By engaging our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy. If you are entering this agreement on behalf of an organization, you represent that you have the authority to bind that organization to these terms. The Melan Group reserves the right to modify these Terms of Service with reasonable notice to active clients.
Professional Services
The Melan Group provides specialized science communication and digital media services including strategic consulting such as science communication strategy development, research dissemination planning, brand positioning for scientific organizations, and digital transformation consulting for research institutions.
Our content and editorial services encompass scientific content development and editorial oversight, technical writing and publication support, content strategy and editorial calendar development, and fact-checking and scientific accuracy review.
We offer comprehensive digital solutions including website development and optimization, digital platform architecture and implementation, content management system development, and user experience design for scientific platforms.
Our creative services include brand identity development and visual systems, data visualization and scientific illustration, multimedia content production, and design system implementation. Additionally, we provide network management services such as multi-platform content strategy and distribution, performance analytics and optimization, audience development strategies, and cross-platform integration services.
All services are delivered according to agreed-upon statements of work, project specifications, and professional standards established in our industry.
Service Engagement
Most engagements are structured as discrete projects with defined scope, deliverables, timelines, and compensation, with each project requiring a separate statement of work or service agreement. Ongoing consulting and support services may be provided under retainer agreements with defined monthly or quarterly terms, scope of services, and performance expectations.
Clients are responsible for providing timely access to necessary information, personnel, and systems, reviewing and approving deliverables within agreed timeframes, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations in their industry, and maintaining confidentiality of proprietary methodologies and processes.
Payment Terms
Professional fees are established based on project complexity, timeline requirements, and resource allocation, with payment terms specified in individual service agreements. We accept payment via check, wire transfer, and electronic payment systems including PayPal and Stripe.
We do not store financial information as all electronic payments are processed through secure third-party systems. Invoices are issued according to the payment schedule outlined in the service agreement, and late payments may incur additional fees as specified in the service agreement. All fees are exclusive of applicable taxes, which will be added to invoices as required by law.
Intellectual Property
Clients retain ownership of all proprietary information, data, and materials provided to TMG for the performance of services. Ownership of deliverables and work product is addressed in individual service agreements.
Generally clients receive full rights to custom work product upon final payment while TMG retains rights to methodologies, processes, and general knowledge. TMG retains all rights to proprietary methodologies, processes, tools, and general knowledge developed independently or through experience across multiple client engagements.
Confidentiality
Both parties acknowledge that confidential information may be disclosed during the course of the professional relationship. We maintain strict confidentiality protocols and will execute separate non-disclosure agreements when required.
Professional Standards and Limitations
All services are performed according to professional industry standards, and we maintain professional liability insurance while adhering to ethical guidelines for science communication. Our services are advisory in nature, and clients retain full responsibility for business decisions, regulatory compliance, and implementation of recommendations.
TMG’s liability for any claim arising from professional services shall not exceed the total fees paid for the specific project or engagement in question, and we are not liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages. We reserve the right to decline engagements that conflict with our professional standards, create conflicts of interest, or involve content that contradicts established scientific consensus.
Client Support and Communication
Primary communication occurs through designated project managers and account representatives, with response times and communication schedules established in service agreements. Support is provided according to the terms of each service agreement, and additional support beyond agreed scope may be provided at standard hourly rates.
We maintain professional communication standards and expect the same from clients, reserving the right to terminate relationships that involve unprofessional conduct, harassment, or abusive behavior.
Service Guarantee and Resolution
We stand behind the quality of our professional services, and if deliverables do not meet agreed specifications, we will work with clients to address deficiencies at no additional cost. Disputes are addressed through professional consultation and good-faith negotiation, with formal dispute resolution procedures outlined in individual service agreements. Either party may terminate services with appropriate notice as specified in the service agreement, though fees for completed work remain due upon termination.
Agreement Termination
We may terminate this agreement and cease providing services if clients breach material terms, fail to make required payments, or engage in conduct that conflicts with our professional standards. Termination procedures and obligations are detailed in individual service agreements.
Governing Law and Jurisdiction
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the District of Columbia and the United States. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of the District of Columbia.
