Terms of Service | Gene Studio

1. Introduction and Scope

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the Gene Studio website and services provided by Gene Healthcare GmbH ("Gene Studio", "we", "us", or "our"). By accessing or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

Gene Studio is operated by Gene Healthcare GmbH, Süderstraße 294, 20537 Hamburg, Germany (Amtsgericht Hamburg, HRB 177699).

2. Nature of Our Services

Please read this section carefully as it describes the fundamental nature and limitations of our services.

2.1 Informational Service: Gene Studio provides an informational and educational service that generates hypothetical risk assessments based solely on the questionnaire responses provided by users. Our service processes self-reported information to create illustrative projections regarding potential genetic characteristics of a hypothetical future child.

2.2 Not Genetic Testing or Counseling: Gene Studio does not perform, provide, or constitute:

Genetic testing, genetic analysis, or genetic diagnostics as defined under the German Genetic Diagnostics Act (Gendiagnostikgesetz – GenDG) or any equivalent legislation
Genetic counseling as defined by applicable medical or healthcare regulations
Medical diagnosis, medical advice, or healthcare services
Analysis, examination, or testing of actual DNA, genetic material, or biological samples from users
In vitro diagnostic medical device services under EU Regulation 2017/746

2.3 Hypothetical Projections: Our risk assessments create a hypothetical, simulated genetic profile of a potential future child based entirely on questionnaire responses about family history and personal characteristics. These projections are illustrative estimates derived from statistical models and publicly available scientific literature. They do not reflect actual genetic analysis of any individual.

2.4 No Biological Sample Analysis: Gene Studio does not analyze, process, or examine any biological samples, DNA, blood, saliva, or other genetic material from users or their family members as part of the risk assessment service. Any optional laboratory services offered through third-party partners are separate services governed by their own terms and regulations.

3. Disclaimer of Medical Advice

3.1 The information provided by Gene Studio is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations.

3.2 Gene Studio does not replace consultation with qualified healthcare professionals, genetic counselors, or medical specialists. Users are strongly encouraged to consult appropriate medical professionals for any health-related decisions.

3.3 Any decisions regarding family planning, reproductive health, or medical treatment should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare providers who can evaluate your individual circumstances.

3.4 Gene Studio expressly disclaims any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided through our services.

4. Use of Services

4.1 Eligibility: You must be at least 18 years old to use our services. By using our services, you represent that you meet this requirement.

4.2 Accuracy of Information: You agree to provide accurate, complete, and current information when using our services. The quality and relevance of our assessments depend on the accuracy of the information you provide.

4.3 Personal Use: Our services are intended for personal, non-commercial use only. You may not use our services on behalf of third parties without their explicit consent.

4.4 Account Security: You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account.

5. Limitations of Assessments

5.1 Our risk assessments are based on statistical models derived from published scientific research and population-level data. Individual outcomes may vary significantly from statistical projections.

5.2 The assessments do not account for all possible genetic variations, environmental factors, or other variables that may influence actual outcomes.

5.3 Risk percentages and categories are approximations intended for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as precise predictions.

5.4 The absence of identified risk factors does not guarantee the absence of genetic conditions, and the presence of risk factors does not guarantee their occurrence.

6. Payment and Fees

6.1 Certain services may require payment. All prices are displayed in Euros (€) and include applicable taxes unless otherwise stated.

6.2 Payments are processed through secure third-party payment providers. By making a purchase, you agree to the terms of the respective payment provider.

6.3 Digital reports and assessments are delivered electronically upon successful payment processing.

7. Refund Policy

7.1 Due to the nature of digital services, reports that have been generated and delivered are generally non-refundable.

7.2 For physical products or services not yet rendered, refund requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable consumer protection laws.

7.3 You have the right to withdraw from a contract within 14 days without giving any reason (EU consumer right of withdrawal), except for digital content that has been accessed or services that have been fully performed.

8. Intellectual Property

8.1 All content, materials, and intellectual property on our platform are owned by Gene Healthcare GmbH or its licensors and are protected by applicable copyright and trademark laws.

8.2 You may use the reports generated for your personal use only. Redistribution, reproduction, or commercial use of our content without written permission is prohibited.

9. Limitation of Liability

9.1 To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Gene Healthcare GmbH shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of our services.

9.2 Our total liability for any claims arising from your use of our services shall not exceed the amount paid by you for the specific service giving rise to the claim.

9.3 Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, fraud, or any other liability that cannot be excluded by law.

10. Data Protection and Privacy

Your privacy is important to us. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for detailed information on how we collect, use, and protect your personal data in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and applicable German data protection laws.

11. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated through our website or by email. Continued use of our services after such modifications constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

12. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

12.1 These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

12.2 For consumers residing in the European Union, mandatory consumer protection provisions of the country of residence shall apply where they provide greater protection.

12.3 Any disputes arising from these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Hamburg, Germany, except where mandatory law requires otherwise for consumers.

13. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

14. Contact Information

For questions regarding these Terms, please contact us at:

Gene Healthcare GmbH
Süderstraße 294
20537 Hamburg, Germany
Email: [email protected]