Terms of Service

Digital Téchne sagl

Last Updated: March 2026

1. INTRODUCTION AND ACCEPTANCE

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your use of authentication services provided by Digital Téchne sagl, a Swiss company registered in Switzerland (“Digital Téchne”, “we”, “us”, or “our”).

By purchasing our services, you (“Client”, “you”, or “your”) agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use our services.

2. SERVICES DESCRIPTION

Digital Téchne provides DNA-based authentication services for physical artworks, collectibles, and cultural assets. Our services include:

  • Genomic Seal Application: Application of proprietary molecular markers to physical objects
  • Laboratory Verification: Scientific analysis and verification of genomic signatures
  • Blockchain Certificate Issuance: Creation of immutable digital certificates of authenticity recorded on the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) blockchain
  • Digital Twin (NFT): Issuance of a non-fungible token serving as a digital certificate linked 1:1 to the authenticated physical asset

2.1 Nature of NFT Certificate

The NFT issued as part of our service is a utility token serving exclusively as:

  • An immutable certificate of authenticity
  • A digital provenance record
  • A verification tool for the physical asset

The NFT is NOT:

  • A standalone investment or financial instrument
  • A tradeable speculative asset
  • A security, derivative, or regulated financial product
  • Collateral for loans or credit facilities
  • A fractional ownership instrument
  • A governance token granting voting rights

The NFT certificate has no independent value separate from the physical artwork to which it is permanently linked.

3. PRICING AND PAYMENT

3.1 Service Fees

Current pricing (subject to change with notice):

  • Standard Authentication: €30-50 per asset (depending on complexity)
  • Institutional Packages: Custom pricing for galleries, museums, and foundations

All prices are displayed in EUR or CHF and include:

  • Genomic seal application
  • Laboratory verification
  • Blockchain certificate registration
  • NFT digital twin issuance
  • Access to verification portal

3.2 Payment Terms

  • Payment is processed in fiat currency only (EUR/CHF) via Stripe
  • Payment must be completed before service delivery
  • All fees are non-refundable except as specified in Section 5
  • Prices exclude applicable VAT/taxes (added at checkout where applicable)

3.3 No Cryptocurrency

We do not accept cryptocurrency payments. All transactions are conducted in fiat currency through regulated payment processors.

4. SERVICE DELIVERY PROCESS

4.1 Workflow

  1. Order Placement: Client purchases authentication service via our website
  2. Physical Access: Client provides secure access to the physical artwork
  3. Genomic Application: Our certified technicians apply the DNA-based molecular marker
  4. Laboratory Analysis: Scientific verification of genomic signature
  5. Blockchain Registration: Cryptographic hash and metadata recorded on ICP blockchain
  6. NFT Issuance: Digital certificate (NFT) minted and linked to client’s account
  7. Delivery: Client receives access credentials and certificate documentation

4.2 Delivery Timeframe

  • Standard processing: 10-15 business days from physical access
  • Expedited service: Available upon request (additional fees apply)
  • Institutional projects: Timeline agreed in separate service agreement

5. REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY

5.1 Cancellation Before Service Delivery

  • Full refund available if cancellation requested before genomic seal application
  • Cancellation request must be submitted via email to: support@digitaltechne.com
  • Refunds processed within 14 business days to original payment method

5.2 Cancellation After Service Delivery

Once the genomic seal has been applied to the physical artwork:

  • No refunds are available (service has been physically delivered)
  • The blockchain certificate remains immutable and cannot be revoked
  • Client retains access to all verification tools and documentation

5.3 Service Quality Issues

If our authentication service fails due to technical error or defect:

  • Client must notify us within 30 days of service delivery
  • We will re-perform the service at no additional cost, OR
  • Provide a full refund if re-performance is not technically feasible

5.4 Disputes

For payment disputes or quality concerns, contact: support@digitaltechne.com

We commit to resolving disputes within 30 business days.

6. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

6.1 Our IP

All proprietary technology, including genomic markers, verification protocols, software, and blockchain infrastructure, remain the exclusive property of Digital Téchne.

6.2 Client Artwork

Clients retain all ownership rights to their physical artworks. We claim no ownership or copyright over client assets.

6.3 NFT Certificate Ownership

Upon full payment, the client receives:

  • A non-exclusive license to access and display the NFT certificate
  • The right to transfer the NFT only in conjunction with sale of the physical artwork
  • Verification rights for authenticity purposes

7. GEOGRAPHIC RESTRICTIONS AND SANCTIONS COMPLIANCE

7.1 Prohibited Jurisdictions

We do not provide services to individuals or entities located in, or conducting business from:

  • Cuba
  • Iran
  • North Korea
  • Syria
  • Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions (Ukraine)
  • Russian Federation
  • Any other jurisdiction subject to comprehensive sanctions by OFAC, UN, EU, or Swiss authorities

7.2 Sanctions Screening

We employ IP-blocking and manual verification to ensure compliance with international sanctions regulations.

By using our services, you represent and warrant that:

  • You are not located in a prohibited jurisdiction
  • You are not listed on any sanctions list (OFAC SDN, UN, EU, UK HMT, etc.)
  • You will not use our services to facilitate transactions with sanctioned parties

7.3 Violation Consequences

Violation of sanctions compliance may result in:

  • Immediate service termination without refund
  • Reporting to relevant authorities
  • Legal action as required by applicable law

8. PROHIBITED USES

Clients may not use our services or NFT certificates to:

  • Market or sell NFTs as investment opportunities or financial instruments
  • Facilitate trading of NFTs on speculative marketplaces
  • Use NFTs as collateral for loans, credit, or DeFi applications
  • Fractionalize ownership or create derivative financial products
  • Circumvent securities regulations or financial laws
  • Engage in wash trading or market manipulation
  • Violate intellectual property rights of third parties
  • Distribute adult content, violent extremist content, or illegal materials
  • Conduct money laundering or terrorist financing activities

9. DATA PROTECTION AND PRIVACY

We process personal data in accordance with:

  • Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP)
  • EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) where applicable

Data collected:

  • Client contact and billing information
  • Artwork metadata (artist, title, dimensions, provenance)
  • Transaction records

Data is stored securely and not shared with third parties except:

  • Payment processors (Stripe)
  • Blockchain networks (public metadata only, no personal data)
  • Legal authorities when required by law

For full details, see our Privacy Policy.

10. LIABILITY AND WARRANTIES

10.1 Service Warranty

We warrant that our authentication services will be performed with professional care using scientifically validated methods.

We do not warrant:

  • That genomic markers will remain detectable indefinitely (normal degradation may occur)
  • That blockchain networks will remain operational (beyond our control)
  • The market value or insurability of authenticated artworks

10.2 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by Swiss law:

  • Our total liability shall not exceed the fees paid for the specific service
  • We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages
  • We are not liable for losses due to blockchain network failures, cyber attacks, or force majeure events

10.3 Client Responsibilities

Clients are responsible for:

  • Providing accurate artwork information
  • Maintaining physical security of authenticated assets
  • Safeguarding access credentials to NFT certificates
  • Complying with applicable laws regarding artwork ownership and transfer

11. BLOCKCHAIN AND TECHNOLOGY RISKS

11.1 Blockchain Immutability

Once recorded on the blockchain:

  • Data cannot be deleted or modified
  • Errors in metadata cannot be corrected (new certificate required)
  • Client must verify all information before finalization

11.2 Technology Risks

Clients acknowledge:

  • Blockchain technology is experimental and evolving
  • NFT standards and protocols may change
  • Third-party wallet providers may have security vulnerabilities
  • We do not control blockchain networks or their governance

12. MODIFICATIONS TO TERMS

We reserve the right to modify these Terms with 30 days’ notice via:

  • Email to registered clients
  • Website publication

Continued use after modification constitutes acceptance. Material changes affecting existing certificates will not apply retroactively.

13. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

13.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by Swiss law, excluding conflict of law provisions.

13.2 Jurisdiction

Disputes shall be resolved in the competent courts of [Canton where Digital Téchne is registered], Switzerland.

13.3 Mediation

Before litigation, parties agree to attempt good-faith mediation for 30 days.

14. GENERAL PROVISIONS

14.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between parties, superseding all prior agreements.

14.2 Severability

If any provision is found invalid, remaining provisions remain in full force.

14.3 No Waiver

Failure to enforce any right does not constitute waiver of that right.

14.4 Assignment

Clients may not assign rights under these Terms without our written consent.

15. CONTACT INFORMATION

Digital Téchne sagl
Via Pietro Peri 26b
Lugano, 6900, Switzerland

Email: support@digitaltechne.ch
Website: www.digitaltechne.ch

Sanctions Compliance Officer: Giorgio Fornara
Email: g.fornara@digitaltechne.com

16. ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By completing a purchase, you acknowledge that:

✓ You have read and understood these Terms
✓ You agree to be bound by these Terms
✓ You are not located in a prohibited jurisdiction
✓ You understand the nature of NFT certificates as utility tokens
✓ You understand refund limitations and cancellation policies

EFFECTIVE DATE: March 2026
VERSION: 1.0