Welcome to SkillUpWork (“we,” “our,” or “us”). These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of the SkillUpWork website, mobile applications, and related services (collectively, the “Platform”). By using SkillUpWork, you agree to be bound by these Terms, as well as our Privacy Policy and any other policies referenced herein.
If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use the Platform.
1. Overview of SkillUpWork
SkillUpWork is an online marketplace connecting Clients who need freelance or contract-based services (“Projects”) with Freelancers who offer such services. SkillUpWork provides the infrastructure to facilitate finding, contracting, communicating, and paying for work — but SkillUpWork is not a party to any contract between Clients and Freelancers.
2. Account Eligibility and Registration
- You must be at least 18 years old to create an account.
- You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.
- You agree to provide accurate, complete, and current information during registration and to update your information as needed.
- We may suspend or terminate any account that violates these Terms or our policies.
3. Types of Users
- Clients: Individuals or companies who post projects, hire freelancers, and pay for services.
- Freelancers: Individuals or agencies who offer services, submit proposals, and perform work.
- SkillUpWork: Acts as a neutral platform to facilitate these interactions.
4. Relationships and Responsibilities
- Independent Relationship: Freelancers are independent contractors, not employees, agents, or representatives of SkillUpWork.
- Contracts: Any contract formed between Client and Freelancer is directly between those parties.
- Liability: SkillUpWork is not responsible for the quality, timing, legality, or completion of work.
- Compliance: Users are responsible for complying with applicable laws, including tax obligations, employment laws, and local regulations.
5. Payments and Fees
- Payment Protection: For certain projects, SkillUpWork may provide Milestone Payments to ensure safe transactions.
- Service Fees: SkillUpWork charges a service fee deducted from each payment, which may vary by contract type or account tier.
- Withdrawals: Freelancers may withdraw available funds subject to verification and payment gateway policies.
- Refunds: Refunds are governed by the project agreement or our Dispute Resolution Policy.
- Taxes: Users are responsible for their own tax filings and compliance.
6. Dispute Resolution
In the event of a disagreement between a Client and a Freelancer:
- The parties should first attempt to resolve the matter directly.
- If unresolved, SkillUpWork may, at its discretion, offer Dispute Mediation or Arbitration Support, but does not guarantee any outcome.
- SkillUpWork’s decision (if involved) will be final for platform-related matters, such as payment release or account status.
7. User Conduct and Prohibited Activities
You agree not to:
- Post false, misleading, or fraudulent information.
- Engage in harassment, discrimination, or illegal activity.
- Circumvent SkillUpWork to avoid paying platform fees.
- Upload or transmit viruses, malware, or harmful code.
- Use automated bots or scraping tools.
- Share private or confidential information without consent.
Violations may result in account suspension, termination, or legal action.
8. Intellectual Property
- Freelancer IP Rights: Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the Freelancer retains ownership of pre-existing materials.
- Work Product: Upon full payment, ownership of deliverables typically transfers to the Client (subject to project terms).
- SkillUpWork IP: The Platform, its content, design, and technology are owned by SkillUpWork and protected by copyright and trademark laws.
9. Confidentiality and Data Use
Users must protect confidential project or user data shared through the Platform. SkillUpWork may use anonymized or aggregated data to improve services. All personal data is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
10. Termination and Account Suspension
We reserve the right to suspend or terminate any account that violates these Terms, engages in fraudulent behavior, or fails to comply with applicable laws. You may close your account at any time by contacting support, but certain obligations will survive closure.
11. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, SkillUpWork is not liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages. Total liability shall not exceed the total fees paid to SkillUpWork in the past six (6) months.
12. Disclaimer of Warranties
The Platform is provided “as is” and “as available.” SkillUpWork does not guarantee uninterrupted access, error-free functionality, or verified accuracy of user information or project listings.
13. Modifications
We may modify these Terms at any time by posting revised Terms on the Platform. Continued use after updates constitutes acceptance of the changes.
14. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India, without regard to conflict of law principles.
15. Contact Us
For questions, disputes, or concerns, please contact:
