BOLG Biotechnology Open Lab Gate is judiciously not responsible for the quality, accuracy, or legality of any content posted on the Platform or the performance of Users.
12.2 Users consciously use the Platform at their own risk, with BOLG Biotechnology Open Lab Gate being categorically not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from Platform use.
13. Termination of Accounts
13.1 BOLG Biotechnology Open Lab Gate expressly reserves the right to suspend or terminate a User's account at any time if they violate these Terms or engage in any fraudulent or harmful activities.
14. Governing Law & Jurisdiction
14.1 These Terms are decisively governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Saskatchewan, Canada. Additionally, they are subject to any applicable federal regulations and laws in Canada. Any disputes arising from the use of the Platform are indisputably subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Saskatchewan.
By accessing and using the BOLG Biotechnology Open Lab Gate Platform, Users acknowledge and accept these Terms & Conditions, agreeing to abide by the established guidelines. BOLG Biotechnology Open Lab Gate retains the right to modify these Terms & Conditions as needed, and continued use of the Platform following any updates signifies clear and unconditional acceptance of the revised terms.