ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

Cape Decking Home Renovations and Solar (PTY) Ltd
Website: https://www.cape-decking.co.za/
Last Updated: November 2025

1. Introduction and Acceptance

This Acceptable Use Policy (“Policy”) governs your use of the Cape Decking Home Renovations and Solar (PTY) Ltd (hereinafter referred to as “Cape Decking”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) website and services. By accessing or using our website, you agree to comply with and be bound by this Policy. If you do not agree with any part of this Policy, you must immediately discontinue use of our website and services.

2. Scope of Services

Cape Decking operates as a facilitator and marketing service provider that connects clients with third-party contractors, service providers, and suppliers. We do not directly provide installation, construction, or renovation services. Our role is limited to:

  • Facilitating introductions between clients and independent contractors
  • Managing quotations and administrative processes on behalf of contractors
  • Providing marketing and lead generation services
  • Coordinating communications between parties

All work performed is conducted by independent third-party contractors who operate as separate legal entities.

3. Permitted Use

You may use our website and services for the following lawful purposes:

  • Requesting quotations for home renovation, decking, solar, construction, and related services
  • Browsing our product and service offerings
  • Contacting us for legitimate business inquiries
  • Accessing information about our contractor network and services
  • Communicating with our administrative team regarding projects

4. Prohibited Activities

When using our website and services, you must NOT:

4.1 Unlawful Activities

  • Engage in any activity that violates South African law or international law
  • Use our services to facilitate fraud, theft, or any illegal transaction
  • Misrepresent your identity or provide false information
  • Engage in money laundering or any form of financial crime

4.2 Abuse and Harassment

  • Harass, threaten, intimidate, or abuse our staff, contractors, or other users
  • Post or transmit defamatory, offensive, or discriminatory content
  • Engage in cyberbullying or any form of online harassment
  • Make false or malicious complaints about our services or contractors

4.3 Technical Abuse

  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our website, systems, or networks
  • Use automated systems (bots, scrapers, crawlers) without our express written permission
  • Introduce viruses, malware, or any malicious code
  • Overload, disrupt, or impair our website’s functionality
  • Reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble any part of our website

4.4 Spam and Unsolicited Communications

  • Send spam, chain letters, or unsolicited commercial communications
  • Use our contact forms for purposes other than legitimate business inquiries
  • Harvest email addresses or contact information from our website

4.5 Fraudulent Payment Activities

  • Provide false payment information or banking details
  • Dispute legitimate charges or initiate fraudulent chargebacks
  • Use stolen credit cards or fraudulent payment methods
  • Engage in payment fraud of any kind

5. Intellectual Property Protection

5.1 Copyright and Trademark Protection

All content on the Cape Decking website, including but not limited to the following, is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws:

  • Business Name: “Cape Decking”, “Cape Decking Home Renovations and Solar”, and all variations
  • Website Content: All text, copy, articles, blog posts, product descriptions, and written materials
  • Visual Content: Photographs, images, graphics, logos, icons, and design elements
  • Website Design: Layout, color schemes, page structure, and user interface elements
  • Marketing Materials: Brochures, advertisements, promotional content, and social media posts
  • Video and Multimedia: All video content, animations, and multimedia presentations
  • Code and Software: Website code, scripts, applications, and technical implementations

5.2 Strictly Prohibited – Content Copying and Reproduction

YOU ARE EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED FROM:

  1. Copying Our Business Name or Identity:
    • Using “Cape Decking” or any confusingly similar variation as a business name
    • Creating websites or businesses that imitate or impersonate Cape Decking
    • Using our business name in domain names, social media handles, or business registrations
  2. Copying Website Content:
    • Reproducing, duplicating, or copying any text, wording, or written content from our website
    • Using our product descriptions, service descriptions, or informational content
    • Copying our blog posts, articles, or educational materials
    • Translating our content into other languages without permission
  3. Copying Visual Elements:
    • Downloading, reproducing, or using our photographs or images
    • Copying our logo, graphics, icons, or design elements
    • Replicating our website design, layout, or visual aesthetic
    • Using our color schemes or branding elements
  4. Creating Derivative Works:
    • Modifying our content and presenting it as original work
    • Creating websites or materials that substantially replicate our offerings
    • Building competing services using our content, structure, or business model
  5. Competitive Misappropriation:
    • Using our content to create a competing decking, construction, or home renovation service
    • Establishing a similar marketplace or facilitator service using our intellectual property
    • Copying our contractor network descriptions or service offerings

5.3 Legal Consequences

Unauthorized copying, reproduction, or use of any Cape Decking intellectual property constitutes:

  • Copyright Infringement under South African Copyright Act
  • Trademark Infringement if our business name or marks are used
  • Passing Off if confusion with our business is created
  • Breach of This Policy resulting in immediate termination of access

We reserve the right to pursue all available legal remedies, including:

  • Cease and desist orders
  • Injunctive relief to stop unauthorized use
  • Monetary damages for losses incurred
  • Legal costs and attorneys’ fees
  • Criminal prosecution where applicable

5.4 Proper Attribution and Licensing

If you wish to use any Cape Decking content, you must:

  • Obtain express written permission in advance
  • Provide proper attribution as specified by us
  • Comply with any licensing terms we provide
  • Pay any applicable licensing fees

Requests for permission should be submitted in writing to our official contact address.

6. User-Generated Content

If you submit any content to our website (including reviews, testimonials, comments, or feedback):

  • You grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and reproduce such content
  • You represent that you own or have permission to submit the content
  • You agree that your content does not violate any third-party rights
  • We reserve the right to remove or edit content at our discretion

7. Privacy and Data Protection

Your use of our website is also governed by our Privacy Policy. You agree to:

  • Provide accurate and truthful information
  • Keep your contact information up to date
  • Not share other users’ personal information without consent
  • Comply with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)

8. Third-Party Conduct

While we facilitate connections with third-party contractors, we are not responsible for:

  • The conduct or actions of contractors
  • The quality of work performed by contractors
  • Disputes between you and contractors
  • Content or representations made by contractors

However, inappropriate conduct by contractors should be reported to us in writing.

9. Monitoring and Enforcement

Cape Decking reserves the right to:

  • Monitor use of our website for compliance with this Policy
  • Investigate suspected violations
  • Remove content that violates this Policy
  • Suspend or terminate access for users who violate this Policy
  • Report illegal activities to law enforcement authorities
  • Cooperate with law enforcement investigations

We are not obligated to monitor all user activity but reserve the right to do so.

10. Consequences of Violation

Violation of this Acceptable Use Policy may result in:

  • Immediate termination of your access to our website and services
  • Removal of your account or user profile
  • Legal action, including civil claims for damages
  • Criminal prosecution for illegal activities
  • Permanent ban from using our services
  • Reporting to relevant authorities or industry bodies

11. Reporting Violations

If you become aware of any violation of this Policy, please report it immediately to:

Email: [your email address]
Subject Line: “Acceptable Use Policy Violation Report”

Please provide:

  • Detailed description of the violation
  • URLs or screenshots if applicable
  • Date and time of the incident
  • Any other relevant information

12. Disclaimer of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by South African law:

  • We do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free access to our website
  • We are not liable for any damages resulting from your use of our website
  • We are not responsible for third-party websites linked from our site
  • Your use of our website is at your own risk

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Cape Decking Home Renovations and Solar (PTY) Ltd, its directors, officers, employees, contractors, and affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

  • Your violation of this Acceptable Use Policy
  • Your violation of any law or regulation
  • Your infringement of any third-party rights
  • Your use or misuse of our website or services

14. Changes to This Policy

We reserve the right to modify this Acceptable Use Policy at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to our website. Your continued use of our website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the modified Policy. It is your responsibility to review this Policy periodically.

15. Severability

If any provision of this Policy is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.

16. Governing Law

This Policy is governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes arising from this Policy shall be resolved in accordance with South African law and in the courts of South Africa.

17. Contact Information

For questions about this Acceptable Use Policy, contact:

Cape Decking Home Renovations and Solar (PTY) Ltd
Website: https://www.cape-decking.co.za/contact

18. Acknowledgment

By using our website and services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Acceptable Use Policy.

Last Updated: November 2025
Version: 1.0

© 2025 Cape Decking Home Renovations and Solar (PTY) Ltd. All Rights Reserved.