Terms and Conditions

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Atlas, a service provided by Boston Research Journals ("BRJ," "we," "us," or "our"). By accessing or using the Atlas platform and related services (collectively, the "Services"), you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our Services.

2. Description of Services

Atlas is a cloud-native journal management platform that provides tools for manuscript submission, peer review management, production workflows, and publication. Our Services include:

• Manuscript submission and tracking systems
• Peer review management tools
• Production and typesetting workflows
• Analytics and reporting dashboards
• Integration with academic databases and payment processors
• Website hosting and content management

3. Account Registration

3.1 Account Creation

To access certain features of our Services, you must create an account. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to update such information to keep it accurate and complete.

3.2 Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account.

4. Subscription and Payments

4.1 Subscription Plans

Access to Atlas is provided through subscription plans. The features, pricing, and terms of each plan are described on our website or in a separate agreement.

4.2 Payment Terms

Subscription fees are billed in advance on a monthly or annual basis. All payments are non-refundable except as expressly stated in these Terms or required by law.

4.3 Price Changes

We reserve the right to change our pricing with 30 days' notice. Price changes will take effect at the start of the next billing cycle.

5. User Responsibilities

5.1 Acceptable Use

You agree to use our Services only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. You agree not to:

• Violate any applicable laws or regulations
• Infringe upon intellectual property rights of others
• Upload malicious code or interfere with the Services
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the Services
• Use the Services to distribute spam or unsolicited communications
• Engage in any activity that disrupts or interferes with the Services

5.2 Content Responsibility

You are solely responsible for all content you submit, publish, or display through our Services, including manuscripts, reviews, and other materials. You represent that you have all necessary rights to such content.

6. Intellectual Property

6.1 Our Intellectual Property

The Atlas platform, including its design, features, and documentation, is owned by Boston Research Journals and protected by intellectual property laws. You are granted a limited, non-exclusive license to use the Services during your subscription.

6.2 Your Content

You retain ownership of content you submit through the Services. By using the Services, you grant us a license to store, process, and display your content as necessary to provide the Services.

6.3 Published Articles

Copyright and licensing terms for published articles are governed by the specific journal's policies and any applicable publication agreements.

7. Data and Privacy

Your use of the Services is subject to our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. We are committed to protecting your data in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

8. Service Availability

8.1 Uptime

We strive to maintain high availability of our Services but do not guarantee uninterrupted access. We may perform scheduled maintenance with advance notice.

8.2 Modifications

We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of the Services at any time. We will provide reasonable notice of significant changes.

9. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, BRJ AND ITS AFFILIATES, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, OR GOODWILL, ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF THE SERVICES.

OUR TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIMS ARISING FROM THESE TERMS OR YOUR USE OF THE SERVICES SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID TO US IN THE TWELVE MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless BRJ and its affiliates, officers, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from your use of the Services, your content, or your violation of these Terms.

11. Termination

11.1 By You

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us or through your account settings. Termination will be effective at the end of your current billing period.

11.2 By Us

We may suspend or terminate your access to the Services at any time for violation of these Terms or for any other reason with reasonable notice, except in cases of serious violations.

11.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, your right to use the Services will cease. You may request export of your data within 30 days of termination.

12. Data Export and Portability

You may export your data at any time through the platform's export features. We support standard formats (XML, JSON) to ensure data portability. Your data will remain available for export for 30 days following account termination.

13. Dispute Resolution

13.1 Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, USA, without regard to conflict of law principles.

13.2 Arbitration

Any disputes arising from these Terms shall be resolved through binding arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

14. Changes to Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time. We will provide notice of material changes via email or through the Services. Your continued use of the Services after such notice constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

15. Miscellaneous

15.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any applicable subscription agreement, constitute the entire agreement between you and BRJ regarding the Services.

15.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in effect.

15.3 Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.

15.4 Assignment

You may not assign your rights under these Terms without our prior written consent. We may assign our rights to any affiliate or successor.

16. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us:

• Email: legal@bostonresearch.org
• Address: 240 Elm Street, 2nd & 3rd Floor, Somerville, 02144, MA, USA