1. Introduction and Acceptance of Terms
Welcome to Signfortress ("we," "us," or "our"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Signfortress website at signfortress.com and all related services, including electronic signature tools and document management (collectively, the "Service").
By creating an account, accessing, or using the Service, you agree to be bound by these Terms, our Privacy Policy, and any applicable addendums. If you do not agree, you must not use the Service. These Terms form a binding contract between you (or your organization) and Signfortress Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of British Columbia, Canada.
We may update these Terms at any time. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance. We'll notify you of material changes via email, in-app notification, or website posting at least 30 days in advance.
2. Description of the Service
Signfortress provides a secure platform for preparing, sending, signing, managing, and storing electronic documents. The Service includes tools for multi-signer workflows, audit trails, identity verification, and compliance features intended to support applicable e-signature laws such as ESIGN, UETA, eIDAS, and PIPEDA. Access to the Service is provided through a web browser.
The Service also includes secure client portals that allow organizations and their clients to exchange messages, files, and documents. Communication features include one-to-one messaging, group messaging, and support for file attachments. Certain communication features use end-to-end encryption to help protect message content and attachments. Encryption is applied automatically where supported by the platform. Users are responsible for safeguarding their own devices and credentials.
The Service provides document management capabilities such as template creation, workflow routing, version handling, and activity tracking. Users may upload, organize, and distribute documents within their accounts and through client portals. File uploads may be stored on Signfortress servers or, for eligible plans, in connected third-party cloud storage accounts.
The Service may include optional AI-assisted features that help with document preparation, field detection, labeling, and workflow suggestions. AI features operate only on content provided by the user and are intended to assist with efficiency. Users remain responsible for reviewing and verifying all AI-generated suggestions.
You may use the Service only as permitted by law and these Terms. We may modify, suspend, or discontinue any part of the Service at any time.
2.1 Cloud Storage (Pro and Premium Plans)
For users on Pro and Premium plans, the Service allows documents, templates, and related files to be stored in your connected cloud storage accounts instead of on our servers. Supported providers include Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox. When this feature is enabled, files are uploaded directly to your account within a designated Signfortress folder that is created automatically.
You retain full ownership and control over files stored in your cloud accounts. You may revoke access at any time through your provider's settings. When cloud storage is used, we do not retain permanent copies of your files on our servers. Our systems interact with your cloud account only as needed to facilitate uploads, downloads, and file organization.
Your use of cloud storage providers is subject to their terms and policies. You are responsible for ensuring that your configuration, permissions, and data handling comply with applicable laws and organizational requirements.
2.2 Secure Client Portals
The Service includes secure client portals that allow organizations and their clients to communicate, exchange files, and access documents in a controlled environment. Each portal is created and managed by the account holder and may include one or more participants. Access is granted through authenticated login or through a unique access code provided by the account holder.
Client portals support messaging, group conversations, and file sharing. Certain communication features use end-to-end encryption to help protect message content and attachments. Encryption is applied automatically where supported by the platform. Users are responsible for maintaining the security of their devices and for protecting access to their portals.
Documents shared through client portals may include agreements, forms, templates, and other materials uploaded by the account holder or their clients. Users are responsible for ensuring that shared content complies with applicable laws and organizational requirements.
Portal activity, including messages, file uploads, and document interactions, may be logged to support audit trails and workflow tracking. Portal features may vary by subscription plan and may be modified or discontinued at any time.
2.3 Encrypted Messaging and Attachments
The Service includes secure messaging features that allow users to communicate within client portals and group conversations. All chat messages and chat file attachments are protected with end-to-end encryption. Content is encrypted on the sender's device and can be decrypted only by authorized recipients. We do not have access to the decrypted contents of end-to-end encrypted messages or attachments.
Some document uploads that require server-side processing, such as virus scanning or workflow preparation, use encryption at rest rather than end-to-end encryption. These files remain encrypted while stored on our servers and are processed only as needed to provide the Service.
Users are responsible for maintaining the security of their devices, browsers, and access credentials. Because end-to-end encrypted content cannot be decrypted by us, we cannot restore access to encrypted data if users lose their keys or access to their devices.
2.4 AI-Assisted Features
The Service may include optional AI-assisted tools designed to improve efficiency when preparing documents, templates, and workflows. These tools may assist with tasks such as field detection, labeling, document analysis, and workflow suggestions. AI features operate only on content provided by the user and do not access external data sources.
AI-assisted features are intended to support user productivity and do not replace professional judgment. Users are responsible for reviewing, verifying, and approving all AI-generated suggestions before applying them to documents or workflows. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of AI-generated outputs.
Use of AI features may vary by subscription plan and may be modified, expanded, or discontinued at any time.
2.5 Document Workflows and Templates
The Service provides tools for creating, managing, and distributing documents and templates. Users may design templates, assign signer roles, configure routing steps, and track activity throughout the workflow. Workflow features may include reminders, status updates, audit trails, and identity verification measures.
Documents may be shared through client portals, sent directly to signers, or stored within the user's account or connected cloud storage. Users are responsible for ensuring that documents and workflows comply with applicable laws, organizational policies, and industry requirements.
Workflow configurations, templates, and document settings are controlled by the user. We do not review or validate the content of documents or the legality of workflow configurations. Users are responsible for maintaining accurate and lawful use of all documents and templates created within the Service.
3. Eligibility and Account Registration
To use the Service, you must be at least 18 years old (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction) and capable of forming a binding contract. Organizations must designate an authorized representative.
- You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to update it promptly.
- You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and for all activities under your account.
- Notify us immediately at support@signfortress.com of any unauthorized access or use.
- We may suspend or terminate accounts for suspected fraud, abuse, or violation of these Terms.
4. Pricing, Payment, and Subscriptions
Access to the Service is subject to fees as described on our Pricing page. All fees are non-refundable except as required by law or our refund policy.
- Subscriptions: Plans (Free, Pro, Enterprise) auto-renew monthly or annually. You may upgrade/downgrade via your account dashboard.
- Payments: Processed securely via Stripe. You authorize recurring charges to your payment method.
- Taxes: You are responsible for all applicable taxes, including GST/HST under Canadian law.
- Price Changes: We'll provide 30 days' notice for increases; new rates apply at renewal.
- Late Payments: Overdue amounts accrue 1.5% monthly interest; we may suspend access after 30 days.
5. Free Trial
New users receive a 14-day trial of the Pro plan at no cost. No payment method is required upfront. During the trial, you have full Pro access. At trial end, your account defaults to the Free plan unless you upgrade. Any data entered during the trial remains accessible post-trial, subject to Free plan limits.
6. User Content and Licenses
"User Content" includes documents, signatures, templates, and other materials you upload or generate via the Service.
- You retain all ownership rights in User Content and are solely responsible for its legality, accuracy, and compliance (e.g., no copyrighted material without permission).
- By uploading User Content, you grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, sublicensable license to host, store, process, display, and transmit it solely to provide the Service (e.g., to signers or integrations).
- We do not endorse or assume liability for User Content. You represent that you have necessary rights to upload and share it.
7. Prohibited Conduct
You agree not to:
- Use the Service for illegal activities, fraud, or to violate third-party rights (e.g., IP infringement, spam).
- Upload viruses, malware, or harmful code; attempt to hack, reverse-engineer, or disrupt the Service.
- Impersonate others, harvest data without consent, or send unsolicited communications.
- Exceed usage limits, resell the Service without permission, or use automated tools to scrape content.
- Interfere with other users' access or our monitoring/compliance efforts.
We may investigate violations and take action, including warnings, suspension, or termination, without liability.
8. Electronic Signatures and Legal Validity
Signatures executed via the Service are designed to be legally binding under applicable laws, including the U.S. Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN), Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA), EU eIDAS Regulation, and Canadian laws such as the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and provincial equivalents in British Columbia (e.g., Electronic Transactions Act). We provide audit trails, timestamps, and IP verification to support enforceability.
- You are responsible for obtaining consent from signers and ensuring documents comply with industry regulations (e.g., HIPAA for health data or PIPA for personal information in BC).
- We disclaim liability for the legal effect of signatures; consult legal counsel for specific needs.
9. Intellectual Property
The Service, including software, designs, logos, and documentation, is owned by Signfortress Inc. or our licensors and protected by copyright, trademark, and other laws. You receive a limited, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use the Service for your internal business purposes during your subscription term.
- You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works from the Service.
- Feedback you provide may be used to improve the Service without compensation or attribution.
10. Third-Party Services and Integrations
The Service integrates with third-party tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Salesforce, Stripe). Your use of these is governed by their terms/policies. We are not responsible for their data practices or availability.
11. Termination and Suspension
- By You: Cancel anytime via your account; subscriptions end at the billing cycle close.
- By Us: We may suspend/terminate for violations, non-payment, or at our discretion with notice (except for immediate action on abuse).
- Effects: Upon termination, access ends; you may export data within 30 days. Outstanding fees remain due.
12. Disclaimer of Warranties
The Service is provided "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE," without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. We do not guarantee uninterrupted access, error-free operation, or that the Service will meet your needs.
13. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Signfortress Inc., its affiliates, and providers shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages (including lost profits, data loss, or business interruption), even if advised of the possibility.
Our total liability shall not exceed the amount you paid us in the 12 months preceding the claim. This applies regardless of the legal theory (contract, tort, etc.). Some jurisdictions, including British Columbia, do not allow these limitations, so they may not apply to you.
14. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Signfortress from claims arising from your User Content, violations of these Terms, or infringement of third-party rights. We reserve the right to assume defense at your expense.
15. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
These Terms are governed by the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada, without regard to conflict of laws principles. Any disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of British Columbia, with venue in Vancouver, BC.
You agree to attempt informal resolution before litigation. For claims under CAD $10,000, we may use binding arbitration under ADR Institute of Canada rules (waiving class actions).
16. Force Majeure
We are not liable for delays or failures due to events beyond our control, including natural disasters, wars, pandemics, or internet outages.
17. Miscellaneous
- Severability: If any provision is invalid, the remainder remains enforceable.
- Waiver: No waiver of any breach is a waiver of subsequent breaches.
- Entire Agreement: These Terms, plus referenced policies, constitute the full agreement.
- Assignment: You may not assign without consent; we may assign freely.
18. Contact Us
For questions or notices regarding these Terms, email Support.