Terms of Use

Last Updated: February 27, 2025

1. Introduction

These Terms of Use ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you and The Bench ("The Bench," "we," "us," or "our") and govern your access to and use of our website (readthebench.com), newsletters, social media pages, and any other services that reference these Terms (collectively, the “Platform”).

By accessing or using the Platform, you agree to comply with these Terms. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you should not use the Platform.

For inquiries related to these Terms, you may contact us at Amit@readthebench.com.

Updates to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Any changes will take effect upon posting on the Platform, and the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page will be modified accordingly. If we make material changes, we will notify you through email or by posting a notice on the Platform.

Your continued use of the Platform after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms. If you do not agree to any changes, you should discontinue using the Platform immediately.


2. Content

The Platform contains three types of content:

  1. Our Content – Content created and published by The Bench, including articles, analysis, images, and other proprietary materials.
  2. Your Content – Any content you submit, post, or share on the Platform, including comments or submissions.
  3. Third-Party Content – Content provided by third parties, including embedded media, user-generated content, and links to external sources.

Proprietary Rights

All materials on the Platform, including articles, graphics, images, logos, and software (collectively, "Proprietary Materials"), are the property of The Bench or its licensors and are protected by copyright, trademark, and intellectual property laws.

You may not copy, modify, distribute, publish, or commercially exploit any Proprietary Materials without express written permission from The Bench.

User Content

By submitting or posting content on the Platform, you grant The Bench a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, and distribute your content in connection with the Platform. You represent that you own or have the necessary rights to post such content.

We reserve the right to remove or restrict access to any user-submitted content that violates these Terms or applicable laws.

Third-Party Content

The Platform may contain links to third-party websites or services. We do not endorse or assume responsibility for the content, policies, or practices of any third-party sites. Your interactions with third-party services are solely at your own risk.


If you believe that any content on the Platform infringes your copyright, please submit a notice to Amit@readthebench.com with the following details:

  • Your name and contact information.
  • A description of the copyrighted work that has been infringed.
  • The location (URL) of the infringing content.
  • A statement that you have a good faith belief that the use of the material is unauthorized.
  • A statement that the information provided is accurate, and you are authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner.

We will respond to valid copyright complaints in accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and remove infringing content as necessary.


4. Your Account and Security

To access certain features of the Platform, you may be required to create an account. You agree to:

  • Provide accurate and current information.
  • Keep your login credentials secure.
  • Notify us immediately if you suspect unauthorized access to your account.

You are responsible for all activity conducted through your account. The Bench reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms or engage in unauthorized activities.


5. Acceptable Use Policy

You agree to use the Platform in compliance with all applicable laws and these Terms. The following activities are strictly prohibited:

  • Posting unlawful, defamatory, harassing, or misleading content.
  • Infringing on the intellectual property rights of others.
  • Attempting to interfere with the Platform’s security, servers, or infrastructure.
  • Using automated tools (such as bots or scrapers) to access or manipulate Platform content.
  • Engaging in spamming, phishing, or other fraudulent activities.
  • Impersonating another person or misrepresenting your identity.

Any violations of this Acceptable Use Policy may result in suspension or termination of access to the Platform.


6. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

Disclaimer of Warranties

The Platform and its content are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. The Bench makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of any content on the Platform.

We disclaim all warranties, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, The Bench shall not be liable for:

  • Any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from your use of the Platform.
  • Any loss of data, revenue, or profits arising from the use or inability to use the Platform.
  • Any unauthorized access to or use of our servers and personal information.

If any limitation of liability is found to be unenforceable, our maximum liability shall not exceed $100.


You are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations when using the Platform. The Bench makes no representation that the Platform is appropriate or available for use outside of the United States.


8. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising out of these Terms shall first be attempted to be resolved informally by contacting Amit@readthebench.com.

If informal resolution fails, any legal claims shall be subject to binding arbitration in accordance with the American Arbitration Association (AAA) rules. You agree to waive any right to a jury trial or participation in a class-action lawsuit.


9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold The Bench, its affiliates, and employees harmless from any claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses arising from:

  • Your violation of these Terms.
  • Your use or misuse of the Platform.
  • Any content you submit or share through the Platform.

10. Termination

We reserve the right to terminate or suspend your access to the Platform at any time, without notice, for any violation of these Terms or other conduct we deem harmful to the Platform.


11. Miscellaneous

Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full effect.

Waiver

Failure to enforce any provision of these Terms does not constitute a waiver of our rights to enforce such provisions in the future.

Electronic Communications

By using the Platform, you consent to receiving electronic communications from The Bench, including emails, updates, and notices regarding these Terms.


12. Contact Information

For any questions or concerns regarding these Terms, please contact us at:

Email: Amit@readthebench.com