Terms of Service

Effective Date: December 2024

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the Bench Innovation, LLC website (the "Site") and services provided by Bench Innovation, LLC ("Company," "we," "us," or "our"). By accessing our website or engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

By using our website, scheduling consultations, attending workshops, or engaging any of our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy.

2. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

Bench Innovation, LLC provides AI advisory and consulting services, including but not limited to:

• Workshops
• Assessments
• Membership programs
• Advisory services (Consulting)
• Fractional Executive services
• Educational resources and materials
• Speaking Engagements and presentations

3. SERVICE-SPECIFIC TERMS

3.1 Workshops

• Workshop fees are due upon registration
• Minimum attendance requirements may apply (typically 6+ participants)
• Workshop materials are provided for attendee use only
• Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance for full refund
• We reserve the right to cancel workshops due to insufficient enrollment

3.2 Assessments

• Assessment fees are due 50% upon engagement confirmation, 50% upon report delivery
• Assessments include on-site analysis and written report delivery within one week
• Additional consultation beyond the included 30-day follow-up may incur additional fees

3.3 Ongoing Advisory Services (Membership Programs)

• Services are billed monthly in advance
• Either party may terminate with 30 days written notice
• No long-term contracts or cancellation penalties
• Unused portions of monthly fees are non-refundable

3.4 Advisory Services (Consulting & Fractional Executive)

• Terms, scope, and payment schedules defined in separate Statement of Work/Contract
• Advisory services typically require 50% deposit with remainder tied to milestone completion

3.5 Speaking Engagements

• Speaking fees and terms are confirmed via separate speaking agreement or contract
• Cancellation by client less than 30 days before event: 50% fee due
• Cancellation by client less than 7 days before event: 100% fee due
• Client is responsible for all agreed-upon travel expenses, accommodation, and related costs
• We retain intellectual property rights to presentation content and methodologies
• Client may record presentations only with prior written consent
• Rescheduling requests must be made at least 14 days in advance when possible

4. PAYMENT TERMS

• All fees are stated in U.S. dollars
• Payment is due as specified for each service type
• Late payments may incur 1.5% monthly service charge
• You are responsible for all taxes associated with your purchase
• We accept major credit cards and bank transfers

5. CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY

• Workshop cancellations: Full refund if cancelled 48+ hours in advance
• Assessment cancellations: 50% refund if cancelled before on-site visit
• Monthly advisory services: No refunds for current month, cancel anytime for future months
• Custom consulting and fractional executive: Refund terms specified in Statement of Work
• Speaking engagement cancellations: Per schedule outlined in Section 3.5

6. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

6.1 Our Content

All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is owned by Bench Innovation, LLC and protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws.

6.2 Workshop, Consultation, and Speaking Materials

• Materials provided during workshops, consultations, and speaking engagements are for your internal business use only
• You may not redistribute, resell, or share materials with third parties
• Custom analysis and recommendations are confidential to your organization
• Speaking engagement presentations remain our intellectual property unless specifically transferred in writing
• Recording or reproduction of speaking content requires prior written consent

6.3 Your Content

Any information, data, or materials you provide remain your property. You grant us a limited license to use this information solely to provide our services.

7. CONFIDENTIALITY

We maintain strict confidentiality regarding all client information, business data, and strategic discussions. This mutual confidentiality continues beyond the termination of services.

8. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

9. USER RESPONSIBILITIES

You agree to:

• Provide accurate information when registering or engaging services
• Use our website and services only for lawful purposes
• Respect intellectual property rights
• Maintain confidentiality of any proprietary methodologies shared
• Pay all fees when due

10. DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND MEDIATION

10.1 Mandatory Mediation

Before pursuing any legal action, the parties agree to attempt to resolve any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms or our services through good faith mediation.

10.2 Mediation Process

• Either party may initiate mediation by providing written notice to the other party
• The parties will attempt to agree on a qualified mediator within 30 days of the mediation notice
• Mediation will be conducted in Fort Wayne, Indiana, or via video conference if agreed by both parties
• Each party will bear their own costs and share equally in the mediator's fees

11. GOVERNING LAW

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Indiana without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes that cannot be resolved through mediation shall be resolved in the state or federal courts located in Allen County, Indiana.

12. CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us:

Last Updated: December 2024