Rules of Enforceable Agreements for Oath | Resources

Policies

Arbitration Agreement

Communication as Evidence

Only messages and communications that take place via Oath or Oath-enabled platforms will be considered valid proof of agreement and what we meant regarding the agreement terms.

Simple Interpretation

All terms will be understood in the most straightforward way, without complicated arguments or legal meanings.

Arbitration Process

Arbitration hearings will follow the rules set by the moderation community and will be limited to either document submissions, one hour of arbitration discussion, or a maximum of one full day for arbitration discussion.

Responsibility for Fees

Each party will pay their own costs to start the dispute. The winner of the arbitration may be able to recover the amount of money paid or payable for the item and the expenses associated with filing the dispute, but no legal fees or indirect fees will be recoverable.

Remote Arbitration

All arbitration proceedings will occur remotely, whether through phone calls, document submissions, or video conferences.

Selection of Arbitrator

The arbitrator will be chosen from the moderators of the community where the transaction took place. Alternatively, for a fee, a sworn arbitrator can be appointed.

Appeal Process

The decision made by an arbitrator from the moderated community is appealable to an independent arbitrator assigned via the Oath platform. Appealing such a decision will incur a fee payable to the Oath platform.

Limitation of Liability

Users will only be liable up to and including the total cost of the item or the amount of money that is in dispute, except for costs associated with filing an arbitration with the Oath platform. The winner of the arbitration may recover the amount of money paid or payable for the item and the expenses associated with filing the dispute, but no legal fees or indirect fees will be recoverable.

Short Timelines for Dispute Resolution

All parties involved are required to adhere to short timelines for the resolution of disputes, facilitating a more efficient and speedy arbitration process.

Notification Timeline

Both parties agree to adhere to a specified timeline for notifications and responses during the arbitration process. Timely communication will help ensure a smooth and efficient arbitration.

Confidentiality

All parties agree to keep the arbitration proceedings and related information confidential, preventing disclosure unless required by law.

Governing Law

This arbitration agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas.

Severability

If any part of this arbitration agreement is found to be unenforceable, the remaining parts will still be in effect.

User Conduct Expectations

All users are expected to conduct themselves respectfully, honestly, and in adherence to the rules during the arbitration process.

Bad Faith or Malicious Intent

If a user is found to have acted in bad faith or with malicious intent, this will be recorded on their profile for other potential participants and transactions to see.

Failure to Abide by the Decision

Failure to comply with the arbitrator's decision may result in further action, potentially affecting the user's ability to engage in future transactions or arbitration processes.

Initiating Arbitration

Beginning a Complaint. To initiate a complaint against another party to a transaction, the complaining user must use the portal on the Oath platform website. The portal can be accessed via oath.to, or email support@oath.to for more information. If you require any accommodations to access these dispute resolution services due to medical disability, please email support@oath.to.

Required Materials, Initiation of a complaint requires:

Payment of the administration fee

Your unique transaction identifier

Your preferred method of contact

A short explanation of the type of complaint

A one-page explainer of the circumstances

Your requested resolution

Any photos, attachments, or communications that occurred between you and the seller.

Process and Timelines

The entire process will be conducted in a transparent manner, while protecting sensitive personal information from each other party to the extent possible. Non-deficient complaint and response submissions will be visible on the portal for each party’s full review throughout the arbitration proceedings.

You will receive an acknowledgement of your submission within 24 hours, along with notice of any deficiencies in your submission.

Any deficiencies must be corrected within five (5) business days or your case will be closed and a new complaint must be submitted to revive the case.

Upon successful complaint submission, Oath will notify the other party to the transaction of the complaint, and they will have ten (10) business days to respond to the complaint.

If the transaction’s originating community has opted for document only dispute resolutions:

the community arbitrator may request one additional set of written statements or attachments within another five (5) business days, after which, parties will have five (5) business days to respond;
the community arbitrator will have five (5) business days to issue a decision with their notes attached.

If the transaction’s originating community has opted for one-hour hearing dispute resolutions:

the community arbitrator may request one additional set of written statements or attachments within another five (5) business days, after which, parties will have five (5) business days to respond;
the parties will then have ten (10) business days to schedule a hearing with the community arbitrator;
the community arbitrator will have five (5) business days to issue a decision with their notes attached.

If the transaction’s originating community has opted for one-day hearing dispute resolutions:

the community arbitrator may request one additional set of written statements or attachments within another five (5) business days, after which, parties will have five (5) business days to respond;
the parties will then have fifteen (15) business days to schedule a hearing with the community arbitrator;
the community arbitrator will have ten (10) business days to issue a decision with their notes attached.