Last Updated: August 11, 2024

Introduction

These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of the MapleLion Gigs website (“Website”), a division of RYANES HOLDINGS Co., Ltd., and any services provided through the Website (collectively, the “Services”). By accessing or using our Services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you should not use our Services.

1. Use of the Website

1.1 Eligibility

  • You must be at least 18 years old and legally capable of entering into binding contracts to use our Services. By accessing or using the Website, you represent and warrant that you meet these eligibility requirements.

1.2 Account Registration

  • To access certain features of the Website, you may be required to create an account. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during the registration process and to update such information as necessary to keep it accurate, current, and complete.

1.3 Account Security

  • You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and are fully responsible for all activities that occur under your account. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account or any other breach of security.

1.4 Prohibited Conduct

  • You agree not to use the Website for any unlawful purpose or in any way that could damage, disable, overburden, or impair the Website. Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to:
    • Engaging in any fraudulent activity.
    • Using the Website to distribute spam, malware, or other harmful content.
    • Attempting to gain unauthorized access to the Website or other user accounts.
    • Engaging in any activity that interferes with the operation or security of the Website.

2. Services

2.1 Description of Services

  • MapleLion Gigs provides a platform that connects expats living in Japan with freelance opportunities. The Services include, but are not limited to, creating profiles, browsing and applying for gigs, communicating with potential employers, and processing payments for completed gigs.

2.2 No Guarantee of Gigs

  • While efforts are made to connect users with relevant gig opportunities, there is no guarantee that you will be offered or selected for any gigs. The availability of gigs may vary based on demand, employer preferences, and other factors.

2.3 Communications

  • By using our Services, you agree to receive communications from us, including but not limited to emails, notifications, and messages related to your account and gigs. You can manage your communication preferences in your account settings.

3. Payments

3.1 Payment Terms

  • Payments for completed gigs will be processed according to the rate and terms agreed upon at the time the gig was accepted. Freelancers will receive their payments based on these agreed-upon terms.

3.2 No Direct Fees

  • There are no direct fees charged to freelancers or employers for using MapleLion Gigs. Payment terms are transparently outlined when a gig is accepted.

3.3 Payment Schedule

  • Payments to freelancers are processed on the last Friday of the month in which the work was completed. Freelancers should ensure that their payment details are up-to-date to avoid any delays.

3.4 Taxes

  • Freelancers are responsible for reporting and paying any taxes associated with their earnings from gigs. MapleLion Gigs does not withhold or remit taxes on behalf of freelancers. Freelancers should consult a tax professional if they have questions about their tax obligations.

4. Code of Conduct

4.1 Professional Behavior

  • Users are expected to behave professionally and respectfully in all interactions on the platform and during any gigs secured through MapleLion Gigs. This includes, but is not limited to:
    • Communicating courteously and clearly with employers and other users.
    • Honoring commitments to gigs, including punctuality and quality of work.
    • Adhering to any specific guidelines or requirements provided by the employer.

4.2 Online Conduct

  • Users must use the platform in a manner consistent with all applicable laws and regulations. Prohibited activities include:
    • Harassment, threats, or any form of abusive behavior.
    • Posting or sharing defamatory, obscene, or otherwise harmful content.
    • Engaging in fraudulent activities or misrepresenting your skills, experience, or identity.

4.3 Confidentiality

  • Users must respect the confidentiality of any sensitive information shared during the course of a gig. This includes, but is not limited to, intellectual property, trade secrets, and personal information of clients or other users.

4.4 Violations

  • Violations of the Code of Conduct may result in account suspension or termination, as well as potential legal action if the conduct is in violation of the law.

5. Intellectual Property

5.1 Ownership

  • All content, features, and functionality on the Website, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, images, and software, are the property of MapleLion Gigs, RYANES HOLDINGS Co., Ltd., or its licensors and are protected by international copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret, and other intellectual property or proprietary rights laws.

5.2 Limited License

  • You are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use the Website and Services for your personal use. This license does not include any resale or commercial use of the Website or its content.

5.3 Restrictions

  • You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, modify, create derivative works from, or publicly display any content from the Website without our prior written consent. Unauthorized use of any content on the Website may violate intellectual property rights and result in legal action.

6. Termination

6.1 Termination by You

  • You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us at [support email]. Upon termination, you will no longer have access to your account or any data associated with it.

6.2 Termination by Us

  • We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account at any time, without notice, if we believe that you have violated these Terms, engaged in fraudulent or unlawful activities, or for any other reason at our sole discretion.

6.3 Effect of Termination

  • Upon termination of your account, your right to access and use the Services will immediately cease. Any outstanding payments owed to you for completed gigs will be processed in accordance with our payment terms.

7. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

7.1 Disclaimer of Warranties

  • The Website and Services are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis without any warranties of any kind, either express or implied. We do not warrant that the Website will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of viruses or other harmful components.

7.2 Limitation of Liability

  • To the fullest extent permitted by law, MapleLion Gigs, RYANES HOLDINGS Co., Ltd., and their affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or related to your use of the Website or Services.

7.3 Indemnification

  • You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless MapleLion Gigs, RYANES HOLDINGS Co., Ltd., and their affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, judgments, awards, losses, costs, expenses, or fees (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or relating to your violation of these Terms or your use of the Website and Services.

8. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

8.1 Governing Law

  • These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Japan, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

8.2 Dispute Resolution

  • Any disputes arising out of or relating to these Terms or the use of the Website and Services shall be resolved through good faith negotiations. If a resolution cannot be reached, the dispute shall be submitted to binding arbitration in Tokyo, Japan, in accordance with the rules of the Japan Commercial Arbitration Association.

9. Changes to These Terms

9.1 Modifications

  • We may update or modify these Terms at any time at our sole discretion. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting on the Website. It is your responsibility to review these Terms periodically. Your continued use of the Website following the posting of changes constitutes your acceptance of those changes.

10. Miscellaneous

10.1 Entire Agreement

  • These Terms, together with any other legal notices and policies published on the Website, constitute the entire agreement between you and MapleLion Gigs regarding your use of the Services.

10.2 Severability

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

10.3 Waiver

  • Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.

If you have any questions or concerns about the Terms & Conditions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help clarify any points and ensure you feel confident in your use of our platform.