Last updated: 17 FEBRUARI
Website: https://houseato.com
Business: HOUSE OF ATO BV, Antwerp, Belgium — studio@houseato.com

Article 1 — Definitions

1.1 House of Ato: the independent design studio providing brand design, graphic design, product development and industrial design services.
1.2 Client: any natural or legal person engaging House of Ato.
1.3 Services: all creative, strategic and technical work including research, concept development, visual design, engineering guidance, prototypes and consultancy.
1.4 Deliverables: final files explicitly listed in a quotation.
1.5 Agreement: any quotation, proposal, written approval, purchase order or confirmed assignment.
1.6 Intellectual Property: all copyrights, design rights, know‑how, concepts, inventions and related rights whether registered or not.

Article 2 — Scope

2.1 These terms apply to all quotations, assignments and agreements unless explicitly agreed otherwise in writing.
2.2 Acceptance of a quotation, written confirmation or payment of an invoice implies acceptance of these terms.
2.3 House of Ato acts as an independent contractor and may work for other clients simultaneously.
2.4 House of Ato may engage subcontractors when required.

Article 3 — Nature of the Obligation

3.1 Services are performed on a best‑effort basis.
3.2 No guarantee is given regarding commercial success, manufacturability, patentability, certification or market performance.
3.3 The Client acknowledges that design and development involve uncertainty and iteration.

Article 4 — Quotations & Changes

4.1 Quotations remain valid for 30 days unless stated otherwise.
4.2 Work starts after written approval or payment of the advance invoice.
4.3 Changes in scope, additional meetings, new directions or extended exploration phases constitute additional work and will be invoiced at the standard rate.
4.4 Timelines depend on timely client feedback and required input.

Article 5 — Client Responsibilities

5.1 The Client must provide accurate and complete information and own the rights to supplied materials.
5.2 The Client appoints one decision maker and reviews deliverables within reasonable time.
5.3 House of Ato is not responsible for delays caused by missing or late input.

Article 6 — Payment Terms

6.1 Unless agreed otherwise: 50% upfront and remaining balance before delivery of final files.
6.2 Payment term is 14 days.
6.3 Late payment incurs legal interest and an administrative fee of €100 per invoice.
6.4 House of Ato may suspend work during overdue payment.
6.5 All prices exclude VAT and third‑party costs.

Article 7 — Revisions

7.1 Projects include two revision rounds per phase unless otherwise stated.
7.2 A revision means modification of an approved direction.
7.3 New concepts or strategic changes are billed additionally.

Article 8 — Intellectual Property

8.1 All work remains property of House of Ato until full payment is received.
8.2 After payment the Client receives a non‑exclusive, non‑transferable usage license for the agreed purpose and territory.
8.3 Ownership transfers only if explicitly agreed in writing and may require additional compensation.
8.4 Unused concepts, drafts, working files, research and methods remain property of House of Ato.
8.5 House of Ato may display work for self‑promotion unless confidentiality is agreed beforehand.

Article 9 — Third‑Party Assets

9.1 Fonts, stock images, software licenses and external components may require separate purchase by the Client unless included in the quotation.
9.2 House of Ato is not liable for misuse or license violations by the Client.

Article 10 — Product Development & Manufacturing

10.1 House of Ato provides design services, not manufacturing or certification services unless explicitly agreed.
10.2 The Client is responsible for engineering verification, technical validation, safety testing, regulatory compliance, tooling, manufacturing and production quality.
10.3 Prototypes are experimental and not production‑ready products.
10.4 Variations between prototype and production may occur and do not constitute a fault of House of Ato.

Article 11 — Manufacturing Deviations

11.1 Differences in color, finish, tolerances, durability or performance may occur due to materials or industrial processes.
11.2 House of Ato is not liable for production deviations caused by suppliers or manufacturing methods.

Article 12 — Liability & Indemnification

12.1 Liability is limited to the invoiced amount of the specific project.
12.2 House of Ato is not liable for indirect damages including loss of profit, business interruption, recalls, product failures or third‑party claims.
12.3 The Client indemnifies House of Ato against claims resulting from manufactured products or commercial use of the design.

Article 13 — Confidentiality

13.1 Both parties keep confidential information secret for five years after termination unless disclosure is legally required.

Article 14 — Cancellation

14.1 The advance payment is non‑refundable.
14.2 Completed work will be invoiced proportionally.
14.3 If work stops after concept approval, 75% of the remaining project value becomes due as cancellation fee.

Article 15 — Force Majeure

15.1 House of Ato is not liable for delays caused by events beyond reasonable control including illness, supplier delays, internet failure, transport issues, pandemics or governmental measures.
15.2 Obligations are suspended during such events.

Article 16 — Non‑Solicitation

16.1 The Client agrees not to hire or contract collaborators of House of Ato within 12 months after project completion.
16.2 A penalty of €15,000 per violation applies.

Article 17 — Governing Law

17.1 Belgian law applies.
17.2 Disputes fall under the courts of Antwerp, Belgium.