Terms of Service
1. Acceptance of Terms
By registering with Expert Edge, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms of Service. Your continued participation in our expert network constitutes acceptance of any future updates to these terms.
2. About Expert Edge
Expert Edge connects experienced professionals with corporate clients, investors, consulting firms, research organizations, and other businesses seeking specialized industry knowledge. Experts participate as independent professionals and are not employees, agents, or representatives of Expert Edge.
3. Expert Eligibility
By joining Expert Edge, you confirm that:
- The information provided in your profile is accurate and current.
- You have the legal authority to participate in external consulting activities.
- Your participation does not violate any employment agreement, confidentiality obligation, or applicable law.
- You will promptly update your profile whenever your professional status changes.
4. Project Participation
Participation in projects is entirely voluntary. Experts may accept or decline any engagement without obligation. Projects should only be accepted when there is sufficient expertise, no conflict of interest, and full compliance with professional and legal obligations.
5. Professional Standards
Experts agree to provide objective, experience-based insights while maintaining the highest standards of integrity. Advice must be based solely on personal knowledge and professional experience without misrepresentation or unauthorized third-party assistance.
6. Confidentiality & Compliance
Experts must not disclose confidential, proprietary, or material non-public information obtained from current or former employers, clients, or any third party. Participation must always comply with applicable laws, regulatory requirements, contractual obligations, and professional ethics. If a discussion approaches restricted information, the expert must immediately discontinue the consultation.
7. Conflict of Interest
Experts shall decline any engagement that may create an actual or perceived conflict of interest, including projects involving current employers, competitors, board responsibilities, regulatory restrictions, or matters where independence could be compromised.
8. Expert Conduct
Experts agree to:
- Provide objective opinions based solely on their own professional knowledge and experience.
- Avoid providing legal, investment, accounting, tax, medical, or other regulated professional advice.
- Never misrepresent their qualifications, identity, employer, or experience.
- Maintain independence, honesty, and professional integrity throughout every engagement.
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or automated tools to generate consultation responses, reports, or expert opinions is strictly prohibited unless expressly authorized by Expert Edge.
9. Payments
Compensation will be agreed before each engagement. Payments are made only for approved consulting services completed through Expert Edge. Preparation time, travel, or additional work will be compensated only if pre-approved in writing. Experts remain responsible for all applicable taxes and statutory obligations. You have to provide valid payment details within 30 days of completing the Engagement/Assignment.
Experts will be responsible for all taxes charged from payments.
Expert Edge will not be liable for foreign exchange differences, different bank fees, or any payment delays.
10. Intellectual Property
Any reports, presentations, recordings, or deliverables specifically prepared for a client during an engagement shall belong to the respective client unless otherwise agreed in writing. Experts retain ownership of their pre-existing intellectual property and proprietary methodologies.
11. Privacy & Data Protection
Expert Edge collects and processes personal information solely for project matching, compliance, payment processing, and service improvement. Personal information is handled in accordance with applicable data protection laws and shared only where necessary for legitimate business purposes.
12. Recordings
Certain consultations may be recorded or transcribed for compliance, quality assurance, or client documentation. Experts will be informed whenever recording is applicable, except were permitted by law or agreed under client compliance procedures.
13. Independent Relationship
Experts act solely as independent consultants. Nothing in these Terms creates an employment, partnership, agency, or joint venture relationship between Expert Edge and any expert.
14. Non-Circumvention
Experts agree not to directly solicit or establish consulting engagements with clients introduced by Expert Edge without prior written consent and acceptance.
15. Suspension & Termination
Expert Edge may suspend or terminate participation at its sole discretion in cases of policy violations, misconduct, breach of confidentiality, misrepresentation, or non-compliance with applicable laws. Experts may terminate their membership at any time by written notice.
16. Limitation of Liability
Expert Edge acts solely as an intermediary connecting clients and experts. Except where prohibited by law, Expert Edge shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from participation in any engagement.
17. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
These Terms shall be governed by the laws of India. Any dispute arising from these Terms shall first be resolved through good-faith negotiations. If unresolved, disputes shall be settled through arbitration in accordance with the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, with the seat of arbitration in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The arbitration proceedings shall be conducted in English.
18. Amendments
Expert Edge reserves the right to modify these Terms periodically. Updated versions will become effective upon publication on the Expert Edge website and shall apply to future engagements.
19. Contact
For questions regarding these Terms or compliance matters, please contact the Expert Edge through the official communication channels provided on the Expert Edge website.
