Table of Contents
- Introduction & Acceptance
- Definitions
- Eligibility & Account Registration
- Supplemental Terms Framework
- User-Generated Content
- Self-Service Business & Professional Content
- Prohibited Content & Conduct
- Review Guidelines & Authenticity
- Professional Profile Attribution & Portable Reputation
- Content Moderation, AI Disclosure & Enforcement
- Provider & Professional Responses
- Intellectual Property & Derived Data
- Third-Party Links & Services
- Platform Role & Intermediary Disclaimers
- Disclaimers & Limitations of Liability
- Indemnification
- Dispute Resolution
- Termination & Suspension
- Privacy & Data Protection
- Changes to Terms
- General Provisions
- Contact Information
1. Introduction & Acceptance
1.1 Agreement to Terms
Welcome to VerSquare ("Platform," "we," "us," or "our"). VerSquare provides an online platform for small business mergers and acquisitions ("M&A"), offering reviews, ratings, data, research, educational content, and related services to connect buyers, sellers, and the professionals who serve them - including SBA lenders, business brokers, attorneys, due diligence firms, and other acquisition service providers.
These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("you," "your," or "User") and Search Assistant, Inc., a Delaware corporation doing business as VerSquare, located at 6595 Roswell Road Suite G #5313, Atlanta, GA 30328.
By accessing, browsing, or using the VerSquare Platform (including our website, mobile applications, and related services), you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy, incorporated herein by reference.
1.2 Acceptance Mechanisms
You accept these Terms by:
- Creating a VerSquare account
- Accessing or browsing the Platform
- Posting reviews, ratings, or other content
- Claiming a business or professional profile
- Purchasing a subscription or any paid service
- Using any Platform features or services
If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use the Platform.
1.3 Modifications to Terms
We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify you of material changes by:
- Email to the address associated with your account (at least 30 days before material changes take effect)
- Platform banner or notification
- Update to the "Last Updated" date above
Your continued use of the Platform after the effective date of modified Terms constitutes acceptance. If you do not agree to modified Terms, you must stop using the Platform and may terminate your account per Section 18.
For material changes to supplemental terms (including Subscription Terms), we will provide notice as required by applicable law, including California Business and Professions Code Sections 17600-17606 and the FTC's Click-to-Cancel Rule.
2. Definitions
For purposes of these Terms:
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"Account" means your registered user profile on the Platform.
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"Account Holder" or "Registered User" means any person who has created an Account.
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"Authorized User" means an individual who has been granted access to a Business Account or Professional Account by the Account Holder who claimed that account. Authorized Users may perform actions on behalf of the business or professional within the permissions granted to them, but the claiming Account Holder remains responsible for all activity conducted through the account by Authorized Users.
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"Business Account" means an Account that has been upgraded by claiming and verifying a business listing on the Platform. Business Accounts are subject to the Business Account Terms in addition to these Terms.
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"Business Content" means content submitted by a Business Account holder in the course of managing their business listing, including but not limited to business descriptions, service lists, photos, logos, and other profile information.
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"Content" means any text, reviews, ratings, photos, videos, comments, messages, or other materials you submit, post, or display on the Platform. Content includes User Content, Business Content, and Professional Content.
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"Derived Data" means any analyses, transformations, aggregations, compilations, metadata, scores, ratings, rankings, categorizations, insights, indices, algorithms, normalizations, or other derivative or processed data that VerSquare creates from User Content, Business Content, Professional Content, or Platform Activity Data. Derived Data is the sole and exclusive property of VerSquare.
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"Professional Account" means an Account that has been upgraded by claiming and verifying an individual professional profile on the Platform. Professional Accounts are subject to the Professional Account Terms in addition to these Terms.
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"Professional Content" means content submitted by a Professional Account holder in the course of managing their individual professional profile, including but not limited to biographical information, credentials, certifications, and professional history.
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"Professional" means an individual whose professional profile appears on the Platform, whether or not they have claimed a Professional Account. Unclaimed professional profiles exist at VerSquare's editorial discretion.
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"Provider" means a business entity with a listing on the Platform, including but not limited to SBA lenders, business brokers, attorneys, due diligence firms, and other acquisition service providers, whether or not they have claimed a Business Account. Unclaimed business listings exist at VerSquare's editorial discretion.
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"Review" means user-generated feedback, ratings, and commentary about Providers or Professionals.
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"Services" means all features, tools, functionality, content, data products, and related offerings provided through the Platform, including reviews, ratings, provider and professional profiles, educational content, research, data analytics, buyer verification, and referral services.
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"Subscriber" means any Account Holder who has purchased a paid subscription or service through the Platform. Subscribers are subject to the Subscription Terms in addition to these Terms.
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"Supplemental Terms" means the additional terms that apply to specific account types or features, including Business Account Terms, Professional Account Terms, Subscription Terms, Credential Terms, and Referral Program Terms.
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"User" means any person who accesses or uses the Platform, whether or not they have an Account.
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"User Content" means Content submitted by Users in their capacity as general platform users, including Reviews, comments, and discussion posts.
3. Eligibility & Account Registration
3.1 Age Requirement
You must be at least 18 years of age to create an Account or use the Platform. By using the Platform, you represent and warrant that you meet this age requirement.
3.2 Account Creation
To post Reviews or access certain features, you must create an Account using a sign-in method supported by the Platform, which may include third-party authentication services (such as LinkedIn) or direct email and password registration.
By creating an Account through a third-party authentication service, you authorize us to access and use the information provided by that service (such as your name, email address, and profile information) in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
3.3 Account Responsibilities
You agree to:
- Provide accurate, current, and complete information
- Maintain the security of your Account, including any linked authentication credentials
- Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access or security breach
- Accept responsibility for all activities conducted through your Account
- Maintain only one Account per person
- Update your information promptly if it changes
3.4 Account Restrictions
You may not:
- Create Accounts using false or misleading information
- Create multiple Accounts (one Account per person strictly enforced)
- Share your Account credentials with others
- Use another person's Account without permission
- Use automated means to create Accounts
3.5 Business and Professional Account Claiming
An Account Holder may claim one or more business listings (each creating a Business Account association) and one individual professional profile (creating a Professional Account). Each claim is subject to:
- Verification of your authority to represent the business or your identity as the named professional
- Acceptance of the applicable Supplemental Terms (Business Account Terms or Professional Account Terms), if not previously accepted
- Compliance with our verification process, which may include email domain verification, documentation review, or manual review
A single Account may be associated with multiple Business Accounts and one Professional Account. You are responsible for all activity conducted through each claimed listing. The Supplemental Terms for each account type need only be accepted once and apply to all listings of that type.
3.6 Business Entity Verification
If you claim a Business Account, you represent and warrant that:
- You are authorized to act on behalf of the business
- The business is a legally operating entity
- Information you provide about the business is accurate and current
- You will update business information within 7 days of any material changes (license status, business address, services offered, etc.)
3.7 Reviews, Peer Feedback, and Conflict of Interest
Reviews are intended to reflect the client experience. Reviews should be left by individuals who engaged a Provider or Professional as a client - for example, a buyer reviewing the broker who represented them in an acquisition, or a borrower reviewing the lender who processed their loan. Reviews are not the appropriate channel for feedback from professionals who collaborated with, partnered alongside, or worked opposite another professional on a transaction.
Professional peer feedback - such as a broker's assessment of a lender they co-closed a deal with, or an attorney's assessment of opposing counsel - may be submitted through designated platform features when available. Peer feedback submitted as a Review may be reclassified or removed.
Conflict of interest disclosure. If you maintain a Business Account or Professional Account and post Reviews, you must disclose any material conflict of interest, including but not limited to:
- Reviewing a competitor
- Reviewing a former employer or employee
- Reviewing a business partner or affiliate
- Any financial, referral, or contractual relationship with the reviewed Provider or Professional
Failure to disclose material conflicts of interest may result in Review removal and Account suspension.
4. Supplemental Terms Framework
4.1 Structure
These Terms serve as the base agreement governing all use of the Platform. Certain features and account types are subject to additional Supplemental Terms:
| Supplemental Document | Applies When |
|---|---|
| Business Account Terms | You claim and verify a business listing |
| Professional Account Terms | You claim and verify an individual professional profile |
| Subscription Terms | You purchase a paid subscription or start a free trial |
| Credential Terms | You purchase buyer verification services |
| Referral Program Terms | You enroll in the referral program |
4.2 Acceptance
Each set of Supplemental Terms is presented and accepted at the point of role activation or feature enrollment. Acceptance is via clickwrap (checkbox + affirmative click).
4.3 Precedence
If there is any conflict between these Terms and any Supplemental Terms, the Supplemental Terms will control with respect to the subject matter of that conflict. If there is any conflict between Supplemental Terms and the terms of a specific purchased product or service, the product or service terms will control.
4.4 Incorporated Policies
The following policies are incorporated into these Terms by reference:
- Privacy Policy
- Platform Guidelines
- Review Guidelines
- Provider Guidelines
- Cookie Policy
5. User-Generated Content
5.1 Content Ownership
You retain ownership of all User Content you post on the Platform. However, by submitting User Content, you grant VerSquare certain rights as described below.
5.2 License Grant for User Content
By posting User Content on the Platform, you grant VerSquare a nonexclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, worldwide, fully sublicensable, and transferable license to:
- Use, reproduce, modify, adapt, translate, and create derivative works from your User Content
- Distribute, display, publish, and perform your User Content
- Incorporate your User Content into other works in any format or medium
- Sublicense these rights to third parties, including but not limited to search engines, API partners, syndication partners, and marketing partners
This license includes the right to use your User Content for purposes including but not limited to:
- Platform operation and display
- Marketing and promotional activities
- Analytics and research
- Creating Derived Data (ratings, scores, rankings, compilations)
- Training machine learning models for content moderation, fraud detection, and platform quality improvement (internal use only)
This license survives termination of your Account for User Content published while your Account was active.
5.3 Content Representations & Warranties
By posting User Content, you represent and warrant that:
- You own or have necessary rights to the Content
- Your Content does not violate any third-party rights (intellectual property, privacy, publicity, etc.)
- Your Content complies with all applicable laws and regulations
- Your Content does not violate these Terms or any applicable Supplemental Terms
- You have obtained all necessary permissions for any persons depicted in photos or videos
- Your Content is not AI-generated (except for language translation assistance)
5.4 No Compensation
You acknowledge and agree that you will receive no compensation, royalty, or payment for our use of your User Content under the license granted above.
5.5 Consumer Review Fairness Act Notice
Pursuant to the Consumer Review Fairness Act (15 U.S.C. 45b), no business may include provisions in its contracts with consumers that prohibit or restrict the consumer's ability to post honest reviews. Any such provision is void and unenforceable. If you believe a Provider has attempted to restrict your right to post an honest review on VerSquare, please report it to us at support@versquare.com.
6. Self-Service Business & Professional Content
6.1 Business Content
Business Account holders may submit and edit Business Content to manage their business listing on the Platform. The license you grant VerSquare for Business Content is described in the Business Account Terms. In the absence of accepted Business Account Terms, by submitting Business Content you grant VerSquare a nonexclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, reproduce, and distribute that content on and through the Platform for as long as your listing remains active.
Business Content is subject to our content moderation process (see Section 10), which may include automated review using artificial intelligence.
6.2 Professional Content
Professional Account holders may submit and edit Professional Content to manage their individual professional profile on the Platform. The license you grant VerSquare for Professional Content is described in the Professional Account Terms. In the absence of accepted Professional Account Terms, by submitting Professional Content you grant VerSquare a nonexclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, reproduce, and distribute that content on and through the Platform for as long as your profile remains active.
6.3 Accuracy Warranty for Business and Professional Content
By submitting Business Content or Professional Content, you represent and warrant that:
- All information is accurate, current, and not misleading
- You will update information within 7 days of any material change
- Any credentials, licenses, certifications, or professional designations you claim are currently valid
- You have the right to use any logos, photos, or other creative assets you submit
You acknowledge that VerSquare may, but is not obligated to, verify any information you submit.
6.4 Creative Assets (Logos, Photos)
You retain ownership of any logos, photos, and other creative assets you submit as part of Business Content or Professional Content. You may request removal of creative assets by contacting support@versquare.com after account closure or subscription cancellation.
Factual business information (name, address, services, license numbers) is not subject to removal requests and may remain on the Platform as part of VerSquare's editorial content.
6.5 Content Retention on Subscription Changes
If your paid subscription lapses or is cancelled:
- Factual business or professional information remains on the Platform
- Enhanced features and premium content placements revert to free-tier defaults
- Creative assets (logos, custom photos) remain displayed unless you request removal
- Reviews of your business or professional profile remain on the Platform and are not affected by your subscription status
Detailed terms governing subscription cancellation effects are in the Subscription Terms.
7. Prohibited Content & Conduct
You agree not to post Content or engage in conduct that:
7.1 Fraudulent or Deceptive Content
- Contains false, misleading, or fraudulent information
- Is not based on your genuine, first-hand experience (for Reviews)
- Is posted in exchange for compensation, discounts, refunds, incentives, or any form of benefit
- Is generated by artificial intelligence or automated means (for Reviews and comments)
- Plagiarizes or copies content from other sources
- Represents experiences of third parties rather than your own
- Is posted on behalf of others or at another's request (except honest recommendations)
7.2 Harmful Content
- Threatens, harasses, bullies, or intimidates any person
- Contains hate speech or discriminates based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics
- Promotes violence or illegal activities
- Contains obscene, pornographic, or sexually explicit content
- Exploits, harms, or attempts to exploit or harm minors
7.3 Privacy Violations
- Discloses personal information of others without consent (names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, etc.)
- Posts photos or videos of others without their permission
- Violates anyone's privacy or publicity rights
- Exception: Information that is already publicly available in professional or business contexts may be referenced
7.4 Defamatory Content
- Contains false statements of fact that harm someone's reputation
- Makes unsubstantiated accusations of criminal conduct
- Maliciously misrepresents verifiable facts about Providers or Professionals
7.5 Promotional & Commercial Content
- Promotes your own business, products, or services (except within your own Business or Professional Content)
- Contains advertising, marketing, or promotional material in Reviews or comments
- Includes affiliate links, referral codes (other than VerSquare referral links), or promotional discounts
- Solicits business or customers through Reviews or comments
7.6 Off-Topic Content
- Is unrelated to the Provider or Professional being reviewed
- Reviews the wrong Provider or Professional
- Discusses matters unrelated to the service experience
7.7 Platform Integrity Violations
- Attempts to manipulate ratings, rankings, or search results
- Engages in "review bombing" or coordinated negative campaigns
- Posts duplicate Reviews of the same Provider or Professional
- Attempts to circumvent our content moderation systems, including AI-powered systems
- Scrapes, data mines, or harvests Content from the Platform without written authorization
- Uses Platform Content to train AI or machine learning models without written authorization
- Reverse engineers, decompiles, or disassembles any Platform software or systems
- Introduces viruses, malware, or other malicious code
- Attempts to gain unauthorized access to any Platform systems
- Abuses the inquiry or lead generation features (submitting fake inquiries, using inquiries for competitive intelligence)
- Abuses the referral program (self-referral, fake accounts, or other gaming)
7.8 Anti-Discrimination
You may not use the Platform to discriminate against any individual or class of individuals protected under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws, including but not limited to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.
7.9 Intellectual Property Violations
- Infringes copyrights, trademarks, patents, or other intellectual property rights
- Uses copyrighted images, text, or other content without permission
- Misuses Provider or Professional logos, trademarks, or branding
7.10 Abuse of Platform Features
- Abuses the flagging or reporting system (malicious or false reports)
- Engages in mass flagging campaigns
- Attempts to manipulate our moderation systems
- Uses the Platform to harass Providers, Professionals, or other Users
8. Review Guidelines & Authenticity
8.1 First-Hand Experience Requirement
All Reviews must be based on your genuine, first-hand experience as a client of the Provider or Professional. You must:
- Have actually engaged or attempted to engage the Provider's or Professional's services as a client, customer, or applicant
- Describe your own client experience, not hearsay, third-party accounts, or professional peer interactions
- Base your Review on actual service engagements
Reviews based on professional collaborations (such as co-closing a transaction with another provider) rather than client engagements are not permitted and may be removed. See Section 3.7 for the distinction between client reviews and professional peer feedback.
8.2 Recency Requirement
Reviews should reflect recent experiences, generally within the past 36 months (3 years). We may label or deprioritize Reviews based on older experiences at our discretion. Review scoring applies time decay based on the date of engagement and the date of review to ensure the most current information receives the greatest weight.
8.3 Factual Accuracy
Your Reviews should be factual and accurate to the best of your knowledge. You should:
- Clearly distinguish between facts and opinions
- Provide specific details about your experience
- Avoid exaggeration or hyperbole
- Update your Review if circumstances change materially
8.4 Professional Tone
While we encourage honest feedback including negative experiences, Reviews should:
- Maintain a professional and respectful tone
- Focus on the service experience rather than personal attacks
- Not include threats or intimidation
8.5 Prohibition on Incentivized Reviews
You must never post Reviews in exchange for payment, compensation, discounts, refunds, free products or services, entry into contests, preferential treatment, or any other form of incentive or benefit. This prohibition applies regardless of whether the Review is positive or negative.
8.6 No Review Gating
Providers and Professionals may not engage in "review gating" - selectively soliciting only positive Reviews or filtering out users with negative experiences before they reach the review form. If you become aware of such practices, please report them to support@versquare.com.
8.7 Disclosure Requirements
If you have any of the following relationships with a Provider or Professional, you must disclose it in your Review:
- Current or former employee or colleague
- Business partner or affiliate
- Competitor
- Family member of owner, employee, or the named Professional
- Financial interest in the company
- Any other material connection
8.8 Review Verification
We may request verification of your experience with a Provider or Professional, including email confirmation, documentation of transactions, Provider/Professional confirmation, or other reasonable verification methods.
Unverified Reviews may be labeled as such or given different weight in aggregate calculations.
8.9 Review Updates and One-Review Policy
You may update or edit your Review at any time. Your most recent version will count toward the Provider's or Professional's rating. You may post only one Review per Provider and one Review per Professional per employment period.
9. Professional Profile Attribution & Portable Reputation
9.1 Dual Review Attribution
Reviews on VerSquare may be attributed to both a Provider (the business entity) and a Professional (the individual). When you leave a Review, you may be asked to identify both the company and the individual professional you worked with.
Attribution to a Professional is based on information you provide. VerSquare does not independently verify that the named Professional was involved in your specific transaction.
9.2 Portable Reputation
When a Professional changes employers, Reviews attributed to that Professional remain associated with their individual Professional profile. Aggregate scores attributed to the individual's personal performance travel with the Professional. Scores attributed to institutional factors remain with the Provider.
9.3 Attribution Dispute Process
If you are a Professional and believe a Review has been incorrectly attributed to you, you may submit an attribution dispute. The dispute process includes:
- Submission of a dispute via your Professional Account dashboard or by contacting support@versquare.com
- Temporary suppression of the disputed attribution pending investigation
- Investigation, which may include contacting the reviewer for transaction evidence
- Resolution, typically within 20 business days
Decisions on attribution disputes are final.
9.4 Professional Right-of-Response
Every Professional identified in a Review has the right to post one public response per Review, subject to our response guidelines (Section 11). This right exists regardless of whether the Professional has claimed a Professional Account. Professionals without a claimed account may contact us to submit a response.
9.5 Anti-Retaliation
Retaliation against a reviewer by a Professional or their employer is strictly prohibited. Retaliation includes but is not limited to:
- Denial of service or increased pricing
- Threatening communications (legal or otherwise)
- Doxing or publicizing reviewer identity
- Coordinated efforts to discredit the reviewer
- Including non-disparagement clauses in client contracts that restrict reviews on VerSquare
Retaliation is grounds for immediate account termination and may result in a public notice on the Provider's or Professional's profile.
9.6 Minimum Display Thresholds
Individual aggregate scores for Professionals are displayed only when a minimum number of Reviews have been received, as determined by VerSquare. This threshold is set to protect against statistical insignificance and potential gaming.
10. Content Moderation, AI Disclosure & Enforcement
10.1 Moderation Authority
VerSquare reserves the right, but has no obligation, to:
- Monitor, review, or moderate any Content
- Remove, modify, or refuse to publish any Content
- Investigate suspected violations of these Terms
- Take enforcement action against violating Accounts
- Cooperate with law enforcement
Our decision to moderate or not moderate Content does not imply endorsement, validation, or liability for any Content.
10.2 AI-Powered Content Moderation (Transparency Disclosure)
VerSquare uses automated systems, including artificial intelligence, to assist in reviewing Content submitted to the Platform. These systems may:
- Auto-approve Content that meets our content guidelines
- Flag Content for human review when our systems detect potential guideline violations
- Recommend rejection of Content that our systems determine violates our content guidelines
Important: All automated content moderation decisions may be appealed and will be reviewed by a human moderator upon appeal. Permanent content removal and account termination decisions involve human review. When Content is rejected or removed as a result of automated review, the notification you receive will indicate that automated systems were involved in the decision.
VerSquare's AI moderation systems are designed to enforce our published content guidelines. They do not make lending decisions, credit decisions, or financial recommendations.
10.3 Moderation Process
We employ a hybrid moderation approach combining automated systems (AI-powered screening, pattern recognition, automated flagging) and human review (review team evaluation, investigation of suspicious patterns, complex case adjudication).
10.4 Flagging System
Users may flag Content for: fake or fraudulent reviews, harmful or illegal content, privacy violations, promotional or spam content, wrong Provider/Professional attribution, defamatory content, or other Terms violations.
Flags will not be honored for: disagreement with Review sentiment, negative feedback alone, or low ratings alone.
We strive to review flagged Content within:
- 24-48 hours for high-priority issues (harmful content, privacy violations, illegal activity)
- 5-7 business days for standard flags
10.5 Graduated Enforcement
We generally follow a graduated enforcement approach:
- First violation: Warning and education; Content removal if applicable
- Second violation: Temporary Account suspension (7-30 days); Content removal
- Third violation or severe single violation: Permanent Account termination; loss of all posted Content; potential legal action for illegal activity, fraud, or severe abuse
Severe violations (fraud, illegal activity, severe harassment, credential falsification) may result in immediate permanent termination without prior warning.
10.6 Appeals Process
If your Content is removed or your Account is suspended or terminated, you may appeal by emailing support@versquare.com within 30 days. Your appeal should include your Account information, an explanation of why you believe the decision was incorrect, and any supporting evidence.
We will review appeals and respond within 10-14 business days. If your Content was removed or your Account was actioned based on an automated system's recommendation, your appeal will be reviewed by a human moderator.
Our decision on appeals is final.
10.7 Preservation of Content
We may preserve removed Content in its original form with necessary redactions for legal compliance, fraud prevention and investigation, dispute resolution, and evidence in legal proceedings. Preserved Content is not publicly visible but may be retained in our systems.
11. Provider & Professional Responses
11.1 Response Rights
Providers may post one public response per Review through their Business Account. Professionals may post one public response per Review through their Professional Account.
11.2 Response Guidelines
Responses must:
- Address the substance of the Review professionally
- Comply with all provisions of Section 7 (Prohibited Content)
- Not contain promotional or marketing content
- Not offer incentives or compensation to the reviewer
- Not request Review removal or modification
- Not include personal information of the reviewer or others
- Not threaten or harass the reviewer (including threats of legal action)
- Maintain a professional and constructive tone
11.3 No Review Removal Requests
Providers and Professionals may not use responses to request Review removal, offer incentives for Review changes, threaten legal action, or identify the reviewer. To contest a Review, use the flagging system (Section 10.4) or the attribution dispute process (Section 9.3).
12. Intellectual Property & Derived Data
12.1 Platform Ownership
VerSquare owns all intellectual property rights in the Platform, including but not limited to:
- Website design, layout, and user interface
- Software, code, algorithms, and systems
- VerSquare trademarks, logos, and branding
- Rating calculation methodologies and algorithms
- Content moderation systems and AI models
- Platform Activity Data (aggregate usage patterns and analytics)
12.2 Derived Data Ownership
VerSquare owns all Derived Data, including but not limited to:
- Rating scores, aggregate ratings, and ranking data
- Provider and Professional quality scores
- Comparative analyses and market indices
- Statistical compilations and trend data
- Any other analyses, transformations, or processed data created from Content or platform activity
Derived Data is the sole and exclusive property of VerSquare regardless of the source data from which it was derived. Users, Providers, and Professionals have no ownership interest in Derived Data.
12.3 Trademark Usage
You may not use VerSquare trademarks, logos, or branding without our prior written permission, except for factual references to the Platform and nominative fair use as permitted by law.
12.4 Provider and Professional Trademark Usage
Reviews may reference Provider and Professional names, trademarks, and branding for purposes of identification and commentary. This use constitutes nominative fair use.
Providers and Professionals may not reproduce VerSquare reviews, ratings, or profile information on third-party sites without written authorization.
12.5 DMCA Compliance
If you believe Content on the Platform infringes your copyright, please send a DMCA takedown notice to our Copyright Agent at:
VerSquare Copyright Agent
Search Assistant, Inc.
6595 Roswell Road Suite G #5313
Atlanta, GA 30328
Email: legal@versquare.com
Your notice must include:
- Identification of the copyrighted work
- Identification of the infringing material and its location on the Platform
- Your contact information
- A statement of good faith belief that the use is not authorized
- A statement that the information is accurate and you are authorized to act
- Your physical or electronic signature
Counter-notifications may be sent to the same address. We will terminate Accounts of repeat copyright infringers in accordance with the DMCA.
13. Third-Party Links & Services
13.1 Third-Party Links
The Platform may contain links to third-party websites, services, or resources. These links are provided for convenience only. We do not control, endorse, or guarantee the accuracy, safety, or legality of third-party sites. Your use of third-party sites is at your own risk and subject to their terms and privacy policies.
13.2 Third-Party Service Providers
The Platform uses third-party service providers for certain functionality:
- Payment processing is provided by Stripe, Inc. Your use of payment features is subject to Stripe's terms of service and privacy policy.
- Financial verification (if applicable) may use Plaid Inc. to connect to your financial accounts. Your use of Plaid-powered features is subject to Plaid's end user privacy policy (available at plaid.com/legal). See the Credential Terms for additional details.
- Referral program features may be powered by third-party services. See the Referral Program Terms for additional details.
VerSquare is not responsible for the acts or omissions of any third-party service provider.
13.3 Provider and Professional Services
Any services, products, or transactions you obtain from Providers or Professionals are governed by their own terms and conditions. We are not a party to and have no liability for any such services, transactions, or outcomes. See Section 14 for additional disclaimers.
14. Platform Role & Intermediary Disclaimers
14.1 Platform Role
VerSquare operates as an information platform. VerSquare is NOT:
- A lender, broker, financial advisor, or financial services provider
- A party to any transactions between Users and Providers or Professionals
- An agent or representative of any Provider or Professional
- A guarantor of any Provider's or Professional's services, qualifications, or performance
- A creditor, and does not take credit applications, originate loans, service loans, make credit decisions, or issue commitments
14.2 No Guarantee of Match or Response
If the Platform facilitates introductions or inquiries between Users and Providers or Professionals:
- Submission of an inquiry does not guarantee a Provider or Professional response
- Providers and Professionals are not obligated to respond to inquiries
- VerSquare does not guarantee the suitability of any Provider or Professional for your needs
- VerSquare does not guarantee any particular outcome from any introduction
14.3 User Verification Responsibility
You are solely responsible for:
- Independently verifying Provider and Professional credentials and qualifications
- Researching background and reputation through independent sources
- Reviewing licenses, registrations, and compliance status
- Evaluating suitability for your needs
- Negotiating terms and conditions directly with Providers and Professionals
- All decisions to engage or transact with Providers or Professionals
We provide tools and links to assist your research (SBA registry, state registries, complaint databases), but you must conduct your own due diligence.
14.4 No Financial, Legal, or Professional Advice
VerSquare does not provide legal, financial, lending, tax, or accounting advice. Nothing on the Platform constitutes professional advice or creates any professional relationship. Provider and Professional ratings are not recommendations. Buyer credentials are not pre-approvals, pre-qualifications, or endorsements. Platform data is not financial, legal, or investment advice.
You should consult qualified professionals for advice specific to your circumstances.
14.5 Sponsored Content Disclosure
Certain Provider or Professional profiles may be displayed with enhanced visibility, premium placement, or featured status based on paid subscriptions. Such sponsored placements receive labels such as "Sponsored", "Partner", or "Featured." Paid subscriptions do not influence review scores, ratings, or the content of reviews.
15. Disclaimers & Limitations of Liability
15.1 Service "As Is"
THE PLATFORM AND ALL SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, WE DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, RELIABILITY, AND UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE OPERATION.
15.2 No Guarantee of Accuracy
We do not guarantee:
- The accuracy, completeness, or currency of any Content, including Reviews, Provider information, and Professional information
- That Provider or Professional information is up-to-date or correct
- That Reviews reflect current performance
- That our verification processes are foolproof or comprehensive
- That our content moderation systems (including AI-powered systems) identify all policy-violating Content
- That employment attributions or professional affiliations displayed on the Platform are current or accurate
15.3 No Guarantee of Availability
We do not guarantee continuous, uninterrupted Platform availability, error-free operation, that defects will be corrected, that the Platform is free from viruses or harmful components, or that your Content will be permanently stored or backed up.
15.4 User-Generated Content Disclaimer
We are not responsible for and do not endorse user-generated Reviews, ratings, comments, or other User Content. Reviews reflect individual user experiences and opinions only. They do not represent our views or endorsements.
15.5 Section 230 Safe Harbor
For U.S. Users: Under 47 U.S.C. 230(c), VerSquare is not the publisher or speaker of User Content posted by third parties. We may review, moderate, edit formatting of, or remove Content in good faith without incurring liability for Content we choose to leave up or take down.
15.6 Limitation of Liability
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, VERSQUARE'S TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIMS ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO THE PLATFORM OR THESE TERMS IS LIMITED TO THE GREATER OF:
- $500 USD, OR
- THE AMOUNT YOU PAID TO VERSQUARE IN THE 12 MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM (if any)
THIS LIMITATION APPLIES TO ALL CAUSES OF ACTION IN THE AGGREGATE, INCLUDING BREACH OF CONTRACT, BREACH OF WARRANTY, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, MISREPRESENTATION, AND ANY OTHER TORTS OR CLAIMS.
15.7 Exclusion of Consequential Damages
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, WE ARE NOT LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOSS OF PROFITS, REVENUE, DATA, OR USE, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, REPUTATIONAL HARM, OR COST OF SUBSTITUTE SERVICES. THIS EXCLUSION APPLIES EVEN IF WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
15.8 Force Majeure
We are not liable for any delay or failure to perform due to causes beyond our reasonable control, including acts of God, war, terrorism, government actions, internet or telecommunications failures, labor disputes, cyberattacks, or epidemics.
15.9 Jurisdictional Limitations
Some jurisdictions do not allow certain warranty disclaimers or liability limitations. In such jurisdictions, the above limitations apply to the fullest extent permitted by law.
16. Indemnification
16.1 User Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless VerSquare, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, licensors, and service providers from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, expenses, or fees (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:
- Your use or misuse of the Platform
- Your violation of these Terms or any Supplemental Terms
- Your violation of any law or regulation
- Your Content, including any claims that your Content infringes or violates third-party rights
- Your interactions with Providers, Professionals, or other Users
- Any fraudulent, illegal, or abusive conduct by you
- Inaccuracy of any Business Content or Professional Content you submit, including misrepresented credentials, licenses, or professional qualifications
16.2 Defense and Settlement
We reserve the right to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter subject to indemnification by you. You may not settle any claim subject to indemnification without our prior written consent.
17. Dispute Resolution
17.1 Governing Law
These Terms and any disputes arising out of or relating to these Terms, the Platform, or your use of our Services shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.
17.2 Exclusive Jurisdiction and Venue
You agree that any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms, the Platform, any Supplemental Terms, or your use of our Services shall be resolved exclusively in the courts located in Fulton County, Georgia, or the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division.
You irrevocably:
- Submit to the exclusive personal jurisdiction of these courts for the purpose of litigating any such dispute
- Waive any objection to the laying of venue in such courts
- Waive any claim that such courts are an inconvenient forum
17.3 CLASS ACTION WAIVER
YOU AND VERSQUARE AGREE THAT ANY DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEEDINGS WILL BE CONDUCTED ONLY ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS AND NOT AS A CLASS, CONSOLIDATED, OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION.
You agree to waive any right to participate in a class action, private attorney general action, or consolidated or representative proceeding against VerSquare. Each party may bring claims against the other only in its individual capacity, and not as a plaintiff or class member in any purported class or representative proceeding.
If any court determines that the class action waiver set forth in this section is void or unenforceable for any reason, or that a proceeding may proceed on a class basis, then the parties agree that they will not be entitled to seek any disputes on a class basis and shall instead resolve any such disputes in their individual capacities.
17.4 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, YOU AND VERSQUARE EACH WAIVE THE RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL IN ANY PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS, THE PLATFORM, OR YOUR USE OF OUR SERVICES.
This waiver applies to all claims, whether based in contract, tort, statute, or any other legal theory.
17.5 Limitation on Time to File Claims
Any cause of action or claim you may have arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Platform must be commenced within one (1) year after the cause of action accrues. Otherwise, such cause of action or claim is permanently barred.
17.6 Informal Resolution
Before initiating any litigation, you agree to first contact us at legal@versquare.com to attempt to resolve the dispute informally. Provide:
- Your name and contact information
- Description of the dispute
- Your desired resolution
We will respond within 30 days. If the dispute is not resolved within 60 days, either party may proceed with formal litigation in accordance with Section 17.2.
17.7 Equitable Relief
Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may seek temporary or preliminary injunctive relief in any court of competent jurisdiction to preserve the status quo or prevent irreparable harm, without first engaging in the informal resolution process.
17.8 Attorneys' Fees
In any litigation arising out of or relating to these Terms, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys' fees and costs from the non-prevailing party, in addition to any other relief to which such prevailing party may be entitled.
17.9 Public Interest in User Reviews
User Reviews on the Platform contribute to public discourse about the quality and integrity of financial service providers serving small business owners in the acquisition marketplace. The parties acknowledge that such Reviews address matters of public concern within the meaning of applicable state laws, including Georgia's anti-SLAPP statute (O.C.G.A. 9-11-11.1).
18. Termination & Suspension
18.1 Termination by You
You may terminate your Account at any time by:
- Contacting us at support@versquare.com
Upon voluntary termination:
- Your access to the Platform will be revoked
- Your Account information will be deleted per our Privacy Policy
- Your published Reviews may remain visible (pseudonymized) per Section 5.2
- If you hold a paid subscription, cancellation is governed by the Subscription Terms
18.2 Termination by VerSquare
We may suspend or terminate your Account at any time, with or without notice, for:
- Violation of these Terms or any Supplemental Terms
- Fraudulent, illegal, or abusive conduct
- Posting fake or incentivized Reviews
- Falsifying credentials, licenses, or professional qualifications
- Repeated policy violations
- Abuse of Platform features or systems
- Any conduct we deem harmful to the Platform, Users, Providers, Professionals, or VerSquare
- Any reason or no reason, at our sole discretion
18.3 Effect of Termination
Upon termination:
- All licenses and rights granted to you terminate immediately
- You must cease all use of the Platform
- We may delete your Content or retain it as described in Section 10.7
- Published Reviews may be retained (anonymized or pseudonymized) in accordance with the license granted in Section 5.2
- Derived Data based on your Content remains the property of VerSquare and is not deleted
- Provisions that by their nature should survive (including Sections 5.2, 9, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18.3, and 21) will survive termination
18.4 Subscription Cancellation vs. Account Termination
Subscription cancellation and Account termination are distinct:
- Subscription cancellation ends your paid subscription but your Account remains active at the free tier. Business/Professional Content subject to Section 6.5.
- Account termination deletes your Account entirely. See the Subscription Terms for the effect on active subscriptions.
18.5 No Refunds
Termination does not entitle you to any refunds of fees paid. Detailed refund terms for paid subscriptions are governed by the Subscription Terms.
18.6 Prohibition on Re-Registration
If your Account is terminated for Terms violations, you may not create a new Account without our express written permission.
18.7 Data Retention Post-Termination
After Account termination, your personal information will be handled per our Privacy Policy. Data required for legal compliance, fraud prevention, or dispute resolution may be retained as permitted by law.
19. Privacy & Data Protection
19.1 Privacy Policy
Your privacy is governed by our Privacy Policy, incorporated into these Terms by reference. By using the Platform, you consent to the practices described in the Privacy Policy.
19.2 Public vs. Private Data
Public (visible to all): Your display name, your Reviews and ratings, Review dates, any information you choose to include in Reviews, and (if applicable) your Business or Professional profile information.
Private by default (not shared unless you initiate): Your email address, IP address, device information, verification documentation, Account password, browsing and search history, financial verification data (if applicable).
Certain private data may be shared with Providers or Professionals when you take an affirmative action to do so, such as submitting an inquiry, sharing your profile, or initiating contact through the Platform. In such cases, only the information necessary to fulfill your request is shared, and the receiving party's use of that information is governed by their own privacy practices, not VerSquare's.
19.3 Provider and Professional Access
Providers and Professionals can see: your public display name (which may be pseudonymous), your Review content, rating, and date, and your public profile information (if any).
Providers and Professionals cannot see your email address, contact information, IP address, device information, identity of flaggers, or private Account information - unless you have chosen to share specific information through an inquiry, profile share, or other platform feature (see Section 19.2).
19.4 Communications
By creating an Account, you consent to receive:
- Transactional communications (Account confirmations, security alerts, Terms updates, moderation decisions) - required, cannot opt out
- Platform activity notifications (responses to your Reviews, inquiry status updates) - can opt out in settings
- Marketing communications (newsletters, promotions) - opt-in only
19.5 Data Security
While we implement reasonable security measures, no system is 100% secure. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your password and reporting suspected unauthorized access.
20. Changes to Terms
20.1 Right to Modify
We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. When we make material changes:
- We will update the "Last Updated" date
- We will notify you via email (if we have your email address) at least 30 days before the changes take effect
- We will display a notice on the Platform
20.2 Acceptance of Changes
Your continued use of the Platform after the effective date of modified Terms constitutes acceptance. If you do not agree, you must stop using the Platform and may terminate your Account.
20.3 Material Changes
For material changes that require consent (such as changes to dispute resolution terms, privacy practices requiring consent, or auto-renewal terms under state consumer protection statutes), we will seek your affirmative consent before the changes take effect.
21. General Provisions
21.1 Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy, any applicable Supplemental Terms, and any other policies incorporated by reference, constitute the entire agreement between you and VerSquare regarding the Platform. These Terms supersede any prior agreements or understandings, whether written or oral.
21.2 Severability
If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.
21.3 No Waiver
Our failure to enforce any provision of these Terms does not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provision. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by an authorized representative of VerSquare.
21.4 Assignment
You may not assign or transfer these Terms or your Account without our prior written consent. We may assign these Terms or any rights hereunder without restriction, including in connection with a merger, acquisition, reorganization, or sale of assets.
21.5 Third-Party Beneficiaries
These Terms do not create any third-party beneficiary rights except as expressly stated.
21.6 Headings
Section headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation of these Terms.
21.7 Language
These Terms are drafted in English. Any translations are provided for convenience only. In the event of conflict, the English version controls.
21.8 California Residents
California Civil Code Section 1789.3: You may contact the Complaint Assistance Unit of the Division of Consumer Services of the California Department of Consumer Affairs by mail at 1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N 112, Sacramento, CA 95834, or by telephone at (916) 445-1254 or (800) 952-5210.
21.9 Government Use
If you are a U.S. government entity, the Platform is a "Commercial Item" as defined in 48 C.F.R. 2.101 and is provided with only the rights customarily provided to the public under these Terms.
21.10 Export Control
You may not use, export, or re-export the Platform or any Content except as authorized by U.S. law. You represent that you are not located in a country subject to U.S. embargo or on any U.S. government list of prohibited or restricted parties.
22. Contact Information
VerSquare Legal Department
Search Assistant, Inc.
6595 Roswell Road Suite G #5313
Atlanta, GA 30328
General inquiries and support: support@versquare.com
Legal and dispute resolution: legal@versquare.com
Copyright/DMCA matters: legal@versquare.com (see Section 12.5)
Privacy matters: See Privacy Policy
Acknowledgment
BY USING THE PLATFORM, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT:
- You have read and understood these Terms in their entirety
- You agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy
- You meet the eligibility requirements (18+ years of age)
- You will comply with all applicable laws and regulations
- You understand the limitations and disclaimers in these Terms
- You understand that automated systems, including artificial intelligence, are used in content moderation
- You understand that additional Supplemental Terms may apply based on features you use or account types you activate
IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS, YOU MUST NOT USE THE PLATFORM.