TERMS OF USE

Updated: October 1, 2024

Acceptance of Terms

The following terms and conditions govern use of the website www.lodestaragencyconsulting.com or www.productizationpartners.com (the “Site”) and services rendered by Lodestar Digital, Inc. The Site is offered subject to acceptance without modification of any of the terms and conditions contained herein or all other guidelines or policies that may be published from time to time on this Site by Lodestar Digital, Inc. (collectively, the “Terms of Use”). IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO ALL OF THESE TERMS OF USE, THEN DO NOT ACCESS OR USE THE SITE. BY VIEWING THE SITE, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY ALL OF THESE TERMS OF USE.

Changes

Lodestar Digital, Inc. (doing business as “Lodestar Agency Consulting”) (“Lodestar”, “We”, “Us” or the “Company”) reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to modify or replace any of these Terms of Use at any time. It is your responsibility to check the Terms of Use periodically for changes. We will post the date of the most recent updates at the top of these Terms. Your continued use of the Site following the posting of any changes to the Terms of Use constitutes acceptance of those changes.

Information and privacy

At your election, you may request (and Lodestar may provide) additional information about Lodestar. When you do so, you may need to submit certain information or data to Lodestar, for example, your contact information. Lodestar’s current privacy policy is available at https://www.lodestaragencyconsulting.com/privacy (the Privacy Policy), which is incorporated by this reference. Lodestar will not edit, delete or disclose the contents of your data in connection with the Site unless (1) reasonably necessary to perform the request, (2) authorized by you, (3) otherwise permitted under the Privacy Policy, or (4) Lodestar is required to do so by law or regulation, or in good faith believes that such action is necessary to (i) conform or comply with applicable laws, regulations or legal process, (ii) protect or defend the rights or property of Lodestar or any other user or (iii) enforce these Terms of Use. Lodestar may terminate your access to all or any part of the Site at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice, effective immediately.

Rules and conduct

As a condition of use, you promise not to use the Site for any purpose that is unlawful or prohibited by these Terms of Use, or any other purpose not reasonably intended by Lodestar. You agree to abide by all applicable local, state, national and international laws and regulations.

Use of Site

The Site and services contained in each Site are provided to you for your personal, noncommercial use. Lodestar reserves the right, at any time, to modify, suspend, or discontinue the services (in whole or in part) with or without notice to you. You agree that Lodestar will not be liable to you or to any third party for any modification, suspension, or discontinuation of the service or any part thereof. The Site may contain forward-looking statements and information relating to Lodestar and its products and services that are based on its beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to it. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” and similar expressions, as they relate to Lodestar, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements. Lodestar does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

Third-party sites

The Site may permit you to link to other websites on the Internet, and other websites may contain links to the Site. These other websites are not under Lodestar’s control, and you acknowledge that Lodestar is not responsible for the accuracy, legality, appropriateness or any other aspect of the content or function of such websites. The inclusion of any such link does not imply endorsement by Lodestar or any association with its operators.

Proprietary rights

You agree that all content and materials delivered via the Site or otherwise made available by Lodestar on or through the Site are protected by copyrights, trademarks, service marks, patents, trade secrets or other proprietary rights and laws. Except as expressly authorized by Lodestar in writing, you agree not to sell, license, rent, modify, distribute, copy, reproduce, transmit, publicly display, publicly perform, publish, adapt, edit or create derivative works from such materials or content. However, you may print or download a reasonable number of copies of the materials or content at this Site for your internal noncommercial purposes, provided that you retain all copyright and other proprietary notices contained therein. In the event that you are able to provide Lodestar with any content or information, you expressly agree that you have the expressed right and ability to provide Lodestar with any content or user provider input.  You represent and warrant that no third-party copyrighted information or content will be provided to Lodestar without Lodestar’s expressed written consent.

No warranties

THE SITE AND ALL MATERIALS, INFORMATION, SOFTWARE, PRODUCTS AND SITES INCLUDED IN OR AVAILABLE THROUGH THE SITE (THE CONTENT) ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE.” THE SITE, SERVICE AND CONTENT ARE PROVIDED WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF TITLE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ANY WARRANTIES IMPLIED BY ANY COURSE OF PERFORMANCE OR USAGE OF TRADE, ALL OF WHICH ARE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED. LODESTAR AND ITS AFFILIATES, LICENSORS AND SUPPLIERS DO NOT WARRANT THAT: (1) THE CONTENT IS TIMELY, ACCURATE, COMPLETE, RELIABLE OR CORRECT; (2) THE SITE WILL BE SECURE OR AVAILABLE AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME OR LOCATION; (3) ANY DEFECTS OR ERRORS WILL BE CORRECTED; (4) THE CONTENT IS FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS; OR (5) THE RESULTS OF USING THE SITE OR SERVICE WILL MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS. YOUR USE OF THE SITE AND/OR SERVICE ARE SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Limitation of liability

IN NO EVENT SHALL LODESTAR  (OR ITS AFFILIATES, LICENSORS AND SUPPLIERS) BE LIABLE CONCERNING THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THESE TERMS OF USE, REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF ANY CLAIM OR ACTION (WHETHER IN CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE), FOR ANY (1) MATTER BEYOND ITS REASONABLE CONTROL, (2) LOSS OR INACCURACY OF DATA, LOSS OR INTERRUPTION OF USE, OR COST OF PROCURING SUBSTITUTE TECHNOLOGY, GOODS OR SITES, OR (3) DIRECT OR INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, RELIANCE, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF BUSINESS, REVENUES, PROFITS OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF LODESTAR HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. THESE LIMITATIONS ARE INDEPENDENT FROM ALL OTHER PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND SHALL APPLY NOTWITHSTANDING THE FAILURE OF ANY REMEDY PROVIDED HEREIN.

Governing Law; Arbitration Agreement

These Terms of Use are governed by North Carolina law.

Arbitration. Please read this Arbitration Agreement carefully. It is part of your contract with Lodestar and affects your rights. It contains procedures for MANDATORY BINDING ARBITRATION AND A CLASS ACTION WAIVER.

Applicability of Arbitration Agreement. All claims and disputes (excluding claims for injunctive or other equitable relief as set forth below) in connection with the Terms or the use of any product or service provided by Lodestar that cannot be resolved informally or in small claims court shall be resolved by binding arbitration on an individual basis under the terms of this Arbitration Agreement. Unless otherwise agreed to, all arbitration proceedings shall be held in English. This Arbitration Agreement applies to you and Lodestar, and to any subsidiaries, affiliates, agents, employees, predecessors in interest, successors, and assigns, as well as all authorized or unauthorized users or beneficiaries of services or goods provided under the Terms.

Notice Requirement and Informal Dispute Resolution. Before either party may seek arbitration, the party must first send to the other party a written Notice of Dispute (“Notice”) describing the nature and basis of the claim or dispute, and the requested relief. A Notice to Lodestar should be sent to: Lodestar Digital, Inc., 100 Quailview Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 United States. After the Notice is received, you and Lodestar may attempt to resolve the claim or dispute informally. If you and Lodestar do not resolve the claim or dispute within 30 days after the Notice is received, either party may begin an arbitration proceeding. The amount of any settlement offer made by any party may not be disclosed to the arbitrator until after the arbitrator has determined the amount of the award, if any, to which either party is entitled.

Arbitration Rules. Arbitration shall be initiated through the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”), an established alternative dispute resolution provider (“ADR Provider”) that offers arbitration as set forth in this section. If AAA is not available to arbitrate or if the parties agree not to use AAA, the parties shall agree to select an alternative ADR Provider. The rules of the ADR Provider shall govern all aspects of the arbitration, including but not limited to the method of initiating and/or demanding arbitration, except to the extent such rules are in conflict with the Terms. The arbitration shall be conducted by a single, neutral arbitrator. Any judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction. Each party shall bear its own costs (including attorney’s fees) and disbursements arising out of the arbitration and shall pay an equal share of the fees and costs of the ADR Provider.

Additional Rules for Non-Appearance Based Arbitration. If non-appearance based arbitration is elected, the arbitration shall be conducted by telephone, online and/or based solely on written submissions; the specific manner shall be chosen by the party initiating the arbitration. The arbitration shall not involve any personal appearance by the parties or witnesses unless otherwise agreed by the parties.

Time Limits. If you or Lodestar pursue arbitration, the arbitration action must be initiated and/or demanded within the statute of limitations (i.e., the legal deadline for filing a claim) and within any deadline imposed under the AAA Rules for the pertinent claim.

Authority of Arbitrator. If arbitration is initiated, the arbitrator will decide the rights and liabilities, if any, of you and Lodestar, and the dispute will not be consolidated with any other matters or joined with any other cases or parties. The arbitrator shall have the authority to grant motions dispositive of all or part of any claim. The arbitrator shall have the authority to award monetary damages, and to grant any non-monetary remedy or relief available to an individual under applicable law, the AAA Rules, and the Terms. The arbitrator shall issue a written award and statement of decision describing the essential findings and conclusions on which the award is based, including the calculation of any damages awarded. The arbitrator has the same authority to award relief on an individual basis that a judge in a court of law would have. The award of the arbitrator is final and binding upon you and Lodestar.

Waiver of Jury Trial. THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVE THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL AND STATUTORY RIGHTS TO GO TO COURT AND HAVE A TRIAL IN FRONT OF A JUDGE OR A JURY, instead electing that all claims and disputes shall be resolved by arbitration under this Arbitration Agreement. Arbitration procedures are typically more limited, more efficient and less costly than rules applicable in a court and are subject to very limited review by a court. In the event any litigation should arise between you and Lodestar in any state or federal court in a suit to vacate or enforce an arbitration award or otherwise, YOU AND THE COMPANY WAIVE ALL RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL, instead electing that the dispute be resolved by a judge.

Waiver of Class or Consolidated Actions. ALL CLAIMS AND DISPUTES WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THIS ARBITRATION AGREEMENT MUST BE ARBITRATED OR LITIGATED ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS AND NOT ON A CLASS BASIS, AND CLAIMS OF MORE THAN ONE CUSTOMER OR USER CANNOT BE ARBITRATED OR LITIGATED JOINLY OR CONSOLIDATED WITH THOSE OF ANY OTHER CUSTOMER OR USER.

Confidentiality. All aspects of the arbitration proceeding, including but not limited to the award of the arbitrator and compliance therewith, shall be strictly confidential. The parties agree to maintain confidentiality unless otherwise required by law. This paragraph shall not prevent a party from submitting to a court of law any information necessary to enforce this Agreement, to enforce an arbitration award, or to seek injunctive or equitable relief.

Severability. If any part or parts of this Arbitration Agreement are found under the law to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, then such specific part or parts shall be of no force and effect and shall be severed and the remainder of the Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.

Right to Waive. Any or all of the rights and limitations set forth in this Arbitration Agreement may be waived by the party against whom the claim is asserted. Such waiver shall not waive or affect any other portion of this Arbitration Agreement.

Survival of Agreement. This Arbitration Agreement will survive the termination of your relationship with Lodestar.

Emergency Equitable Relief. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may seek emergency equitable relief before a state or federal court in order to maintain the status quo pending arbitration. A request for interim measures shall not be deemed a waiver of any other rights or obligations under this Arbitration Agreement. Nothing in this agreement limits either party's ability to seek equitable relief.

Miscellaneous

If any provision of the Terms of Use is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary so that the Terms of Use will otherwise remain in full force and effect and enforceable. Lodestar may assign, transfer or delegate any of its rights and obligations hereunder without consent. All waivers and modifications must be in a writing signed by Lodestar except as otherwise provided herein. No agency, partnership, joint venture, or employment relationship is created as a result of these Terms of Use, and neither party has any authority of any kind to bind the other in any respect.

Unless otherwise indicated, these Terms of Use and all content provided by Lodestar are copyright © 2024 Lodestar Digital, Inc. All rights reserved. Lodestar Digital, Inc., and Lodestar Agency Consulting, and the Lodestar logo are trademarks of the Company. The names of actual companies and products mentioned at the Site may be the trademarks of their respective owners.