COTRA Group Terms and Conditions
Effective Date: 1/8/2025
1. Introduction
Welcome to cotragroup.com, cotragroup.net, and cotragroup.org (collectively referred to as the "Websites"). These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Websites, including any content, functionality, and services offered by COTRA Group ("we," "us," or "our"). By accessing or using any of the Websites, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms in their entirety. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, please do not access or use the Websites.
COTRA Group is not a law firm, does not provide legal services, and is not a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The information provided on the Websites is for general informational purposes only and is based on our collective knowledge and experience. It should not be construed as legal advice. COTRA Group is a collective of professionals with knowledge and experience across various corporate roles. Our goal is to share that knowledge to help those without access to it.
COTRA Group adheres strictly to privacy and confidentiality obligations and will never disclose information that we are prohibited from discussing due to privacy agreements or confidentiality obligations, unless such information pertains to wrongdoing, unlawful conduct, or breaches of ethical standards by the party involved. Such disclosures, if made, will comply with all applicable laws and regulations governing whistleblowing and reporting of unethical conduct.
By accessing or using the Websites, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to these Terms in their entirety, which continues to apply if you engage our services or interact with COTRA Group beyond the use of the Websites. This agreement extends to cover all consulting, advocacy, and communication services provided by COTRA Group, ensuring comprehensive protection and clarity of the terms governing our relationship.
2. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using the Websites, you confirm that you are at least 18 years old or have obtained parental consent if you are under the age of 18. You also affirm that you are legally capable of entering into a binding contract under applicable laws. Your use of the Websites constitutes full acceptance of these Terms. If you do not agree to all the provisions of these Terms, you must not access or use the Websites.
We reserve the right to modify or update these Terms at any time without prior notice. Such modifications will be effective immediately upon posting on the Websites. It is your responsibility to review these Terms periodically for any changes. Your continued use of the Websites following the posting of revised Terms means that you accept and agree to the changes. COTRA Group may also, at its sole discretion, notify users of modifications to these Terms via email or other means of communication. However, such notifications are not required for the modifications to take effect. Users are encouraged to frequently check these Terms to stay informed of any updates.
Additionally, these Terms shall continue to govern your interactions with COTRA Group if you engage our consulting, advocacy, or any other services beyond the Websites, ensuring that the obligations and protections outlined herein apply to all communications, transactions, and professional relationships established as part of our service offerings.
3. Definitions
For the purposes of these Terms, the following definitions apply:
"User" refers to any individual or entity that accesses or uses the Websites, whether registered or not. This includes both casual visitors and users who have created an account or purchased services.
"Content" includes all text, images, videos, graphics, logos, software, and other materials provided on the Websites, either by COTRA Group or its users. This encompasses all informational, educational, and promotional materials, as well as user-generated content such as comments, reviews, and testimonials.
"Services" refer to all consulting, advocacy, subscriptions, and any other offerings made available by COTRA Group through the Websites. Services may include one-time consultations, ongoing advisory support, and advocacy efforts on behalf of users.
"Client" refers to any individual or business that engages COTRA Group for consulting or advocacy services.
"Agreement" refers to these Terms, our Privacy Policy, and any other agreements explicitly referenced herein. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between you and COTRA Group regarding your use of the Websites and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral.
"Confidential Information" refers to any non-public information disclosed by a client to COTRA Group for the purpose of receiving consulting or advocacy services. This includes but is not limited to business plans, financial information, proprietary methodologies, and any other sensitive information shared during the course of our services.
These definitions are intended to provide clarity and consistency in the interpretation of these Terms and shall apply regardless of the context in which they are used. Any ambiguities in the interpretation of these Terms shall not be construed against COTRA Group.
4. Prohibited Uses
You agree not to use the Websites for any unlawful purpose or for any purpose that is prohibited by these Terms. Prohibited uses include, but are not limited to, engaging in activities that are illegal, fraudulent, or harmful to COTRA Group, its users, or any third party. This includes attempting to gain unauthorized access to the Websites, interfering with their performance, or circumventing any security measures implemented by COTRA Group. Any attempt to access another user’s account without authorization or to harvest personal information from the Websites without consent is strictly prohibited.
You are also prohibited from uploading or distributing malicious software, viruses, or any code designed to harm or disrupt the functionality of the Websites or the systems of other users. Additionally, you may not use the Websites to collect personal information about other users without their consent, nor may you use automated systems, such as bots or scrapers, to access the Websites in a manner that sends more request messages than a human can reasonably produce in the same period. Any violation of these prohibitions may result in the suspension or termination of your access to the Websites and may expose you to civil and criminal liabilities. COTRA Group reserves the right to investigate and take appropriate legal action against anyone who violates these provisions, including reporting such violations to law enforcement authorities.
Furthermore, users are prohibited from using the Websites to transmit unsolicited commercial communications, engage in any form of harassment or abuse, or impersonate any individual or entity. COTRA Group reserves the right to monitor all communications on the Websites and to remove or block access to any content that violates these Terms or applicable laws, without prior notice.
5. Consulting Services for Businesses
COTRA Group provides consulting services to small and medium-sized businesses, focusing on business strategy, compliance, crisis management, employee relations, and dispute resolution. These services are provided based on our collective knowledge and experience and are intended for informational and strategic purposes only. Our consulting services do not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice.
In the course of providing consulting services, COTRA Group may offer recommendations and strategies designed to address specific business challenges. However, the implementation and outcomes of these recommendations are solely the responsibility of the client. COTRA Group does not guarantee specific results or improvements and shall not be held liable for any decisions or actions taken by clients based on the information provided during consulting engagements.
Clients are responsible for providing accurate and complete information necessary for effective consulting. Failure to do so may result in incomplete or inaccurate advice for which COTRA Group assumes no responsibility. In addition, clients agree to comply with all applicable laws and regulations relevant to their business operations and to notify COTRA Group of any compliance concerns that may impact the consulting services provided.
6. Confidentiality Agreements
All information disclosed by clients to COTRA Group for consulting or advocacy purposes shall be treated as Confidential Information. Confidential Information includes but is not limited to business plans, financial data, proprietary methodologies, strategies, internal communications, and any other sensitive information shared during the course of our services. COTRA Group agrees not to disclose, share, or distribute Confidential Information to any third party without the express written consent of the client, except as required by law. This confidentiality obligation shall survive the termination of the client relationship for a period of five (5) years unless otherwise specified.
COTRA Group may disclose Confidential Information if such information pertains to wrongdoing, unlawful conduct, or breaches of ethical standards by the party involved, provided that such disclosures comply with all applicable laws and regulations governing whistleblowing and the reporting of unethical conduct. In such cases, COTRA Group will make reasonable efforts to notify the client before making any disclosure unless prohibited by law.
7. Data Collection and Privacy
COTRA Group collects personal information such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, payment details, and other information voluntarily provided by users. We also collect non-personal information, such as IP addresses and browsing behavior, to enhance user experience and improve our services. Your information may be used to communicate with you about services, process transactions, respond to inquiries, and comply with legal obligations.
All data is protected in accordance with our Privacy Policy, which outlines how information is collected, used, shared, and stored. COTRA Group does not sell or rent personal information to third parties for marketing purposes without your consent. We may, however, share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist in operating the Websites or conducting business, provided that such third parties agree to keep your information confidential.
8. Data Security and Encryption
COTRA Group employs a comprehensive range of technical, administrative, and physical security measures to protect against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction of your personal information. This includes, but is not limited to, encryption, secure socket layer (SSL) technology, firewalls, secure data storage, multi-factor authentication (MFA), intrusion detection systems (IDS), and regular security audits.
All personal information and sensitive data transmitted to and from the Websites are encrypted using industry-standard protocols. In the event of a data breach that compromises your personal information, COTRA Group will notify affected individuals within seventy-two (72) hours of discovering the breach, in accordance with applicable data protection regulations.
9. Compliance with Laws
By using the Websites and services, you agree to comply with all applicable local, state, national, and international laws, regulations, and ordinances related to your use of the Websites and any services provided by COTRA Group. This includes, but is not limited to, compliance with laws governing privacy, data protection, intellectual property, electronic communications, export control, and anti-spam regulations.
COTRA Group reserves the right to disclose any information necessary to comply with any applicable law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request, including the disclosure of user information in response to lawful requests by public authorities.
10. User Responsibilities and Code of Conduct
By accessing or using the Websites and services, you agree to adhere to the following Code of Conduct to ensure a respectful, lawful, and professional environment:
Compliance with Laws: You must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including data protection, intellectual property, and anti-spam laws.
Respectful Communications: You must not post, transmit, or share content that is harassing, defamatory, obscene, threatening, or otherwise inappropriate.
Accurate Information: You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information when creating accounts or engaging COTRA Group's services.
Prohibited Activities: You must not engage in hacking, phishing, spamming, unauthorized data collection, or the distribution of malware.
No Misrepresentation: You must not impersonate any individual or entity, or falsely state or misrepresent your affiliation with a person or organization.
Violation of the Code of Conduct may result in immediate suspension or termination of your access to the Websites and services, and may subject you to civil and criminal penalties.
11. Service-Level Agreements (SLAs)
COTRA Group offers Service-Level Agreements (SLAs) for business clients as part of its consulting and advocacy services. SLAs specify the performance standards, response times, and service availability commitments that COTRA Group undertakes to deliver. Such agreements shall be outlined in a separate written contract signed by both parties and shall take precedence over these Terms in case of any conflict.
SLAs may include, but are not limited to:
Response Times: Commitments to respond to inquiries, incidents, or requests for support within a specified time frame, such as within 24 hours for critical issues.
Service Availability: Guarantees on uptime and availability of services, excluding scheduled maintenance and events beyond reasonable control.
Performance Standards: Specific metrics for service delivery, including accuracy, quality, and timeliness of consulting reports and recommendations.
If COTRA Group fails to meet the standards specified in the SLA, clients may be entitled to service credits or other remedies as explicitly outlined in the SLA.
12. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless COTRA Group, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, and licensors from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, arising out of or in any way connected with:
Your use of the Websites or services provided by COTRA Group.
Your violation of these Terms or any applicable laws or regulations.
Your infringement of any third-party rights, including intellectual property rights.
COTRA Group reserves the right to assume exclusive defense and control of any matter subject to indemnification at your expense, and you agree to cooperate fully in the defense of any such claim.
13. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, COTRA Group, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, and licensors shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, data, goodwill, business interruption, or other intangible losses arising out of or relating to:
Your access to or use of, or inability to access or use, the Websites or services.
Any conduct or content of any third party on the Websites.
Any unauthorized access, use, or alteration of your information.
Decisions made or actions taken based on information provided by COTRA Group.
In no event shall COTRA Group's total liability to you exceed the amount paid by you, if any, for accessing the Websites or for the services provided during the twelve (12) months preceding the event giving rise to the liability. The limitations set forth herein shall apply regardless of the form of action, whether in contract, tort, strict liability, or otherwise.
14. Intellectual Property Rights
All content on the Websites, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, images, software, source code, design elements, and audio clips, is the exclusive property of COTRA Group or its licensors and is protected by intellectual property laws, including copyright, trademark, trade secret, and patent laws. This includes any proprietary methodologies, strategies, consulting frameworks, and analytical tools developed by COTRA Group.
You are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use the Websites for personal, non-commercial purposes only. This license does not include any rights to modify, distribute, reproduce, create derivative works based on, publicly display, or exploit any part of the Websites or content without prior written consent from COTRA Group. Any unauthorized use of the content may result in immediate termination of your access to the Websites and may subject you to civil and criminal penalties.
15. Export Control Compliance
By accessing or using the Websites and services, you agree to comply with all applicable export control and trade compliance laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) of the United States. You represent and warrant that you are not located in, under the control of, or a national or resident of any country subject to U.S. trade sanctions or listed on any U.S. Government denied-party list.
You further agree not to export, re-export, or transfer any products, technology, software, or services obtained from COTRA Group to any prohibited destination or party without first obtaining all necessary licenses or authorizations from the appropriate governmental authorities. Any violation of export control laws may result in the immediate termination of services and potential legal liabilities.
16. Audit Rights and Compliance Checks
COTRA Group reserves the right to conduct compliance audits of its business clients to ensure adherence to these Terms, SLAs, and applicable laws and regulations. Such audits may include a review of financial records, compliance practices, and adherence to data privacy requirements. Clients agree to cooperate fully with such audits and to provide access to necessary documents and personnel.
Audits shall be conducted during normal business hours and upon reasonable notice. Any non-compliance identified during the audit must be rectified within a reasonable period specified by COTRA Group. Failure to comply with audit requirements or to remedy non-compliance may result in suspension or termination of services.
17. Data Retention Policy
COTRA Group retains personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in these Terms or as required by law. The retention period may vary depending on the type of information and the purpose for which it was collected. For example, financial information may be retained for a longer period to comply with tax and accounting regulations, while other types of information may be deleted sooner if it is no longer needed.
Upon termination of your account or at your request, COTRA Group will delete your personal information unless retention is required to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, enforce agreements, or protect the rights and interests of COTRA Group. Deleted information may remain in backup systems for a limited period due to our data archiving policies but will be securely deleted thereafter.
18. Marketing and Communications Policy
By accessing or using the Websites, you consent to receive electronic communications from COTRA Group, including but not limited to emails, notifications, newsletters, and other messages regarding updates, services, and administrative matters. You agree that all agreements, notices, disclosures, and other communications provided electronically satisfy any legal requirements that such communications be in writing.
COTRA Group complies with the CAN-SPAM Act and other applicable marketing regulations by including unsubscribe options in all marketing emails. You may opt-out of receiving promotional communications at any time by following the unsubscribe instructions included in the email or by contacting us directly. However, you acknowledge that opting out of certain communications may limit your ability to receive important information regarding your account or services.
19. User-Generated Content Policy
Users may be permitted to submit, post, or share content on the Websites, including reviews, comments, testimonials, forum posts, and other communications ("User Content"). By submitting User Content, you grant COTRA Group a non-exclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, modify, distribute, display, and create derivative works based on such content for marketing, promotional, and operational purposes.
COTRA Group reserves the right, but is not obligated, to review, monitor, edit, or remove any User Content that it deems unlawful, offensive, defamatory, threatening, obscene, or in violation of these Terms or any applicable law. Users are solely responsible for the content they submit and agree to indemnify COTRA Group for any claims arising from such content.
20. Non-Solicitation and Non-Compete Clauses
By engaging COTRA Group’s services, you agree that you shall not, without the prior written consent of COTRA Group, directly or indirectly solicit, recruit, or hire any employees, consultants, or contractors of COTRA Group during the term of your engagement and for a period of twelve (12) months following the termination of services.
Additionally, you agree not to establish, advise, or be involved in any business that directly competes with COTRA Group’s consulting and advocacy services for a period of twelve (12) months following the termination of services, within the geographical areas where COTRA Group actively operates. This non-compete clause is intended to protect COTRA Group’s proprietary information, business relationships, and competitive advantage.
Violation of this non-solicitation or non-compete clause may result in liquidated damages equivalent to the financial losses incurred by COTRA Group, including lost profits, employee recruitment costs, and legal fees associated with enforcement.
21. Electronic Signatures and Transactions
By accessing or using the Websites and services, you consent to the use of electronic signatures, contracts, and other records and to electronic delivery of notices, policies, and records of transactions initiated or completed through the Websites or services. Your agreement to these Terms constitutes your consent to receive communications electronically.
Electronic signatures shall be deemed equivalent to handwritten signatures for the purposes of contract execution, provided that they comply with the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN Act) and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA). By signing a contract electronically, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by its terms.
22. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms and any disputes arising out of or related to these Terms, the Websites, or the services provided by COTRA Group shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of law principles.
Any disputes shall be resolved exclusively through binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) in accordance with its rules and procedures. The arbitration shall take place in Delaware and shall be conducted in English. The arbitrator's decision shall be final and binding, and judgment on the arbitration award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.
23. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be modified to reflect the parties' intention as closely as possible in a manner that is enforceable. All other provisions of these Terms shall remain in full force and effect.
24. Waiver
The failure of COTRA Group to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision unless acknowledged and agreed to by COTRA Group in writing. A waiver by COTRA Group of any default shall not constitute a waiver of any subsequent default.
25. Assignment
COTRA Group may assign its rights and obligations under these Terms to a third party in connection with a merger, acquisition, sale of assets, or other business reorganization without notice to you. You may not assign your rights or obligations under these Terms without the prior written consent of COTRA Group.
26. Termination of Services
COTRA Group reserves the right to suspend or terminate your access to the Websites and services at its sole discretion, without notice, for conduct that it believes violates these Terms, is harmful to other users, or causes or threatens to cause harm to COTRA Group’s business operations or reputation.
Upon termination, your right to access and use the Websites and services shall immediately cease, and all licenses granted to you under these Terms shall terminate. Any provisions of these Terms that, by their nature, should survive termination shall continue in full force and effect, including but not limited to provisions regarding confidentiality, indemnification, limitation of liability, and dispute resolution.
27. Accessibility Compliance
COTRA Group is committed to ensuring that its Websites and services are accessible to individuals with disabilities and complies with applicable accessibility standards, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
If you encounter any accessibility barriers or require assistance accessing content on the Websites, please contact COTRA Group for support. We will make reasonable efforts to address accessibility issues and provide information in alternative formats upon request.
28. Force Majeure
COTRA Group shall not be liable for any failure to perform, or delay in performance of, any of its obligations under these Terms if such failure or delay is caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, acts of God, war, terrorism, civil unrest, labor disputes, technical failures, or disruptions in telecommunications or internet services.
In the event of a force majeure occurrence, COTRA Group shall make reasonable efforts to minimize the impact on its services and to resume performance as soon as practicable. The obligations of COTRA Group under these Terms shall be suspended for the duration of the force majeure event.
29. Advertising and Third-Party Content
COTRA Group may include advertisements and third-party content on the Websites. Such advertisements and content are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement by COTRA Group of the products, services, or views expressed by third parties.
COTRA Group assumes no responsibility for the accuracy, reliability, or legality of any third-party advertisements or content displayed on the Websites. You agree that your interactions with third-party advertisers, including any purchases made, are solely between you and the third party, and COTRA Group shall not be liable for any damages or losses arising from such interactions.
30. Modifications to Services
COTRA Group reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of the Websites or services at any time, including the availability of any feature, database, or content, without prior notice. COTRA Group shall not be liable to you or any third party for any modifications, suspension, or discontinuance of the Websites or services.
Your continued use of the Websites following such modifications constitutes your acceptance of the changes. If you do not agree with the changes, you must discontinue your use of the Websites and services immediately.
31. Contact Information
If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback regarding these Terms, our Privacy Policy, or any other aspect of the Websites or services, please contact us using the following information:
Email: info@cotragroup.com
Mailing Address: COTRA Group, [Your Business Address]
Phone: [Your Business Phone Number, if applicable]
COTRA Group welcomes your inquiries and will make reasonable efforts to respond to your communications in a timely manner. By contacting us, you acknowledge and agree that any feedback or suggestions provided shall become the property of COTRA Group without any obligation to compensate you.
32. Compliance with Industry Standards
COTRA Group is committed to maintaining compliance with applicable industry standards and regulations, including but not limited to PCI-DSS for payment processing and HIPAA for handling protected health information, where applicable. We implement technical and organizational measures to ensure compliance, including encryption, access controls, and audit trails.
Clients are responsible for ensuring that their use of COTRA Group’s services complies with any industry-specific regulations applicable to their business. COTRA Group disclaims any liability for compliance failures arising from the client's use of the services in a manner inconsistent with these Terms or applicable regulations.
33. Cybersecurity Policy
COTRA Group maintains a comprehensive cybersecurity policy designed to protect against cyber threats, data breaches, and unauthorized access to our systems. This policy includes but is not limited to:
Firewall Protection: Use of firewalls to prevent unauthorized access to internal networks.
Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Monitoring of network traffic for suspicious activity.
Encryption: Encryption of sensitive data both in transit and at rest.
Access Controls: Implementation of multi-factor authentication and role-based access controls.
Employee Training: Regular cybersecurity training for employees on phishing, malware prevention, and secure data handling practices.
In the event of a cybersecurity incident, COTRA Group will notify affected clients promptly and initiate incident response procedures to mitigate potential risks.
34. Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
All discussions, communications, or exchanges of information between COTRA Group and clients shall be governed by Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) where applicable. NDAs prohibit the disclosure of confidential information, trade secrets, business plans, financial information, and other proprietary data to any third party without express written consent.
The obligations of confidentiality under NDAs shall survive for a period of five (5) years following the termination of the client relationship or until the confidential information no longer qualifies as a trade secret under applicable law, whichever is longer.
35. Payment Terms and Processing
All payments for services must be made in U.S. dollars using approved methods such as credit cards, wire transfers, or other electronic payment systems. By providing payment information, you authorize COTRA Group to charge the payment method for the agreed amount, including any applicable taxes and fees.
Payments are non-refundable except as explicitly stated in these Terms. You are responsible for ensuring that your payment information is accurate, complete, and up-to-date. COTRA Group reserves the right to suspend or terminate services for non-payment or payment disputes that are not resolved within thirty (30) days.
36. Subscriptions and Automatic Renewal
COTRA Group offers subscription-based services that renew automatically at the end of each billing cycle unless canceled by the user. By subscribing, you authorize COTRA Group to charge your chosen payment method for all applicable fees on a recurring basis without further authorization until you cancel your subscription.
Subscription cancellations must be submitted at least seven (7) days prior to the renewal date to avoid being charged for the next billing cycle. No refunds will be provided for partial months of service.
37. Refund Policy
Refunds are generally only available if COTRA Group fails to deliver the services as agreed upon. To request a refund, you must contact us in writing within thirty (30) days of the date of service, providing a detailed explanation of the issue. COTRA Group reserves the right to approve or deny refund requests at its sole discretion.
If approved, refunds will be processed using the original payment method within ten (10) business days. Refunds are not available for subscription services once a billing cycle has commenced.
38. Training and Certification Requirements
COTRA Group may require clients to complete specific training or certification programs as a condition for receiving certain consulting services, particularly in areas related to compliance, cybersecurity, and regulatory requirements.
Clients are responsible for ensuring that their employees or representatives complete the required training within the specified time frames. Failure to do so may result in limitations on the scope of services provided or the suspension of services until compliance is achieved.
39. User Account Termination
COTRA Group reserves the right to terminate user accounts without prior notice for activities that violate these Terms, including but not limited to:
Providing false or misleading information.
Engaging in fraudulent or illegal activities.
Attempting to gain unauthorized access to systems.
Harassing or abusing other users or COTRA Group personnel.
Upon termination, all data associated with the user account may be deleted and all licenses granted under these Terms shall be revoked.
40. Customer Support Policy
COTRA Group provides customer support via email, phone, and live chat during standard business hours. Support requests will be addressed in the order they are received, and COTRA Group aims to provide a response within forty-eight (48) hours.
Clients may request priority support for urgent issues, subject to additional fees. If you are not satisfied with the resolution provided by customer support, you may escalate the matter by submitting a formal complaint in writing.
41. Reporting Violations
If you believe that another user has violated these Terms or engaged in unlawful, abusive, or unethical behavior, you may report such violations to COTRA Group. Reports should include:
A detailed description of the alleged violation.
Evidence supporting the claim, such as screenshots, emails, or communications.
Your contact information for follow-up.
COTRA Group will investigate reported violations promptly and take appropriate action, which may include account suspension, termination, or referral to law enforcement.
42. Third-Party API Integrations
COTRA Group may offer API integrations to facilitate seamless data sharing with third-party software and platforms. Such integrations are provided "as-is" and are subject to the terms and conditions of the respective third-party providers.
COTRA Group does not guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or security of data exchanged through third-party APIs and shall not be liable for any data breaches, unauthorized access, or losses resulting from the use of such integrations.
43. Data Portability and Access Requests
Clients have the right to request a copy of their personal information in a portable format as required by applicable data protection laws such as GDPR and CCPA. Requests must be submitted in writing and will be processed within thirty (30) days.
COTRA Group may charge a reasonable fee for multiple requests or requests that are manifestly unfounded or excessive.
44. Legal Disclosures
COTRA Group may disclose personal information if required to do so by law or in response to valid subpoenas, court orders, or legal processes. Such disclosures will be made in accordance with applicable privacy and data protection laws.
COTRA Group will make reasonable efforts to notify affected users unless prohibited by law.
45. Survival of Terms
All provisions of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination shall do so, including but not limited to provisions regarding confidentiality, indemnification, intellectual property rights, limitation of liability, dispute resolution, and governing law.
46. Reporting Security Vulnerabilities
COTRA Group welcomes the responsible disclosure of security vulnerabilities in its systems. If you identify a potential security issue, you agree to promptly report it to COTRA Group without publicly disclosing the vulnerability until we have had an opportunity to investigate and address it.
COTRA Group commits to investigating reported vulnerabilities promptly and to providing a response to the reporting party within seven (7) business days. No compensation is guaranteed for vulnerability reports unless explicitly stated in a bug bounty program.
47. Compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws
COTRA Group is committed to conducting business in an ethical and lawful manner and complies with applicable anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and the U.K. Bribery Act.
You agree that you shall not, directly or indirectly, offer, promise, give, or receive any payments, gifts, or other benefits to or from any person or entity for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or securing any improper advantage.
Violation of this clause may result in the immediate termination of services and potential legal liability.
48. Language of Agreement
These Terms and any related documents, agreements, or communications shall be written and interpreted in English. In the event of any inconsistency or ambiguity between the English version and any translation, the English version shall prevail.
If a translation is provided for convenience, it shall not modify the meaning or intent of the original English text.
49. Beta Services
COTRA Group may offer certain services in beta testing ("Beta Services"). Beta Services may be offered at no charge but are subject to these Terms and any additional terms provided at the time of access.
Beta Services are provided "as-is" and "as-available" without warranties of any kind, express or implied. COTRA Group makes no guarantees regarding the performance, reliability, or availability of Beta Services and reserves the right to discontinue them at any time without notice.
50. Record Keeping and Compliance Audits
COTRA Group maintains detailed records of all transactions, communications, and agreements for a period of seven (7) years or as required by applicable law. This includes records of client communications, contracts, billing information, and compliance documentation.
COTRA Group reserves the right to conduct internal audits to ensure compliance with these Terms and applicable laws. Clients agree to provide reasonable cooperation and access to records if requested during compliance audits.
51. Intellectual Property Infringement Claims
COTRA Group respects the intellectual property rights of others and complies with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). If you believe that your work has been copied in a way that constitutes copyright infringement, please provide a written notice containing the following information:
Identification of the copyrighted work claimed to have been infringed.
Identification of the material that is claimed to be infringing and its location on the Websites.
Your contact information, including email and phone number.
COTRA Group will respond to valid DMCA notices and may remove or disable access to the allegedly infringing content.
52. No Partnership or Agency
Nothing in these Terms shall be construed to create a partnership, joint venture, agency, or employment relationship between you and COTRA Group. You agree that you have no authority to bind COTRA Group in any manner.
53. Feedback and Suggestions
COTRA Group welcomes feedback, comments, and suggestions for improving the Websites and services. By submitting feedback, you grant COTRA Group a non-exclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free license to use, modify, and incorporate such feedback into its products and services without any obligation to compensate you.
54. International Compliance
Although COTRA Group does not currently serve international clients, we are committed to complying with relevant international standards and regulations that may apply indirectly, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for EU citizens accessing the Websites.
COTRA Group may update its policies and practices as necessary to comply with international regulations should it begin serving international clients in the future.
55. Data Processing and Subprocessors
COTRA Group may engage subprocessors to assist in providing services, including data hosting, payment processing, and analytics. Subprocessors are contractually obligated to implement security and privacy measures equivalent to those required by these Terms.
A list of subprocessors, if applicable, shall be made available upon request.
56. User Verification and KYC Requirements
To prevent fraud and ensure compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, COTRA Group may require users to verify their identity by providing government-issued identification, proof of address, and other informationas part of the Know Your Customer (KYC) process.
Failure to complete the KYC requirements may result in service suspension or termination.
57. Emergency Protocols
COTRA Group has established emergency protocols to address critical situations such as natural disasters, data breaches, cybersecurity incidents, and service outages. These protocols include:
Emergency Communication Plans to notify affected users.
Data Backup and Restoration to ensure business continuity.
Incident Response Teams to mitigate risks and restore services promptly.
58. Legal Compliance and Ethics Policy
COTRA Group is committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethics and compliance. This includes adherence to anti-bribery, anti-corruption, fair competition, and environmental regulations.
All employees and contractors are required to complete annual compliance training and adhere to COTRA Group's Code of Ethics.
59. Third-Party Services and Liability
COTRA Group may integrate with third-party services to enhance its offerings. While we strive to select reputable providers, we do not warrant or assume liability for the actions or policies of third parties. Users should review third-party terms and policies independently.
60. Public Statements and Marketing
COTRA Group may use client names, logos, and success stories for marketing and public relations purposes, provided that such use does not disclose confidential information. Clients may opt-out of such use by providing written notice.
61. Compliance with CCPA
COTRA Group complies with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and grants California residents the right to request:
Access to personal information collected.
Deletion of personal information (subject to certain exceptions).
Opt-out of data sales (COTRA Group does not sell personal information).
Requests must be submitted in writing and will be processed within forty-five (45) days.
62. Child Privacy Compliance
COTRA Group does not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of thirteen (13). If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13 without parental consent, we will delete such information promptly.
63. Proprietary Rights
All proprietary methodologies, strategies, consulting frameworks, analytical tools, and software developed by COTRA Group shall remain the exclusive property of COTRA Group. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of proprietary materials is strictly prohibited.
64. Amendment of Terms
COTRA Group reserves the right to amend these Terms at its sole discretion. Notice of amendments will be posted on the Websites and will become effective immediately unless otherwise specified. Your continued use of the Websites constitutes acceptance of the amended Terms.
65. Prohibited Transactions and Sanctions Compliance
COTRA Group strictly prohibits the use of its services for activities that involve or support money laundering, terrorism financing, human trafficking, sanctions evasion, or any other unlawful activities. By using our services, you represent and warrant that neither you nor any individual or entity affiliated with you is subject to any U.S. government sanctions or listed on any sanctions list administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
Any attempt to use COTRA Group’s services in violation of this clause may result in the immediate suspension or termination of your account and the reporting of such activities to relevant authorities.
66. Record of Processing Activities (ROPA)
COTRA Group maintains a Record of Processing Activities (ROPA) as required under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The ROPA documents:
Categories of personal data processed.
Purposes of data processing.
Retention periods and security measures.
Subprocessors and data transfers.
The ROPA is available for review by regulatory authorities upon request.
67. Anti-Discrimination Policy
COTRA Group is committed to providing an inclusive environment free from discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. Any violations of this policy may result in immediate termination of services and potential legal action.
68. Service Availability and Uptime Guarantee
COTRA Group strives to maintain a 99.9% uptime for its services, excluding scheduled maintenance and circumstances beyond our control. In the event that uptime falls below this level, clients may request service credits as outlined in their Service-Level Agreement (SLA).
69. Confidentiality of Dispute Resolution
All arbitration proceedings, documents, and awards shall be confidential and may not be disclosed without the written consent of all parties, except as required by law.
70. Third-Party Beneficiaries
These Terms are intended solely for the benefit of you and COTRA Group. No third party shall have the right to enforce any provision of these Terms.
71. Survival of Confidentiality Obligations
All confidentiality obligations outlined in these Terms shall survive the termination of your relationship with COTRA Group for a period of five (5) years unless a longer period is required by law.
72. Limitation on Actions
Any cause of action arising out of or related to these Terms must be commenced within one (1) year after the cause of action accrues; otherwise, such cause of action is permanently barred.
73. Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs)
COTRA Group conducts Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) for any processing activities that pose a high risk to the rights and freedoms of individuals. DPIAs evaluate:
The necessity and proportionality of processing activities.
Risks to data subjects.
Measures to mitigate risks.
74. Legal Representation Disclaimer
COTRA Group does not provide legal representation or advice and is not a substitute for an attorney. Clients are encouraged to seek independent legal counsel for matters involving legal risks or compliance.
75. Encryption Policy
All sensitive data, including personal information, payment details, and proprietary data, is encrypted using AES-256 encryption standards both in transit and at rest. This ensures the confidentiality and integrity of data processed by COTRA Group.
76. Automated Decision-Making
COTRA Group may use automated decision-making systems for certain services, such as risk assessments, data analysis, and reporting. Automated decisions are subject to human oversight, and clients may request an explanation of such decisions or opt out where applicable.
77. Inactive Account Policy
COTRA Group may delete user accounts that have been inactive for more than twelve (12) months unless prohibited by law. Users will be notified thirty (30) days prior to deletion.
78. Consent to Receive Communications
By providing contact information, you consent to receive email, SMS, and phone communications regarding services, updates, and marketing messages from COTRA Group. You may opt-out at any time by following the instructions in our communications.
79. Taxes and Duties
You are responsible for paying all taxes, duties, and other governmental charges associated with your use of COTRA Group’s services, excluding COTRA Group's income taxes.
80. Public Advocacy and Outreach Communications
COTRA Group engages in outreach to companies and organizations as part of its mission to promote transparency, accountability, and advocacy on behalf of workers, consumers, and the public. These outreach efforts include, but are not limited to, sending letters, emails, and publishing reports under initiatives such as COTRA Connect. The intent of these communications is to raise awareness, seek answers to critical questions, and highlight systemic issues affecting the public.
By using the Websites or any services offered by COTRA Group, you acknowledge and agree that COTRA Group may publicly disclose the names of companies or organizations it has contacted, the subject matter of the communications, and whether a response was received. This disclosure is done with care to ensure that no private user information or confidential client details are ever revealed. The purpose of these summaries is not to defame or target individuals, but rather to factually report on corporate responsiveness in matters of public concern.
COTRA Group further reserves the right to publish outreach summaries and updates, including instances where no response was received, in a manner that is accurate, non-misleading, and reflective of the outreach conducted. These actions are part of COTRA Group's broader mission of public interest advocacy and are protected under applicable laws, including those related to free speech, whistleblower protections, and ethical reporting.
COTRA Group takes all reasonable measures to ensure that its publications and communications are factual and representative of the efforts made, and that they serve the public interest without violating any legal or ethical boundaries.
81. Entire Agreement
These Terms, along with the Privacy Policy and any other agreements explicitly referenced herein, constitute the entire agreement between you and COTRA Group and supersede all prior agreements, understandings, and representations.
82. Contact Information
If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback regarding these Terms, our Privacy Policy, or any other aspect of the Websites or services, please contact us using the following information:
Email: info@cotragroup.com
83. Acknowledgment
By using the Websites or services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms in their entirety.