Terms of Service for UniCask Member (UC-C, English)
(2025/8/1~)
Chapter 1: Use of the Service
These Terms of Use (hereinafter referred to as the “Terms”) set forth the conditions for using the platform (hereinafter referred to as the “Platform”) provided by UniCask Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the “Company”). Users and Members must use the Service in accordance with these Terms.
Article 1 (Definitions)
The “Service” refers to the Platform provided by the Company and all related functions, services, information provision, and other associated content.
The “Company” refers to UniCask Corporation, which holds all legal rights and responsibilities related to the operation, management, and maintenance of the Service.
The “User” refers to an individual or entity that agrees to these Terms, registers an account on the Platform, and accesses and uses the Platform. Unless otherwise specified, “User” in these Terms includes “Member.”
The “Member” refers to a User who has agreed to these Terms and completed the personal identification process defined by the Company (referred to as “KYC”), thereby gaining full access to the Service.
The “Cask Issuer” refers to distilleries, warehouses, sellers, brokers, or other entities engaged in the ownership, sale, and management of casks. Cask Issuers enter into agreements with the Company and are responsible for the storage, security, regauging, bottling, and other handling of casks.
The “Token” refers to data recorded and stored on the blockchain, serving as definitive proof of cask ownership. Tokens are essential for verifying and transferring ownership of casks through the Service.
The “Cask” refers to containers such as wooden barrels in which alcoholic beverages are stored or matured. These are subject to transactions on the Platform and verified via Tokens. Members may purchase casks through the Platform.
The “Cask Owner” refers to a Member who currently holds a Token on the Platform.
Paper or other physical media are not valid proof of ownership and cannot substitute for a Token on the Platform.
The “Ownership Snapshot” refers to a PDF document indicating the owner of a cask at a specific point in time. It has no legal authority as proof of ownership.
The “Custody Management Fee” refers to the storage fees for casks and the service management fees charged by the Company.
Article 2 (Intellectual Property Rights)
The Service includes, but is not limited to, text, images, user interfaces, trademarks, logos, sounds, music, artwork, and computer code.
No part of the Service or its content may be reproduced, redistributed, published, or transmitted in any form without the explicit permission of the Company.
If any violation is discovered, the Company reserves the right to take legal action.
Article 3 (Agreement to Terms and Account Registration)
By completing the registration process on the Platform, the User is deemed to have agreed to be bound by these Terms. These Terms apply to all use of the Service by the User.
Use of the Service by the User constitutes agreement to all provisions of these Terms.
Upon successful completion of the registration process, the Company will create an account for the User and grant access to the Service.
The User is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their account credentials (the “Login Credentials”).
Users must promptly update their information if there are any changes. Failure to provide accurate and up-to-date information may result in limitations on Service usage or legal liability.
Users are responsible for confirming and complying with all applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines related to their use of the Service, including those related to financial transactions, data privacy, and international commerce. Additionally, Users must not engage in fraudulent use of the Service, infringe upon intellectual property rights, or interfere with the use of the Service by others.
Users must comply with applicable regulations such as the Act on Specified Commercial Transactions, Installment Sales Act, Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations, and the Act on the Protection of Personal Information, as well as relevant guidelines, industry standards, and self-regulatory rules.
Users are fully responsible for all activities conducted through the Company’s systems and the results thereof.
Users must not use the Service for purposes, means, or methods that the Company deems inappropriate.
Users may not transfer or assign their account or rights to any third party without the Company’s express written consent.
If a User violates these Terms, the Company reserves the right to cancel or suspend the User’s account.
By agreeing to these Terms, the User consents to receive electronic communications (e.g., emails, text messages, in-app notifications) from the Company.
Article 4 (KYC and Account Types)
Upon completing the KYC process specified by the Company and receiving approval, a User may become a “Member” and gain full access to all functionalities of the Service.
The Platform offers two types of accounts: individual and corporate. If the user is an individual, an individual account is required; if the user is a corporation, a corporate account is required.
As part of the KYC process, the Company will confirm the User’s nationality. Based on applicable laws and regulations (e.g., U.S. Securities Act), the Company may restrict certain services or transactions for U.S. citizens or residents.
Article 5 (Management of Access Credentials)
Users are responsible for properly managing their Login Credentials. In case of unauthorized access, the User must notify the Company immediately.
Users must not access or use another person’s account. Violations may result in account termination and legal liability.
The Company implements general security measures but does not guarantee absolute security.
If Login Credentials are lost, Users may apply for account recovery in accordance with the Company’s procedures. However, unless fraudulent activity is identified, Users are responsible for all actions within their account.
If there is a suspected violation of security or these Terms, the Company reserves the right to suspend or terminate access to the relevant account.
Article 6 (Provision of Services)
The Company provides the following services to Users: viewing and sharing stories about alcoholic beverages, inviting new Members, selling casks, paying custody management fees, transferring rights, issuing proof of ownership, managing snapshots, shipping samples, and requesting regauging, among others.
The availability of physical services such as sample provision and regauging depends on the conditions and capacity of the Cask Issuer.
The Company may modify, suspend, or terminate the Service without prior notice. For major changes or terminations, the Company will make reasonable efforts to notify Users in advance.
The Company is not liable for interruptions or suspension of the Service. However, it will strive to provide alternatives where possible.
While the Company aims to offer uninterrupted access to the Service, temporary unavailability may occur due to technical reasons. The Company does not guarantee uninterrupted service.
The Company may impose feature or access restrictions without notice. The Company shall not be liable for any consequences arising from such restrictions.
To improve user experience, security, and functionality, the Company will occasionally update the Service. Users are responsible for keeping their software and devices up to date when using the Service.
The Company is responsible for services provided through the Platform. However, responsibility for the physical management, storage, regauging, and bottling of casks lies with the Cask Issuer.
Chapter 2: Proof of Cask Ownership, Handling, and Redemption
Article 7 (Relationship Between Account and Ownership)
Even if a Member mistakenly transfers a Token to another Member, such a transfer shall be deemed valid and legally binding.
The Company shall not be held responsible for disputes related to proof of ownership between Members. However, upon request from a Member, the Company may temporarily freeze the relevant Token. Such a freeze shall remain in effect until a mutual agreement is reached between the parties or a legal decision is made.
Article 8 (Entrustment to the Company)
The Cask Owner shall comprehensively entrust the Company with the ownership and related procedures of the cask they hold.
When using the Platform, the Cask Owner shall exclusively entrust the Company (UniCask Corporation, “UC”) with the following procedures:
Management of proof, transfer, and conveyance of ownership through Tokens
Issuance of instructions and communication with Cask Issuers or designated custodians (e.g., regauging, sample provision, pickup coordination)
Consolidation and management of payments for storage fees, bottling fees, etc.
Payment consolidation and liaison with physical custodians or storage country authorities
Provision of information about casks or Cask Issuers for purposes such as insurance enrollment
If required by local laws in the country of storage, UC may act as the registered owner on behalf of the Cask Owner
Commencement and Termination of Entrustment:
Commencement: Entrustment begins when payment from the Cask Owner is completed and confirmed by UC.
Termination: Entrustment ends when all payments due from the Cask Owner (e.g., storage management fees) are completed, and both parties agree in writing to terminate the entrustment relationship.
Termination by the Cask Owner:
If the Cask Owner wishes to terminate the entrustment at their own discretion, the following procedure must be followed:
The Cask Owner shall notify UC and return the corresponding Token to UC.
UC will notify and invoice the Cask Owner of any outstanding amounts. Upon confirmation of full payment, UC will approve the termination in writing.
Upon termination, the Cask Owner must physically redeem the cask.
※ In principle, payment of outstanding amounts must precede the return of the Token.
In Case of Dissolution of UC:
If UC can no longer fulfill its role as trustee (e.g., due to dissolution, bankruptcy, or operational failure), the entrustment relationship shall automatically terminate.
In such cases, the Cask Owner may proceed directly with the physical Cask Issuer, without using the Platform.
The Cask Owner may prove ownership of the cask to the Cask Issuer by presenting their personal information registered on the Platform.
Article 9 (Purchase and Sale of Casks)
To purchase a cask on the Platform, the User must have completed KYC and be registered as a Member.
Once a Member completes a purchase operation and the transaction is finalized, the Company will execute the Token transfer.
The Cask Owner is responsible for verifying that the condition, contents, and related information of the purchased cask meet their expectations.
When purchasing a cask, the Cask Owner must pay the full amount of storage management fees and transaction processing fees.
If a Member chooses to pay by fiat currency and cancels the purchase after paying a deposit, the Company will refund the amount minus applicable service fees.
If the remaining balance is not paid within the specified period after deposit payment, the purchase will be canceled, and the deposit will not be refunded.
Article 10 (Listing)
Cask Owners may make their Tokens available for viewing and purchase by other Members on the Platform (hereinafter referred to as “Listing”).
The Company does not guarantee that a listed cask will be purchased.
Only Members who have completed KYC may list casks.
Listings must be submitted by the Member via the Platform, and approval is at the discretion of the Company.
Members may cancel listings during the listing period via the Platform. Once the Token has been transferred, cancellation is no longer possible.
If a listed cask is purchased, the listing Member will receive the sale amount minus the listing fee determined by the Company. The Company will remit the funds to the specified bank account.
Article 11 (Payment of Custody Management Fees)
Cask Owners must pay one year’s worth of custody management fees within the period specified by the Company.
The amount and due date of the custody management fee shall be notified by the Company.
In case of late payment, additional late fees may apply.
Custody management fees must be paid using the method designated by the Company. Details are provided within the Service.
If the custody management fee is not paid, the Company reserves the right to suspend the Member’s use of the Service, including listing, purchasing, sample shipment, and other functions.
If the fee remains unpaid for six months, the Company may initiate legal proceedings regarding the cask.
Article 12 (Token Transfer)
Members may transfer Tokens they hold on the Platform to another Member’s account to transfer ownership of a cask (referred to as “Ownership Transfer”).
If ownership is transferred to a third party outside the Platform, the transferring Member must promptly carry out the Token transfer to that third party’s account on the Platform. The Company shall not be held liable for any discrepancies or issues arising from delayed Token transfers.
Any errors or damages resulting from incorrect information provided during the transfer process are the sole responsibility of the transferring Member.
A transfer fee determined separately by the Company will apply.
Article 13 (Sample Shipment)
Members may request the shipment of a sample from the cask associated with the Token they hold. This refers to the shipment of a small quantity of distilled liquor to a designated location.
Sample shipment can only be requested while the Member holds the Token.
Sample shipments are conducted in accordance with the policies set by the Cask Issuer. The availability of sample shipments for all casks is not guaranteed.
Once the sample shipment process has begun, it cannot be canceled.
Members bear full responsibility for damages caused by incorrect information provided during the shipping process.
Sample receipt by the Member is not guaranteed. Delays or cancellations may occur due to laws in the destination country/region or shipping provider circumstances.
Sample shipments are subject to additional charges as quoted separately by the Company.
Article 14 (Cask Redemption)
Members may request the physical redemption of a cask they own. This refers to the process by which the Member receives the actual cask.
Redemption requests may only be made while the Member holds the relevant Token.
Once a redemption request is submitted, the Token will be temporarily “locked,” preventing further actions such as sample shipment, listing, or ownership transfer.
For redemption, the Company will coordinate with the Cask Issuer to provide a cost estimate.
The cask, being distilled liquor, must typically be decanted into bottles, drums, IBC containers, etc., for physical pickup. The conditions for decanting follow the policies of the Cask Issuer.
If the Member does not agree to the presented redemption conditions and cost estimate, the Company will return the locked Token to the Member.
Article 15 (Issuance of Ownership Snapshot)
Members may receive a PDF-formatted ownership snapshot.
If issued and mailed in physical form, a separate fee will apply.
Receipt of the physical ownership snapshot is not guaranteed. Delivery delays or failures may occur depending on destination circumstances.
Article 16 (Regauging)
Members may request regauging of a cask they own. This is the process of measuring the alcohol strength and volume to calculate LOA (Liters of Alcohol).
LOA is a standard indicator for assessing the condition and value of whisky.
Regauging is conducted based on the policies defined by the Cask Issuer.
Due to warehouse and distillery circumstances, not all casks may be eligible for regauging.
A separate fee estimated by the Company will apply for regauging.
Chapter 3: Information Management
Article 17 (Handling of Personal Information by Users)
Users must handle personal information of other users obtained through use of the Service in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and the standards established by the Company.
Users must take appropriate management measures at their own responsibility to prevent leakage, loss, or damage of other users' personal information.
If personal information of another user is leaked due to the actions of a user, and such leakage causes damage to the Company, other users, or payment service providers, the user shall be liable for compensating all such damages.
Article 18 (Handling of Personal Information by the Company)
The Company shall use users’ registration information, purchase history, submitted images (including photographs), and other such data solely for identity verification and other explicitly stated purposes, and shall manage such information strictly in accordance with its privacy policy and information management standards.
The Company shall not provide the aforementioned information to any third party without the explicit consent of the user.
However, the Company may disclose users’ personal information (such as name, address, and contact details) to governmental authorities or Cask Issuers only to the extent necessary for compliance with legal obligations or for the management of cask ownership. Such disclosure shall be conducted in accordance with the preceding policy.
If a user’s account is deleted, the Company will handle or dispose of the user’s personal information appropriately in accordance with this Article and its privacy policy.
Chapter 4: General Provisions
Article 19 (Refusal of Transactions with Anti-Social Forces)
The User represents and warrants that they are not currently, and will not in the future be:
A member of an organized crime group
A former member of an organized crime group within the past five years
An associate or related party of an organized crime group
A company affiliated with an organized crime group
A corporate extortionist (Sokaiya)
A group engaging in criminal activities under the guise of social movements
A specialized intellectual crime group
A cohabitant or member of any of the above
Any other party deemed applicable by the Company at its reasonable discretion
The User further guarantees not to engage in any of the following acts:
False declarations regarding ownership
Unauthorized Token transfers
Replication or forgery of Tokens
Fraud or other unlawful conduct
Demands involving violence
Unjust demands beyond legal entitlement
Threatening language or violent behavior
Spreading false information, defamation, or obstruction of business
Any other conduct deemed inappropriate by the Company
If the User violates this Article, the Company reserves the right to immediately terminate all or part of these Terms or any related agreement without prior notice.
Article 20 (Prohibition of Representation and Endorsement)
The Company does not grant any authority of representation to the User. The User shall not present themselves as having such authority or act in a manner that may cause others to mistakenly believe they are a representative or agent of the Company.
Users may not use the Company’s logo, name, or any indication of affiliation with the Company in business or commercial activities without express permission.
Users shall not present themselves using names, descriptions, or representations that may mislead others into believing they are sponsored or endorsed by the Company.
Article 21 (Notification and Reporting)
If any information previously provided to the Company changes, the User must promptly notify the Company. The User shall be responsible for any damages resulting from failure to do so.
Notices from the Company shall be deemed complete once posted on the Platform.
Additionally, the Company may send notifications to the registered email address of the User. Such notifications shall be deemed complete upon dispatch.
Article 22 (Subcontracting)
The Company may subcontract operations related to the Service to third parties.
In doing so, the Company may provide user information, transaction records, etc., to such subcontractors under its own responsibility. These subcontractors shall be bound by confidentiality obligations equivalent to those of the Company.
The Company shall be liable for any damages caused by subcontractors only within the scope defined in these Terms.
Article 23 (Prohibition of Transfer)
Users may not assign or pledge their status or rights and obligations under these Terms to any third party without prior written consent from the Company.
Transfer of Tokens does not terminate a User’s membership.
Article 24 (Limitation of Warranty)
The Company provides the Service and related systems under the current conditions but does not warrant that they will always meet the User’s purposes, expectations, or requirements, nor that the Service is free of defects.
While not obligated to fix bugs or defects, the Company may endeavor to make improvements.
Users are solely responsible for decisions or actions based on information downloaded or obtained from the Company, and the Company shall not be liable for any resulting system failures or damages.
Article 25 (Confidentiality)
Users may not disclose, provide, or leak any personal or confidential information obtained through use of the Service to third parties for a period of two years following the transfer of a cask, unless prior written consent has been obtained from the Company.
The following are not considered confidential information:
Information already in the User’s possession at the time of receipt
Information independently developed by the User
Information that is publicly known or becomes public without fault of the User
Article 26 (Service Interruption)
The Company shall not be liable for failure to perform all or part of the Service due to factors beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, war, civil unrest, power outages, communication failures, changes in laws, or regulatory guidance.
Article 27 (Company's Liability for Damages)
The Company shall not be liable for damages arising from use of the Service unless caused by operational negligence.
If the Company introduces a bottling company at the request of the User, the responsibility for bottling lies with the Cask Issuer. The Company shall not be involved or held liable.
Even if the Company is found liable, its liability shall be limited to the amount paid by the User to the Company for the relevant Service.
While the Company is responsible for the provision of the Platform, it is not responsible for physical cask management, storage, regauging, or bottling, which remain the responsibility of the Cask Issuer.
Article 28 (Effective Date)
These Terms shall take effect on August 1, 2025.
Article 29
[A] Suspension or Termination of the Service
A-1. Voluntary Termination (by User or Company): Either the Company or the User may terminate the Service during the contract term by following the prescribed procedure. Users must notify the Company by the last business day of the month prior to the intended termination month. The termination will take effect on the last day of the notified month.
A-2. Immediate Termination by the Company (Breach or Loss of Trust): The Company may immediately terminate all or part of the Service without notice if:
a. Violation of the Terms or applicable laws
b. Inappropriate behavior
c. Unknown whereabouts or inability to contact
d. Regulatory warnings
e. Acts that significantly damage social credibility
f. Payment delays or other breaches making continued service inappropriate
A-3. Temporary Suspension or Termination by the Company (Technical/Operational Reasons): The Company may suspend or terminate the Service for reasons including:
a. System maintenance or inspection
b. Natural disasters, fire, etc.
c. Technical or operational necessity
Urgent cases may be exempt from prior notification.
[B] Termination of the Entrustment Agreement
B-1. Termination with Cure Period (Contract Violation): If a Cask Owner violates the Terms, the Company may set a cure period and, if unrectified, terminate all or part of the entrustment agreement.
B-2. Immediate Termination without Notice (Serious Cause): The Company may immediately terminate the entrustment agreement without notice in the event of:
a. Immediate termination clause in these Terms
b. Material breach of these Terms
c. Violation of other agreements
d. Seizure, bankruptcy, or business suspension
e. Dissolution or liquidation
f. Management or shareholder changes hindering continuation
g. Payment delays or contractual non-performance
h. Personal user death or incapacity
i. Other reasons deemed by the Company as rendering continuation difficult
B-3. Post-Termination Handling: Affected Cask Owners shall lose the benefit of payment terms and must immediately settle all obligations in cash. The Company reserves the right to offset against unpaid amounts. Termination does not prevent the Company from claiming further damages.
Article 30 (Post-Termination Processing)
Upon contract termination, the Company will cease providing the Service to the User in accordance with its internal guidelines.
The Company may delete user registration and other related information after a certain period without notice.
If the User has unpaid obligations, these Terms shall remain in effect until resolution.
The following Articles shall survive termination:
Article 25 (Confidentiality)
Article 30 (This Article)
Article 32 (Consultation)
Article 33 (Jurisdiction)
Article 34 (Governing Law)
Article 31 (Amendments to the Terms)
The Company may modify these Terms as necessary. Any changes, effective dates, and updates will be communicated via the Company’s website or other appropriate means.
Users are responsible for regularly reviewing these Terms to stay informed of the latest version.
Article 32 (Consultation)
Matters not specified in these Terms, or any disputes regarding interpretation, shall be resolved through good-faith consultation between the Company and the User.
Article 33 (Jurisdiction)
If litigation becomes necessary in connection with the Service, the Tokyo District Court shall have exclusive jurisdiction as the court of first instance.
Article 34 (Governing Law)
These Terms and the formation, validity, performance, and interpretation of the Service shall be governed by the laws of Japan.
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