Terms of Service

Article 1 (Application)

These Terms of Service (these "Terms") set out the conditions for use of "Koe Palette" (the "App"), provided by SignCascade UD ("we," "us," or "our"). Users of the App (each, a "User") must agree to these Terms before using the App.

Article 2 (Definitions)

In these Terms, the following terms have the meanings set out below.

1. "App": "Koe Palette," the AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) support application provided by us
2. "Communicator": a person who uses the App to communicate
3. "Support Person": a person who configures and manages the App on behalf of a Communicator (a parent or guardian, caregiver, educator, etc.)
4. "Content": the icons, audio, symbols, and other materials provided within the App
5. "User Content": photos, recorded audio, custom buttons, and similar material that a User adds to the App

Article 3 (Conditions of Use)

1. The App is available to anyone, with no age restriction.
2. Minors should use the App under the management of a parent, guardian, or Support Person.
3. The App is available on iOS and Android devices.
4. Certain features, such as AI image generation, require an internet connection and an API key for an external service.

Article 4 (Purpose of the App and Disclaimer)

1. The App is intended to support communication for people who have difficulty speaking.
2. The App is not a medical device and is not a substitute for medical care.
3. We are not responsible for any misunderstanding or disadvantage in communication arising from use of the App.
4. In an emergency, do not rely on the App; use an appropriate direct means such as calling emergency services (119 in Japan).

Article 5 (User Content)

1. Rights in User Content added to the App by a User, such as photos, recorded audio, and custom buttons, belong to that User.
2. User Content is stored only on the device and is not transmitted to our servers.
3. User Content may be lost if the device is changed or reset. We recommend backing up your data regularly.

Article 6 (Education Mode and Content Management)

1. The App includes an "Education Mode" that blocks the registration of inappropriate words.
2. The Education Mode blocklist is based on a standard list established by us, but we do not warrant that it is exhaustive.
3. A Support Person may use the PIN protection feature to restrict access to settings and editing.

Article 7 (Use of External Services)

1. The App allows Users to use the following external service at their own discretion.
   • Google Gemini API (AI image generation)
2. Use of an external service is subject to the terms of service of that service.
3. API keys for external services are stored only on the User's device and are not transmitted to our servers.
4. We are not responsible if any feature of the App becomes unavailable due to a failure, change, or discontinuation of an external service.

Article 8 (Intellectual Property Rights)

1. Copyrights, trademark rights, and other intellectual property rights in the App and its default Content, such as icons and the user interface, belong to us or to the respective rights holders.
2. Users may not reproduce, distribute, or publish Content of the App beyond the scope of private use.

Article 9 (Prohibited Conduct)

Users must not engage in any of the following conduct.

1. Misusing, reverse engineering, or modifying the App
2. Improperly circumventing security features of the App, such as the PIN lock
3. Using the App for harassment, threats, or other inappropriate communication
4. Reproducing, selling, or distributing Content of the App without permission
5. Any other conduct that we deem inappropriate

Article 10 (Modification, Suspension, and Termination of the Service)

1. We may change the content of the App without prior notice.
2. We may temporarily suspend provision of the App for system maintenance, natural disasters, or other unavoidable reasons.
3. We may terminate provision of the App by giving Users at least 30 days' prior notice.

Article 11 (Disclaimer of Warranties and Liability)

1. We do not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the content of the App.
2. We are not liable for any damage incurred by a User through use of the App, except where we have acted with intent or gross negligence.
3. We are not liable for any loss of data arising from use of the App. We recommend backing up your data regularly.

Article 12 (Handling of Data)

1. Data used by the App, such as button configuration, settings, and recorded audio, is stored primarily on the User's device.
2. Data may be lost if the device is changed or reset.
3. For our handling of personal information, please see our Privacy Policy.

Article 13 (Amendment of These Terms)

1. We may amend these Terms as necessary.
2. If we make a material change, we will give notice within the App.
3. If a User continues to use the App after an amendment, the User is deemed to have agreed to the amended Terms.

Article 14 (Governing Law and Jurisdiction)

1. These Terms are governed by the laws of Japan.
2. The Yokohama District Court shall have exclusive jurisdiction in the first instance over any dispute relating to these Terms.

Article 15 (Contact)

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us at the following address.

This is a translation provided for convenience. In case of any discrepancy, the Japanese version prevails.