Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to FridgePodge! These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the FridgePodge mobile application and related services (collectively, the "Service") operated by FridgePodge ("we," "us," or "our").

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and FridgePodge. You must be at least 13 years old to use our Service. If you are under 18, you represent that you have your parent's or guardian's permission to use the Service.

2. Description of Service

2.1 What FridgePodge Does

FridgePodge is an AI-powered mobile application that generates personalized recipe suggestions based on ingredients you have available. Our Service includes:

• AI Recipe Generation: Creating custom recipes from your ingredients using artificial intelligence
• Personalized Recommendations: Tailoring suggestions based on your dietary preferences, cuisine choices, and restrictions
• Recipe Storage: Saving and organizing your favorite recipes
• Ingredient Management: Tracking and managing your available ingredients
• Dietary Accommodation: Supporting various dietary restrictions including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, keto, and others

2.2 AI-Generated Content

Our recipes are generated using advanced artificial intelligence algorithms. While we strive for accuracy and quality, AI-generated content may occasionally contain errors, inconsistencies, or unusual combinations. Always use your judgment when preparing food.

2.3 Service Availability

We aim to provide reliable service but cannot guarantee 100% uptime. The Service may be temporarily unavailable due to maintenance, updates, or technical issues. We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any part of the Service at any time.

3. User Accounts and Responsibilities

3.1 Account Creation

While you can use basic features of FridgePodge without creating an account, some features require registration. When creating an account, you must:

• Provide accurate and complete information
• Maintain the security of your account credentials
• Promptly update any changes to your information
• Not share your account with others

3.2 Account Security

You are responsible for:

• Keeping your login credentials confidential
• All activities that occur under your account
• Notifying us immediately of any unauthorized use
• Ensuring your device is secure when using our Service

3.3 Account Termination

You may delete your account at any time through the app settings. Upon deletion, your personal data will be removed in accordance with our Privacy Policy, though some information may be retained for legal or operational purposes.

4. Acceptable Use Policy

4.1 Permitted Uses

You may use FridgePodge to:

• Generate recipes for personal, non-commercial use
• Save and organize your favorite recipes
• Share recipes with friends and family for personal use
• Provide feedback to help improve our Service

4.2 Prohibited Activities

You agree NOT to:

• Commercial Use: Use our Service for commercial purposes without written permission
• Intellectual Property Violation: Copy, reproduce, or distribute our content without authorization
• System Interference: Attempt to hack, reverse engineer, or disrupt our Service
• False Information: Provide false or misleading information
• Spam or Abuse: Send unsolicited communications or abuse our support system
• Illegal Activities: Use our Service for any illegal or unauthorized purpose
• Data Mining: Extract or harvest data from our Service using automated means

4.3 Enforcement

We reserve the right to investigate violations and take appropriate action, including warning users, suspending accounts, or terminating access to our Service.

5. Intellectual Property Rights

5.1 Our Intellectual Property

FridgePodge and all related content, features, and functionality are owned by us and are protected by intellectual property laws. This includes:

• The FridgePodge app and software
• Our artificial intelligence algorithms and technology
• App design, interface, and user experience
• FridgePodge branding, logos, and trademarks
• Original recipe content created by our team

5.2 License to Use

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use FridgePodge for personal, non-commercial purposes in accordance with these Terms. This license does not include any right to:

• Modify, copy, or create derivative works
• Sell, rent, lease, or sublicense the Service
• Reverse engineer or decompile the software
• Use our intellectual property for commercial purposes

5.3 AI-Generated Recipes

While AI-generated recipes are created using our technology, individual recipes generated for your personal use may be used by you for non-commercial purposes. However, you may not:

• Claim ownership of our AI technology or algorithms
• Mass-extract recipes for commercial distribution
• Use our Service to compete with us

6. User-Generated Content and Licensing

6.1 Your Content

You retain ownership of content you provide to FridgePodge, including:

• Ingredient lists you input
• Recipe modifications and notes
• Feedback and ratings
• Profile information and preferences

6.2 License You Grant Us

By using our Service, you grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, store, and process your content for the purposes of:

• Providing and improving our Service
• Generating personalized recipes
• Analyzing usage patterns to enhance functionality
• Complying with legal obligations

6.3 Content Standards

Any content you provide must:

• Be accurate to the best of your knowledge
• Not violate any laws or third-party rights
• Not contain harmful, offensive, or inappropriate material
• Comply with these Terms and our community guidelines

7. Important Disclaimers

7.1 Recipe Safety and Accuracy

7.2 Allergy and Dietary Warnings

7.3 Nutritional Information

Any nutritional information provided is estimated and for informational purposes only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on:

• Specific brands and ingredients used
• Preparation methods and portion sizes
• Cooking techniques and substitutions

Do not rely on our nutritional estimates for medical or dietary decisions. Consult qualified professionals for nutritional advice.

7.4 Service Disclaimers

FridgePodge is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. We disclaim all warranties, including but not limited to:

• Accuracy, completeness, or reliability of content
• Uninterrupted or error-free service
• Suitability for particular purposes
• Security or privacy of data transmission

8. Limitation of Liability

8.1 No Liability for Damages

To the fullest extent permitted by law, FridgePodge shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to:

• Food poisoning or illness from recipe use
• Allergic reactions or dietary complications
• Property damage from cooking accidents
• Loss of data or service interruptions
• Lost profits or business opportunities

8.2 Maximum Liability

Our total liability to you for any claims arising from your use of FridgePodge shall not exceed the amount you paid us in the 12 months preceding the claim, or $100, whichever is greater.

8.3 Time Limitation

Any claim against us must be brought within one (1) year after the cause of action arises, or such claim will be permanently barred.

8.4 Jurisdictional Variations

Some jurisdictions do not allow limitations on liability. In such jurisdictions, our liability is limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.

9. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless FridgePodge, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs, or debt, and expenses (including attorney's fees) arising from:

• Your use of FridgePodge and any recipes generated
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any third-party rights
• Any content you provide to our Service
• Any food safety incidents related to recipe use
• Any allergic reactions or dietary complications

This indemnification obligation will survive termination of these Terms and your use of the Service.

10. Termination Rights

10.1 Termination by You

You may stop using FridgePodge at any time and delete your account through the app settings. Upon termination:

• Your access to the Service will end immediately
• Your personal data will be handled according to our Privacy Policy
• These Terms will no longer apply to future use

10.2 Termination by Us

We may terminate or suspend your access immediately, without prior notice, for conduct that we believe:

• Violates these Terms or our policies
• Is harmful to other users or our Service
• Exposes us to liability or legal risk
• Is fraudulent or abusive

10.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• All rights and licenses granted to you will cease
• You must discontinue all use of the Service
• Provisions regarding liability, indemnification, and dispute resolution will survive

11. Governing Law

11.1 Applicable Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, United States, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

11.2 Jurisdiction

Any legal action or proceeding arising under these Terms shall be brought exclusively in the federal or state courts located in Delaware, and you hereby consent to personal jurisdiction and venue therein.

11.3 Dispute Resolution

Before filing any legal action, you agree to first contact us at fridgepodge@gmail.com to attempt to resolve the dispute informally. We will work in good faith to resolve any issues.

11.4 Class Action Waiver

You agree that any disputes will be resolved individually, and you waive any right to participate in class action lawsuits or class-wide arbitrations against us.

12. Changes to Terms

12.1 Right to Modify

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. When we make changes, we will:

• Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of these Terms
• Notify you through the app or via email
• Provide at least 30 days' notice for material changes

12.2 Acceptance of Changes

Your continued use of FridgePodge after any changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms. If you don't agree to the changes, you must stop using the Service and delete your account.

12.3 Material Changes

For significant changes that affect your rights or obligations, we may require your explicit consent to continue using the Service.