Understory Terms of Use

Last Updated: May 10, 2026

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the Understory mobile application, website, or related services (the “Service”), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use (“Terms”). If you do not agree, do not use the Service.

These Terms form a legally binding agreement between you and Understory Studios LLC.

2. Description of the Service

Understory is a social reading platform that allows users to:

Track reading activity and set goals
Grow a virtual garden tied to reading habits
Interact with other users
Contribute toward real-world tree planting initiatives

We may modify, suspend, or discontinue any part of the Service at any time.

3. Eligibility

You must be at least 13 years old (or the minimum legal age in your country) to use the Service. If you are under 18, you must have permission from a parent or legal guardian and they must review the terms of use.

4. Accounts

You are responsible for your account and all activity under it.

You agree to:

Provide accurate and current information
Keep your login credentials secure
Notify us of unauthorized access

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms.

5. Acceptable Use

You agree not to:

Use the Service for unlawful purposes
Harass, abuse, or harm other users
Post content that is defamatory, obscene, or infringing
Attempt to interfere with the Service or its security
Use bots, scraping tools, or automation without permission

We may remove content or restrict accounts that violate these rules.

6. User Content

You retain ownership of content you submit (“User Content”), including:

Reviews
Reading activity
Comments and social interactions

By posting content, you grant Understory a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, reproduce, and distribute your content in connection with the Service including but not limited to posts on official Understory social media channels.

You represent that:

You have the rights to your content
Your content does not violate laws or third-party rights

We may remove or restrict content at our discretion.

7. Social Features

Understory includes community features such as social feeds, book groups and interacting with other users’ gardens.

You agree to engage respectfully and not:

Spam or manipulate engagement systems
Misuse social features
Impersonate others

We may moderate interactions and remove harmful behavior.

8. Virtual Items and Rewards

Understory may include virtual items such as trees, gardens, streaks, streak freezes, streak restores or achievements.

You acknowledge that:

Virtual items have no monetary value
They are non-transferable and non-redeemable
They may be modified, removed, or reset at any time

These items are part of the Service experience only.

All purchased virtual items are final sale and have no monetary value except where required by law where the cash value is 1/100 of a cent.

9. Real-World Tree Planting

Understory may contribute to real-world tree planting on your behalf through third-party partners.

You acknowledge that:

Tree planting is fulfilled by independent organizations
Timing, location, and outcomes may vary
Understory does not guarantee specific environmental impact

10. Subscriptions and Payments

10.1 Billing

Some features may require payment or subscription.

Subscriptions automatically renew unless canceled
Billing occurs through your app store account (Apple or Google)
Charges are processed at the start of each billing period

10.2 App Store Terms

If you subscribe via the Apple App Store:

Payments are charged to your Apple ID account
Subscriptions auto-renew unless canceled at least 24 hours before renewal
You can manage subscriptions in your Apple account settings

If you subscribe via Google Play:

Payments are charged to your Google Play account
Subscriptions auto-renew unless canceled
You can manage subscriptions in Google Play settings

10.3 Refunds

All purchases are final except where required by law or handled by the app store provider.

11. Intellectual Property

The Service, including its design, features, branding, and content (excluding User Content), is owned by Understory and protected by intellectual property laws.

You may not:

Copy or reproduce the Service
Use branding without permission
Create derivative works

12. Copyright and Takedown

If you believe content infringes your copyright, contact us.

We will investigate and may remove infringing content.

13. Third-Party Services

The Service may include integrations or links to third-party services.

We are not responsible for:

Third-party content or services
External websites or partners
Actions of tree-planting organizations

Your use of third-party services is at your own risk. Additional information on third parties can be found in the privacy policy.

14. Termination

We may suspend, restrict or terminate your access if:

You violate these Terms
You misuse the platform
Your use poses risk to users or the Service

We reserve the right to suspend, restrict or terminate your account without providing a specific explanation other than the violations above. You may stop using the Service at any time.

15. Disclaimer of Warranties

The Service is provided “as is” and “as available.”

We do not guarantee:

Continuous availability
Accuracy or reliability
That the Service will be error-free

16. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Understory is not liable for:

Indirect or consequential damages
Loss of data, profits, or goodwill
Issues arising from use of the Service

17. Mobile Platform Disclaimer

Apple and Google are not responsible for the Service.

These Terms are between you and Understory, not Apple or Google
Apple and Google have no obligation to provide support
You agree to comply with applicable platform terms

18. Changes to the Terms

We may update these Terms at any time. Continued use of the Service means you accept the updated Terms.

19. Governing Law and Venue

Any issues or disputes should first be raised informally with the Understory team for resolution. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any claims arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Services will be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules; all disputes related to these Terms or the Service will be brought solely in the federal or state courts located in Delaware, and you and Understory consent to personal jurisdiction in these courts.

This section does not apply to U.S. city, county or state government entities. If you are a U.S. federal government entity, any claims arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Services will be governed by the laws of the United States of America without regard to its conflict of laws rules. To the extent permitted by federal law, the laws of Delaware will apply in the absence of applicable federal law. All disputes related to these Terms or the Service will be brought solely in the federal or state courts located in Delaware.

20. Contact

For questions, contact the Understory team at support@understory-app.com