Dispute Resolution
- Version
- 1.0 (draft)
- Published
- [Publication date]
- Effective
- [Effective date]
Draft, pending counsel review. Not in force. What this means
When a team and a contributor disagree about submitted work, an Aligner operator reviews it against the request as written. The outcome decides where the escrowed compensation goes.
1. Scope
This policy forms part of the Terms of Service between you and [Aligner, Inc.], a Delaware corporation (Aligner). It covers disputes between a team and a contributor about a funded request (a Dispute).
This is a platform process, not arbitration. Claims between you and Aligner itself are governed by the arbitration terms.
2. Opening a dispute
Either party may open a Dispute in the Service within 7 days of the decision it disagrees with. Typical decisions are a team's rejection of submitted work, or a failed attempt to agree a cancellation.
A Dispute that is not opened in time cannot be opened later. The decision then stands and the escrow pays out accordingly.
While a Dispute is open, the compensation stays in the request's escrow.
3. What the operator decides on
The operator decides on the request as written: its scope, deliverables and acceptance criteria at the time the offer was accepted, plus any change both parties confirmed in the Service.
The operator does not judge taste or quality beyond what the request specified. Requirements that were not written down are given little weight.
4. Evidence
Both parties may submit evidence: the submitted work, messages in the Service, files and a written statement.
Each party sees the other's statement and can respond once. The operator may ask either party for more information and set a deadline. A party that does not respond in time may have the Dispute decided on what is available.
Messages and files exchanged outside the Service may be considered, but carry less weight.
5. Outcomes
The operator decides one of three outcomes:
| Outcome | Where the compensation goes |
|---|---|
| Release in full | All to the contributor's Balance |
| Refund in full | All back to where the request was funded from: the team's Balance or wallet |
| Split | Divided between the contributor's Balance and the team's funding source in the stated proportion |
Aligner then has the request's Escrow Vault pay out as decided. See the escrow vault. The vault cannot send funds anywhere else.
The Service Fee follows the outcome as set out in Fees.
6. Statement of reasons
Every decision comes with a written statement of reasons, sent to both parties. It names the evidence relied on, the parts of the request applied and the outcome.
7. Appeal
Either party may appeal a decision once, within 7 days of the statement of reasons. A different operator reviews the appeal and may confirm, change or reverse the decision.
The appeal decision is final within the Service. Funds are released after the appeal window closes or after the appeal is decided.
8. Conduct during a dispute
Parties must act in good faith. Fabricated evidence, threats, harassment or attempts to move the work or payment outside Aligner may lead to an outcome against that party and to action under the Acceptable Use Policy.
9. Effect on records
Dispute outcomes may appear on a team's or contributor's track record as described in Verification and Work Proofs. A Work Proof is issued only for compensation actually released.
10. Other remedies
This process does not stop either party from pursuing claims against the other in court or by any other lawful means. Aligner's decision governs only where the escrowed funds go.
Aligner's operators act as a neutral platform, not as an arbitrator, mediator, lawyer or agent of either party. To the extent permitted by law, Aligner is not liable for the outcome of a Dispute decided in good faith under this policy.
11. Contact
Questions about a Dispute can be sent to [disputes@aligner.network].
Version history
- Version 1.0 (draft)[Publication date]First draft for counsel review.