Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the SMPT Protocol website, API, node software, and any related services (collectively, the "Service"). By using the Service, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, you may not use the Service.

2. The SMPT Protocol

SMPT is a decentralized metadata reconciliation layer. The Protocol is open-source and operates on the Monad blockchain. The Foundation does not control, endorse, or guarantee any specific mapping, split, or verification result. All verifications are the result of network consensus and on‑chain rules.

3. Node Operation & Staking

Running an SMPT verification node requires staking SMPT tokens (or testnet tokens). By operating a node, you agree to:

• Maintain accurate time and participate honestly in consensus
• Not attempt to sybil‑attack or manipulate votes
• Accept that malicious behaviour may result in slashing (loss of stake)
• Provide accurate contact information for operational alerts

Node operators are independent contractors and not employees or agents of the SMPT Foundation.

4. API Access & Rate Limits

The SMPT API is provided free of charge for public queries, subject to rate limits (60 requests per minute per IP). Commercial or high‑volume usage requires an API key. We reserve the right to block any IP that exceeds reasonable limits or attempts to disrupt the Service.

5. Intellectual Property

The SMPT name, logo, and website design are trademarks of the SMPT Protocol Foundation. The Protocol source code is licensed under the Apache 2.0 license. You may not use our trademarks without prior written permission.

8. Third‑Party Integrations

The Service may integrate with or link to third‑party services (e.g. Monad, MusicBrainz, PROs). We do not control these services and are not responsible for their content, policies, or actions.

9. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your access to the Service (including node operation) at any time, without notice, for conduct that violates these Terms or is harmful to the network. Node operators may stop running a node at any time; stake will be returned according to the protocol’s unstaking rules.

10. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of Switzerland, without regard to its conflict of laws principles. Any dispute arising out of these Terms shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of Zug, Switzerland. For node operators, any dispute related to slashing or staking shall first be submitted to a mutually agreed technical arbitrator.

11. Modifications

We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be announced on the SMPT website and, for node operators, via the contact information you provided. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance.

12. Miscellaneous

If any provision of these Terms is held invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and the SMPT Foundation regarding the Service.