Terms & Conditions

Last Updated: January 2026
Effective Date: January 2026

1. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

By accessing and using labelpatina.com (the "Website") and Label Patina services (the "Services"), you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions ("Terms"). If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must not use the Website or Services.

Label Patina ("Association," "we," "us," "our") reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time in our sole discretion. We will notify you of material changes by updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this document and posting the revised Terms on the Website. Your continued use of the Website and Services after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms. It is your responsibility to review these Terms periodically to ensure you are aware of any updates.

2. ELIGIBILITY AND AUTHORIZATION

2.1 Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years old to use the Website and Services. By using the Website, you represent and warrant that you are at least 18 years of age and possess the legal authority to enter into binding contracts.

2.2 Business Authorization

If you are accessing the Website and Services on behalf of a business, merchant, organization, or other legal entity, you warrant and represent that:

  • You are duly authorized to act on behalf of that entity

  • You have the power and authority to bind that entity to these Terms

  • That entity consents to being bound by these Terms

  • You will comply with all applicable laws and regulations in your jurisdiction

If you are not authorized to accept these Terms on behalf of your entity, you must not use the Website or Services.

3. WEBSITE ACCESS AND USE

3.1 License Grant

Subject to your compliance with these Terms, Label Patina grants you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use the Website and Services solely for lawful, personal, non-commercial purposes as intended by Label Patina.

3.2 Permitted Uses

You are permitted to:

  • Browse the certified merchant directory

  • Submit merchant certification applications

  • Submit watch inquiries and preferences

  • Contact Label Patina with questions or feedback

  • Subscribe to our newsletter and communications

  • Use services as described on the Website

  • Access merchant storefront pages and public information

  • View merchant specializations, locations, and contact information

3.3 Prohibited Uses

You agree that you will NOT engage in any of the following prohibited activities:

  • Scrape, crawl, extract, or bulk download merchant data without authorization

  • Copy, reproduce, or use merchant directory information for commercial purposes

  • Impersonate others, provide false or misleading information, or misrepresent your identity

  • Harass, defame, threaten, or intimidate other users, merchants, or Label Patina team members

  • Engage in fraud, deception, or illegal activity

  • Interfere with, disrupt, or attempt to bypass Website functionality, security, or authentication

  • Reverse-engineer, decompile, disassemble, or attempt unauthorized access to Website systems

  • Use automated tools, bots, scripts, or other software to access the Website (except for standard search engine indexing)

  • Post, transmit, or distribute spam, malware, viruses, or harmful content

  • Violate applicable laws, regulations, or third-party intellectual property rights

  • Send unsolicited commercial messages or "spam"

  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to merchant accounts or systems

  • Sell, lease, or transfer access to the Website to third parties

  • Use the Website in any way that violates these Terms or applicable law

3.4 Consequences of Violation

Any violation of these prohibited uses may result in:

  • Immediate suspension or permanent termination of your account or access

  • Removal from the certified merchant network (if applicable)

  • Loss of certification and revocation of merchant status

  • Legal action and liability for damages

  • Reporting to relevant authorities

Label Patina may enforce these prohibitions at any time in our sole discretion without notice.

4. LABEL PATINA MERCHANT CERTIFICATION

4.1 Certification Evaluation and Basis

Label Patina certification is based on our independent evaluation of:

  • Merchant reputation and business history

  • Service quality and customer satisfaction

  • Industry expertise and specialization

  • Authentication and verification standards

  • Response to expert evaluations (including mystery shopping, where applicable)

  • Referrals and recommendations from Label Patina network

  • Compliance with applicable consumer protection and watch regulations

  • Overall alignment with Label Patina standards and values

Certification decisions are made at Label Patina's sole discretion based on these factors. We reserve the right to deny or revoke certification at any time.

4.2 Certification Limitations and Disclaimers

IMPORTANT: Label Patina certification does NOT constitute:

  • An endorsement or guarantee of merchant services or products

  • A warranty of product quality, authenticity, or condition

  • A guarantee of fair pricing or fair dealing

  • Insurance or protection against merchant misconduct or fraud

  • A guarantee that merchants will fulfill transactions or commitments

  • A substitute for your own independent due diligence and research

  • A legal certification or official authentication service

Certification status may change at any time based on:

  • Subsequent evaluation or expert evaluation results

  • Changes in merchant operations, service quality, or business practices

  • Customer complaints or disputes

  • Policy violations or breaches of this agreement

  • New information regarding merchant practices or reputation

  • Regulatory action or legal violations

  • Any other reason determined by Label Patina in our sole discretion

4.3 Merchant Responsibilities and Obligations

All certified merchants agree to:

  • Maintain high standards of customer service, professionalism, and expertise

  • Comply with all applicable consumer protection laws, watch regulations, and industry standards

  • Handle customer disputes, complaints, and returns professionally and fairly

  • Respond promptly to Label Patina inquiries, evaluations, and requests for information

  • Update business information with Label Patina promptly (address, contact details, specialization changes)

  • Refrain from misusing the Label Patina certification, seal, or branding for misleading purposes

  • Maintain accurate and truthful merchant profile information

  • Not engage in fraud, deceptive practices, or illegal activity

  • Acknowledge that Label Patina conducts ongoing expert evaluations and reputation monitoring

  • Cooperate with Label Patina investigations regarding complaints or allegations

4.4 Loss of Certification

Label Patina may suspend, revoke, or decline to renew merchant certification at any time for the following reasons:

  • Merchant fails to meet ongoing Label Patina standards

  • Significant customer complaints, disputes, or allegations of fraud

  • Expert evaluation results indicate declining service quality

  • Merchant violates applicable consumer protection or watch regulations

  • Merchant breaches this agreement or misuses certification

  • Merchant fails to respond to Label Patina communications or cooperate with evaluations

  • Negative changes in merchant reputation or industry standing

  • Regulatory action, legal violations, or criminal allegations

  • Any other reason determined by Label Patina at our sole discretion

No refunds, credits, or compensation will be provided for suspended or revoked certifications. Termination is effective immediately unless otherwise stated by Label Patina.

Upon termination of certification:

  • Merchant must immediately cease using Label Patina branding and certification seal

  • Merchant storefront page may be archived or removed

  • Merchant will no longer appear in the certified merchant directory

  • Merchants remain liable for any transactions completed under Label Patina certification

4.5 Merchant Storefront Pages

Label Patina creates and maintains professional merchant storefront pages featuring:

  • Merchant business name, location, and specialization

  • Professional photography and merchant biography

  • Expertise badges (Authentication Expert, Family Heritage, Hand-Curated, etc.)

  • Years in business and price range

  • Links to merchant website and social media

  • Testimonials and recommendations from Label Patina network

  • Store experience description and viewing methods

Merchants grant Label Patina the right to:

  • Create and maintain a professional storefront page

  • Use merchant photos, information, and content for the storefront

  • Display merchant information on the certified merchant directory

  • Feature merchant information in promotional materials (with consent where required)

  • Update or modify storefront content as needed

Label Patina retains ownership of the storefront page design, layout, and branding. Merchants retain ownership of their photos and submitted content (subject to the license granted to Label Patina for use in connection with the storefront and directory).

5. COLLECTOR AND INQUIRER SERVICES

5.1 Inquiry Matching Service

Label Patina operates a watch inquiry matching service (also referred to as "watch matching" or "facilitation service") that:

  • Collects watch preferences, specifications, and collecting interests from collectors

  • Matches collector inquiries with certified merchants who specialize in those watches

  • Facilitates introductions and connections between collectors and merchants

  • Provides merchant contact information and storefront pages to collectors

Label Patina acts as a facilitator only. We do not:

  • Execute transactions on behalf of merchants or collectors

  • Hold funds, escrow, or payments

  • Guarantee that merchants will respond to inquiries

  • Guarantee that collectors will complete transactions

  • Handle disputes, returns, or refunds

  • Provide authentication guarantees

  • Negotiate prices or terms on behalf of either party

Note: Label Patina does offer separate professional services including Professional Authentication Services and Watch Appraisal Services, which are provided by Label Patina Experts and governed by separate service agreements. These services are distinct from the free inquiry matching and directory services described in this Section 5.

5.2 No Warranties or Guarantees

YOU ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT:

  • Label Patina makes NO WARRANTY or GUARANTEE that merchants will respond to your inquiry

  • We make NO GUARANTEE that watches will be available, in the condition described, or at advertised prices

  • We make NO GUARANTEE of product authenticity and that merchant certification does NOT ensure authenticity

  • We make NO WARRANTY regarding transaction outcomes, pricing, or terms

  • Merchants may accept or decline inquiries at their sole discretion

  • Prices, availability, and watch specifications may change without notice

  • Label Patina's certification of a merchant is based on reputation and service quality, NOT on authentication expertise

By using our inquiry service, you assume ALL RISK associated with transactions with merchants. You are solely responsible for:

  • Verifying product authenticity and condition

  • Evaluating merchant reputation and trustworthiness

  • Consulting with independent experts if needed

  • Negotiating fair pricing and terms

  • Understanding merchant policies regarding returns, guarantees, and refunds

  • Handling disputes or issues directly with the merchant

5.3 Direct Communication

  • Collectors and merchants communicate directly via email, WhatsApp, phone, or other channels

  • Label Patina is not a party to these communications or transactions

  • Label Patina is not liable for disputes, misunderstandings, or conflicts between collectors and merchants

  • Label Patina does not monitor or moderate communications between parties

  • All communications and transactions occur between the collector and merchant only

6. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

6.1 Website Content Ownership

All content on the Website, including but not limited to text, images, graphics, logos, icons, design, layout, page structure, and compilation of content (collectively, "Website Content") is the sole property of Label Patina or is used with permission from third-party licensors.

Website Content is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

You are not permitted to:

  • Reproduce, distribute, transmit, publish, or display Website Content

  • Create derivative works based on Website Content

  • Use Website Content for commercial purposes

  • Remove or obscure any copyright, trademark, or other proprietary notices

  • License, sell, rent, lease, or transfer Website Content to third parties

Any unauthorized use of Website Content is prohibited and may violate copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

6.2 Label Patina Branding and Trademarks

The name "Label Patina," the Label Patina logo, certification seal, "Label Patina Friends," and other Label Patina branding and trademarks are proprietary marks owned by Label Patina and protected under Swiss and international trademark law.

You are not permitted to:

  • Use Label Patina trademarks, logos, or branding without explicit written authorization

  • Modify, adapt, or create derivative works of Label Patina trademarks

  • Display Label Patina certification seals or badges without valid certification

  • Suggest affiliation, endorsement, or sponsorship by Label Patina without authorization

  • Register domain names, social media handles, or other identifiers confusingly similar to Label Patina marks

Unauthorized use of Label Patina branding may result in legal action.

6.3 Merchant Information and Data

Merchant information (names, locations, specializations, photos, business descriptions) is provided on the Website for informational purposes only.

You may view and access merchant information for personal research and potential transactions. However, commercial use of merchant data, including:

  • Bulk downloading or copying merchant directories

  • Selling merchant lists or contact information

  • Using merchant data for marketing or solicitation

  • Integrating merchant data into competing platforms or services

...requires explicit written permission from Label Patina and may be subject to licensing fees or restrictions.

7. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES

7.1 As-Is and As-Available Basis

THE WEBSITE AND SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ON AN "AS-IS" AND "AS-AVAILABLE" BASIS WITHOUT ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND.

LABEL PATINA EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS AND IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

  • Any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose

  • Any warranty of non-infringement of third-party rights

  • Any warranty that the Website will be uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free

  • Any warranty that Website functionality will meet your requirements or expectations

  • Any warranty that defects in the Website will be corrected or repaired

  • Any warranty regarding the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of Website content or merchant information

  • Any warranty that merchants will respond to inquiries or complete transactions

  • Any warranty of product authenticity, quality, or condition offered by merchants

  • Any warranty regarding third-party services, content, or links provided on the Website

7.2 Your Sole Remedy

Your sole remedy for dissatisfaction with the Website or Services is to discontinue using them. Label Patina shall not be liable for any damages arising from your use of the Website or Services.

7.3 No Liability for User Conduct

Label Patina is not responsible for:

  • Actions, omissions, or misconduct of other users, merchants, or third parties

  • Fraud, deception, or illegal activity by merchants or other users

  • Disputes between merchants and collectors

  • Breach of contract or non-performance by merchants

  • Quality or authenticity of watches or products offered by merchants

  • Merchant compliance with applicable watch regulations or consumer protection laws

8. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

8.1 Exclusion of Damages

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE SWISS LAW, Label Patina shall not be liable to you for:

  • Indirect, incidental, special, punitive, or consequential damages

  • Lost profits, revenue, data, business opportunities, or goodwill

  • Damage to reputation or personal injury

  • Third-party claims, disputes, or litigation

  • Merchant misconduct, fraud, misrepresentation, or policy violations

  • Transactions with merchants or outcomes of those transactions

  • Your reliance on merchant information, recommendations, or certifications

  • Any damages arising from your use or inability to use the Website or Services

This limitation applies even if Label Patina has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

8.2 Maximum Aggregate Liability

Notwithstanding any other provision of these Terms, the maximum total liability of Label Patina arising from or related to these Terms, the Website, and the Services shall not exceed the greater of:

  • Swiss Francs zero (CHF 0), or

  • The total amount paid by you to Label Patina in the 12 months preceding the claim

If you have not paid any fees to Label Patina, your sole remedy is to cease using the Website and Services.

8.3 Limitations May Not Apply

Some jurisdictions (including Switzerland) do not allow the exclusion or limitation of indirect, incidental, or consequential damages or may have mandatory rules regarding liability for gross negligence or intent. If applicable law in your jurisdiction prohibits these limitations, our liability shall be limited to the maximum extent permitted by such law

9. INDEMNIFICATION

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Label Patina and its subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs) arising from or related to:

  • Your use of the Website or Services

  • Your violation of these Terms or any applicable law

  • Your violation of third-party intellectual property rights

  • Your disputes with other users, merchants, or third parties

  • Your submission of false, misleading, or inaccurate information

  • Your merchant application, certification, or storefront page

  • Content you submit, transmit, or display on or through the Website

  • Any allegation or claim related to your conduct or activities

Your indemnification obligation applies even if the claim alleges that Label Patina was partially at fault.

[ADJUSTMENT] Removed references to "parent company" and "successors" (more appropriate for large corporations); kept it simple for a startup association.

10. THIRD-PARTY LINKS AND CONTENT

10.1 External Links

The Website may contain links to external websites operated by merchants, third-party platforms (such as Chrono24, eBay), partner websites, and other third-party services. These links are provided for your convenience only.

Label Patina does not:

  • Endorse, recommend, or assume responsibility for external websites or content

  • Warrant the accuracy, completeness, legality, or quality of third-party content

  • Control the content, policies, or practices of third-party websites

  • Have any obligation to monitor third-party websites or notify you of changes

10.2 Third-Party Services and Policies

Your use of third-party websites and services is governed by their own terms and conditions and privacy policies. You are responsible for reviewing and understanding the terms of any third-party service before using it.

Label Patina is not liable for:

  • Content, services, or goods provided by third parties

  • Disputes between you and third-party service providers

  • Actions or omissions of third parties

  • Technical issues or outages of third-party services

  • Privacy practices of third parties or use of your data by third parties

10.3 No Responsibility

You acknowledge that your use of third-party websites and services is entirely at your own risk. Label Patina disclaims all responsibility and liability for third-party content and services.

11. USER-GENERATED CONTENT

11.1 Content License

If you submit testimonials, reviews, recommendations, feedback, merchant referrals, photos, or other content to Label Patina (collectively, "User Content"):

  • You grant Label Patina a perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide, irrevocable license to use, reproduce, modify, publish, and display that User Content in connection with Label Patina services

  • You grant Label Patina the right to use your name, likeness, and voice in connection with the User Content

  • You retain ownership of your User Content, but you permit Label Patina to use it as described above

11.2 Warranties Regarding User Content

By submitting User Content, you warrant and represent that:

  • You own or have the right to grant the license described above

  • The User Content does not violate anyone's intellectual property rights, privacy rights, or other legal rights

  • The User Content is not defamatory, libelous, obscene, or otherwise illegal

  • The User Content is truthful and accurate

  • The User Content does not violate any applicable laws, regulations, or third-party rights

  • You have obtained any necessary permissions or consents from individuals or entities depicted in the User Content

11.3 Content Removal and Modification

Label Patina may:

  • Review, remove, edit, or modify User Content at our sole discretion

  • Remove User Content that violates these Terms or applicable law

  • Remove User Content without notice if we determine it is inappropriate or violates third-party rights

  • Archive, store, or retain User Content after removal

You are solely responsible for your User Content. Label Patina does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of User Content and is not liable for any claims arising from User Content.

12. PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION

Your use of personal data is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated by reference into these Terms and available at:

https://labelpatina.com/privacy

By using the Website and Services, you consent to:

  • The collection and processing of your personal data as described in the Privacy Policy

  • The sharing of your data with third-party service providers and Label Patina network members as described in the Privacy Policy

  • International transfer of your data as necessary for Website and service operation

  • The use of cookies and tracking technologies as described in the Privacy Policy

Please review the Privacy Policy carefully to understand our data practices. If you do not agree with our privacy practices, you must not use the Website or Services.

13. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

13.1 Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions and all related matters shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Switzerland, specifically the laws of the Canton of Vaud, without regard to its conflict of law principles or provisions.

13.2 Jurisdiction and Venue

You irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Canton of Vaud, Switzerland for any legal proceedings arising from or related to these Terms or the Website.

By using the Website, you consent to the jurisdiction and venue of these courts and waive any objection to venue or claim of inconvenient forum.

13.3 Informal Resolution

Before initiating formal legal proceedings, you agree to attempt informal resolution of any dispute by contacting Label Patina at:

Email: contact@labelpatina.com

In your communication, include:

  • A detailed description of the dispute

  • Your desired resolution

  • Any relevant documentation or evidence

Label Patina will respond within 30 days. Good-faith negotiation may resolve many disputes without formal proceedings.

13.4 Litigation (Swiss Court Proceedings)

If informal resolution does not resolve the dispute within 60 days, either party may initiate legal proceedings in the courts of the Canton of Vaud, Switzerland as specified in Section 13.2.

14. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction:

  • That provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, or

  • If modification is not possible, that provision shall be severed

  • All remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect

  • The severed or modified provision shall be reformed to achieve the original intent as closely as possible

  • The invalidity of one provision does not affect the validity of any other provision

15. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

These Terms and Conditions, together with our Privacy Policy and any additional policies or guidelines posted on the Website, constitute the entire agreement between you and Label Patina regarding:

  • Your use of the Website

  • The provision of Services

  • Merchant certification

  • Collector inquiries

  • All other matters addressed in these Terms

These Terms supersede and replace any prior negotiations, discussions, understandings, agreements, and representations regarding the Website and Services.

If there is any conflict between these Terms and any other document or communication, these Terms shall control.

16. NOTICES AND CONTACT INFORMATION

For legal notices, complaints, disputes, or other official communications:

Label Patina Legal and Compliance
Email: contact@labelpatina.com
Mailing Address: Available upon request, Label Patina Association, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland

Notices sent to this email address are effective upon sending. You should retain copies of any notices you send.

Alternative contact methods:

17. WAIVER

If Label Patina fails to enforce any right or provision of these Terms, such failure does not constitute a waiver of that right or provision. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by Label Patina to be effective.

Failure to enforce these Terms against one user does not constitute waiver against other users.

18. NO ASSIGNMENT

You agree that you may not assign, sublicense, transfer, or otherwise delegate your rights or obligations under these Terms to any third party without Label Patina's prior written consent.

Any attempted assignment without consent is void.

Label Patina may assign these Terms to any successor or affiliate at any time without your consent.

19. ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS

By using the Website, you consent to receive communications from Label Patina in electronic form, including:

  • Emails regarding your account or inquiries

  • Updates to these Terms or our policies

  • Notifications regarding certification or merchant status

  • Newsletter and promotional communications

You may opt out of non-essential communications by following the unsubscribe instructions in our emails, but you may not opt out of essential communications regarding account status or legal compliance.

20. SURVIVAL

The following provisions shall survive expiration or termination of these Terms:

  • Intellectual Property Rights (Section 6)

  • Disclaimer of Warranties (Section 7)

  • Limitation of Liability (Section 8)

  • Indemnification (Section 9)

  • Privacy and Data Protection (Section 12)

  • Dispute Resolution (Section 13)

  • Governing Law (Section 13.1)

  • Entire Agreement (Section 15)

  • Notices and Contact Information (Section 16)