Terms of Service

    Last updated: January 2026

    1. Agreement

    This section explains that by using Ethos, you're entering into a legal agreement with us.

    The following Terms of Service (the "Terms") constitute a binding agreement between you and Ethos Books LTD and its parent company ETHOS OU (collectively "Ethos," "we," "our," and "us"), regarding your use of Ethos's website (the "Website") and its life story preservation platform (the "Platform", and collectively with the Website, the "Services").

    By accessing or using the Services in any manner, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

    If you are entering into these Terms on behalf of an entity, all references to "you" in these Terms other than in this paragraph refer to the entity and you represent and warrant that you are a duly authorized representative with the authorization to act on behalf of the entity and bind the legal entity to these Terms. You may use the Services only in compliance with these Terms.

    PLEASE NOTE THAT DISPUTES ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO YOUR USE OF THE SERVICES WILL BE RESOLVED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 23 BELOW.

    2. Modification to Terms

    We may need to update these Terms occasionally, and this section explains how that works.

    Ethos reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to modify these Terms at any time and without prior notice. The date of the last modification to the Terms will be posted at the beginning of these Terms. It is your responsibility to check from time to time for updates. By continuing to access or use the Services, you are indicating that you agree to be bound by any modified Terms.

    3. Eligibility

    This section covers age requirements for using Ethos.

    If you are younger than 13, you may not use the Services. If you are 13 or older but under the age of 18, you may use our Services only under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian who agrees to be bound by these Terms. If you are a parent or legal guardian agreeing to these Terms for the benefit of a child who is 13 or older but under the age of 18, you are fully responsible for your child's use of the Services.

    4. Privacy

    Ethos respects your privacy. To learn more about how we handle personal data, please see our Privacy Policy at ethosbook.co/privacy-policy.

    5. Our Services

    Here's what Ethos does and how it works.

    The Platform preserves the life stories of individuals (the "Storyteller") by turning the Storyteller's audio recordings ("Stories") into a personalized book of their Stories (each, a "Life Story Book"). Anyone (the "Project Owner") can start the process to create a Storyteller's Life Story Book by purchasing access to Ethos (the "Purchase"). In addition to managing the Life Story Book creation process, the Project Owner can invite others to track the progress of the Life Story Book (each, a "Collaborator").

    6. Purchase & Lifetime Access

    This section explains what's included in your purchase and how it works.

    Each Purchase provides lifetime access to our platform features for each Storyteller, including the creation of hardcopy Life Story Books. See the Website for more information about the benefits that come with your Purchase.

    The Project Owner's access activates when the Project Owner completes the Purchase for themselves or when the gift recipient clicks the invitation email if purchased as a gift.

    Each Purchase includes a credit for a single hardcopy of the Life Story Book (9x6 inches), although the Project Owner may purchase additional copies.

    Your Purchase includes lifetime access to:

    • Automated transcription and narrative processing
    • Access to both original transcripts and edited narratives
    • Unlimited revisions before printing
    • One hardcover book (9x6 inches) - additional copies available for purchase
    • Multi-collaborator support
    • Continued access to view and order books from your content

    7. Your stories and photos, your ownership

    This is fundamental: Your stories and photos belong to you. Always.

    Throughout these Terms, "content" means everything you give us: your recordings, your written stories, and the photographs you or your family upload.

    When you share stories or photos with Ethos:

    • You retain all rights to your content, including full copyright in every photograph you upload
    • The only license you grant us is the one we need to build, print, and ship your book. It covers nothing else.
    • You're the author - we're just the tool helping you create
    • We process your stories using automated technology to create the best possible narrative
    • You have access to both original and edited versions
    • You can revise unlimited times before printing
    • You can export your content as a physical book or request an EPUB for $30

    We ask for permission to:

    • Store and process your stories using automated technology
    • Create edited, narrative versions while preserving originals
    • Keep anonymous data for service improvement

    Feedback and suggestions

    If you provide feedback, suggestions, or ideas about our service ("Feedback"), you grant us the right to use such Feedback without any obligation to provide credit, compensation, or ownership interest in any resulting improvements to our service.

    8. Our 30-day promise

    We offer a 30-day refund on everything - purchases and books. If Ethos isn't right for you, just email hello@ethosbook.co within 30 days of purchase.

    Full refund within 30 days if you've recorded less than 2 hours total. Once you've recorded 2+ hours, we consider the service substantially delivered.

    Important: If you request a refund:

    • We'll process it to your original payment method
    • Your content will be permanently deleted
    • Physical books cannot be refunded once printed (they're custom-made for you)

    9. Creating your book

    The editing process

    We use advanced automated technology to transform your raw stories into polished narratives. We edit for clarity, flow, and readability while preserving your authentic voice. You always have access to your original transcripts.

    Before printing

    You have complete control and unlimited revisions. You'll see a final preview - what you approve is what you'll receive. If the printed book matches your approved preview, any errors are your responsibility.

    Production and shipping

    • Processing: 2-3 business days
    • Shipping: 5-10 business days globally
    • Risk of loss transfers once shipped, but we'll help with carrier claims
    • International customers are responsible for customs/import duties

    Content standards

    While your digital stories remain yours regardless of content, we reserve the right to decline printing services for material that:

    • Promotes hatred, violence, or discrimination
    • Contains illegal content
    • Violates others' rights

    10. Privacy and respect

    Your family's stories and photographs are deeply personal. We treat them accordingly:

    • We never sell your data
    • Your stories and photographs are never sold to third parties
    • We don't use your stories or photographs for marketing, advertising, samples, or examples
    • Your personal information stays with Ethos
    • We never share your stories or photographs publicly. We may reach out to request a review or testimonial, which you may freely decline.
    • You can ask us to delete your uploads at any time by emailing hello@ethosbook.co. See our Privacy Policy for timelines.

    How we handle your recordings

    We use automated technology to turn your audio into written stories. This involves secure third-party services that:

    • Only process your content to provide our service
    • Cannot use your data for their own purposes
    • Are bound by strict confidentiality agreements
    • Meet EU data protection standards

    Your protection

    For more details on how we protect your privacy, please see our Privacy Policy at ethosbook.co/privacy-policy.

    11. Payment details

    Pricing and currency

    • EU customers: Prices in EUR with applicable VAT
    • Non-EU customers: Prices in USD without VAT
    • You're responsible for any local taxes or duties

    VAT handling

    • EU consumers: We charge VAT of your country
    • EU businesses with valid VAT number: Reverse charge applies
    • Non-EU customers: No EU VAT (you handle import taxes)

    12. Respectful use and restrictions

    We trust you to use Ethos thoughtfully

    You MAY:

    • Record your own stories and family memories
    • Share your completed book with family and friends
    • Print copies for personal keepsakes
    • Use content for family reunions, memorials, or personal celebrations

    You MAY NOT:

    • Use Ethos for any commercial purpose
    • Sell or monetize stories recorded through our platform
    • Use recordings in podcasts, YouTube channels, or other media platforms
    • Offer Ethos-based services to others (like charging to record their stories)
    • Sublicense, resell, or redistribute our service
    • Bulk copy or scrape our prompts and methodology
    • Submit content that infringes others' copyrights
    • Create derivative commercial works from our prompts

    Content standards

    While recording your stories, please:

    • Obtain consent before recording others
    • Respect privacy and intellectual property rights
    • Take responsibility as the author of your content
    • Avoid harmful, defamatory, or illegal content
    • Be truthful in the information you provide

    Commercial use: If you want to use Ethos for business purposes (company histories, commercial biographies), please contact us for a commercial license at hello@ethosbook.co.

    13. Account management and termination

    Your responsibilities

    • Provide accurate, current information
    • Maintain account security and confidentiality
    • Notify us immediately of unauthorized access at hello@ethosbook.co
    • You're responsible for all activity under your account

    Account termination by you

    You may close your account at any time by contacting hello@ethosbook.co. Upon closure:

    • No refunds for completed purchases (subject to 30-day refund period)
    • Access to content terminates 90 days after closure
    • Download your content before requesting closure
    • We permanently delete data after 90-day grace period

    Account termination by us

    We may suspend or terminate your account if you:

    • Violate these Terms
    • Engage in fraudulent activity
    • Use the service for illegal purposes
    • Upload prohibited content
    • Abuse our staff or other users

    If we terminate for cause:

    • No refund of paid amounts
    • Immediate access suspension
    • Option to export content may be provided (at our discretion)

    Effect of termination

    Upon termination by either party:

    • Your license to use the Services ends immediately
    • Outstanding payment obligations continue
    • Provisions that should survive continue (intellectual property, indemnification, limitations)
    • We may retain data as required by law

    14. Representations and warranties

    You represent and warrant that:

    • Account information: All information you provide is accurate and current
    • Legal capacity: You have the right to enter into these Terms
    • Content ownership: You own or have rights to all content you submit
    • Consent: You have obtained necessary consents for recordings
    • Lawful use: You'll use Ethos only for lawful purposes
    • No infringement: Your use won't infringe others' rights
    • No misrepresentation: You won't impersonate others or misrepresent affiliations

    15. Third-party services

    Payment processing

    We use Stripe for secure payment processing. By making a purchase, you agree to Stripe's terms and privacy policy. We don't store complete payment information.

    Printing services

    We partner with third-party printing services to produce physical books. These services:

    • Process under strict confidentiality agreements
    • Only access content necessary for printing
    • Cannot use your content for other purposes
    • Must comply with data protection requirements

    Transcription services

    We use third-party automated transcription services to:

    • Transcribe your audio recordings
    • Generate narrative content from transcripts
    • Process and enhance your stories

    These services are bound by confidentiality agreements and cannot train on or retain your data.

    Your responsibility

    You acknowledge that while we carefully select third-party providers, we cannot control their actions entirely. We're not liable for third-party service failures, though we'll work to resolve issues.

    16. Service disclaimers

    "AS IS" provision

    THE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

    • IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY
    • FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
    • NON-INFRINGEMENT
    • ACCURACY OR RELIABILITY
    • CONTINUOUS, UNINTERRUPTED, OR ERROR-FREE OPERATION

    What this means for you

    • We don't guarantee perfect automated transcription
    • Service may have occasional downtime
    • Technical errors may occur
    • Content processing may have delays
    • Third-party services may fail

    EU consumer rights

    Important: If you're an EU consumer, you have statutory rights that cannot be waived. These disclaimers apply only to the extent permitted by EU consumer protection laws. Your statutory rights include:

    • Right to products of satisfactory quality
    • Right to remedies for non-conformity
    • Cooling-off periods for distance contracts

    Our commitment despite disclaimers

    While we must include these legal disclaimers, we are committed to:

    • Addressing issues promptly
    • Maintaining high service standards
    • Honoring our 30-day refund policy
    • Providing customer support

    17. Liability limitations

    Maximum liability

    TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, OUR TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIM SHALL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF:

    • $100, OR
    • The amount you paid us for your Purchase

    This applies to all claims whether based on contract, tort, statute, or any other legal theory.

    Excluded damages

    WE ARE NOT LIABLE FOR:

    • INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
    • LOST PROFITS, REVENUE, OR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
    • LOSS OF DATA (beyond our backup capabilities)
    • EMOTIONAL DISTRESS OR MENTAL ANGUISH
    • THIRD-PARTY CLAIMS AGAINST YOU

    Examples

    • Service outage causing missed recording: Refund only, not opportunity loss
    • Shipping damage: Book replacement only, not sentimental value
    • Processing errors: Correction assistance only, not time compensation

    Third-party liability

    We're not responsible for actions of:

    • Payment processors
    • Shipping carriers (after handover)
    • Social media platforms
    • Other users of the service

    EU consumer protection

    EU consumers retain all statutory rights that cannot be waived under consumer protection directives.

    18. Indemnification

    This section explains that you'll protect us from legal claims arising from your use of the service.

    You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Ethos Books LTD, its parent company ETHOS OU, and their respective team members and representatives from and against any and all:

    • Third-party claims and demands
    • Damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees)
    • Regulatory fines or penalties

    Arising from or related to:

    • Your use of the Services
    • Content you create or submit
    • Violation of these Terms
    • Infringement of any third-party rights
    • Violation of applicable laws
    • Disputes between you and other users
    • Misrepresentation of consent or ownership

    This means if someone brings a legal claim against us because of something you did, you'll cover our costs and damages.

    19. Updates and modifications

    To these Terms

    We may update these Terms at any time. When we do:

    • Updated Terms posted on our website
    • Effective date clearly marked
    • Material changes notified by email
    • Continued use = acceptance of new Terms

    You should check these Terms periodically. If you disagree with changes, stop using the Service.

    To the Service

    We may modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of Ethos:

    • Add or remove features
    • Change pricing or service offerings
    • Alter technical specifications
    • Discontinue services with reasonable notice

    Whenever reasonably possible, we'll give advance notice and opportunity to export content.

    Service modification disclaimer: We shall have no liability for any damages, losses (including loss of data or profits), or other consequences you may incur as a result of modifications to our Services.

    20. Communication and notices

    How we'll contact you

    We may communicate with you through:

    • Email: To the address associated with your account
    • Text message (SMS): To the US mobile number you give us, on the terms in section 21
    • Website notices: Posted on our platform
    • In-app notifications: While using our service

    Your responsibility

    You must:

    • Keep your email address and phone number current
    • Check for communications regularly
    • Notify us of contact information changes

    Legal notices to us

    Send all legal notices to:

    ETHOS BOOKS LTD

    71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ

    ETHOS OU

    Kursi tn 3, 10415 Tallinn, Estonia

    Email: hello@ethosbook.co

    21. Text messaging (SMS)

    What the program is

    Ethos sends text messages to US mobile numbers only. There are two kinds:

    • Service messages. Order confirmations, shipping updates, storyteller invitations, story prompts, reminders to finish a recording, and replies to a support request you started. These relate to an order or an account you already have.
    • Marketing messages. News about Ethos, new features, and special offers. We send these only if you separately opted in to marketing.

    How you opt in

    You opt in by giving us your mobile number and ticking the SMS consent box on our checkout or signup form, or by texting us first. We do not buy phone numbers and we do not message a number we were not given directly by its owner.

    Consent to receive marketing text messages is not a condition of any purchase. You can buy everything Ethos sells without agreeing to marketing texts.

    Message frequency

    Message frequency varies. Service messages depend on where you are in your book. Marketing messages are occasional and typically no more than a few per month.

    Cost

    Message and data rates may apply. Ethos does not charge you for text messages. Your mobile carrier may.

    How to stop

    Reply STOP to any message to opt out. We will send one confirmation that you have been unsubscribed, and then nothing further. You can also email hello@ethosbook.co and ask us to remove your number.

    Opting out of texts does not cancel your order or your account, and you will still receive email.

    How to get help

    Reply HELP to any message, or email hello@ethosbook.co.

    Carriers

    Mobile carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. Delivery is not guaranteed, and coverage gaps or carrier filtering may prevent a message from arriving.

    Your number

    You confirm that the number you give us is yours, that you are allowed to receive texts on it, and that you will tell us if it changes or is reassigned to someone else. Do not give us someone else's number.

    How we handle your phone number is described in our Privacy Policy. We do not sell phone numbers, and we do not share them with third parties for their own marketing.

    22. General legal provisions

    Intellectual property

    • Our property: Ethos name, logo, prompts, methodologies, and book designs
    • Your property: All stories and personal content you create
    • License to us: Limited to providing services and agreed purposes
    • No unauthorized use: Don't copy, reverse engineer, or create derivative works from our service

    Entire agreement

    These Terms and our Privacy Policy constitute the complete agreement between us, superseding all prior agreements or understandings.

    Severability

    If any provision is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue in full force.

    No waiver

    Our failure to enforce any provision doesn't waive our right to enforce it later.

    Assignment

    • By you: You cannot transfer these Terms without our written consent.
    • By us: We may assign these Terms in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.

    Force majeure

    Neither party is liable for delays or failures due to circumstances beyond reasonable control (natural disasters, war, terrorism, pandemic, labor disputes, governmental action).

    No third-party beneficiaries

    These Terms don't create rights for anyone except you and us.

    23. Dispute resolution

    Try talking first

    Before any formal proceedings, contact us at hello@ethosbook.co. Most issues can be resolved through discussion.

    Governing law

    These Terms are governed by Estonian law. EU Regulation 593/2008 (Rome I) applies to determine applicable law for consumer contracts.

    Jurisdiction

    • For EU consumers: You may bring claims in your country of residence or Estonia.
    • For businesses and non-EU users: Exclusive jurisdiction in Estonian courts.

    Online dispute resolution

    EU consumers can use the European Commission's Online Dispute Resolution platform: https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr

    Legal entity for disputes

    All legal disputes, claims, and proceedings related to these Terms shall be brought against ETHOS OU, the parent company of Ethos Books LTD, in accordance with Estonian law.

    24. Accessibility

    We're committed to making Ethos accessible to everyone. While our service is currently English-only, we strive to ensure our platform is usable by people with disabilities. For accessibility concerns or requests, contact hello@ethosbook.co.

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    Contact us

    Customer support: hello@ethosbook.co

    Company address:

    Ethos Books LTD

    71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden,

    London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ

    Legal notices:

    ETHOS OU

    Kursi tn 3, 10415 Tallinn, Estonia

    Registration: 16657742

    VAT: EE102764105

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    These Terms are effective as of January 2026. Thank you for trusting Ethos with your family's stories.