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Terms of Service

Last updated: March 26, 2026

1. Scope and Provider

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern the use of the CivicSpot platform ("Service") provided by:

Civic Patches GmbH
Pingsdorfer Str. 88-92, 50321 Bruehl, Germany
kontakt@civicpatches.de
https://civicpatches.de

By accessing or using CivicSpot, you agree to these Terms.

2. Description of the Service

CivicSpot is a cloud-based platform that enables users to:

  • create and manage maps
  • collect and publish reports (e.g. issues, ideas, incidents)
  • collaborate on geospatial data
  • integrate with third-party systems (e.g. Open311, APIs)

The Service may include free, paid, and open-source components.

3. Accounts and Access

To use certain features, you must create an account.

You agree to:

  • provide accurate and complete information
  • keep your login credentials secure
  • be responsible for all activities under your account

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts in case of violations.

4. Acceptable Use

You agree NOT to:

  • upload illegal, harmful, or misleading content
  • violate privacy or personal data rights of others
  • misuse the platform for spam or manipulation
  • attempt unauthorized access to systems or data
  • interfere with platform integrity or security

We may remove content or restrict access at our discretion.

5. User Content

You retain ownership of the content you submit ("User Content").

By submitting content, you grant CivicSpot a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to:

  • host, store, and process the content
  • display and share it within the platform
  • make it available via APIs or public maps (depending on settings)

You are responsible for ensuring you have the rights to share such content.

6. Public Data and Transparency

CivicSpot is designed for civic transparency. Depending on configuration:

  • reports may be publicly visible
  • data may be accessible via APIs
  • content may be indexed by search engines

Users and organizations are responsible for configuring visibility settings appropriately.

7. Data Protection

We process personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws (e.g. GDPR).

Where CivicSpot is used by public authorities or organizations, they act as the data controller.

8. Paid Plans and Billing

Some features require a paid subscription.

  • pricing is defined on the website or via contract
  • subscriptions renew automatically unless cancelled
  • fees are non-refundable unless required by law

We reserve the right to change pricing with prior notice.

9. Availability and Changes

We aim to provide a reliable service but do not guarantee uninterrupted availability.

We may:

  • modify or improve features
  • discontinue parts of the service
  • perform maintenance

10. Open Source Components

Parts of CivicSpot may be open source.

  • open source components are governed by their respective licenses
  • in case of conflict, open source licenses take precedence for those components

11. Third-Party Services

The platform may integrate with third-party services (e.g. maps, APIs).

We are not responsible for:

  • availability of third-party services
  • data accuracy from external sources

12. Limitation of Liability

To the extent permitted by law:

  • we are not liable for indirect or consequential damages
  • liability is limited to foreseeable damages typical for the contract
  • no liability for user-generated content

Nothing limits liability for intent, gross negligence, or legal requirements.

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Civic Patches GmbH from claims arising out of:

  • your use of the Service
  • your content
  • violations of these Terms

14. Termination

You may stop using the Service at any time.

We may suspend or terminate access if:

  • you violate these Terms
  • required by law
  • necessary to protect the platform or other users

15. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Germany.

Place of jurisdiction: Cologne (Koeln)

16. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms.

Users will be notified of significant changes. Continued use constitutes acceptance.

17. Contact

For questions regarding these Terms:

kontakt@civicpatches.de
https://civicpatches.de