Terms and Conditions

1. Agreement to Terms

By accessing or using the Automata website (meetautomata.com) and services operated by Automata Studio LLC ("Provider," "we," "us," or "our"), you ("Client," "you," or "your") agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Completing a purchase through Stripe or any other payment processor designated by Provider constitutes acceptance of these terms in full. If you do not agree, do not use our website or purchase our services.

2. Services Provided

Automata Studio LLC provides website design, development, and marketing services for local businesses. When you purchase a Website Service Plan, the following services are included:

• Custom website design and development
• Website hosting on a secure, high-performance server
• SSL certificate installation and maintenance
• Website maintenance, security monitoring, and software updates
• Minor content updates and edits (text changes, image swaps, contact info updates)
• Website speed and performance optimization
• Domain connection and DNS configuration (domain transfer assistance if needed)
• Technical support via email
• Up to two (2) rounds of revisions during the initial setup period

3. Services Not Included

The following services are not included and will be quoted separately if requested:

• Complete website redesigns or rebuilds
• Addition of new pages beyond the original scope
• Custom functionality, integrations, or web application development
• E-commerce setup, payment processing, or online store management
• Search engine optimization (SEO) campaigns or ongoing SEO services
• Paid advertising management (Google Ads, Facebook Ads, etc.)
• Copywriting or content creation beyond minor text edits
• Photography, videography, or custom graphic design
• Third-party software subscriptions, plugins, or licensing fees
• Domain registration or renewal fees (Client is responsible for domain ownership)

4. Fees and Payment

Your selected plan and pricing will be confirmed in your service agreement or at checkout. Specific fees vary by client and scope of services.

• All payments are processed via Stripe or another payment processor designated by Provider. Client authorizes recurring charges to the payment method on file.
• Monthly Plans: The agreed-upon fee is due upon purchase. Subsequent payments will be automatically charged on the same date each month.
• Annual Plans: The agreed-upon annual fee is due upon purchase. Renewal payments are due on the anniversary of the purchase date.
• If a payment fails or is declined, Provider will notify Client and allow five (5) business days to resolve the issue. If payment is not received within this period, Provider reserves the right to suspend services, including taking the website offline.
• Provider reserves the right to adjust pricing with sixty (60) days written notice before the next billing cycle or renewal date.

5. Term and Cancellation

Monthly Plan

• The agreement begins on the date of purchase and continues on a month-to-month basis.
• Either party may terminate by providing written notice at least fifteen (15) days before the next billing date.
• No refunds will be issued for the current billing period.

Annual Plan

• The agreement begins on the date of purchase and continues for an initial term of twelve (12) months. After the initial term, the agreement will automatically renew for successive twelve (12) month periods unless either party provides written notice of non-renewal at least thirty (30) days before the end of the current term.
• Client may not cancel during the initial twelve (12) month term. Early termination during any active term will not result in a refund of fees already paid.
• After the initial term, Client may cancel by providing thirty (30) days written notice before the next renewal date.

Termination by Provider

Provider may terminate the agreement immediately if Client fails to make payment after the five (5) business day grace period, breaches any term of this agreement, or engages in conduct that is harmful to Provider's reputation or business.

Effect of Termination

Upon termination for any reason, Provider will take the website offline within seven (7) days. Client will no longer have access to hosting, maintenance, or support services. If Client wishes to retain the website files, Provider will make a copy of the site files available for download within fourteen (14) days of termination, provided all outstanding payments have been made.

6. Website Ownership and Intellectual Property

• Provider retains ownership of all website design, code, and related assets until Client has maintained an active, paid subscription for a minimum of twelve (12) consecutive months. After twelve (12) months of continuous paid service, ownership of the website design and content transfers to Client.
• Client retains ownership of all original content provided to Provider, including but not limited to logos, images, text, and branding materials.
• Provider retains the right to display the website in portfolios, case studies, and marketing materials unless Client requests otherwise in writing.
• Any third-party assets (stock images, fonts, plugins) used in the website remain subject to their respective license agreements.
• All other content on the Automata website (meetautomata.com), including text, graphics, logos, and software, is the property of Automata Studio LLC and is protected by applicable intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from our content without prior written consent.

7. Client Responsibilities

Client agrees to the following:

• Provide all necessary content, images, logos, and information in a timely manner
• Respond to Provider communications within five (5) business days
• Maintain ownership and access to their domain name and any associated accounts
• Ensure all content provided to Provider does not infringe on third-party rights
• Keep payment information current and ensure payments are made on time

8. Uptime, Warranties, and Limitation of Liability

• Provider will make commercially reasonable efforts to maintain 99.9% website uptime but does not guarantee uninterrupted service. Scheduled maintenance, third-party outages, and events beyond Provider's control are excluded from uptime calculations.
• The services are provided "as is." Provider makes no warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.
• For the Monthly Plan, Provider's total liability shall not exceed the total fees paid by Client in the three (3) months preceding the claim. For the Annual Plan, Provider's total liability shall not exceed the total fees paid by Client in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim.
• Provider shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to lost profits, lost revenue, or loss of business opportunities.

9. SMS/Text Messaging Terms

By opting in to receive text messages from Automata Studio LLC, you agree to the following:

• You consent to receive recurring automated text messages, including appointment reminders, service updates, and promotional messages.
• Message frequency varies.
• Message and data rates may apply. Check with your carrier for details.
• To opt out, reply STOP to any message. You will receive a confirmation message and no further texts will be sent.
• For help, reply HELP or contact us at hello@meetautomata.com.
• We do not share your phone number or SMS opt-in data with third parties for marketing purposes.
• Supported carriers include but are not limited to AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Sprint. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.

10. Confidentiality

Both parties agree to keep confidential any proprietary or sensitive information shared during the course of the service relationship. This includes but is not limited to business strategies, client lists, login credentials, and financial information. This obligation survives termination of the agreement.

11. Indemnification

Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Automata Studio LLC and its owners, members, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from content provided by Client, Client's use of the website, or Client's breach of these terms.

12. Use of Website

You agree not to:

• Use our website for any unlawful purpose or in violation of these terms
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems or networks
• Interfere with the proper functioning of the website
• Transmit any viruses, malware, or other harmful code

13. Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute arising from these terms, the parties agree to first attempt to resolve the matter through good-faith negotiation. If the dispute cannot be resolved within thirty (30) days, either party may pursue mediation or binding arbitration in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

14. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

15. General Provisions

• Entire Agreement: These terms constitute the entire agreement between the parties and supersede all prior discussions, agreements, and understandings.
• Amendments: We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. Your continued use of our website and services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.
• Severability: If any provision of these terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
• Notices: All notices shall be in writing and delivered via email to the addresses provided by each party.
• Force Majeure: Neither party shall be liable for delays or failure to perform due to circumstances beyond their reasonable control, including natural disasters, acts of government, internet outages, or other force majeure events.

16. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, contact us at: