Terms of Service

Last updated: February 2026

1. Service Description

The ZH Standard is a deterministic compliance verification platform operated by Brightstead Technologies, Inc. (“Brightstead,” “we,” “us”). The Service evaluates structured data against encoded regulatory criteria using deterministic logic. There is no generative AI component in the compliance decision path.

The Service is a decision-support tool, not a decision-making authority. All outputs — including eligibility determinations, risk assessments, and compliance evaluations — are informational and must be independently verified by a qualified professional before any action is taken. You assume full responsibility for any decisions made based on Service outputs. The Service does not replace human judgment, legal counsel, or the determinations of any government agency.

2. Acceptable Use

You agree not to:

  • Attempt to reverse-engineer, decompile, or extract the deterministic engine logic
  • Use the Service to process data in violation of applicable laws or regulations
  • Submit false, misleading, or fraudulent data through the Service
  • Exceed rate limits or attempt to circumvent bot protection measures
  • Resell, sublicense, or redistribute Service outputs without a commercial agreement
  • Submit Protected Health Information (PHI) as defined under 45 CFR 160.103 or any data subject to HIPAA. The Service is not a HIPAA-covered service and Brightstead is not a Business Associate. If you require HIPAA-compliant processing, contact us to discuss a Business Associate Agreement before using the Service.

3. Intellectual Property

The ZH Standard deterministic verification engine, SHA-256 audit chain architecture, and compliance decision methodology are patent pending (U.S. patent application filed). All Service software, APIs, documentation, and branding are the exclusive property of Brightstead Technologies, Inc. or its licensors.

4. Disclaimer of Warranties

THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE.” BRIGHTSTEAD MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.

Service results do not constitute legal, medical, financial, or professional advice. While the deterministic engine applies encoded regulatory rules accurately, regulations change, and the Service may not reflect the most recent amendments at all times. Users should consult qualified professionals for decisions affecting legal rights, medical treatment, or financial obligations.

We do not guarantee completeness of regulatory coverage. The Service currently covers specific compliance domains as described on our website. Coverage is expanded over time but may not include all applicable rules for every jurisdiction.

Determinism vs. correctness. When we state that the Service produces “zero hallucinations” and “zero variance,” we mean that the deterministic engine applies its encoded rule set consistently — the same structured input will always produce the same output. These claims refer to the architecture of the engine, not to the completeness or currency of the regulatory rules encoded within it. Rules may be incomplete, outdated, or inapplicable to your jurisdiction. A deterministic output is not necessarily a correct output. You are responsible for confirming that the Service's encoded rules reflect current law before relying on any output.

5. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, BRIGHTSTEAD SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUES, WHETHER INCURRED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, OR ANY LOSS OF DATA, USE, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES, RESULTING FROM YOUR USE OF THE SERVICE.

IN NO EVENT SHALL BRIGHTSTEAD'S AGGREGATE LIABILITY EXCEED THE GREATER OF ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100) OR THE AMOUNT YOU PAID BRIGHTSTEAD IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

6. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Brightstead Technologies, Inc., its officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to: (a) your use of the Service in violation of these Terms; (b) your violation of any applicable law or regulation; (c) your submission of data you were not authorized to submit; (d) any third-party claim arising from your reliance on Service outputs or your use of Service outputs in connection with any decision affecting third parties; or (e) your failure to independently verify Service outputs before taking action.

7. Modifications

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated via the email address associated with your account or by posting a notice on the Service. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

8. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes shall be resolved in the state or federal courts located in Harris County, Texas.

9. Contact

Questions about these Terms should be directed to: hello@brightstead.com