Terms of Service

Last Updated: January 1, 2025

Important Notice

Please read these Terms of Service carefully before using Protocall. By accessing or using our platform, you agree to be bound by these terms. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, you must not use our services.

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Protocall ("we," "our," or "us"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Protocall platform, website, mobile applications, and all related services (collectively, the "Platform").

By creating an account, accessing, or using any part of our Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms, along with our Privacy Policy, Risk Disclosure Statement, and any other policies referenced herein.

If you do not agree to these Terms, you must immediately discontinue use of the Platform.

2. Platform Overview

Protocall is India's largest retail investor community platform that provides:

  • Community Features: Chat rooms, discussion forums, and social networking for traders
  • Market Insights: Community polls, sentiment analysis, and collective wisdom
  • Professional Services: Access to SEBI-registered investment advisors and financial influencers
  • Educational Content: Webinars, workshops, courses, and market analysis
  • Trading Features: Pledge Pool for coordinated trading, portfolio tracking, and alerts
  • Events: Virtual and physical networking events, seminars, and expert sessions

Protocall is a technology platform and community service. We do not provide investment advice, execute trades, or manage your investments directly.

3. User Accounts and Registration

3.1 Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old and have the legal capacity to enter into contracts under Indian law to use our Platform. By registering, you represent and warrant that you meet these requirements.

3.2 Account Registration

  • You must provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration
  • You must maintain and promptly update your account information
  • You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
  • You are responsible for all activities that occur under your account
  • You must immediately notify us of any unauthorized use of your account

3.3 Account Types

  • Trader/Investor: Individual retail investors and traders
  • SEBI Registered Advisor: Verified investment advisors with valid SEBI registration
  • Finfluencer: Verified financial content creators and educators
  • Event Organizer: Approved organizers for webinars and workshops

3.4 One Account Per User

You may only create one account. Creating multiple accounts may result in suspension or termination of all your accounts without refund.

4. Subscription and Payment Terms

4.1 Subscription Plans

Protocall offers the following subscription tiers:

  • Basic (Free): Access to basic community features
  • Premium: Enhanced features including Pledge Pool, advisor picks, and premium content
  • VIP: All Premium features plus priority support, exclusive events, and advanced analytics

4.2 Billing and Payments

  • Subscription fees are billed monthly or annually based on your chosen plan
  • All payments are processed through secure payment gateways (Razorpay)
  • Prices are displayed in Indian Rupees (INR) and include applicable taxes
  • Payment is due immediately upon subscription or renewal

4.3 Auto-Renewal

Subscriptions automatically renew at the end of each billing period unless you cancel before the renewal date. You will be charged the then-current subscription fee unless you cancel.

4.4 Cancellation and Refunds

  • You may cancel your subscription at any time from your Profile settings
  • Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period
  • You will retain access to paid features until the end of your billing period
  • Refunds are generally not provided for partial billing periods, except as required by law
  • Refund amounts will be credited within 7 working days to your direct payment method
  • You can contact support: Shadow Street Capital, +91-9989898064 or Email ID: protocall.in@gmail.com

4.5 Price Changes

We reserve the right to modify subscription pricing at any time. Price changes will not affect your current subscription period but will apply to subsequent renewals. We will notify you of price changes at least 30 days in advance.

4.6 Promotional Codes

Promotional codes and discounts are subject to specific terms and conditions. They cannot be combined with other offers unless explicitly stated. We reserve the right to modify or cancel promotional offers at any time.

5. User Conduct and Responsibilities

5.1 Acceptable Use

You agree to use the Platform only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. You agree NOT to:

  • Violate any applicable laws, regulations, or third-party rights
  • Post false, misleading, or fraudulent information
  • Manipulate or artificially influence poll results or community sentiment
  • Engage in market manipulation, pump-and-dump schemes, or insider trading
  • Share investment tips that violate SEBI regulations
  • Harass, abuse, or harm other users
  • Share spam, advertising, or promotional content without authorization
  • Impersonate any person or entity
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Platform or other users' accounts
  • Use automated systems (bots) without our written permission
  • Share your account credentials with others

5.2 Content Standards

All user-generated content must:

  • Be respectful and professional
  • Not contain hate speech, profanity, or offensive material
  • Not infringe on intellectual property rights
  • Comply with SEBI guidelines for investment advice and recommendations
  • Include appropriate risk disclaimers when discussing investments

5.3 Community Guidelines

We maintain detailed Community Guidelines that supplement these Terms. Violation of Community Guidelines may result in content removal, account restrictions, or permanent ban.

5.4 Reporting Violations

If you encounter content or behavior that violates these Terms, please report it immediately using our reporting tools or by contacting support@protocall.in.

6. Investment and Trading Disclaimers

CRITICAL INVESTMENT RISK DISCLOSURE

This section contains legally required disclosures about investment risks. Please read carefully before using any trading or investment features.

6.1 No Investment Advice

Protocall does not provide investment advice, recommendations, or personalized financial guidance.The Platform is a technology service that facilitates community discussions and connects users with licensed advisors. Any information, opinions, or analysis shared on the Platform:

  • Is for informational and educational purposes only
  • Should not be considered as investment advice or recommendations
  • May not be suitable for your individual financial situation
  • Has not been verified for accuracy or completeness by Protocall

6.2 Market Risks

Trading and investing in securities involves substantial risk of loss. You acknowledge that:

  • Past performance is not indicative of future results
  • Stock prices can go down as well as up
  • You may lose some or all of your invested capital
  • Market conditions can change rapidly and unpredictably
  • Leverage and derivatives carry additional risks

6.3 Your Responsibility

You are solely responsible for:

  • Evaluating the suitability of any investment for your circumstances
  • Conducting your own due diligence and research
  • Consulting with licensed financial advisors before making investment decisions
  • Understanding the risks associated with your investments
  • Complying with all applicable tax and regulatory requirements
  • Any losses incurred from your investment decisions

6.4 Community Content Disclaimer

Content shared by community members, including in chat rooms, polls, and discussions:

  • Represents the personal opinions of individual users
  • Has not been verified or endorsed by Protocall
  • May contain errors, inaccuracies, or outdated information
  • Should not be relied upon for investment decisions

6.5 No Guaranteed Returns

We do not guarantee any specific returns, profits, or outcomes from using our Platform or following any recommendations, strategies, or analysis shared on the Platform.

7. SEBI Compliance and Regulatory Information

7.1 Platform Registration

Protocall operates as a technology platform under the applicable regulations of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and other regulatory authorities.

7.2 Compliance with SEBI Regulations

All investment advisors on our Platform must maintain valid SEBI registration. We verify advisor credentials, but you should independently verify an advisor's registration status before engaging their services.

7.3 User Obligations

You must comply with all applicable SEBI regulations, including:

  • SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations
  • SEBI (Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices) Regulations
  • Any other applicable securities laws and regulations

7.4 KYC Requirements

Certain features (such as Pledge Pool) may require completion of Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures in accordance with applicable regulations.

8. SEBI Registered Advisors

8.1 Advisor Services

SEBI-registered advisors on our Platform provide independent advisory services. The relationship is directly between you and the advisor. Protocall facilitates this connection but is not party to the advisory relationship.

8.2 Advisor Verification

We verify SEBI registration at the time of onboarding, but advisors are responsible for maintaining valid registration and complying with all SEBI requirements.

8.3 Advisory Fees

Fees for advisor services are set by individual advisors. Platform commission rates are disclosed in the Platform Settings and may vary by advisor tier.

8.4 No Liability for Advisor Services

Protocall is not responsible for the quality, accuracy, or outcomes of advisory services provided by registered advisors. Any disputes should be resolved directly with the advisor.

9. Pledge Pool Feature

HIGH-RISK FEATURE

Pledge Pool involves coordinated trading and carries significant risks. Only use this feature if you fully understand the risks involved.

9.1 Feature Description

Pledge Pool allows users to coordinate their trading intentions with the community. This is a premium feature available to verified subscribers only.

9.2 Eligibility and Access

  • Must have an active Premium or VIP subscription
  • Must complete KYC verification
  • Must link a verified demat account
  • Must accept additional risk disclosures
  • Must be 18+ years of age with legal capacity to trade

9.3 How Pledge Pool Works

  • Admin creates pledge sessions for specific stocks
  • Users pledge their trading intentions (buy/sell) and quantities
  • Pledges are executed based on session rules (immediate, at session end, or manual)
  • Convenience fees apply per pledge execution
  • Platform earns commission on executed trades

9.4 Risks and Disclaimers

You acknowledge and accept that:

  • Pledge Pool does not guarantee execution at desired prices
  • Market conditions may change between pledging and execution
  • Coordinated trading carries higher risks than individual trading
  • You may incur losses on executed trades
  • Platform does not provide investment advice through Pledge Pool
  • All trading decisions are your sole responsibility

9.5 Fees and Charges

  • Convenience fees are charged per pledge session
  • Fees are non-refundable once pledges are executed
  • Broker charges and taxes apply separately
  • Fee structure is subject to change with 30 days notice

9.6 Cancellation

You may cancel a pledge before execution begins. Once execution starts, pledges cannot be cancelled. Refunds are provided only for cancelled pledges before execution.

9.7 No Guaranteed Execution

We do not guarantee execution of pledges. Execution depends on market conditions, liquidity, and other factors beyond our control.

10. Intellectual Property

10.1 Platform Ownership

The Platform, including all content, features, functionality, software, code, design, trademarks, and logos, is owned by Protocall and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

10.2 Limited License

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use the Platform for your personal, non-commercial use, subject to these Terms.

10.3 User Content

By posting content on the Platform, you grant Protocall a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, sublicensable license to use, reproduce, modify, and display your content for operating and promoting the Platform.

10.4 Restrictions

You may not:

  • Copy, modify, or distribute Platform content without authorization
  • Reverse engineer or attempt to extract source code
  • Remove copyright or proprietary notices
  • Use our trademarks without written permission

11. Limitation of Liability

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE

This section limits our liability. Please read carefully as it affects your legal rights.

11.1 No Warranties

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.

11.2 Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, PROTOCALL SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR:

  • Any trading or investment losses
  • Loss of profits, revenue, or business opportunities
  • Indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages
  • Errors or inaccuracies in content or data
  • Unauthorized access to your account or data
  • Service interruptions or technical issues
  • Actions or omissions of third-party advisors or users

11.3 Maximum Liability

Our total liability to you for all claims arising from your use of the Platform shall not exceed the amount you paid to Protocall in subscription fees during the 12 months preceding the claim.

11.4 Third-Party Services

We are not responsible for the services, content, or actions of third-party advisors, brokers, payment processors, or other service providers accessible through the Platform.

12. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

By using the Platform, you consent to:

  • Collection and processing of your data as described in our Privacy Policy
  • Use of cookies and similar technologies
  • Storage and processing of data on servers located in India and abroad
  • Sharing of data with service providers and regulatory authorities as required

We implement industry-standard security measures, but cannot guarantee absolute security. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.

13. Termination

13.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting support@protocall.in or using the account deletion feature in your Profile settings.

13.2 Termination by Us

We may suspend or terminate your account immediately, without prior notice, if you:

  • Violate these Terms or our policies
  • Engage in fraudulent or illegal activities
  • Pose a security risk to the Platform or other users
  • Fail to pay subscription fees
  • Request account deletion

13.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

  • Your access to the Platform will be revoked
  • Your subscription will be cancelled without refund (unless required by law)
  • Your content may be deleted or retained as required by law
  • Provisions that should survive termination will remain in effect

13.4 Survival

Sections relating to intellectual property, disclaimers, limitation of liability, indemnification, and dispute resolution shall survive termination.

14. Dispute Resolution

14.1 Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India, without regard to conflict of law principles.

14.2 Jurisdiction

You agree that any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the Platform shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Bangalore, Karnataka, India.

14.3 Informal Resolution

Before initiating legal proceedings, you agree to first contact us at support@protocall.in to attempt to resolve the dispute informally.

14.4 Arbitration

If informal resolution fails, disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration in Bangalore, India, in accordance with the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.

14.5 Class Action Waiver

You agree to resolve disputes individually and waive your right to participate in class actions or representative proceedings.

15. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify you of material changes by:

  • Posting the updated Terms on the Platform
  • Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this document
  • Sending an email notification to your registered email address
  • Displaying a prominent notice on the Platform

Your continued use of the Platform after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms. If you do not agree to the changes, you must stop using the Platform and cancel your subscription.

Material changes will take effect 30 days after notification, unless otherwise specified or required by law.

16. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about these Terms or the Platform, please contact us:

Protocall Support

Email: support@protocall.in

Phone: +91-80-4567-8900 (24/7 Support)

Address: Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Business Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM IST

For legal notices and formal communications, please send correspondence to the address above, marked "Attention: Legal Department."

17. Miscellaneous Provisions

17.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, along with our Privacy Policy and other referenced policies, constitute the entire agreement between you and Protocall regarding use of the Platform.

17.2 Severability

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

17.3 Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.

17.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms without our written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations without restriction.

17.5 Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for any failure to perform due to causes beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, war, terrorism, riots, or government actions.

17.6 Language

These Terms are written in English. Any translations provided are for convenience only. In case of conflicts, the English version prevails.

Acknowledgment

BY USING PROTOCALL, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS OF SERVICE. YOU ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD OUR PRIVACY POLICY AND RISK DISCLOSURE STATEMENT.

If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use the Platform.