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Terms of Service

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Terms of Service

Novus Atlas Terms of Service

Effective Date: 01/01/2026

PLEASE READ THESE TERMS OF SERVICE ("TERMS") CAREFULLY BEFORE USING NOVUS ATLAS.

These Terms govern your access to and use of the Novus Atlas website, platform, applications, services, and related content (collectively, the "Platform"). By accessing or using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, do not access or use the Platform.

1. Acceptance & Scope of Agreement

1.1 What These Terms Cover

These Terms constitute a binding legal agreement between you and Novus Atlas regarding:

  • Account creation and eligibility
  • Content ownership and licensing rights
  • Monetization and virtual currency
  • Legal liability and dispute resolution
  • Your legal rights and obligations

1.2 Additional Policies

These Terms work together with our Content Policy and Community Guidelines, which govern:

  • What content you can publish
  • Content tagging and classification requirements
  • Community standards and behavior expectations
  • Content moderation procedures

The Content Policy is incorporated into these Terms by reference. Any violation of the Content Policy constitutes a breach of these Terms and may result in enforcement action as described in Section 8.

By creating an account or using the Platform, you agree to comply with both these Terms and the Content Policy.

1.3 Additional Features & Programs

Novus Atlas may offer additional features, creator programs, or services with supplementary terms. Those additional terms form part of your agreement with us when using those features.

2. Definitions

For purposes of these Terms:

  • "Platform" or "Novus Atlas" means the website, services, and applications provided by Novus Atlas, including all features and functionality.
  • "User," "you," or "your" means any person who accesses or uses the Platform.
  • "Author" means a User who submits literature, fiction, non-fiction, artwork, or other original works to the Platform.
  • "Content" means any text, artwork, images, audio, video, metadata, comments, reviews, or other materials submitted, posted, or otherwise provided by Users on the Platform.
  • "Account" means any registered profile or account a User creates on the Platform.
  • "Virtual Goods" or "Nebula" means any in-platform currency, points, subscription privileges, paid chapters, or other intangible items sold or awarded via the Platform.
  • "Content Policy" means the Novus Atlas Content Policy and Community Guidelines, available at [link], which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

3. Eligibility & Account Requirements

3.1 Eligibility

To access or use Novus Atlas, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You must be at least 13 years of age to create an Account.
  • If you are under 18 years of age, you confirm that you have obtained permission from a parent or legal guardian to use the Platform and to publish or interact with content that may include mature themes.
  • You must comply with all applicable local, national, and international laws.
  • Mature Content Access:
    • Access to R-rated and mature content requires age verification
    • Verification is completed through payment method validation
    • Users under 18 who verify age confirm they have parental permission to access mature content

Novus Atlas reserves the right to restrict or terminate access to Users who do not meet these requirements or who misrepresent their age.

3.2 Account Responsibility

  • You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials.
  • You are responsible for all activity that occurs under your Account.
  • You must provide accurate information and keep your Account information up to date.
  • Creating Accounts for the purpose of evading moderation actions or bans is prohibited and will result in permanent termination.

4. Content Ownership, Rights & Licensing

4.1 Content Ownership

You retain full ownership of any original Content you submit to Novus Atlas. Nothing in these Terms transfers ownership of your Content to Novus Atlas or to other users.

4.2 License to the Platform (Hosting & Display)

By submitting Content to Novus Atlas, you grant Novus Atlas a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, revocable license solely to:

  • Host, store, reproduce, and cache the Content as required for Platform functionality
  • Display and distribute the Content through Novus Atlas and its native features
  • Use limited excerpts of the Content for Platform-related discovery, indexing, moderation, or promotion, with attribution where reasonably possible

This license is strictly limited to operating the Platform.

Novus Atlas does not receive any rights to:

  • Claim ownership of your Content
  • Create narrative, artistic, or commercial derivative works
  • Authorize third-party exploitation of your Content
  • Use your Content for AI training or dataset creation

Upon deletion of your Content or Account, this license terminates except where temporary retention is required for legal compliance, dispute resolution, or archival integrity, though reasonable technical and archival delays may still apply.

4.3 Author-Defined Content Licenses (Community Permissions)

Novus Atlas allows Authors to define how other Users may interact with, transform, or build upon their work through selectable Content licenses.

When publishing a work, the Author must select one license tier, which governs downstream permissions. These permissions apply only between Users and do not expand Novus Atlas's Platform license described in Section 4.2.

Unless otherwise stated, all permissions are non-exclusive and revocable at the Author's discretion, subject to reliance interests for already-published derivative works.

4.3.1 License Types

1. Closed Canon

  • Content may be read, shared, and discussed
  • No derivative works are permitted, including fanfiction, adaptations, or remixes
  • Commercial use and AI training are prohibited
  • No derivative work may be considered canon

2. Fanfiction Welcome

  • Non-commercial fanfiction is permitted with proper attribution
  • All derivative works are non-canon by default
  • Canon elevation may occur only with explicit Author approval
  • Commercial use and AI training are prohibited

3. Transformative Commons

  • Non-commercial fanfiction, alternate universes, and transformative works are permitted with attribution
  • Derivative works must not be marketed as official or canonical
  • Commercial use and AI training are prohibited

4. Open Remix (Premium Feature)

  • Fanfiction and transformative works are permitted, including commercial use, with attribution
  • Derivative works remain non-canon unless explicitly elevated by the Author
  • AI training is prohibited

5. Collaborative Canon (Premium Feature)

  • Fanfiction and derivative works are permitted with attribution
  • The Author may designate selected derivative works as canon
  • Commercial use and AI training are prohibited unless separately authorized

6. Public Domain (Premium Feature)

  • Fanfiction, transformative works, and commercial use are permitted with attribution
  • Derivative works may establish their own independent canon
  • AI training is permitted

4.3.2 Canon, Attribution & Enforcement

  • Attribution must clearly identify the original Author and source work
  • No derivative work may claim official status, endorsement, or canon unless permitted by the selected license or explicitly approved by the Author
  • Violations of an Author's selected license constitute a breach of these Terms and may result in content removal or account enforcement per Section 8

4.4 Fanfiction-Specific Rules

Additional fanfiction requirements are detailed in our Content Policy, Section 4, including:

  • Tagging and attribution requirements
  • Monetization restrictions
  • Permission requirements for certain license types

4.5 Collaborative Works

For collaborative projects with multiple authors, default rights and forfeit procedures are described in our Content Policy, Section 3.

4.6 Content Rating & Classification Requirements

All Content must be accurately rated and tagged according to our Content Policy.

Misrepresentation of content ratings, warnings, or mature content tags is grounds for enforcement action.

Important: Illegal acts may be depicted in fictional content but may not be glorified or trivialized. See our Content Policy, Section 6 for complete tagging requirements and rating definitions.

For detailed tagging standards, mature content categories, and content warning requirements, see:

  • Content Policy, Section 5 (Tagging & Language)
  • Content Policy, Section 6 (Mature Content Rating)

5.1 Your Representations Regarding Content

By submitting any Content to the Platform, you represent and warrant that:

  • You have all necessary rights to grant the licenses described in Section 4
  • Your Content does not infringe or violate any third party's rights
  • You are the author and/or rightful owner of the Content or have obtained all necessary permissions
  • The Content does not violate any applicable law or third-party right (including intellectual property and privacy rights)

A. Infringement Removal

If your Content infringes another person's intellectual property, we will remove it.

B. DMCA Takedown Requests

If your Content has been infringed upon, please send a DMCA takedown request in accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Submit to: [Legal Contact Email/Address]

C. Reporting Infringement

If you are aware of infringement of someone else's Content, please submit it via our report system: [Link]

D. Previously Granted Rights — No Written Contract

If you previously granted rights to a third party to rewrite, translate, or write fanfiction on your Content, unless you signed a written contract trading rights in exchange for something that the third party did not fulfill, the stolen content will be forcibly discontinued, but not taken down.

E. Previously Granted Rights — Written Contract Not Fulfilled

If you previously granted rights to a third party to rewrite, translate, or write fanfiction on your Content, and you signed a written contract trading rights in exchange for something that the third party did not fulfill, the stolen content will be taken down.

5.3 Originality Verification

Requirements for verifying previously published content from external platforms are detailed in our Content Policy, Section 2.

5.4 Repeat Infringer Policy

Novus Atlas reserves the right to terminate Accounts of repeat infringers in accordance with applicable law and our enforcement procedures in Section 8.

6. Monetization, Virtual Currency & Payments

### 6.1 Virtual Currency (Nebula)

Novus Atlas (“NOVA”) may offer a virtual, non-transferable digital currency known as “Nebula.”

Nebula:

  • Is a digital token usable solely within the NOVA platform
  • Has no intrinsic monetary value
  • Is not legal tender, property, a security, or a stored-value instrument
  • Confers no ownership interest or redemption right
  • Cannot be exchanged for cash except through explicitly authorized creator payout systems
  • May be modified, suspended, rebalanced, or discontinued at any time at NOVA’s sole discretion

The availability of creator payouts does not convert Nebula into a currency or create a guaranteed right of redemption.

6.2 Purchases, Pricing & Refunds

All purchases of Nebula or other digital goods are final and non-refundable, except where required by applicable law.

NOVA may, acting reasonably and in good faith, issue refunds in cases of:

  • Technical malfunction
  • Failed or duplicate delivery
  • Unauthorized transactions
  • Billing errors

Unused Nebula:

  • Has no cash value
  • Is not refundable
  • Is forfeited upon account deletion or termination

NOVA reserves the right to:

  • Adjust pricing, exchange rates, and payout structures
  • Modify or discontinue monetization features
  • Limit or revoke access to paid features

6.3 Creator Earnings & Payouts

Creators may earn compensation through platform-supported monetization features.

Payouts:

  • Are subject to eligibility requirements, verification, and minimum thresholds
  • Are processed exclusively via third-party payment processors
  • May be delayed, withheld, reversed, or suspended for fraud prevention, chargeback mitigation, compliance review, or policy enforcement

NOVA makes **no guarantee of:

  • Revenue amounts
  • Audience size
  • Discoverability
  • Continued monetization eligibility
  • Completion of funded works

6.4 Taxes & Financial Responsibility

Creators are solely responsible for:

  • Determining tax obligations
  • Reporting income
  • Paying all applicable taxes, fees, or duties

NOVA does not provide tax, legal, or financial advice and assumes no responsibility for creator tax compliance.

6.5 Fraud, Chargebacks & Abuse

Any attempt to:

  • Artificially inflate earnings
  • Manipulate transactions
  • Abuse refunds or chargebacks
  • Launder funds
  • Circumvent payout limits
  • Engage in coordinated purchase behavior

constitutes monetization fraud.

Consequences may include:

  • Immediate forfeiture of pending or accrued earnings
  • Suspension or termination of monetization privileges
  • Account termination
  • Permanent disqualification from future payouts

6.6 Payment Processor Liability

NOVA is not responsible for:

  • Payment processor errors
  • Payout delays
  • Account freezes imposed by third parties
  • Processor policy enforcement

Creators agree to comply with all applicable payment processor terms.

Note: Fanfiction monetization restrictions are detailed in our Content Policy, Section 4

Payout Processing Timeline

6.7.1 Standard Processing

Creator payouts shall be processed according to the following timeline:

  • Minimum threshold verification: Within 7 business days of reaching minimum payout amount
  • Identity verification (first payout): Within 14 business days of submission of required documentation
  • Standard payout processing: Within 30 calendar days of approval
  • Payment processor transfer: Within 5 business days of platform release

6.7.2 Extended Review

Novus Atlas may extend review periods for:

  • First-time payouts (maximum 45 days total)
  • Payouts exceeding $5,000 USD (maximum 60 days total)
  • Suspected fraudulent activity (indefinite pending investigation)

6.7.3 Notification Requirements

If a payout is delayed beyond standard timelines, Novus Atlas will:

  • Notify the Creator within 3 business days of the delay
  • Provide reason for delay (unless disclosure would compromise fraud investigation)
  • Provide estimated resolution timeline
  • Update Creator every 14 days until resolution

6.7.4 Right to Appeal

Creators may appeal payout denials or delays exceeding maximum timelines through the process described in Section 8.5.

6.8 Virtual Currency Exchange Rate Protections

6.8.1 Rate Change Limitations

Novus Atlas may adjust Nebula-to-USD exchange rates subject to the following restrictions:

Rate Decrease Limitations:

  • Maximum decrease of 15% per calendar quarter
  • Maximum cumulative decrease of 40% per calendar year
  • No decreases during promotional periods where Users were specifically encouraged to earn Nebula

6.8.2 Advance Notice Requirements

Any adjustment to exchange rates, payout minimums, or fee structures must be announced:

  • At least 90 days in advance for rate decreases of 10% or more
  • At least 30 days in advance for rate decreases under 10%
  • At least 14 days in advance for rate increases or fee reductions

6.8.3 Grandfathering of Accrued Nebula

Nebula accrued prior to a rate change announcement shall be eligible for conversion at:

  • The previous rate for 90 days following the announcement, OR
  • The new rate, whichever is more favorable to the Creator

Creators may elect to "lock in" their accrued Nebula balance at the old rate by initiating a payout request within the 90-day window.

6.8.4 Emergency Rate Adjustments

In cases of demonstrated fraud, exploitation, or technical error affecting platform integrity, Novus Atlas may implement emergency rate adjustments with 7 days' notice. Such emergency adjustments:

  • Must be disclosed publicly with explanation
  • Are subject to review by an independent auditor (if requested by Creators representing 5% of affected accounts)
  • May not exceed 25% rate reduction
  • Must be accompanied by a remediation plan

7. Community, Reviews & Market Integrity

Novus Atlas is committed to preserving both creative integrity and market fairness.

7.1 Review & Rating Integrity

The following practices are prohibited:

  • Review bombing or brigading
  • Coordinated or reciprocal reviews without disclosure
  • Artificial rating inflation or deflation
  • Incentivized reviews outside authorized platform mechanisms
  • Multiple accounts used to influence rankings

Reviews require explicit and fair feedback.

NOVA reserves the right to:

  • Remove, reorder, or anonymize reviews
  • Reset ratings
  • Exclude manipulated metrics from rankings
  • Suspend or terminate accounts involved in market manipulation

7.2 Narrative & Canon Integrity

In addition to market fairness, NOVA protects narrative coherence and author intent.

Prohibited conduct includes:

  • Deliberate misrepresentation of canon status
  • Falsely claiming official endorsement or authority
  • Mislabeling derivative works
  • Bad-faith disruption of collaborative projects
  • Harassment framed as “critique” or “lore enforcement”

Constructive criticism is encouraged; disparagement, intimidation, or sabotage is not.

7.3 Discoverability & Rankings

NOVA does not guarantee:

  • Visibility
  • Ranking position
  • Algorithmic neutrality

Ranking systems may be modified, throttled, or recalibrated at any time to preserve platform health, fairness, and creative diversity.

Note: Community conduct standards and prohibited behaviors are detailed in our Content Policy, Section 8.

8. Account Termination, Content Removal & Enforcement

8.1 Enforcement Authority

Novus Atlas reserves the right ,as it deems appropriate, to:

  • Remove or restrict access to Content
  • Edit or correct tags, ratings, or metadata
  • Suspend or terminate Accounts
  • Lock or restrict community interactions
  • Discontinue or demote Content that violates Platform rules

These actions may be taken with or without prior notice, depending on severity.

8.2 Grounds for Enforcement

Enforcement actions may be taken for violations of:

8.3 Account Termination

Accounts may be terminated for, but not limited to:

  • Repeated or severe Content Policy violations (see Content Policy)
  • Copyright infringement (see Section 5)
  • Harassment, abuse, or safety violations (see Content Policy, Section 8)
  • Monetization fraud (see Section 6.5)
  • Attempts to circumvent moderation or bans

8.4 User-Requested Deletion

Users may request Account deletion at any time. Upon deletion:

  • Public Content may be removed, anonymized, or archived at the Platform's discretion
  • Content involved in disputes, reports, or legal matters may be retained temporarily
  • Pending payouts may be forfeited per Section 6
  • This action is irreversible

8.5 Appeals

Novus Atlas may, but is not obligated to, offer an appeal process for enforcement actions. To appeal:

  1. Submit an appeal through [appeals system/email]
  2. Provide relevant information supporting your appeal
  3. Allow up to [7 business days] for review

Abuse of appeal mechanisms may result in further enforcement action.

Decisions on appeals are final and at Novus Atlas's unilateral discretion without obligation or constraint.

8.6.1 Prohibited Conduct

The following activities constitute monetization fraud under Section 6.5:

Clearly Prohibited:

  • Creating multiple accounts to circumvent payout limits
  • Using stolen payment methods or fraudulent financial information
  • Automated bot networks to generate fake engagement or purchases
  • Purchasing engagement metrics from click farms or fraudulent services
  • Wash trading (buying your own content through alternate accounts to inflate revenue)
  • Chargebacks without legitimate dispute (systematically requesting refunds after content access)

8.6.2 Permitted Activities

The following activities are explicitly permitted and do NOT constitute fraud:

  • Asking friends, family, or genuine fans to support your work
  • Running legitimate promotional campaigns with discounts or bonuses
  • Cross-promotion with other Creators
  • Offering supplementary content on external platforms (Patreon, Ko-fi, etc.)
  • Participating in Community events or challenges with prizes
  • Bundling content or creating package deals
  • Reasonable marketing and advertising of your Content

8.6.3 Gray Area - Good Faith Standard

For activities not clearly defined above, Novus Atlas will apply a good faith standard:

  • Was the activity intended to deceive or manipulate platform systems?
  • Did it involve fake accounts, fraudulent payments, or artificial engagement?
  • Would a reasonable Creator understand this to be legitimate promotion?

8.6.4 Notice Before Enforcement

For first-time potential violations in gray areas:

  • Creator receives warning with explanation of concern
  • Creator has 14 days to respond or cease activity
  • No earnings forfeiture unless violation continues after warning
  • Repeated violations or deliberate evasion may result in immediate enforcement

8.7 Content Moderation Standards

8.7.1 Definition of "Glorification"

For purposes of Content Policy Section 6, "glorification" means content that:

Meets ALL of the following criteria:

  1. Depicts illegal acts, abuse, or disturbing content (as defined in Content Policy), AND
  2. Portrays such acts as admirable, desirable, or without negative consequence, AND
  3. Lacks meaningful narrative distance, critique, or consequence (such as character growth, punishment, psychological harm, or moral reckoning)

8.7.2 Safe Harbors - Not Glorification

The following are explicitly NOT glorification:

  • Complex villain protagonists who face consequences or character arc
  • Historical fiction depicting period-accurate attitudes the narrative criticizes
  • Satirical or critical examination of harmful ideologies
  • Tragedy, horror, or cautionary tales where harmful acts lead to negative outcomes
  • Academic, documentary, or educational content with appropriate framing
  • Content where harmful acts are clearly framed as wrong within the narrative

8.7.3 Context Consideration

Moderators shall consider:

  • Genre conventions (horror, thriller, dark fantasy)
  • Narrative arc (does the story condemn or consequence the acts by the end?)
  • Author's stated intent and framing
  • Presence of content warnings and accurate tagging
  • Overall message and themes

8.7.4 Example Scenarios

Glorification:

  • Romance story portraying stalking as romantic with no acknowledgment of harm
  • Content presenting sexual abuse of minors as positive or desirable
  • Narrative presenting genocide as heroic without critique

Not Glorification:

  • Breaking Bad (protagonist's criminal empire leads to destruction)
  • Lolita (unreliable narrator; text implies critique of protagonist)
  • A Clockwork Orange (depicts violence, but includes consequence and rehabilitation themes)
  • Dark romance with dubious consent that includes character growth and processing of trauma

8.7.5 Escalating Response

For borderline cases:

  • First instance: Content flagged, Creator notified of concern, dialogue opened
  • Second instance: Content hidden pending review, Creator must add warnings or modify
  • Third instance: Content removed, potential account restrictions
  • Pattern of violations: Account suspension per Section 8.3

8.8 Transparency Reporting

8.8.1 Quarterly Transparency Report

Novus Atlas shall publish a quarterly transparency report containing:

Enforcement Statistics:

  • Total number of Content removals (by category: copyright, harassment, policy violation, etc.)
  • Total number of account warnings, suspensions, and terminations
  • Average time to resolve appeals
  • Percentage of appeals granted vs. denied

Monetization Data:

  • Average payout processing time
  • Number of payout delays exceeding standard timeline
  • Average Nebula-to-USD exchange rate for the quarter
  • Total amount paid to Creators

Content Statistics:

  • Total active Creators
  • Total works published
  • Distribution of content ratings (G, PG, R, etc.)

8.8.2 Privacy Protection

Reports shall not include information that could identify individual Users unless legally required or User consents.

8.8.3 Public Accessibility

Transparency reports shall be publicly available on the Platform and archived for at least 5 years.

9. Privacy & Data Protection

Novus Atlas's collection, use, and handling of personal data are governed by our Privacy Policy, available at [link], which is incorporated by reference into these Terms.

By using the Platform, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information as described in the Privacy Policy.

Key points:

  • We collect information you provide and usage data
  • We use data to operate the Platform and improve services
  • We may share data with service providers and as required by law
  • You have certain rights regarding your data

For complete details, please review the full Privacy Policy.

9.1 Data Portability

9.1.1 Right to Export

At any time, Users may request export of:

  • All Content they have uploaded (full text, unmodified)
  • All metadata (tags, categories, publication dates, edit history)
  • Analytics data (views, engagement metrics, reader demographics)
  • Financial records (earnings history, payout records, transaction logs)
  • Account information (profile data, settings, preferences)

9.1.2 Export Format

Data exports shall be provided in:

  • Content: Plain text (.txt), Markdown (.md), or EPUB formats
  • Metadata & Analytics: Machine-readable formats (JSON, CSV, or XML)
  • Complete package: Single downloadable archive (.zip)

9.1.3 Processing Timeline

Export requests shall be fulfilled:

  • For accounts under 100 works: within 7 business days
  • For accounts with 100-1,000 works: within 14 business days
  • For accounts exceeding 1,000 works: within 30 business days

9.1.4 Upon Account Termination

Users whose accounts are terminated (voluntarily or involuntarily) retain the right to request data export for 90 days following termination.

10. Disclaimers & Limitation of Liability

10.1 Service Disclaimer

Novus Atlas is provided "as is" and "as available."

We make no guarantees regarding:

  • Uptime, availability, or reliability
  • Accuracy or quality of Content
  • Error-free or uninterrupted service
  • Security of data transmission

Novus Atlas does not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, legality, or quality of User-Generated Content.

10.2 User Responsibility

You acknowledge that:

  • You access Content at your own discretion and risk
  • Interactions with other Users are your responsibility
  • Novus Atlas is not responsible for disputes between Users
  • You should exercise caution and good judgment when using the Platform

10.3 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

  • Novus Atlas shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary, or punitive damages, including but not limited to:

    • Loss of profits, revenue, or earnings
    • Loss of data or Content
    • Loss of opportunity or reputation
    • Business interruption

  • Novus Atlas's total liability to you for all claims arising from or relating to these Terms or your use of the Platform shall not exceed:

    • The amount paid by you to Novus Atlas in the preceding twelve (12) months, OR
    • $100 USD if no payment was made

    whichever is greater.

These limitations apply regardless of the legal theory (contract, tort, negligence, strict liability, or otherwise) and even if Novus Atlas has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

Some jurisdictions do not allow certain limitations of liability, so these limitations may not apply to you to the extent prohibited by applicable law.

11. Dispute Resolution

11.1 Arbitration Agreement

READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY. IT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS.

Except as provided below, any dispute, claim, or controversy arising from or relating to these Terms or your use of the Platform shall be resolved through binding individual arbitration rather than in court.

11.1.1 Scope of Arbitration

Subject to the exceptions in Section 11.3, arbitration will resolve all disputes including:

  • Contract disputes
  • Tort claims
  • Statutory claims
  • Claims arising under federal, state, or local law

11.1.2 Arbitration Rules

Arbitration will be conducted by [Arbitration Organization, AAA] under its rules

  • The arbitration will be conducted by a single arbitrator
  • The arbitration may be conducted in person, by videoconference, or by telephone
  • The arbitrator's decision will be final and binding
  • Judgment on the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction

11.1.3 Arbitration Costs

For claims under $10,000:

  • Novus Atlas will pay all arbitration fees
  • Each party pays its own attorney's fees unless the arbitrator awards them

For claims over $10,000:

  • Arbitration fees will be allocated per the arbitration organization's rules
  • Each party pays its own attorney's fees unless the arbitrator awards them

11.2 Exceptions to Arbitration

The following disputes are NOT subject to arbitration:

  1. Small Claims Court: You or Novus Atlas may bring an individual action in small claims court if the claim qualifies and remains in small claims court.
  2. Intellectual Property: Disputes related to the validity, infringement, or misappropriation of patents, copyrights, trademarks, or trade secrets.
  3. Injunctive Relief: Either party may seek injunctive or equitable relief in court to prevent infringement of intellectual property rights or breach of confidentiality obligations.

11.3 No Class Actions or Representative Proceedings

YOU AND NOVUS ATLAS AGREE THAT DISPUTES WILL BE RESOLVED ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS ONLY.

  • You waive any right to bring claims as a class action, collective action, or representative proceeding
  • You waive any right to participate in a class action, collective action, or representative proceeding brought by others
  • The arbitrator may not consolidate claims of multiple persons or preside over any form of representative or class proceeding

If this class action waiver is found unenforceable for any reason, then the entire arbitration agreement in this Section 11 shall be null and void, and the dispute shall be resolved in court per Section 11.4.

11.4 Jurisdiction & Venue (For Non-Arbitrated Disputes)

For disputes not subject to arbitration (because of Section 11.3):

  • These Terms are governed by the laws of [Jurisdiction], without regard to conflict-of-law principles
  • You agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in [Specific Jurisdiction/County]
  • You waive any objection to venue or inconvenient forum

12.1 Sole Discretion & Enforcement Authority

NOVA reserves the right, at its sole and absolute discretion, to:

  • Remove, restrict, or demote content
  • Suspend or terminate accounts
  • Forfeit virtual currency or earnings
  • Restrict monetization privileges
  • Lock or disable platform features

These actions may be taken with or without notice.

12.2 Forfeiture of Earnings

In cases of:

  • Fraud
  • Chargeback abuse
  • Policy evasion
  • Monetization manipulation
  • Severe or repeated violations

NOVA may permanently forfeit:

  • Pending payouts
  • Accrued Nebula
  • Future monetization eligibility

Such forfeiture is not considered a penalty or seizure, but enforcement of platform rules.

12.3 Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless NOVA, its operators, affiliates, and partners from any claims, damages, liabilities, losses, or expenses arising from:

  • Your content
  • Your conduct
  • Monetization activities
  • Violations of these terms
  • Disputes with other users or third parties

## 13. General Provisions

13.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with:

constitute the entire agreement between you and Novus Atlas regarding your use of the Platform and supersede all prior or contemporaneous communications, agreements, and proposals (whether oral, written, or electronic).

13.2 Amendments

Novus Atlas reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time.

Notice of Changes:

  • Material changes will be communicated via Platform notice or Account notification
  • We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of these Terms
  • For significant changes affecting your rights, we may require affirmative acceptance

Your Acceptance:

  • Continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms
  • If you do not agree to changes, you must stop using the Platform

Changes to Content Policy: Updates to the Content Policy are governed separately and do not constitute material changes to these legal Terms unless they affect legal rights or obligations.

13.3 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction:

  • The remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect
  • The invalid provision shall be modified to reflect the parties' intent as closely as possible while remaining enforceable

Exception: If the class action waiver in Section 11.4 is found unenforceable, the entire arbitration agreement becomes void per Section 11.4.

13.4 No Waiver

Novus Atlas's failure to enforce any right or provision in these Terms does not constitute a waiver of that right or provision unless acknowledged in writing by Novus Atlas.

13.5 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms or your Account without Novus Atlas's prior written consent.

Novus Atlas may assign or transfer these Terms or any rights hereunder without restriction, including to any affiliate or in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.

13.6 Force Majeure

Novus Atlas shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, terrorism, pandemic, internet failures, or governmental actions.

13.7 Survival

Sections that by their nature should survive termination will survive, including:

  • Section 4 (Content licensing provisions)
  • Section 5 (Copyright and intellectual property)
  • Section 6.5 (Fraud and forfeiture)
  • Section 10 (Disclaimers and liability)
  • Section 11 (Dispute resolution)
  • Section 12 (Enforcement, Indemnification, & Legal Safeguards)

14. Creator Protection Provisions

14.1 Anti-Retaliation

14.1.1 Protected Activities

Novus Atlas will not retaliate against Users for:

Exercising rights under these Terms

Filing good-faith disputes or appeals

Opting out of arbitration (Section 11.5)

Requesting data export (Section 9.1)

Reporting Terms violations by other Users or by Novus Atlas

Participating in legal proceedings against Novus Atlas

Publicly criticizing Platform policies (subject to factual accuracy)

14.1.2 Prohibited Retaliation

Retaliation includes:

Account termination or suspension

Content demotion or visibility reduction

Monetization privilege revocation

Payout delays or denials

Exclusion from Platform features or programs

14.1.3 Presumption

If enforcement action occurs within 90 days of protected activity, there is a rebuttable presumption of retaliation. Novus Atlas must demonstrate action was based on legitimate, independent grounds.

14.2 Right to Critique

14.2.1 Public Criticism Permitted

Users may publicly discuss, criticize, or review:

These Terms and Platform policies

Their experiences with the Platform

Novus Atlas's business practices

Content moderation decisions affecting them

Platform features and functionality

14.2.2 Accuracy Requirement

Public statements must be:

Based on User's genuine experience and belief

Factually accurate or clearly labeled as opinion

Not deliberately misleading or defamatory

14.2.3 No Confidentiality for Terms

These Terms are public and not confidential. Users may freely share and discuss them.

14.3 Collective Action Rights

14.3.1 Right to Organize

Users may:

Discuss Platform policies with other Users

Form or join Creator advocacy groups

Collectively advocate for Platform changes

Share information about Platform practices

14.3.2 Not a Waiver of Section 11.4

This section does NOT waive the class action ban in Section 11.4. Users may:

Organize collectively for advocacy

File individual arbitrations or small claims actions

Use bellwether process (Section 11.10)

But may NOT:

Bring class action lawsuits

Bring representative proceedings

14.3.3 No Interference

Novus Atlas will not interfere with Users' rights to organize or advocate collectively, provided such activities:

Do not violate these Terms

Do not violate applicable law

Do not constitute harassment of other Users or Platform staff

15. Contact Information & Notices

15.1 How to Contact Us

General Support: [support email]

Legal Notices, DMCA, & Legal Inquiries: [legal email/address]

Privacy Questions: [privacy email]

Content Policy Violations: Use our [report system link]

15.2 How We Contact You

We may send notices to you:

  • Via email to the address associated with your Account
  • Through Platform notifications
  • By posting updates on the Platform

You are responsible for keeping your contact information current.

15.3 Language

These Terms are drafted in English. Any translations are provided for convenience only. In case of conflict, the English version prevails.

16. Acknowledgment & Acceptance

By using Novus Atlas, you acknowledge that:

✓ You have read and understood these Terms of Service

✓ You have read and agree to comply with our Content Policy and Community Guidelines

✓ You have reviewed our Privacy Policy

✓ You understand the arbitration agreement and your opt-out rights (Section 11)

✓ You agree to be bound by all terms and conditions herein

✓ You have parental permission if under 18

✓ You are at least 13 years old

If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use Novus Atlas.