Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By using BlackDistrict (blackdistrict.org or the mobile app), you agree to these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, do not use the platform.

These terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and BlackDistrict. We may update these terms from time to time — continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

2. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old and legally able to enter into contracts to create an account or list a business. By using BlackDistrict, you represent and warrant that you meet these requirements.

3. Accounts

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account. You must notify us immediately at support@blackdistrict.org if you suspect unauthorized access to your account.

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms, engage in fraudulent activity, or remain inactive for more than 24 months.

4. Business Listings

When you list a business, you represent that:

• You are authorized to list and represent this business
• All information provided is accurate and current
• The business is legitimately operated and properly licensed where required
• You will keep your listing information up to date

We reserve the right to remove any listing that violates these terms, misrepresents the business, or is reported as inaccurate.

5. Verification Program

The Verified Black-Owned badge requires 51% or greater Black ownership. By applying for verification, you attest that this requirement is met and authorize us to review submitted documentation. False attestation will result in permanent removal from the directory.

Verification status is valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually. BlackDistrict reserves the right to revoke verification at any time if we determine the eligibility criteria are no longer met.

6. Prohibited Content & Conduct

You may not:

• List businesses that are not legitimately operating
• Provide false ownership or identity information
• Upload content that is defamatory, obscene, or threatens violence
• Scrape, crawl, or systematically extract data from the platform
• Use the platform to engage in or promote illegal activities
• Attempt to circumvent any security or access controls
• Post fake reviews or manipulate ratings
• Violate intellectual property rights of others

7. Intellectual Property

Content you submit (photos, descriptions, logos) remains yours. By submitting, you grant BlackDistrict a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to display, reproduce, and distribute this content in connection with the directory and its promotion.

The BlackDistrict name, logo, "Verified Black-Owned" badge, and all associated branding are trademarks of BlackDistrict. You may not use these marks without our written permission.

For copyright infringement claims, see our DMCA & Copyright Policy.

8. Subscriptions and Payments

Paid plans (Pro) are billed through the mobile app via Apple or Google in-app purchase systems. Subscriptions auto-renew unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the current period ends. Refunds are governed by Apple/Google policies.

Boost credits and featured listing placements are non-refundable once the promotion period has begun.

9. Disclaimers

BlackDistrict is a directory platform — not an endorser, guarantor, or insurer of any listed business. Specifically:

• We do not guarantee the quality, safety, legality, or availability of goods or services offered by listed businesses
• Verification confirms ownership demographics only — it is not an endorsement of business quality or reliability
• We are not responsible for transactions, disputes, or interactions between users and listed businesses
• Business hours, pricing, and availability are provided by business owners and may not always be current
• User-submitted reviews and ratings reflect individual opinions, not the views of BlackDistrict

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

10. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, MAISON DU CODE LLC (OPERATING AS BLACKDISTRICT) AND ITS OFFICERS, MEMBERS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUE, WHETHER INCURRED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ARISING FROM:

• Your use of or inability to use the platform
• Any conduct or content of any third party on the platform
• Reliance on information provided through the directory
• Unauthorized access to or alteration of your data

IN NO EVENT SHALL OUR TOTAL LIABILITY EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU HAVE PAID US IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM, OR ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100), WHICHEVER IS GREATER.

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Maison du Code LLC (operating as BlackDistrict), its officers, members, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to:

• Your use of the platform
• Your violation of these terms
• Content you submit to the platform
• Your violation of any rights of another party

12. Dispute Resolution

Any dispute arising from these terms or your use of BlackDistrict shall be resolved as follows:

1. Informal resolution — contact us at legal@blackdistrict.org and we will attempt to resolve the dispute within 30 days
2. Binding arbitration — if informal resolution fails, disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Commercial Arbitration Rules, conducted in the State of Georgia

Class action waiver: You agree that any dispute resolution proceedings will be conducted only on an individual basis and not in a class, consolidated, or representative action.

13. Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any litigation not subject to arbitration shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Georgia. BlackDistrict is a product of Maison du Code LLC, a Georgia limited liability company.

14. Severability

If any provision of these terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect. The unenforceable provision will be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable.

15. Force Majeure

BlackDistrict shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance resulting from causes beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemic, government actions, internet outages, or cyberattacks.

16. Entire Agreement

These Terms of Service, together with our Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and DMCA Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Maison du Code LLC (operating as BlackDistrict) regarding use of the platform.

17. Contact

Questions about these terms: legal@blackdistrict.org