Oath Terms of Service

1) Important summary (plain language)

Oath lets two users create a head-to-head accountability challenge where each participant stakes money on their own ability to complete defined tasks on a schedule (e.g., “solve ≥1 LeetCode problem per day”). The Service does not use random selection to determine outcomes. Outcomes depend on objective completion criteria and are verified automatically using third-party data sources (for MVP, LeetCode).

These Terms include a dispute resolution and arbitration agreement (Section 16) that affects your rights.

2) Eligibility

You may use the Service only if:

• You are at least 18 years old and can form a binding contract.
• You are located in the United States and use the Service only where it is lawful.
• You are not prohibited from using the Service under applicable law.

We may restrict or refuse Service in any state, territory, or jurisdiction at any time.

3) Accounts, identity, and security

• You must provide accurate information and keep it up to date.
• You are responsible for all activity under your account and for maintaining account security.
• We may require additional identity verification for certain features, including withdrawals, fraud prevention, or compliance.

4) The Oath “Contracts” are skill-based competitions, not lotteries or sweepstakes

4.1 Skill contest structure

Oath “contracts” are structured as bona fide contests of skill/speed/endurance between actual contestants. The purpose is personal accountability, and outcomes are determined by completion of the defined task(s) within the defined checkpoint window(s).

No chance element. We do not intentionally introduce random selection, random drawings, or chance-based tiebreakers. Winners (if any) are determined by objective task completion according to the contract rules.

4.2 Not a sweepstakes; no “you won” marketing

We do not run sweepstakes drawings through the Service. We do not represent that you have won (or will win) any prize unless you actually have, based on objective settlement results. We do not condition prize receipt on purchasing unrelated goods or services.

4.3 Not gambling / betting on chance

The Service is not intended to facilitate wagering on games of chance. You agree not to use the Service in any way that would violate applicable gambling or lottery laws. If we determine that a contract or user behavior introduces a chance-based element or otherwise creates legal risk, we may cancel the contract and/or restrict access.

5) Contract rules (incorporated by reference)

Each contract is governed by these Terms and the contract-specific rules displayed in the product (“Contract Rules”), including:

• the task definition (e.g., “≥1 LeetCode problem per day”),
• checkpoint timing (daily at 11:59 PM in the contract timezone, or shorter intervals for short contracts),
• duration (days/hours/minutes),
• verification source(s),
• settlement outcomes,
• platform fees (if any), and
• charity allocation (if applicable).

If there is a conflict between these Terms and the Contract Rules shown at the time of contract creation/acceptance, the Contract Rules control for that contract.

6) How contracts work (key mechanics)

6.1 Two participants; self-only

For the MVP, each contract has exactly two participants (“A” and “B”). Each participant stakes money based on their own completion, not on the other person’s completion.

6.2 Start on acceptance

A contract starts only when the invited participant accepts (the “Acceptance Time”). The contract start time is the Acceptance Time to reduce “bad actor” timing issues.

6.3 Funds lock when accepted

When a contract is accepted, both participants’ stake amounts are locked (moved from available balance to reserved/locked funds). Locked funds cannot be withdrawn or used for other contracts until settlement.

6.4 Verification source (LeetCode for MVP)

For MVP, completion is verified using data from LeetCode or related APIs. You authorize us to access and process relevant verification data tied to your account for the purpose of determining contract outcomes.

We are not affiliated with LeetCode. Third-party services may be unavailable, delayed, inaccurate, or change their APIs.

6.5 Timezones and checkpoint windows

The contract’s timezone is chosen before entering the contract and is used to evaluate checkpoints. For daily contracts, checkpoints are evaluated at 11:59 PM local time in the contract timezone. Short contracts may use different checkpoint intervals as shown during creation.

7) Settlement outcomes and fees (MVP)

Unless otherwise shown in the Contract Rules for a specific contract:

7.1 Fixed entry fee; no trading

Each contract has a fixed Contest Entry Fee set at creation. Entry fees are not tradeable, transferable, or priced against an outcome, and there is no secondary market of any kind.

7.2 Early win / loss

If one participant completes the required task for a checkpoint and the other participant fails that same checkpoint, the successful participant may win early, and the contract may end.

7.3 Both lose

If both participants fail within the same checkpoint window and the contract rules specify a “both lose” outcome, then the contract resolves accordingly, including any charity and platform allocation described in the Contract Rules.

7.4 Both complete to end

If both participants complete all required checkpoints through the end time, the contract resolves with refunds as described in the Contract Rules.

7.5 Platform fee

For MVP, the platform fee is 5% of volume only when there is a winner/loser payout, as described in the Contract Rules. No platform fee is charged in “both complete” refunds, and no additional fee is charged on top of “both lose” allocations unless explicitly stated.

8) Wallet, deposits, pending funds, and withdrawals

8.1 Wallet balances

Your wallet may show:

• Available funds (usable for contracts/withdrawals),
• Pending funds (not yet available), and
• Reserved/Locked funds (committed to an active contract).

Only Available funds can be used to enter new contracts or withdraw.

8.2 Deposits

Deposits are processed through third-party payment providers (e.g., Stripe). We may record a deposit as pending until it is confirmed and/or until a hold period ends.

We may impose holds on deposits to reduce fraud and chargeback risk. Pending funds are not withdrawable and may not be usable for staking.

8.3 Withdrawals and identity verification (KYC)

To withdraw funds, you may be required to complete identity verification and provide payout details through our payment partners (for example, Stripe Connect). You authorize us and our payment partners to collect and process information necessary to facilitate payouts and comply with law.

We may delay, deny, or reverse withdrawals if:

• identity verification is incomplete or fails,
• we suspect fraud, misuse, or prohibited activity,
• there is a chargeback, dispute, reversal, or other payment failure,
• required compliance checks are pending, or
• your balance is insufficient (including due to reversals or adjustments).

8.4 Chargebacks, reversals, and negative balances

If a deposit is reversed (e.g., chargeback, failed ACH, refund), we may remove the funds from your wallet, including by offsetting available funds. Your wallet balance may become negative, and you agree to repay any negative balance.

8.5 No bank as a service

Oath is not a bank. Wallet balances are a record of value associated with your account under these Terms.

9) Taxes

You are responsible for determining and paying any taxes applicable to your participation, contest rewards, or withdrawals. We may collect tax information (e.g., W-9) and issue required tax forms where legally required.

10) Fair play, anti-cheat, and prohibited conduct

You agree not to:

• create multiple accounts to evade rules,
• falsify identity, verification data, or manipulate completion evidence,
• exploit bugs or attempt to bypass locks/holds/settlement logic,
• harass or threaten other users,
• use the Service for unlawful purposes, including chance-based wagering or promotions that violate law.

We may investigate suspected misconduct and may suspend or terminate accounts, cancel contracts, freeze funds, and/or reverse transactions to the extent permitted by law.

11) Content, intellectual property, and licenses

The Service and all associated content (excluding user-generated content) are owned by Oath and protected by intellectual property laws.

You receive a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the Service for personal, lawful purposes.

If you submit content (e.g., profile info, messages), you grant us a license to use it to operate and improve the Service.

12) Third-party services (LeetCode, Stripe, etc.)

The Service may depend on third-party services. We are not responsible for third-party outages, inaccuracies, or changes.

If verification data is unavailable or inconsistent, we may:

• delay settlement while we re-check,
• apply a “no-fault” outcome (such as refund) if the Contract Rules provide for it, or
• apply the Contract Rules as written.

13) Disclaimers

THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE.” TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, WE DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

We do not guarantee that:

• contracts will always verify correctly (third parties may fail),
• you will win any contract,
• the Service will be uninterrupted or error-free.

14) Limitation of liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, OATH WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR FOR LOST PROFITS, LOST DATA, OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION.

IN ANY EVENT, OATH’S TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ALL CLAIMS RELATING TO THE SERVICE WILL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF: (A) THE AMOUNT OF FEES YOU PAID TO OATH IN THE 12 MONTHS BEFORE THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM, OR (B) $100.

Some states do not allow certain limitations; in those states, liability is limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.

15) Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Oath and its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or related to your use of the Service, your contracts, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of law.

16) Dispute resolution and arbitration

16.1 Informal resolution first

Before filing a claim, you agree to contact us at support@joinoath.net and attempt to resolve the dispute informally.

16.2 Binding arbitration

Except for claims that qualify for small claims court or claims for injunctive relief regarding intellectual property, you and Oath agree to resolve disputes by binding arbitration rather than in court.

16.3 Class action waiver

You and Oath agree that disputes will be brought only on an individual basis, and not as a class, collective, or representative action.

16.4 Opt-out

You may opt out of arbitration within 30 days of first accepting these Terms by sending an email to support@joinoath.net with your name, user ID, and a clear statement that you are opting out.

16.5 Governing law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to conflict-of-law principles, except where prohibited by applicable law.

17) Changes to the Service or Terms

We may modify the Service or these Terms. If changes are material, we will provide notice (e.g., in-app or by email). Continued use after the effective date of changes constitutes acceptance. We may require you to re-accept updated Terms to continue using money features.

18) Suspension and termination

We may suspend or terminate your account at any time if we believe you violated these Terms, posed risk, or for compliance reasons. Upon termination, we may restrict access, settle or cancel contracts as appropriate, and handle remaining balances in accordance with law and our policies.

19) Contact

Questions about these Terms/Legal Notices: support@joinoath.net