EBI Terms of Use of the EBI Services

1. The public databases of the EBI are freely available by any individual and for any purpose.
   
   
2. Software which can be run at the EBI may be used by any individual for any purpose unless specific exceptions are stated. The only exceptions with respect to software will be the prohibition of downloading, redistributing or re-engineering the software, and these exceptions only apply if explicitly stated.
   
   
3. Users of the EBI services agree not to attempt to use any part of the EBI computers, files or networks apart from through the service interfaces provided.
   
   
4. If any single organisation (user) exploits the EBI services to a level that prevents, or looks set to prevent, the EBI providing services to others, the EBI may discontinue service to that user. The EBI will then contact the user to discuss their needs and how (and if) these can be met. Suggested solutions may include such heavy users licensing for their own in-house use third-party software used in the EBI services (e.g. from biowisdom, QBioCom, Wash. University, U. of Virginia, NCBI). With permission from the user, the EBI may divulge their identity to such third parties, and jointly propose possible solutions.
   
   
5. The EBI does not guarantee the accuracy of any data or databases nor the suitability of databases, software and services for any purpose.
   
   
6. For planning and scientific review purposes, the EBI will keep records of usage. The EBI may make information about the total volume of usage of particular software or databases to third parties organisations who supply the software or databases.
   
   
7. Logs of usage may also be maintained for the purposes of monitoring and improving services, and measuring the impact a particular service has on our resources. These logs will be kept in confidence and not made available for other purposes or to third parties.
   
   
8. The EBI regards the nature of the work carried out by any individual user as confidential, and shall make every reasonable attempt to prevent breaches of that confidentiality.
   
   
9. The EBI does not accept responsibility for the consequences of any breach of the confidentiality of the EBI site by third parties who by any means gain illegitimate access to information from the EBI.
   
   
10. The EBI itself places no restrictions on the use or redistribution of the data available via its services. However, some of the original data may be subject to patent, copyright, or other intellectual property rights claimed by third parties. It is the responsibility of users of the EBI services to ensure that their exploitation of the data does not infringe the rights of such third parties. The EBI can neither comment on the validity of their claims nor grant unrestricted permission regarding the use of the data.
    
    
11. The EBI will make all reasonable effort to maintain continuity of service and provide adequate warning of any changes or discontinuities. However, the EBI accepts no responsibility for the consequences of any temporary or permanent discontinuity in service.
    
    
12. The EBI requires attribution for any of its services or data that it is subsequently used in another product or service.
    
    
13. Any feedback on services and software provided by the EBI will be treated as non-confidential unless the individual or organisation providing the feedback states otherwise.
    
    
14. EMBL is not liable to you or third parties claiming through you, for any loss or damage
    
    
15. Relevant law governing these terms and conditions is UK law
    
    
16. Any questions or comments concerning these terms of use can be addressed to External Services, EBI.
    
    
17. These Terms of Use reflect the enduring principles under which the EBI services are offered. We will not, without good reason, alter them, and where alterations are inevitable, we will attempt to give reasonable notice of such alterations. However, we do reserve the right to alter these terms at any time in order to ensure their appropriateness to the EBI mission.