Terms of Service
Last updated: March 24, 2026
1. Acceptance of Terms
By downloading, installing, accessing, or using Cinder ("the app," "the service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to all of these Terms, you must not use the app. These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("user," "you") and the developers of Cinder ("we," "us," "our").
2. Description of Service
Cinder is an ebook reader application that allows users to:
- Discover books through built-in metadata providers (Apple Books, Open Library)
- Import, organize, and read ebooks in EPUB format
- Download free public domain books from Project Gutenberg
- Configure optional third-party metadata providers and download sources via the addon system
- Customise the reading experience with adjustable themes, fonts, and settings
Cinder is provided as a reader and discovery tool. We do not host, store, distribute, or provide ebook content beyond free public domain works.
3. Eligibility
You must be at least 13 years of age (or the minimum age required in your jurisdiction) to use Cinder. By using the app, you represent and warrant that you meet this age requirement.
4. User Responsibilities and Conduct
You agree that:
- You are solely responsible for all content you download, import, or access through the app.
- You will comply with all applicable local, state, national, and international laws and regulations, including but not limited to copyright and intellectual property laws.
- You are solely responsible for any third-party addons, download sources, or API integrations you configure within the app.
- You will not use the app for any illegal or unauthorized purpose.
- You will not attempt to interfere with, disrupt, or compromise the integrity of any systems, servers, or networks connected to the app.
- You will not reverse-engineer, decompile, disassemble, or attempt to derive the source code of the app, except where expressly permitted by applicable law.
5. Content Disclaimer and Third-Party Services
Cinder does not host, store, or distribute copyrighted ebook content. The app provides interfaces to connect with third-party book discovery and download services.
- Built-in Sources: The app ships with integrations to Apple Books (metadata and discovery), Open Library (metadata), and Project Gutenberg (free public domain ebook downloads). These provide only legally available and/or public domain content.
- User-Configured Addons: The addon system allows users to configure custom metadata providers and download sources. These are user-configured integrations, not provided, endorsed, verified, or monitored by Cinder.
We are not responsible for the content, availability, accuracy, quality, legality, or safety of materials obtained through any third-party services, whether built-in or user-configured.
6. Intellectual Property
6.1 Our Intellectual Property
The Cinder app, including its design, user interface, code, branding, logo, and all associated intellectual property, is owned by its creators and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, distribute, sell, or create derivative works based on the app without express written permission.
6.2 Your Content
You retain all ownership rights to the ebook files you import into Cinder. We do not claim any ownership or license to your personal content.
6.3 Copyright Infringement (DMCA / Safe Harbor)
We respect the intellectual property rights of others. Cinder does not host or distribute copyrighted content. If you believe that content accessible through a user-configured addon infringes your copyright, you should contact the operator of that third-party service directly.
For concerns specifically related to Cinder's built-in functionality, please contact us with the following information:
- A description of the copyrighted work you claim has been infringed
- A description of where the infringing material is located within the app
- Your contact information (name, address, email, phone number)
- A statement that you have a good faith belief the use is not authorized
- A statement under penalty of perjury that the above information is accurate and that you are the copyright owner or authorized to act on the owner's behalf
- Your physical or electronic signature
7. Disclaimer of Warranties
THE APP IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY, OR OTHERWISE. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, WE DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
- IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT
- WARRANTIES THAT THE APP WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, TIMELY, SECURE, OR ERROR-FREE
- WARRANTIES REGARDING THE ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, OR COMPLETENESS OF ANY CONTENT OR INFORMATION
- WARRANTIES THAT DEFECTS WILL BE CORRECTED
8. Limitation of Liability
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL CINDER OR ITS CREATORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, OR AFFILIATES BE LIABLE FOR ANY:
- INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES
- LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES
- DAMAGES RESULTING FROM YOUR USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE APP
- DAMAGES RESULTING FROM CONTENT OBTAINED THROUGH THE APP OR ANY THIRD-PARTY SERVICE
- DAMAGES RESULTING FROM UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS TO OR ALTERATION OF YOUR DATA
IN NO EVENT SHALL OUR TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID FOR THE APP IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM, OR FIFTY US DOLLARS ($50), WHICHEVER IS GREATER.
9. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Cinder and its creators, officers, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from or relating to:
- Your use of the app
- Your violation of these Terms
- Your violation of any applicable law or regulation
- Your configuration or use of third-party addons or download sources
- Content you download, import, or access through the app
- Any infringement of third-party intellectual property rights
10. Apple App Store Terms
If you downloaded Cinder from the Apple App Store, you also agree to the following:
- These Terms are between you and Cinder, not Apple. Apple has no obligation to furnish maintenance or support services for the app.
- In the event of any failure to conform to any applicable warranty, you may notify Apple for a refund of the purchase price (if any). Apple has no other warranty obligation with respect to the app.
- Apple is not responsible for addressing any claims by you or third parties relating to the app, including product liability claims, regulatory compliance, or intellectual property claims.
- Apple and its subsidiaries are third-party beneficiaries of these Terms. Upon your acceptance, Apple has the right to enforce these Terms against you as a third-party beneficiary.
11. Termination
We reserve the right to terminate or restrict access to online features at any time, for any reason, with or without notice. Your locally stored data, books, and settings will not be affected by any such termination. You may stop using the app at any time by uninstalling it.
12. Dispute Resolution
Any dispute arising from or relating to these Terms or your use of the app shall first be attempted to be resolved through informal negotiation. If a dispute cannot be resolved informally within thirty (30) days, any legal action shall be brought in the courts of the jurisdiction in which we operate, and you consent to the personal jurisdiction of such courts.
13. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
14. Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Cinder regarding the use of the app and supersede all prior agreements, understandings, and communications.
15. Changes to Terms
We may update these Terms of Service from time to time. Material changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. Your continued use of the app after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms. If you do not agree to the updated Terms, you must stop using the app.
16. Contact
If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us.