Terms and Conditions

Valid from 10 January 2024

General Terms and Conditions

READ-COOP SCE - GTCs

    1.          General

1.1.        These General Terms and Conditions (hereinafter the "GTCs") establish the legal framework for the relationship between READ-COOP SCE with limited liability (hereinafter referred to as "READ-COOP", "we", or "our") and its Users and Customers (hereinafter referred to as "you" or "your"). These GTCs govern the usage of all Products and Services provided by READ-COOP within the Transkribus Ecosystem. They also define the commercial terms that apply to the relationship between you and READ-COOP, ensuring a clear and mutually agreed-upon understanding of the rights, responsibilities, and obligations. By accessing or using any of the products or services offered by READ-COOP within the Transkribus Ecosystem, you acknowledge your acceptance of these GTCs and agree to be legally bound by their provisions.

1.2.        Any GTCs that deviate from, contradict, or supplement these GTCs, even if they are within the knowledge of READ-COOP, are not considered a part of these GTCs. Exceptionally, they may become binding if and only if READ-COOP expressly agrees to them in written form, with email correspondence being sufficient for this purpose.

1.3.        For a comprehensive understanding of these GTC, kindly read Exhibit I carefully. This section compiles all pertinent definitions for the terms referenced in this Agreement.

   2.          Access to our Products and Services

2.1.        Scope

2.2.        Subject to these GTCs, you may purchase and READ-COOP will provide you access to the Products and Services outlined in section 3. Any granted rights are subject to revocation or termination as per the terms of this Agreement. READ-COOP retains all rights, including Confidential Information and Intellectual Property Rights, not explicitly granted under this Agreement.

2.3.        You are required to compensate READ-COOP in accordance with the terms established during the online purchase or within the online shop. Alternatively, pricing agreements can be formalised by accepting or signing a Quote issued by authorised members of our staff.

2.4.        Access to Transkribus is also available at no cost upon establishing a user account that is designated as free during the signup process.

2.5.        Access and Account creation

2.6.        To access our Products and Services, you must register and create an account (the "Account"). During registration, you are required to provide accurate and current information about yourself. Creating an account on behalf of a third party is not allowed unless you are an authorised representative of this third party.

2.7.        We may offer various Subscriptions with different functionalities and features, each subject to distinct pricing conditions. The definition of Services may be updated, and detailed information about the current features and functionalities is provided during the signup process.

2.8.        Ownership of the Account is determined by the information provided during signup. It is crucial that all submitted information is true, accurate, current, and complete. You are responsible for informing us of any changes to the provided information to ensure its accuracy in our records. By providing your information and accepting these GTCs, you enter into an agreement with us that outlines our respective obligations. If you encounter issues accessing or logging into Transkribus, please refer to our Help Center, or contact us directly at info@readcoop.eu.

   3.          Products and Services

3.1.        Transkribus Software

3.1.1.        The main version of the software is "Transkribus", available in the form of a web application. In addition, Transkribus is available in the form of the Transkribus eXpert (alternatively known as Transkribus Expert Client), which can be downloaded and installed on a desktop computer or laptop on which the latest version of Java is installed, and in the form of Transkribus On-Prem, which needs to be installed upon request by READ-COOP staff and can be operated in a local environment, e.g. in an isolated network. READ-COOP does not guarantee the proper functioning of the software on every single combination of hardware and operating system unless specified in a separate agreement.

3.1.2.       Transkribus eXpert are distributed and made available free of charge under the GPL 3 software licence, Transkribus On-Prem under a dedicated licence.

3.1.3.        You may have the chance to try out early versions of our Services, known as the Beta Versions. Please be aware that Beta Versions may not operate as described in provided documentation and may contain errors. It's important to note that Beta Versions are not covered by service level commitments in these GTCs. We do not make any representations, warranties, or assume liabilities for Beta Versions, and we reserve the right to discontinue them at any time without prior notice. These GTCs do not obligate us to incorporate Beta Versions into our regular Services.

3.1.4.        To ensure efficient operation, READ-COOP may impose reasonable limits on your Service use. This includes restrictions on file size, download/upload rates, connection timeouts, API access, or, if necessary, partial or complete termination of Service provision.

3.2.        Transkribus Subscriptions

3.2.1.       To use Transkribus, an active Subscription is required. READ-COOP offers multiple Subscription tiers. Each Subscription provides access to a variety of software features and allows a customised Credit Allowance to align with your specific recognition needs.

3.2.2.        Payment for your Subscription can be selected on a monthly or yearly basis. Opting for yearly billing ensures that the entire Credit Allowance becomes available at the start and can be used up during the entire yearly Subscription term.

3.2.3.        Monthly Subscriptions run for the period of a calendar month (e.g. from 23 July to 23 August), with automatic renewal at the end of each billing cycle. You are free to cancel your subscription at any time before the next billing cycle starts, and no charges will be incurred for cancellation.

3.2.4.        For yearly subscriptions, the billing cycle and contract duration extend for a period of one year. These subscriptions also include automatic renewal, guaranteeing a smooth continuation of the service. If you choose to cancel the Subscription, you are free to do so up until 30 days before the subsequent billing cycle starts. There are no charges for cancellation.

3.2.5.       You can upgrade your Subscription at any point during the billing cycle by paying the upgraded subscription rate. Once the upgrade is successfully processed, the Credit Allowance and available features will be adjusted to match the new Subscription. These upgrades will remain in effect until the Subscription is cancelled or downgraded.

3.2.6.        You can downgrade your Subscription at any time. When downgrading, you will retain your existing Credit Allowance and feature availability until the end of the ongoing billing cycle. Once the next billing cycle begins, the subscription will be adjusted to align with the downgraded Subscription. If, upon downgrading, the data stored in your account goes beyond the Storage Allowance included in your new Subscription, the extra amount of data will be temporarily frozen. During this time, your ability to export will be limited until the excess data is reduced to fit within your current Storage Allowance.

3.2.7.       Your Credit Allowance will expire at the end of the billing period. However, additional credit packages purchased have a validity period of seven years.

3.2.8.       The 'Individual' subscription plan offers a free option with a monthly Credit Allowance of 100 Credits. The free Individual Subscription is only available on a monthly basis.

3.2.9.        Cancelling your subscription does not mean losing access to your Account. All your data will be retained even after Subscription cancellation. However, your ability to export the data will be limited if it takes up more storage than provided by the free storage limit.

3.3.        Transkribus Sites

3.3.1.        Transkribus Sites enables you to publish your Collections online. Entire digital Collections can be shared with either a private group or the general public. Using the full-text and fuzzy-search features within your published Collection users can search for any word or phrase.

3.3.2.        Under the Scholar and Organization Subscriptions, you can publish 1,000 Pages on Transkribus Sites at no extra cost. The allocation of 1,000 Pages on the Transkribus Sites platform is contingent upon your active Subscription. In the event of a Subscription cancellation, your Transkribus Sites platform will be automatically discontinued.

3.3.3.       To publish more than 1,000 pages, acquiring a Sites Subscription is necessary. Information about the pricing and tiers of these subscriptions can be found on our official pricing website. Should you decide to cancel your subscription, your Transkribus Sites search website or websites will be automatically taken offline.

3.3.4.       You can choose to pay for your Sites Subscription on either a monthly or yearly basis. The terms outlined in Sections 3.2.3 and 3.2.4 regarding contract duration and billing cycles also apply to Sites Subscriptions.

3.3.5.        READ-COOP reserves the right to cancel your Transkribus Sites Subscription and discontinue the associated services at the end of each billing cycle. READ-COOP shall inform you in writing of your Sites Subscription cancellation. You acknowledge and agree that READ-COOP is not obligated to provide advance notice or remuneration for the discontinuation of the Transkribus Sites Subscription and its associated Services. The cancellation will take effect at the conclusion of the ongoing billing cycle.

3.3.6.        READ-COOP does not ensure the Transkribus Site's error-free, uninterrupted, or completely secure operation, nor does it guarantee the immediate rectification of defects.

3.4.        Metagrapho API

3.4.1.        The metagrapho API facilitates the integration into Client-side workflows of processing images using Transkribus technologies such as Handwritten Text Recognition and layout recognition. With metagrapho API, you can submit images for processing and later retrieve results using the provided IDs. Please access the relevant technical documentation of the metagrapho API at this link.

3.4.2.        The metagrapho API is available exclusively to Organisation Subscription users and Members of the cooperative.

3.4.3.       When using the API, your images will be stored on our servers only for the duration required to execute processing. Shortly after processing is completed, the images are automatically deleted. The processing of your documents takes place on our servers located in Austria.

3.4.4.        READ-COOP will provide you with your own access details for the API.

3.4.5.        When processing your images through the API, a discount factor is applied to the balance consumption per page as specified in Exhibit I, under "Credits".

3.4.6.       READ-COOP reserves the right to release new versions of the API, potentially offering an expanded or different set of features. Furthermore, READ-COOP may discontinue outdated API versions. Any termination will be communicated to you in writing, specifically via email, at least 4 weeks prior to its effective date. Updates regarding the metagrapho API will be communicated to you via email as well.

3.4.7.        Some Third-Party Applications may require you to purchase Products from READ-COOP in order to use certain features of these Applications (e.g. certain plugins). READ-COOP is not responsible for any Third-Party Applications. Any use of such a Third-Party Application is subject exclusively to the terms and conditions of the respective provider and READ-COOP has no responsibility regarding these Third-Party Applications.

3.5.        ScanTent

3.5.1.       READ-COOP is the manufacturer (in accordance with the Austrian Product Liability Act) and distributor of the ScanTent scanning tool. The ScanTent offers You the capability to scan documents in a controlled environment, right on your desk, using only a smartphone and the DocScan app or any other imaging app of your choice.

3.5.2.       You are responsible for covering the shipping costs incurred by READ-COOP for each order placed.

3.5.3.        Shipments usually occur on a weekly basis, and READ-COOP typically provides you with a tracking number during the transaction. If an item is unavailable at the time of dispatch, we will ship it as soon as it becomes available.

3.5.4.        Dispatch will only take place after full payment. Payment options include PayPal, Credit Card and advance payment by bank transfer (pay by Invoice).

3.5.5.       Upon your request and following review and approval by READ-COOP, you have the option to place an order on account. In this case, the payment method of bank transfer applies, and the goods ordered will remain in the possession of READ-COOP until full payment is received.

3.5.6.        In accordance with the agreed Incoterm DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded), it is important to note that the responsibility for clearing the goods for import falls upon you. This entails the necessary procedures and obligations related to the customs clearance process, including any documentation, fees, or requirements imposed by the importing country. It is your responsibility to ensure compliance with the regulations and facilitate the smooth clearance of the goods at the designated place of delivery. This Incoterm underscores the importance of your active involvement in the import clearance process to ensure a seamless and efficient delivery of the goods to the specified location.

3.6.        DocScan App

3.6.1.        DocScan App is an Android application specifically created for use with the ScanTent. For more information on the usage and features of the DocScan App, please refer to our Help Center.

3.6.2.        READ-COOP reserves the right to update or modify the DocScan App to enhance functionality, address issues, or incorporate new features. Users will be notified of significant changes, and continued use implies acceptance of such modifications.

3.6.3.        The DocScan App may process and store scanned images. READ-COOP is committed to maintaining the security and privacy of user data. Images are stored on the user's device and are not transmitted to READ-COOP servers without your explicit consent.

3.6.4.       You may access support resources provided by READ-COOP to address queries or issues related to the DocScan App. READ-COOP will make reasonable efforts to provide support but does not guarantee uninterrupted availability.

   4.          Support

4.1.        READ-COOP is dedicated to delivering comprehensive support services to enhance your effective use of the Transkribus Software. Our commitment is reflected in the accessibility of our Help Center, where you have the opportunity to explore articles designed to provide assistance across various features and workflows within the Transkribus Software.

4.2.        You may seek support through designated channels, which may include email (i.e info@readcoop.eu), ticketing systems, or other communication platforms provided by READ-COOP.

Service Level (Subscription tier or Membership Status)

Individual

Scholar

Member

Organisation

Premium Member

Access to Help Center

Support Request via email (info@readcoop.eu)

Support Request via Chat

General Webinars

Dedicated Account Manager

Onboarding Session

Exclusive Webinars

Premium Support

Dedicated Support Channel

4.3.        During your Subscription duration, upon the successful payment of the monthly or yearly fee, as well as any other applicable fees outlined in your Quote, you will have access to the aforementioned service level of support. The availability of this support is contingent on your chosen Subscription type and/or Membership status. For detailed information on support levels associated with different tiers of organisation subscriptions (Eon, Era, Epoch), please refer to their dedicated websites.

4.4.        READ-COOP commits to making support services available during regular business hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, CET), Monday through Friday, excluding Austrian public holidays.

4.5.        You can expect timely and professional assistance from READ-COOP to address technical problems related to our Products and Services. The goal is to ensure a smooth and efficient user experience. Resolution times are subject to the severity level and the specific circumstances of each case.

4.6.        Support does not cover issues resulting from misuse, modifications made by clients or users, or external factors beyond the control of READ-COOP.

   5.          Availability

5.1.        READ-COOP hereby commits to ensuring the utmost availability of services and optimal uptime. For the sake of expediency and transparency, pertinent records shall be documented and made accessible at https://status.transkribus.org.

5.2.        Unavoidable downtime due to planned maintenance work will be communicated electronically to you.

5.3.        READ-COOP is entitled to make changes to its Products and Services at any time and to terminate the operation and access of Transkribus following notification no later than two months before termination. In the event of termination of the operation of Transkribus, READ-COOP is entitled, but not obliged, to delete the Material uploaded or created by you.

   6.          Copyright and Intellectual Property

6.1.        Grant of Usage Permission

6.1.1.       READ-COOP grants you a non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable worldwide right (usage permission), to use the READ-COOP Products and Services during the term of this Agreement.

6.1.2.        READ-COOP grants you a non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable worldwide right (usage permission) to use the documents and support material provided for the duration of and in accordance with this Agreement. This applies in particular to reproducing and passing material on to employees or contractors, insofar as this is necessary for the adequate use of the Products and Services.

6.2.        Ownership and License for Material and Training Data

6.2.1.        All rights to Material, Processed Material and/or Training Data remain with you. However, you grant READ-COOP the worldwide, royalty-free, transferable, sublicensable andnon-exclusive licence to use the Material and Training Data exclusively for the purpose of providing you with our Products and Services. In particular, you grant READ-COOP the right to store, modify, process, communicate, publicly perform or display and transmit the Material and Training Data (which must not contain personal data of any kind). You represent and warrant that you have the rights necessary to grant the licence hereunder, and that your contents do not infringe the law or third party rights or interests.

6.2.2.        You are free to delete your uploaded Material, Processed Material and Training Data at any time. However, this does not imply a claim towards READ-COOP for complete deletion of non-personal data you uploaded i.e. Material and Training Data or their backup copies, which means they may be preserved, with the sole access of authorised personnel for the purposes outlined under 6.2.1. Should you require a guarantee of complete deletion of non-personal data, we offer this as a dedicated service for which costs may be incurred. Please approach our team at info@readcoop.eu if you would like to make use of this service.

6.2.3.        If, following the use of Transkribus, your recognition results are deemed to be copyrighted in favour of READ-COOP, the following terms apply: READ-COOP hereby provides you with exclusive, transferable, sublicensable, worldwide, indefinite rights to use the recognition results extensively. These rights encompass unlimited use, modification of the recognition results, and the creation of derivative works, extending to both existing and future forms of use.

6.3.        Third Party Copyright and Intellectual Property Rights

6.3.1.        Please ensure that you have the necessary copyrights or usage permissions for the Material you transmit to READ-COOP. Do not upload copyrighted Material for which you lack copyright or usage permission to Transkribus, nor use such Material for distribution or transmission. Failure to comply with this directive may result in READ-COOP irrevocably deleting the provided texts and documents, reporting you to the authorities, and permanently excluding you from using the Products and Services. If you suspect any copyright infringement by other users, please notify READ-COOP via email at reportabuse@readcoop.eu.

   7.          Term, termination and Account Suspension

7.1.        Term and termination

7.1.1.       The Services become accessible once the Account creation or Subscription process is completed and will remain available until such time as you terminate your Account or cancel your subscription. Paid plans have a specific duration chosen by you during the signup for the Subscription and will automatically renew at monthly or annual intervals, depending on the contracted term. You have the option to cancel the renewal at any time through your Account settings. In such cases, unless you choose to terminate your entire Account, the paid subscription will continue until the end of the ongoing billing period, and your Account will be downgraded to a free Individual Subscription.

7.1.2.        You have the option to terminate your Account and, consequently, your access to the Products and Services by submitting a written notification to READ-COOP without prior notice. Upon your request, READ-COOP will proceed to close the respective user account.

7.1.3.        This provision does not impede your consumer rights regarding the cancellation or withdrawal of your Account. For more details, please consult Sections 8 and 9 below.

7.1.4.        Your Material will be accessible to you until the conclusion of the Term, provided that you comply with your Storage Allowance.

7.1.5.        Upon termination of your Account, READ-COOP has the right to delete any Material and Training Material you uploaded or created. Please note that you are not entitled to request the release of the Training Material after the termination of your account.

7.2.        Suspension and termination of your Account

7.2.1.        READ-COOP reserves the right to suspend your Account if you provide false, inaccurate, outdated, or incomplete information during the Account creation process or if you fail to adhere to these GTCs or other legally mandated provisions.

7.2.2.        We have the authority to alter, restrict access to, delete, or decline to host, display, or make available any Material that is deemed to violate the law or these GTCs. This determination can be based on the individual Material itself, its usage, or its interaction with other Material, entities, or individuals. Except when Material automatically triggers READ-COOP's liability under applicable law or when immediate action is necessary to prevent harm, we will notify you in advance of our intention to take action against such Material, providing a reasonable timeframe for your response and remedial action. In any of these situations, we will contact you, urging you to rectify any breaches of these GTCs.

7.2.3.       READ-COOP is authorised to delete your Account if you fail to address any GTCs breach within a non-extendable period of ten (10) calendar days from the notification date. Furthermore, your Account may be deleted if you substantially violate these GTCs, including, but not limited to, cases where the Account is employed for fraudulent purposes or intentional violations of the law. Please note that termination of the Account may result in the loss of data. Refunds for remaining credits on your account will be processed based on the last valid conversion rate and returned through your original payment method. Fraudulent behaviour includes, but is not limited to, the following:

a.     Using a non-existent or obviously invalid email address for registration.

b.     Providing a physical address that does not exist or is invalid.

c.     Registering multiple times to exploit the free service or having outstanding payments from previous Agreements or Orders.

d.     Utilising a fraudulent, lost, stolen, or banned/prohibited means of payment.

7.2.4.        Access to the services will be suspended if you dispute a payment or request a refund without furnishing READ-COOP with a valid reason. The suspension will persist until you provide a valid explanation to READ-COOP.

   8.          Right of Withdrawal

8.1.        This section applies to you if you are a Consumer within the meaning of the Austrian Consumer Protection Act (KSchG, BGBl. No. 140/1979).

8.2.        You have the right to withdraw from this Agreement within 14 days without giving any reasons. For Service Agreements, the withdrawal period concludes 14 days from the Agreement's conclusion date. In the case of physical Product deliveries, the withdrawal period expires 14 days from the date of delivery.

8.3.        If READ-COOP fulfils the entire Service before the withdrawal period concludes, effective withdrawal from the Agreement is no longer possible. Should you withdraw before the complete provision of the service by READ-COOP, you are required to pay READ-COOP for the Services provided.

8.4.        In order to exercise the right of withdrawal, you must inform READ-COOP of your decision to withdraw from this Agreement by means of an explicit written statement (e.g. e-mail). In order to comply with the withdrawal period, it is sufficient if you send your notification about your exercise of the right of withdrawal before the withdrawal period expires.

8.5.        Consequences of withdrawal

8.5.1.        If you withdraw from this Agreement, READ-COOP shall refund all payments received from you. The refund shall be made immediately and in any case no later than 14 days from the day on which READ-COOP is informed of your decision to withdraw from this Agreement. Unless expressly agreed otherwise, READ-COOP will make this refund using the same payment method you used for the original payment.

   9.          Subscription duration and cancellation

9.1.1.       Please be aware that if you decide to cancel, you will no longer have access to the features included in your subscription plan after the end of your current billing cycle. However, your existing data and account access will remain unaffected. If, upon cancellation, the data stored in your account goes beyond the provided free storage limit, the extra amount of data will be temporarily frozen. During this time, your ability to export will be limited until the excess data is reduced to fit within the free storage limits.

9.2.        Monthly Subscriptions

9.2.1.        Our monthly subscriptions run for the period of a calendar month (e.g. from 23 July to 23 August), with automatic renewal at the end of each billing cycle. You are free to cancel your subscription at any time before the next billing cycle starts, and no charges will be incurred for cancellation.

9.3.        Yearly Subscriptions

9.3.1.        When you opt for a yearly subscription, the billing cycle and contract duration extend for a period of one year. These subscriptions also include automatic renewal, guaranteeing a smooth continuation of the service. If you choose to cancel the subscription, you are free to do so up until 30 days before the subsequent billing cycle starts. There are no charges for cancellation.

9.4.        Refunds

9.5.        If a cancellation is requested within the first 30 days of the Subscription, a refund for the unused allowance will be issued. If the subscriber has already used some of the allowance, the refund will be reduced proportionately.

10.          Your Responsibilities

10.1.       You must not use, nor allow third parties to use, the Products and Services provided by READ-COOP (including generated recognition results) for the following purposes:

a.Operating critical infrastructure such as power stations, military or defence facilities, medical equipment, or other devices, the disruption or destruction of which could cause unpredictable economic or physical damage. This includes but is not limited to critical infrastructure as defined in European Directive 2008/114/EC.

b.Engaging in any illegal activity, including developing applications that violate the rights of third parties or other applicable laws or regulations.

c.Spamming or other unsolicited advertising.

d.Performing benchmarks or other capacity tests of READ-COOP's technical infrastructure.

e.Transferring data to READ-COOP that may not be transmitted or processed due to data protection laws, contractual or statutory confidentiality obligations, export restrictions, or other legal regulations or third-party rights.

f.      Uploading and/or storing data that, due to its nature (e.g. viruses) or size, poses a significant risk of jeopardising the existence or operation of the Platform or READ-COOP"sinfrastructure.

10.2.       You must keep your access details for READ-COOP Software Products secure and not share them with third parties unless necessary for the intended and permitted use.

10.3.       You must comply with all legal requirements for data collection, processing, and use transmitted to READ-COOP. If using the Products to transfer personal data, and if you are the controller under the GDPR, you must enter into a data processing agreement with READ-COOP before uploading the data.

10.4.       This Agreement does not cover the processing of personal data or special categories of personal data under Article 9 GDPR. You must not provide such data to READ-COOP.

10.5.       You must indemnify READ-COOP against third-party claims resulting from a culpable breach of your responsibilities, including necessary expenses for legal defence. READ-COOP is entitled to demand and receive a reasonable advanced payment for the expected expenses for legal defence. Indemnification shall apply mutatis mutandis to fines or other regulatory or judicial orders and claims.

10.6.       If you use Third-Party Applications, you must comply with the terms of use established by the provider.

10.7.       You may only use the Products and Services in compliance with applicable laws, including export control laws and regulations.

10.8.       Organisational Subscription management responsibilities

10.8.1.        The holder of an Organisational Subscription will possess restricted administrative privileges to manage the Material of the users granted a seat. As the subscriber, you play a crucial role in ensuring that users to whom you assign user seats fully understand the implications for their privacy and Material ownership when they agree to participate in your Subscription.

10.8.2.       By accepting a seat within your Subscription, users implicitly acknowledge the conditions set forth herein, and it becomes your duty to communicate and clarify these terms to them. You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold us harmless from any costs or damages directly or indirectly associated with matters related to user understanding, acceptance, or any potential disputes arising from Material or Training Material ownership or privacy concerns.

11.          Online Purchasing Process

11.1.       General

11.1.1.       To place an Order via our website, it is necessary to set up an Account, provide an email address, create a password and enter a billing address.

11.1.2.       READ-COOP reserves the right to refuse your Order. By confirming your Order or providing Services, READ-COOP explicitly or implicitly" accepts to enter into this Agreement with you. Thedelivery of automatic Services starts within a few minutes from the conclusion of this Agreement. Until an Order is confirmed with the last click in the online purchasing process, you can change or cancel the Order at any time. By submitting an Order, you accept this Agreement and enter into a legally binding contract with READ-COOP.

11.2.       Price and Payment

11.2.1.       You are required to pay the agreed-upon remuneration in accordance with the price established during the online purchase process or within the online shop. Alternatively, pricing agreements can be formalised by accepting or signing a Quote issued by authorised members of our staff.

11.2.2.        You can choose to pay using PayPal, Credit Card (via Stripe), or bank transfer. If you opt to pay via bank transfer, you are responsible for covering any outgoing bank transfer charges associated with such payments.

11.2.3.        All prices displayed on our websites include Austrian value-added tax (VAT), unless explicitly indicated otherwise. If you represent an institution, organisation, or company with a valid VAT identification number or the equivalent of one, and reverse charge VAT applies to you, you can specify this condition during the online purchase process. We will adjust your price offer accordingly after confirming the validity of the provided documentation. The same applies if you enjoy tax exempt status.

11.2.4.        At your request, we can generate an invoice for the acquisition of the Services specified in your Order or Quote and dispatch it to the email address designated for billing purposes. Invoices are due for payment through your selected payment method within 14 days from the date of issuance.

11.2.5.        At the beginning of each billing cycle, READ-COOP will start the billing process for your Subscription. Your Subscription fees and any associated taxes will be automatically billed to your designated payment method. Maintaining accurate and up-to-date payment details is your responsibility. Any alterations to your billing information must be promptly communicated towards READ-COOP to prevent disruptions. Your continued use of the Subscription Services implies your agreement to the automatic recurring billing process.

11.2.6.       In the event that any undisputed payment under this Agreement is not received by READ-COOP by the specified due date, interest will be charged on the overdue amount. The interest rate will be the maximum rate permitted by the Austrian Civil Code (Allgemeines b"rgerliches Gesetzbuch, ABGB) or the Austrian Commercial Code (Unternehmensgesetzbuch, UGB). Interest will accrue from the due date until the actual payment date. READ-COOP may apply these interest charges to overdue payments, subject to the Applicable Law.

12.          General Considerations

12.1.       Data Storage

12.1.1.       READ-COOP stores the Material or Processed Material on its servers only to the extent that is technically necessary for the provision and further development of its Products and Services. We do not guarantee that the Material or Processed Material will be permanently stored on the servers or will be permanently made available to you.

12.2.       Documentation Access Logs

12.2.1.        READ-COOP is entitled to create and store access logs for purposes concerning billing, security, compliance and statistics. These access logs do not include Material or Processed Material. However, access logs may contain metadata of API queries, such as the time of the API query and the amount of Material transferred, as well as information necessary for identifying the Material in question on READ-COOP servers.

12.3.       Use of Customer Training Data

12.3.1.        You grant READ-COOP the right to use your Training Data and Material solely for the purpose of providing and improving its Products and Services. READ-COOP will not share your Training Data or Material with any unauthorised third parties or make it publicly accessible through any of their platforms.

12.3.2.       You have the option to make your trained models available for general use by providing explicit consent. If you wish to make your Training Material publicly available along with the model via Transkribus, you must grant explicit consent for this specific purpose. You are free to export the model files of the models that you have trained.

12.4.       Service enhancements and modifications

12.4.1.        READ-COOP reserves the right to introduce additional features to its Products and Services at any time. Furthermore, READ-COOP may modify, restrict, or remove existing features due to data security, technical requirements, or legal changes. Prior to such changes, READ-COOP will provide you with advance written notification (email notification is sufficient).

12.5.       Additional Services

12.5.1.        Supplementary Services, unless specified in the description of a Subscription plan or membership programme, including consulting, customised software development, implementation, or educational services, are exclusively provided by READ-COOP through the issuance of a Quote, and are subject to separate billing. Please contact our team at projects@readcoop.eu for any additional information on Supplementary Services.

12.6.       Involvement of Third Parties

12.6.1.       READ-COOP is entitled to involve third parties entirely or partly in order to fulfil its contractual obligations. The subcontractors" identities may be disclosed upon request, preferably prior to the use of the services of READ-COOP and/or the conclusion of an Agreement.

12.7.       Model accuracy disclaimer

12.7.1.       READ-COOP explicitly disclaims responsibility for the models" accuracy and error rate. The achieved accuracy of recognition is primarily dependent on your handling and the effort invested in training the recognition models. Detailed instructions on best practices and recommendations can be found at our Help Center.

12.8.       Free processing, Trials, and Scholarships

12.8.1.       READ-COOP, at its discretion, may provide you with complimentary additional Credit packages or Subscriptions for processing your Material, such as scholarships for theses, bonuses for Transkribus classes, or other free processing in an educational or other project context.

12.8.2.        Additionally, READ-COOP may offer free trials for testing its Subscription Services. Automatic billing after the Trial does not apply to free Trials.

12.9.       Single Account requirement

12.9.1.       To prevent abuse of the free Individual Subscription and associated Credit Allowances, an individual or institution shall, under no circumstances, create more than one account linked to the same person or institution, unless explicitly agreed to by READ-COOP. Any violation of this requirement may result in the suspension or termination of services, and READ-COOP reserves the right to take appropriate actions to enforce this policy.

13.          Warranty

13.1.       If you are a Consumer within the meaning of the Austrian Consumer Protection Act (KSchG, BGBl. No. 140/1979) you are entitled to the statutory warranty right when concluding Agreements with READ-COOP.

13.2.       If you are an entrepreneur within the meaning of the Austrian Business Enterprise Code (UGB), "1, READ-COOP assumes a warranty in connection with purchased or licensed products only insofar as this is specified in the following terms.

13.3.       If the Products or Services supplied by READ-COOP are deficient, READ-COOP shall provide replacement within a reasonable period of time from receiving a written complaint from you. If third-party software is used that READ-COOP has licensed from third parties, the provision of publicly available upgrades, updates or patches shall be deemed sufficient. In the case of manufacturing defects in physical Products such as the ScanTent, READ-COOP will provide replacement equipment in the first six months after purchase.

13.4.       You must inform READ-COOP in writing of any occurring defects. This is to be done immediately, that is, at the latest one week after the occurrence (e-mail to info@readcoop.eu is sufficient).

13.5.       You may support READ-COOP in the elimination of defects free of charge, particularly by providing READ-COOP with all necessary documents, data and other information useful for the elimination of defects.

13.6.       In the case of free services, READ-COOP shall only be liable for defects if READ-COOP deliberately concealed these defects.

14.          Compensation for Damages

14.1.       Legal liability applies to the Individual free subscription, free additional credit packagesand scholarships in accordance with section 12.8.

14.2.       Notwithstanding Sections 13 and 14.1 READ-COOP shall be liable only for damages caused with intent or gross negligence. READ-COOP shall only be liable for minor negligence in the event of physical injury, death or damage to health.

14.3.       READ-COOP assumes no liability for lack of commercial success, loss of profit or indirect damage.

14.4.       Liability is limited to typical and foreseeable damage at the time this Agreement comes into effect.

14.5.       If you are an entrepreneur within the meaning of the Austrian Business Enterprise Code (UGB), "1, the Parties agree that typical and foreseeable damage is limited to the amount for which Products and Services were ordered by you in the respective case.

14.6.       Limitations of liability shall also apply with the necessary changes in favour of the employees, contractors and subcontractors of READ-COOP.

14.7.       Any liability of READ-COOP for warranties (which must explicitly bear this name in order to be considered warranties in the legal sense) or for claims arising from the Austrian Product Liability Act remains unaffected.

14.8.       Any further liability is excluded.

15.          Changes

15.1.       Whereas these GTCs may be amended, READ-COOP shall present the modified terms in writing (email being deemed sufficient) before their intended effective date and will expressly inform you about the new GTCs and the scheduled effective date. READ-COOP grants the you a reasonable period of at least one (1) month to declare whether or not they accept the amended GTCs for the further provision of Services and delivery of Products. If no declaration is made within this period, which begins with the receipt of the written notification, the amended GTCs shall be deemed accepted.

16.          Complaints Procedure

16.1.       The European Commission offers an online platform for dispute resolution. It is available at https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/. READ-COOP is neither willing nor obliged to participate in dispute resolution proceedings before a consumer arbitration board. [1]

17.          Final Provisions

17.1.       Your terms and conditions are not part of this Agreement unless READ-COOP has expressly agreed to them in writing.

17.2.       Changes to and additional agreements to this Agreement require a written form. This also applies to a waiver of this clause on the written form.

17.3.       You can only offset claims against READ-COOP or assert a right of retention if their counterclaim is acknowledged by READ-COOP or has been legally established.

17.4.       Should individual provisions of these GTCs be wholly or partially invalid, this shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions. In this case, a new provision which corresponds or comes closest to the economic purpose of the invalid provision or the alleged will of READ-COOP will be made in place of the invalid provision.

18.          Applicable Law

18.1.       This Agreement is governed exclusively by the law of the Republic of Austria excluding all bilateral and/or multilateral agreements concerning the purchase of movable property. Particularly excluded are the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG), the conflict of laws rules of the International Private Law (IPRG) and application of Rome I. If you are a consumer within the meaning of the Austrian Consumer Protection Act (KSchG, BGBl. No 140/1979), mandatory statutory consumer protection regulations under the law of the country in which the consumer has their habitual residence remain unaffected.

19.          Jurisdiction

19.1.       The exclusive place of jurisdiction for all disputes arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be Innsbruck, provided that one of the following applies: the contracting parties are businesspeople, you have no general place of jurisdiction in Austria or in another EU Member State, your permanent residence was transferred to a foreign country after these GTCs came into force, or your residence or habitual residence is unknown at the time of the complaint.

20.          Contact Information

20.1.       If you have any questions or concerns about these GTCs, please contact READ-COOP at:

READ-COOP SCE (with limited liability)

Kranebitter Allee, 22 6020 Innsbruck

Austria / Europe

E-Mail: info@readcoop.eu

[1] https://www.primaresearch.org/publications/ICPR2010_Pletschacher_PAGE

Alternative Dispute Resolution in accordance with Art. 14 (1) ODR-VO and " 36 VSBG:

The European Commission provides a platform for online dispute resolution (OS) which is accessible at https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr. We are not obliged nor willing to participate in dispute settlement proceedings before a consumer arbitration board.

Exhibit I: Definitions

"Agreement" refers to the agreement between Customers and READ-COOP regarding the purchase or the granting of usage permissions ("Werknutzungsbewilligungen" according to Austrian law) for Products of READ-COOP in accordance with these GTCs.

"Additional Package," "Additional Credit Package" or "Add-On" refers to supplementary packages expressly designed to add flexibility within the framework of all Subscription plans. These packages offer additional credits, ensuring the uninterrupted advancement of your project, regardless of its scale or extent. It is important to note that these packages have a prescribed expiration period of seven (7) years from the date of acquisition.

"Business Days" are Monday to Friday, except public holidays, in Tyrol, Austria.

"Credits" are the virtual unit of value that corresponds to a certain number of Pages (=images) that can be processed with Transkribus. The conversion rate depends on the recognition engine used and whether the Material being processed is printed or handwritten. Additional Credit Packages can be purchased through our online shop according to the latest version of our pricing model.

To check the most recent applicable consumption rate of credits per page for the various features and engines, please visit our website. If you use the metagrapho API, a discount factor is applied to the credit consumption per page.

The expiration of credits obtained through a Subscription occurs at the end of each billing cycle, whether monthly or yearly. Additionally, any Add-on Credit Packages acquired will expire seven (7) years from the date of purchase. For detailed information on expiration, processing speed, and shareability, please refer to this link.

"Credit Allowance" refers to the quantity of credits allocated to you upon the purchase of a Transkribus subscription. The specific allowance may differ based on the type of subscription selected. It is important to note that any remaining balance expires at the conclusion of each billing cycle.

"Confidential Information" refers to any non-public, proprietary information disclosed by one party (hereinafter referred to as the "Disclosing Party") to the other party (hereinafter referred to as the "Receiving Party") during the term of this Agreement. Confidential Information may include, but is not limited to, trade secrets, business plans, financial data, technical specifications, and any other information marked as confidential or disclosed under circumstances indicating its confidential nature. The Receiving Party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of such information and not to disclose, reproduce, or use it for any purpose other than as expressly authorised by this Agreement.

"Customer" refers to the person or entity ordering or subscribing to the Products or Services of READ-COOP as a contracting party to READ-COOP.

"Storage Allowance" refers to the designated storage capacity assigned to you upon acquiring a Subscription or opting for the Individual Free subscription. Specific storage quantities are detailed in the feature descriptions of various subscription plans available on our website.

"Training Data" refers to sufficiently high-quality existing pairs consisting of an image and any other generated data corresponding to it, such as transcripts, layout data etc., which you have transmitted to the READ-COOP servers or produced there in order to train models and thus improve and adapt the recognition results of Transkribus or its components.

"Handwritten Material" refers to all Pages (images) predominantly or significantly composed of handwritten content.

"Individual" or "Individual Subscription" refers to the Subscription tailored for individual Users, granting access to a set of features designed to enhance personal user experience.

"Material" refers to images and other data which you have uploaded to the READ-COOP servers in order to have them stored, displayed or processed using software by READ-COOP.

"Member," "Membership," or "Membership Status" refer to both individuals and institutions holding READ-COOP shares and are bound by our Statutes. Members hold a unique position within the cooperative as key stakeholders, enjoying special benefits, and have exclusive access to all features. Both private individuals and institutional entities are eligible to join the cooperative. For more information on membership, please refer to https://readcoop.org/.

"Metagrapho API" refers to the application programming interface that READ-COOP provides to you as described in Section 3.4.

"Organisation", "Organisational" or "Organisational Subscription" refers to our most complete subscription, geared towards institutions or organisations, featuring full access to features and user management capabilities.

"Order" refers to the formal request or transaction initiated by a User or Customer to acquire Products or Services from READ-COOP. The Order encompasses detailed information such as the type and quantity of Products or Services, pricing, billing details, and other relevant terms and conditions. Upon confirmation and acceptance by READ-COOP, the Order establishes a binding contractual agreement between you and READ-COOP for the specified Products or Services within the online purchase process.

"Page" refers to an individual image file concerning processing and billing, with a one-to-one correspondence where 1 page of the physical original equals 1 digital image.

"Printed Material" refers to Material which exclusively or to a large extent contains printed or typewritten text.

"Premium Member" refers to Members possessing a higher quantity of shares, thereby affording them privileged access to and utilisation of our processing infrastructure.

"Processed Material" includes all Material that has been subjected to processing through the Transkribus API or any other interface offered by Transkribus.

"Products and Services" refers to a wide range of offerings provided by READ-COOP, including but not limited to those specified in the following list: Transkribus, Web Application, Transkribus Expert Client, , ScanTent, DocScan App, API, and Transkribus Sites. This term signifies the various software applications, tools, and resources available to you as part of the READ-COOP offering.

"Quote" refers to an offering document that delineates the Products and Services to be delivered to you by READ-COOP. The Quote encompasses a comprehensive description of the ordered items, Service specifications, quantity, price, Service levels, payment terms, Subscription Term, and other relevant terms and conditions. Once both you and READ-COOP have accepted and agreed upon the terms within the Quote, it becomes an integral part of this Agreement. In the event of any inconsistency between the Quote and this Agreement, the terms of the Quote shall prevail.

"User" refers to individuals, entities, or any authorised parties who access, operate, or use the Transkribus software, its features, or related services, including but not limited to transcription, text recognition, data export, and document management functionalities, in accordance with this Agreement.

"ScanTent" is a scanning aid that allows Customers to scan documents, using the included DocScan app on their smartphone (smartphone not included), and to upload them directly to Transkribus.

"Scholar" or "Scholar Subscription" refers to the Subscription designed for academic use, offering additional benefits suitable for scholarly work.

"Sites Subscription" refers to a paid Service that allows Users to publish digital Collections on Transkribus Sites. This subscription provides expanded access beyond the complimentary 1,000 pages offered with Scholar and Organization Subscriptions, allowing users to publish more Material on their custom Transkribus Sites platform. Pricing details and subscription tiers are available on the official READ-COOP pricing website.

"Subscriptions" or "Subscription" refers to the range of subscription plans offered by READ-COOP, which can be found in further detail here. These subscription plans include both monthly and yearly options and are designed to cater to a variety of user needs and preferences. Each subscription comes with a predetermined Credit Allowance, which can be customised to align with your specific needs and their individual projects, ensuring flexibility and adaptability.

"Third-Party Applications" refers to any application, component, library, plugin or other software provided by a third party which enables you to use or access READ-COOP Products and Services. These are, for example, recognition plugins for Third-Party Applications for which you have to use your own API credentials. Third-Party Software also includes software that was supplied by READ-COOP in the form of Code Parts or similar, but that has been modified and/or adapted by you or others.

"Transkribus" refers to the main Software Service of READ-COOP, which provides you with a user interface for the processing with machine learning algorithms of historical documents as well as for the publishing and searching of those documents. You can train your own AI models that fit your specific documents. Transkribus also enables you to enrich your material with metadata, and collaborate with others.

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