Introduction
SciTech is dedicated to providing scholarly journals with an efficient and user-friendly peer review system to optimize the publication process.
These Terms of Service (the “Terms”) govern your (“user(s),” “you,” or “your”) access to and use of the SciTech website (“the Website”) and services (collectively, the “Services”). Please read these Terms carefully, as they contain important information about your legal rights, remedies, and obligations. By accessing or using the Website and Services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions, which expressly incorporate by reference the Website’s Privacy Policy, as well as any guidelines, rules, or disclaimers that may be posted or updated on specific webpages or in notices sent to you.
Scope of Services
SciTech provides a range of services designed to support scholarly journals, including:
- Custom website design and development for journals.
- A sophisticated web-based editorial system.
- Comprehensive training and support for SciTech users.
- Advanced publishing services, such as typesetting, cover design, Full Text XML, copy editing, and proofreading (additional fees apply).
- Integration of similarity and plagiarism checks via iThenticate.
- DOI integration through Crossref.
- Migration of current and archived content from existing journal platforms to our new system.
- Online workshops on best practices for scholarly journal publishing.
- Regular status reports on journal performance.
- Collection of processing fees.
- Payment gateway integration.
Account Responsibilities
As a user of our platform, you are responsible for all activities under your account. You must ensure that all information provided is accurate and up-to-date. If we find any information to be inaccurate, outdated, or incomplete, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account and deny you access to our services.
Keep your mobile number and email address updated, as these are your primary identifiers. You are responsible for all activities performed under your account and for any consequences that may arise from sharing your login information.
Use of the Platform
When using our services, you agree not to:
a) Upload or distribute files containing viruses or harmful software.
b) Modify, disassemble, decompile, or reverse engineer our services.
c) Probe, scan, or test the vulnerability of our systems or bypass security mechanisms.
d) Impose an unreasonable load on our servers or networks.
e) Copy or reproduce our services.
f) Access or use data from other clients through our platform.
g) Engage in activities that maliciously affect the accessibility of our services.
h) Post or transmit unlawful or harmful content.
i) Send unsolicited bulk emails, spam, or chain letters.
j) Transmit material that encourages criminal activity or civil liability.
We reserve the right to remove or disable access to content that violates these terms and will not be liable for any such actions. You agree to indemnify us against any claims arising from your failure to comply with these obligations.
Export Compliance
All services provided by SciTech are subject to Canadian and applicable local export laws and regulations. You agree to comply with these laws and ensure that no data or materials resulting from our services are exported in violation of these regulations or used for prohibited purposes, including nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons proliferation.
Intellectual Property
You retain ownership of your data and intellectual property. SciTech retains ownership of all intellectual property related to our services, including software, documentation, and any improvements or modifications. You may use our intellectual property only in connection with the services and cannot transfer or sell it without written consent.
Content on the Platform
SciTech does not control or endorse third-party websites linked to or from our platform. You are responsible for protecting your computer systems from harmful content and bear all risks associated with accessing third-party sites. If you believe that content on our platform infringes your copyright, please notify us, and we will address it appropriately.
Fees and Payment
Clients are required to pay an annual subscription fee (“Subscription Fee”) for our services. Additional fees for services such as Crossref membership and iThenticate will be billed separately.
- Subscription Fee: Payable annually to SciTech.
- Crossref and iThenticate Fees: Paid directly to Crossref.
Payment Terms
- The Subscription Fee is due on the specified date each year. Payments must be made to the account provided by SciTech.
- Taxes: The Subscription Fee does not include taxes, which are the client’s responsibility.
- Late Payments: Overdue amounts will incur interest at 2% per month (24% annually) or the maximum allowed by law.
Refund Policy
Subscriptions are billed on a monthly or annual basis. If you are dissatisfied, you may cancel your subscription, but no refunds will be issued for the remaining period of your subscription. Ensure you retrieve any data before cancellation.
Indemnification
- Mutual Indemnification: Each party will indemnify the other for losses arising from third-party claims due to willful misconduct or gross negligence.
- Indemnification by SciTech: We will indemnify you for losses arising from claims that our services infringe third-party intellectual property rights, provided you comply with the terms of this agreement and related documentation.
Limitation of Liability
- Exclusions: Neither party will be liable for indirect, incidental, special, punitive, or consequential damages, or for loss of revenue or profits.
- Maximum Liability: Our liability for damages will not exceed the total amount paid by you for the services in the 12-month period preceding the claim.
Third-Party Services
Our services may include links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content or availability of these third-party sites, and you assume all risks associated with their use.
Governing Law
This agreement is governed by the laws of Canada. Disputes will be resolved amicably; if unresolved, they will be brought before the competent Canadian courts.
Termination
- Notice: Either party may terminate this agreement with 15 business days’ notice.
- Material Breach: Immediate termination is allowed if the other party fails to perform or breaches the agreement, with a 30-day notice period to cure the breach.
- Failure to Pay: We may terminate the agreement immediately if you fail to pay the Subscription Fee on time three times within a 12-month period.
Effect of Termination:
- We will keep the Subscription Fee but refund any prepaid Crossref or iThenticate fees not yet paid.
- You must settle all outstanding amounts.
- You must cease using the services and retrieve any data within 30 days of termination.
By using our services, you agree to these terms and conditions.