Terms and conditions of use for the Austrian publication server

The Austrian Publication Server provides users with on-line access to the collection of Austrian patent documents published by the Austrian Patent Office (APO). With effect from 15 October 2005, Austrian patent and utility model documents are published on the Austrian Publication Server. The services available via the Austrian Publication Server are free of charge.

A.          User obligations

Users of the Austrian Publication Server must comply with all applicable laws. Especially, they must refrain from violating or attempting to violate the APO's network security and must make fair use of the services provided.

B.          Maintenance AND AVAILABILITY

The services available on the Austrian Publication Server are maintained regularly. The APO makes every effort to prevent technical malfunctions and endeavours to ensure the availability of the Austrian Publication Server 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. However, due to necessary maintenance, back-up services or related measures, unforeseen system failures or interruptions etc., the APO cannot warrant that the services will always be available. If the Austrian Publication Server is overloaded or malfunctioning, or if an overload or malfunction is imminent, the APO may restrict access to the Austrian Publication Server or close it down altogether. Furthermore, the APO cannot warrant that the underlying files and formats used are error-free and will not cause the user's systems to malfunction. The APO is entitled to modify the facilities of the Austrian Publication Server at any time to bring them into line with the state of the art and current legal requirements.

C.          Liability disclaimer

Within the framework of the Austrian Publication Server, the APO is liable for damages arising from a breach of duty on the part of its permanent staff, other employees, representatives or agents only to the extent that such breach of duty is caused either wilfully or by gross negligence.

The APO disclaims all liability for external services hyperlinked to the Austrian Publication Server.