Terms of service.

These Terms of Service (the "Terms") govern your access to and use of AE Studio (the "Service"), operated by AE Studio, Inc. ("AE Studio", "we", "us"). By creating an account, posting a brief, or accepting an engagement, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

If you do not agree, do not use the Service.

AE Studio is currently operating in its Founding Studio phase. Some marketplace features described on the Service (multi-talent matching, automated scam-detection, in-platform messaging, dispute system) are aspirational architecture and are being progressively delivered. During Phase 1, briefs are answered personally by the founder.

We will not represent the Service as a fully operational marketplace until the corresponding mechanics are live. The /trust page describes the operational state at any given time.

You must be at least 18 years old and able to form a binding contract under the laws of your jurisdiction. By agreeing to these Terms, you represent that you meet these requirements.

If a buyer is scammed on AE Studio — defined as receiving no usable deliverable, or receiving a deliverable obtained fraudulently, with the engagement having been transacted via the Service — AE Studio will refund 100% of the project value paid through the Service. Trust Promise claims must be filed within 30 days of project completion or scheduled completion. AE Studio retains sole discretion to verify scam claims and pursue recovery from the offending party.

The Trust Promise covers transactions completed via AE Studio's escrow facility. It does not cover transactions taken off-platform — which are themselves a violation of these Terms.

You agree not to solicit, accept, or pay for services outside the Service while engaging counterparts you met through the Service, for the duration of the engagement plus 12 months. Off-platform solicitation is grounds for permanent removal and forfeits Trust Promise coverage.

During Phase 1, fees may be discounted or waived at AE Studio's discretion. Standard fees as published on /pricing apply once the marketplace is fully operational. Fees are deducted from talent payouts; buyer fees are added at checkout. Subscription plans are billed monthly in advance and cancellable any time at the end of the current billing period.

Talent retains all intellectual property in their work until full payment is received via the Service. Upon full payment and milestone approval, IP transfers to the buyer per the engagement agreement, unless otherwise specified in a custom statement of work.

Talent grants AE Studio a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to display delivered work in AE Studio's portfolio surfaces — unless the talent and buyer mutually opt out in writing.

You agree not to: (a) impersonate any person or entity; (b) submit deliverables that infringe third-party rights; (c) use the Service for unlawful purposes; (d) attempt to defeat the Service's trust mechanisms (scam-shield, escrow, ID verification); (e) post content that is defamatory, obscene, or harassing; (f) use the Service for chargeback abuse, money-laundering, or sanctions evasion.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, AE Studio's aggregate liability arising from or related to the Service is limited to the greater of (a) fees paid by you to AE Studio in the 12 months preceding the claim, or (b) the amount payable under the Trust Promise for the relevant engagement. AE Studio is not liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages.

These Terms are governed by the laws of the jurisdiction in which AE Studio is incorporated. Any dispute will be resolved in the courts of that jurisdiction, except where applicable consumer-protection law affords a different forum.

We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be communicated via email and published on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the Service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance.

Questions about these Terms? Email hello@aussieengineers.com. We reply within two business days.