Terms of Service

§ 1 Scope and Contracting Parties

1.1 Provider

These Terms of Service (hereinafter "Terms") apply to the use of the Software-as-a-Service platform "Columbus" (hereinafter "Platform" or "Service") operated by Emilio Irmscher, Max-Saupe-Straße 41, 09131 Chemnitz, Deutschland (hereinafter "Provider" or "we").

1.2 B2B Only

These Terms apply exclusively to businesses. The Platform is not intended for consumers within the meaning of § 13 German Civil Code.

§ 2 Subject Matter and Scope of Services

2.1 Service Description

Columbus is a cloud-based software platform for AI Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). The platform enables analysis and optimization of brand and product visibility in AI-powered search engines and voice assistants. The Platform includes:

• Brand visibility analysis across AI platforms (ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Gemini, etc.)
• Mention and citation tracking
• Competitive analysis and benchmarking
• Optimization recommendations
• Desktop application for automated scans
• Management of organizations, products, and teams
• API access for integrations

2.2 Availability

We strive to ensure Platform availability of 99.5% on average per year. This excludes maintenance work, force majeure, and disruptions beyond our control.

§ 3 Contract Formation and Registration

3.1 Registration

Use of the Platform requires registration. By registering, you make a binding offer to conclude a usage agreement. We accept this offer by activating your account.

3.2 Accurate Information

You are obligated to provide truthful, complete, and current information during registration.

§ 4 Prices and Payment Terms

4.1 Prices and Payment Methods

The prices displayed on the Platform at the time of ordering apply. All prices are exclusive of statutory VAT. Payment is made through our payment service provider Stripe.

4.2 Billing Model

Billing occurs according to the selected plan:

• Free Tier: Free with limited functionality
• Paid Plans: Monthly or annual billing in advance

§ 5 Contract Duration and Termination

5.1 Duration

For monthly billed plans, the minimum term is one month. The contract automatically renews for one additional month unless terminated with 7 days' notice before the end of the term.

5.2 Form of Termination

Termination must be in text form (email to support@columbus-aeo.com) or through Platform settings.

§ 6 Customer Obligations

6.1 Lawful Use

You agree to use the Platform exclusively lawfully and in accordance with these Terms. In particular, it is prohibited to:

• Violate third-party rights
• Impair the security and availability of the Platform
• Deploy automated systems without our consent
• Bypass or abuse API rate limits

§ 7 Data Protection

Processing of personal data occurs according to our Privacy Policy, available at /privacy.

§ 8 Limitation of Liability

We are liable without limitation for damages from injury to life, body, or health, and in cases of intent and gross negligence. For slightly negligent breach of essential contractual obligations, our liability is limited to typical, foreseeable damage.

§ 9 Final Provisions

9.1 Applicable Law

These Terms are exclusively governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany, excluding the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG).

9.2 Jurisdiction

The exclusive place of jurisdiction for all disputes is Chemnitz, provided the Customer is a merchant.

9.3 Severability Clause

If individual provisions of these Terms are invalid, the validity of the remaining provisions remains unaffected.