Hardware Terms

1. Hardware License and Ownership

1.1 Physical Ownership

Upon purchase and delivery, you own the physical hardware device. However, all firmware, embedded software, and intellectual property remain licensed, not sold.

1.2 Intellectual Property

All intellectual property rights in and to the hardware design, firmware, documentation, and associated technology are owned by our licensor and remain their exclusive property. This includes but is not limited to:

• Circuit designs and PCB layouts
• Firmware and embedded software
• Custom chip designs and implementations
• Industrial designs and trade dress
• Patents, pending patents, and trade secrets

1.3 License Grant

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the hardware for personal, non-commercial purposes in accordance with these terms and applicable law.

2. Product Purpose and Permitted Uses

2.1 Intended Purpose

Our hardware products are intended exclusively for personal, non-commercial use by lawful owners of original, officially licensed game cartridges. The primary purpose is to achieve interoperability for your lawfully owned physical cartridges.

2.2 Legal Compliance

You may only use our hardware products in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations in your jurisdiction. You are solely responsible for ensuring your use complies with all applicable laws and intellectual property rights. We make no representations about what uses are legal in any specific jurisdiction and expressly disclaim any liability for your use of our products.

2.3 User Representations

You represent and warrant that:

• You will comply with all applicable laws and regulations
• You will respect all intellectual property rights
• You will not use the hardware for any unlawful purpose
• You have verified the legality of your intended use in your jurisdiction
• You will not hold us liable for any legal consequences of your use
• You possess legitimate ownership or authorized access to any media used with our hardware
• You will maintain documentation proving ownership if requested by authorities

2.4 Limitations on Use

Our products enable interoperability between lawfully owned media and modern computers through careful, respectful reverse engineering. Use is limited to personal, non-commercial purposes with media you own or are authorized to access.

3. Prohibited Activities

3.1 Competitive Restrictions

You may NOT:

• Use our hardware to develop competing products
• Remove, obscure, or alter any proprietary notices
• Create commercial products based on our technology without license
• Use knowledge gained from our products for direct competitive purposes

Personal research, education, and interoperability development for your own use is permitted, consistent with our mission of enabling interoperability through respectful reverse engineering.

3.2 Modifications

Any modification to the hardware:

• Immediately voids all warranties
• May violate applicable laws
• Terminates your license to use the device
• May result in permanent ban from purchasing our products

3.3 Intellectual Property Compliance

You expressly agree NOT to use the hardware in any manner that violates intellectual property rights or applicable laws.

3.4 Commercial Use

Without explicit written authorization, you may NOT use our hardware for:

• Commercial game rental or arcade services
• Mass duplication or distribution services
• Integration into commercial products
• Resale as part of a service offering
• Any revenue-generating activity

3.5 Legal Compliance

You agree to comply with all applicable laws and valid legal process. In the event of any legitimate legal inquiry or valid court order, you agree to cooperate as required by law. We respect intellectual property rights and expect our users to do the same.

3.6 Cooperation with Rights Holders

We cooperate with intellectual property rights holders in accordance with applicable law. Upon receipt of valid legal process or legitimate claims of infringement, we may be required to provide information or take other actions as required by law. By using our products, you acknowledge and accept this cooperation policy.

4. Firmware and Updates

4.1 Firmware License

Firmware embedded in the hardware is licensed under restrictive terms:

• No right to modify or replace firmware
• No right to extract or redistribute firmware
• Updates provided at our sole discretion
• Must accept updates to maintain warranty coverage

4.2 Update Policy

We may provide firmware updates that:

• Fix bugs or security vulnerabilities
• Add new features or compatibility
• Ensure legal compliance
• Disable features if required by law

Refusing updates may limit functionality and void warranty coverage.

5. Compliance with Laws

5.1 Legal Compliance

You represent and warrant that you will:

• Only use the hardware with media you have legal rights to access
• Comply with all applicable laws
• Not use the hardware for any unlawful purpose
• Respect all third-party rights

5.2 Export Control

Our hardware may contain technology subject to export controls. You agree to:

• Comply with all applicable export laws
• Not export to embargoed countries
• Not provide access to prohibited persons
• Obtain necessary licenses for re-export

5.3 Local Regulations

Some jurisdictions may restrict or prohibit:

• Device importation or use
• Format shifting or archival copying
• Certain technical modifications

You are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with your local laws.

6. Technical Specifications and Compatibility

6.1 No Guarantee of Universal Compatibility

While our hardware supports a wide range of cartridges, we do not guarantee:

• Compatibility with all game titles
• Support for unlicensed or bootleg cartridges
• Functionality with modified cartridges
• Compatibility with future cartridge revisions

6.2 Save Data and Backups

Our products may enable you to read, back up, restore, or otherwise interact with data stored on cartridges. Such operations may fail or produce unexpected results due to cartridge age, battery condition, hardware damage, corruption, counterfeit media, or software and computer configuration.

You are solely responsible for maintaining independent backups and verifying the integrity of any backups before making changes. To the maximum extent permitted by law, we disclaim liability for any loss, corruption, or inability to recover data, including save data.

6.3 Power and Safety Requirements

You must:

• Use only USB-C cables and power sources meeting specifications
• Not exceed maximum power ratings
• Ensure proper ventilation during use
• Discontinue use if device becomes unusually hot

7. Personal Use Limitations

The hardware is licensed for personal, non-commercial use only. Commercial or professional use is strictly prohibited.

8. Anti-Counterfeiting Measures

8.1 Authorized Retailers Only

Products must be purchased from:

• epilogue.co (official website)
• Explicitly authorized retailers listed on our website
• No warranty coverage for unauthorized purchases

8.2 Authentication

Genuine products include:

• Unique serial numbers
• Proprietary packaging elements

8.3 Counterfeit Consequences

Use or sale of counterfeit products:

• Violates our intellectual property rights
• May result in legal action
• Receives no support or warranty
• May damage your game cartridges

9. Data Collection and Privacy

Our hardware products:

• Do not collect or transmit personal data
• Do not require internet connectivity
• Process all data locally on your computer
• Do not phone home or track usage

Software privacy practices are covered in the software EULA and our Privacy Policy.

10. Warranty Disclaimer

EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY PROVIDED SEPARATELY, THE HARDWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND. WE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM:

• FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
• MERCHANTABILITY
• NON-INFRINGEMENT
• COMPATIBILITY WITH ALL CARTRIDGES
• UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE OPERATION

10.1 Warranty Void for IP Violations

ANY WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IS IMMEDIATELY VOID IF:

• The hardware is used in violation of any intellectual property rights
• The hardware is used with counterfeit or unauthorized media
• The hardware is used for any unlawful purpose
• The hardware is used in breach of these terms or applicable law

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Epilogue and its affiliates from any claims, damages, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:

• Your breach of these terms
• Your violation of applicable laws
• Your violation of third-party rights
• Your negligent or wrongful conduct

This indemnification obligation will survive termination of these terms.

12. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

• Our liability is limited to the purchase price
• We are not liable for consequential damages
• We are not responsible for cartridge damage from misuse
• We are not liable for data loss
• We are not responsible for your legal compliance

13. Compliance and Enforcement

Use of our products requires ongoing compliance with these terms and applicable law. If we have reasonable grounds to believe these terms are being violated, we reserve the right to:

• Restrict or disable certain software features
• Suspend or terminate warranty coverage
• Deny access to software updates and support services
• Refuse future purchases from our store
• Report suspected illegal activity to appropriate authorities

Notice: Any functionality restrictions will be implemented through software updates or license verification. The hardware device itself will continue to function, but certain features may become unavailable. You may contact our support center to address any restrictions by demonstrating compliance with these terms.

14. Transfer

You may transfer your hardware device to another party, subject to the following conditions:

• The transfer must include all original components and documentation
• All associated software licenses must be transferred together
• You must delete all copies of software from your systems
• The new owner must accept all applicable terms and conditions
• After transfer, you may not obtain new copies of the software

Devices marked as "Not for Resale" or provided for evaluation purposes may not be transferred.

Severability Note: If any provision in this section is determined to be unenforceable under applicable law (such as first sale doctrine or consumer protection laws), that provision shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the remaining conditions shall continue in full force and effect.

15. Governing Law and Disputes

These Hardware Terms are governed by Romanian law. Disputes are subject to the arbitration provisions in our Terms of Service, including:

• Binding arbitration in Bucharest, Romania
• Class action waiver
• Limited exceptions for IP claims

16. No Endorsement of Specific Uses

Nothing in these terms, our marketing materials, or any communication from us should be construed as legal advice or an endorsement of any specific use of our hardware. We do not make any representations about the legality of any particular use case. Any statements about potential uses are for informational purposes only and do not constitute encouragement or authorization to engage in any activity that may violate applicable laws.

Our mission is to enable interoperability between lawfully owned media and modern computers through careful, respectful reverse engineering. Our support and documentation focus exclusively on technical operation for this lawful purpose.

17. Contact Information

For questions about these Hardware Terms:

Support: support.epilogue.co

Postal Address: