Terms & Conditions

1. Definitions

In these Terms and Conditions, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:

• "We," "Us," "Our," or "Practice" refers to Aurantex, a legal practice providing maritime law advisory services.
• "You," "Your," or "Client" refers to the individual or entity using our services or website.
• "Services" refers to the maritime law advisory services provided by Aurantex, including documentation review, casualty advisory, and compliance guidance.
• "Website" refers to the Aurantex website accessible at auranttexx.pro.
• "Agreement" refers to these Terms and Conditions together with any engagement letter or service agreement entered into between you and Aurantex.
• "Confidential Information" refers to all information disclosed by you in connection with legal consultation or advisory services, protected by legal professional privilege.

2. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing our website, submitting contact forms, requesting consultations, or engaging our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our website or services. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any lawful reason.

You represent that you are at least 18 years of age and have the legal capacity to enter into this Agreement. If you are acting on behalf of a company or other entity, you represent that you have the authority to bind that entity to these terms.

3. Services Description

3.1 Scope of Services

Aurantex provides maritime law advisory services including:

• Bill of lading and shipping document review
• Maritime casualty and cargo claim advisory
• Port and vessel regulatory compliance guidance
• Legal opinions on maritime law matters
• Coordination with P&I clubs, marine surveyors, and classification societies

3.2 Service Availability

Services are provided during Vietnamese business hours (Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Vietnam time). Time-sensitive casualty matters receive priority handling and may be addressed outside normal business hours when necessary.

We make reasonable efforts to provide services as described, but availability may be affected by circumstances beyond our control, including maritime incidents, regulatory changes, or force majeure events.

3.3 Geographic Scope

Our services focus on Vietnamese maritime law and regulations applicable to shipping operations in Vietnamese waters. While we provide guidance on international maritime conventions, services are provided from our Vietnam office and subject to Vietnamese legal practice requirements.

4. Engagement and Fees

4.1 Service Fees

Service fees are published on our website for standard advisory services:

• Bill of Lading & Shipping Document Review: 2,800,000 VND
• Maritime Casualty & Cargo Claim Advisory: 6,200,000 VND
• Port & Vessel Regulatory Compliance Advisory: 14,600,000 VND

Complex matters requiring extensive research, multiple legal opinions, or coordination across jurisdictions may require additional fees. In such cases, a detailed scope of work and fee proposal will be provided before commencement.

4.2 Payment Terms

Payment is due upon completion of services unless alternative arrangements are agreed in writing. Accepted payment methods and currency (VND) will be specified in the engagement letter or invoice.

Late payment may result in suspension of ongoing services. We reserve the right to charge interest on overdue amounts at the rate permitted under Vietnamese law.

4.3 Engagement Letters

For significant matters, a formal engagement letter will be provided setting forth the scope of services, fee arrangement, and other terms specific to your matter. The engagement letter, together with these Terms and Conditions, constitutes the complete agreement for services.

5. Client Responsibilities

5.1 Information Provision

You agree to provide complete, accurate, and timely information necessary for us to provide effective services. This includes:

• Relevant shipping documentation (bills of lading, charter parties, cargo insurance)
• Vessel details and registration information
• Factual information about maritime incidents or compliance matters
• Timely notification of material changes affecting the matter

Failure to provide necessary information may affect the quality of our services and our ability to meet deadlines.

5.2 Following Advice

Our services constitute legal advice and guidance. Implementation of recommendations and final decisions remain your responsibility. We cannot guarantee specific outcomes, as results depend on various factors including regulatory interpretation, commercial negotiations, and actions of third parties.

You acknowledge that legal advice is based on facts and documents provided. Changes in circumstances or discovery of additional facts may affect the analysis and conclusions.

5.3 Prohibited Uses

You agree not to:

• Use our services for any unlawful purpose or in violation of maritime regulations
• Provide false or misleading information
• Request services that would create conflicts of interest with existing clients
• Reproduce or distribute our legal opinions without authorization
• Use our services to circumvent maritime safety or environmental regulations

6. Intellectual Property

6.1 Our Intellectual Property

All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, and design elements, is the property of Aurantex and protected by Vietnamese and international intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our written permission.

Legal opinions and written advice provided to you may be used for your internal business purposes and shared with relevant parties (such as insurers or regulatory authorities) in connection with your matter, but may not be publicly disclosed or used for marketing purposes without our consent.

6.2 Your Information

You retain ownership of all documents and information you provide to us. By providing materials for review, you grant us a limited license to use them solely for the purpose of providing legal services to you.

7. Confidentiality and Legal Professional Privilege

All information disclosed in connection with legal consultation or advisory services is subject to legal professional privilege and will be kept confidential in accordance with Vietnamese bar requirements and professional ethics obligations.

We will not disclose confidential information except:

• With your express authorization (such as communication with P&I clubs or marine surveyors)
• As required by Vietnamese law or court order
• To enforce our rights under this Agreement
• To professional advisors subject to equivalent confidentiality obligations

Your obligation to maintain confidentiality of our legal advice continues after termination of the engagement.

8. Disclaimers

8.1 No Guarantees

While we provide professional legal services based on our knowledge and experience, we cannot guarantee specific results or outcomes. Maritime law matters involve interpretation of regulations, negotiation with third parties, and factors outside our control.

Legal advice is provided based on the facts and documents available at the time. Subsequent developments or discovery of additional information may affect conclusions.

8.2 Website Information

Information on our website is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. The content may not reflect the most current legal developments or apply to your specific situation.

We make reasonable efforts to ensure website accuracy but do not warrant that information is complete, current, or error-free.

8.3 Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party resources. We are not responsible for the content, accuracy, or practices of external websites.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by Vietnamese law, our liability for any claim arising from services provided is limited to the fees paid for the specific service that gave rise to the claim.

We are not liable for:

• Indirect, consequential, or incidental damages including lost profits or business interruption
• Outcomes dependent on actions of third parties such as regulatory authorities, P&I clubs, or commercial counterparties
• Claims arising from incomplete or inaccurate information provided by you
• Acts or omissions of third parties such as marine surveyors or classification societies

We maintain professional indemnity insurance as required by the Vietnamese bar. Claims exceeding our liability limitations may be covered by insurance, subject to policy terms and conditions.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Aurantex, its personnel, and professional advisors from any claims, damages, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your breach of these Terms and Conditions
• Your violation of maritime regulations or laws
• Inaccurate or incomplete information you provide
• Your use of our services for unlawful purposes

11. Termination

11.1 Termination by You

You may terminate an engagement at any time by providing written notice. You remain responsible for payment of fees for services rendered prior to termination and reasonable costs incurred in winding down the engagement.

11.2 Termination by Us

We may terminate an engagement if:

• You fail to pay fees or provide necessary information after reasonable notice
• A conflict of interest develops that cannot be waived
• Continued representation would violate professional ethics obligations
• You request us to take action contrary to law or professional standards

We will provide reasonable notice and assistance in transitioning the matter to new counsel where appropriate.

11.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, our obligation to provide services ceases, but confidentiality obligations continue. You remain responsible for outstanding fees and may request copies of your file subject to payment of copying costs.

12. Dispute Resolution

12.1 Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of Vietnam. Any disputes arising from services provided or these terms shall be subject to the jurisdiction of Vietnamese courts.

12.2 Informal Resolution

Before initiating formal proceedings, parties agree to attempt good faith negotiation to resolve disputes. You may contact us at [email protected] to discuss concerns.

If concerns relate to professional conduct, you may file a complaint with the Vietnamese bar association in accordance with applicable procedures.

12.3 Jurisdiction

For matters that cannot be resolved through negotiation, the courts of Da Nang, Vietnam shall have jurisdiction. Both parties consent to the personal jurisdiction of these courts.

13. General Provisions

13.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms and Conditions, together with any engagement letter or written agreement for specific services, constitute the entire agreement between you and Aurantex regarding services provided.

13.2 Severability

If any provision of these terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue in full force and effect.

13.3 Waiver

Failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver of that provision or our right to enforce it in the future.

13.4 Assignment

You may not assign your rights or obligations under this Agreement without our written consent. We may assign our rights to fees earned but cannot transfer legal representation obligations without your consent.

13.5 Notice

Notices required under these terms shall be sent to the contact information provided during engagement. Email communication to addresses provided constitutes effective notice.

14. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms and Conditions periodically. When changes are made, we will update the "Last Updated" date and post the revised terms on our website.

Changes become effective upon posting. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised terms. For active engagements, material changes will be communicated directly to affected clients.

We encourage periodic review of these terms to stay informed of any updates.