Welcome to Suchen Expert!
Thank you for your interest in our platform. Suchen Expert is a global, multilingual online platform and digital lost property office that facilitates the exchange of information about lost, found or discarded items, as well as services and incidents of public interest. Our mission is to help people find lost items, report lost property and publish relevant notices that are useful to the community in a secure and transparent manner.
General Terms and Conditions of Use for www.suchen.expert
As of: 05.11.2025
These General Terms and Conditions of Use (hereinafter referred to as ‘Terms of Use’) apply to the use of the www.suchen.expert platform and all associated mobile applications and online services (collectively referred to as ‘Suchen Technology Services’).
The platform is operated by Suchen Technology GmbH, Dieselstraße 11, 30916 Isernhagen, Germany.
These Terms of Use govern the rights and obligations between Suchen Technology GmbH (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Operator’) and all persons who use Suchen Technology Services (hereinafter referred to as ‘Users’). They form the legal basis for accessing the platform, creating and managing advertisements, using communication functions and all other services offered. By visiting our platform or actively using our services, you accept these Terms of Use as binding in accordance with Sections 305 ff. of the German Civil Code (BGB). If you do not agree with these terms and conditions or any part thereof, you will unfortunately not be able to use the platform.
Deviating or conflicting terms and conditions of business or use shall only apply if they have been expressly confirmed in writing by Suchen Technology GmbH.
§ 1 Terms and definitions
1.1 The following terms are used in these General Terms and Conditions of Use with the meanings specified. They serve to clarify and are an integral part of this agreement within the meaning of Sections 305 ff. BGB.
1.2 General Terms and Conditions of Use: These refer to this agreement and all documents, guidelines and declarations published on suchen.expert that determine the framework conditions for the use of the services. The Terms of Use are part of these terms and conditions and specify how the platform is to be used safely and lawfully.
1.3 Suchen Technology Services: Refers to all services provided by Suchen Technology GmbH. These include, in particular, the online platform at www.suchen.expert, the mobile applications, the communication and rating functions, and all technical tools and additional services. The services are aimed at private users, legal entities and commercial actors (hereinafter collectively referred to as ‘users’).
1.4 Services: Includes all functions, services and features provided by Suchen Technology Services, including the publication of advertisements, communication, search, profile management and use of mobile applications.
1.5 suchen.expert as an Internet resource: Refers to all information, databases, user interfaces, design and programming components available on the platform, as well as all other elements necessary for the operation and maintenance of the platform. These are protected by copyright, database and trademark law.
1.6 Access data: Email address and password, as well as any other authentication features chosen by the user, which are used to access the personal account. The term also includes updated or changed data.
1.7 Registration: The process by which a user creates a personal account on suchen.expert and gains access to the Search Technology Services. It includes filling out the registration form, confirming the email address and accepting these terms and conditions.
1.8 Data: All information provided, uploaded or generated by the user in the course of using suchen.expert, including text, images, files and metadata, regardless of format.
1.9 User content: Content created or posted by users themselves, such as descriptions and images of lost or found items, service offers or comments. This content is subject to legal regulations and the guidelines of Suchen Technology Services.
1.10 Messages: Electronic communications exchanged between users via Suchen Technology Services, in particular between advertisers and interested parties.
1.11 Profile: Every user, whether private or commercial, has an individual profile as a central interface for interacting with Suchen Technology Services. In their profile, users can view, manage and, if necessary, edit their advertisements. The profile also allows users to change and update personal data such as first name, surname, profile photo, telephone number and other information provided during the registration process.
1.12 Additional service package: Optional service subject to a fee for expanding or highlighting advertisements. By submitting the corresponding form, the user makes a binding offer to Suchen Technology Services (§ 145 BGB).
1.13 Advertisement: Information published by the user about lost, found, given away or offered items or services, which is aimed at an indefinite public.
1.14 Entrepreneur: User within the meaning of § 14 BGB (German Civil Code) who acts in the exercise of his commercial or self-employed activity. Natural and legal persons are treated equally.
1.15 Definition of terms: Terms that are not expressly defined shall be interpreted according to their usual linguistic usage and taking into account the purpose of these terms and conditions. German law shall apply, supplemented by commercial practices and scientific teachings.
§ 2 Acceptance of the terms of use
2.1 Consent and conclusion of contract
By clicking on the ‘I accept the Terms of Use’ field during registration or by actually using Search Technology Services, the user declares their legally binding agreement to these Terms of Use. They confirm that they are authorised to accept the agreement on their own behalf or, if applicable, on behalf of the company for which they are acting.
Users who do not agree to these Terms of Use are not entitled to use the services. If a person acts on behalf of a company, they warrant that they are authorised to represent that company (Sections 164 et seq. BGB).
2.2 Contract content and scope
These Terms of Use govern the legal relationship between the operator (Suchen Technology GmbH) and the user with regard to the use of all Suchen Technology Services. They specify the rights and obligations of both parties and also include the protection of the rights of third parties who may be indirectly affected by the use of the platform. Unless expressly regulated here, the provisions of the Civil Code, in particular Sections 305 to 310 BGB (General Terms and Conditions), apply.
2.3 Acknowledgement
Before using the platform, the user is obliged to read these Terms of Use and the associated guidelines carefully. By accessing the website, placing or viewing advertisements or any other use, the user confirms that they have understood and accepted the terms and conditions (Section 305 (2) BGB).
2.4 Newsletter and advertising information
The receipt of newsletters or advertising information is based exclusively on separate, voluntary consent in accordance with Section 7 (2) No. 3 UWG and Art. 6 (1) lit. a GDPR (double opt-in). There is no tacit consent in the context of registration. The user may revoke their consent at any time with effect for the future.
2.5 Changes to the terms of use
The operator is entitled to change these Terms of Use if
- legal changes or official requirements make this necessary,
- technical developments of the platform make new regulations necessary, or
- a change serves to eliminate regulatory gaps,
and the change does not unreasonably disadvantage the user (Section 308 No. 5 BGB). The user will be informed of any significant changes in writing (e.g. by email) at least 30 days before they come into effect. If the user does not object to the change within this period and continues to use the platform, the amended terms and conditions shall be deemed accepted. The operator will expressly point this out in the notification of change.
2.6 Duty to inform
The user is required to regularly inform themselves about the current status of the terms of use. The currently valid version is available at any time at www.suchen.expert.
2.7 Rejection or termination of use
If the user does not agree with the terms of use or subsequent changes, they must cease using Suchen Technology Services and delete their stored data and advertisements. The rights of use to content granted up to that point remain unaffected, unless mandatory law stipulates otherwise (§ 31 UrhG, § 242 BGB).
§ 3 Registration
3.1 Voluntary and free of charge
Registration on suchen.expert is voluntary and free of charge. By registering, the user confirms that they have reached the minimum age specified in these Terms of Use in accordance with § 15 (5) and are therefore legally competent within the meaning of §§ 104 ff. BGB.
3.2 One-time registration
Each natural or legal person may only register once and may only have one personal account. The creation of multiple accounts, the transfer or disclosure of an account to third parties is not permitted (Section 241 (2) BGB).
3.3 Guest access and registered access
Some of the services can also be used without registration (guest mode). Registered users benefit from extended functions, e.g. management of their own advertisements, sending messages and saving search queries.
3.4 Mandatory information and accuracy
When registering, complete and accurate information must be provided, in particular a valid email address and password. The user undertakes to keep all information up to date and to correct any changes without delay (Section 241 (2) BGB).
3.5 Responsibility for data provided
The user bears full responsibility for the accuracy and legality of all data provided by them. Personal data is processed in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b and lit. f GDPR; further information can be found in the privacy policy.
3.6 Confirmation of registration (double opt-in)
After registration, Suchen Technology Services will send a confirmation link to the email address provided. Registration only becomes effective when the user clicks on this link (double opt-in procedure). This ensures that the user is the owner of the address provided.
3.7 Access data and security obligations
The access data (email, password) are personal and confidential. The user must protect them from access by third parties and use secure passwords. All actions carried out using the access data are deemed to have been initiated by the user, unless they can prove misuse.
3.8 Obligations in the event of suspected misuse
If there is suspicion that access data has been disclosed to third parties or is being misused, the user is obliged to change their password immediately and to inform the operator without delay. Suchen Technology Services may temporarily block affected accounts in order to prevent damage.
3.9 Verification and restriction of access
Suchen Technology Services is entitled to carry out technical checks of the registration data (e.g. plausibility or email verification) to prevent misuse. The operator may temporarily or permanently block access if a violation of these terms and conditions or legal regulations is detected (Section 314 of the German Civil Code (BGB)).
3.10 Public use without registration
Access to public information and advertisements on the platform is possible without registration. The obligation to comply with the terms of use also applies in this case (Section 305 (2) BGB).
3.11 Personal nature of the account
The user account is highly personal and may not be sold, rented or otherwise transferred. Shared use by multiple persons is not permitted.
§ 4 Scope and subject matter of the Terms of Use
4.1 Licence to use
By accepting these Terms of Use, the user receives the simple, non-transferable right to use the suchen.expert platform and all associated functions (Suchen Technology Services) to the extent specified in these Terms. Use is generally free of charge, unless a fee is expressly stated.
4.2 Provision of the platform
Suchen Technology Services operates an online platform on which users can publish and access advertisements for lost, found, given away or offered items, as well as for services and incidents. The platform serves exclusively to provide the technical means for these publication and contact options.
The content of the advertisements is created by the respective users on their own responsibility. Suchen Technology Services does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the content provided by users.
The operator reserves the right to offer certain categories, additional functions or highlights of advertisements in whole or in part only for a fee.
4.3 Note on the law on found property (§§ 965 ff. BGB)
Suchen Technology Services does not assume any official function as a lost property authority and is not an official lost property office within the meaning of Section 965 (2) BGB.
Reporting or publishing lost property on the suchen.expert platform does not replace the legally required report to a competent authority or other legal obligations under Sections 965 to 984 BGB.
Regardless of their use of the platform, finders and losers remain obliged to fulfil their legal rights and obligations on their own responsibility. Use of the platform is exclusively voluntary and supplementary to the statutory provisions.
4.3.1 No examination of rights / No legal advice
The platform serves exclusively for the voluntary, supplementary publication of advertisements to assist in the recovery of items.
Suchen Technology Services does not check ownership, property, surrender or other legal claims. Likewise, Suchen Technology Services does not provide legal advice and does not make any legal assessment of individual advertisements or facts.
4.4 Advertisement quota and additional services
After successful registration, the user is entitled to a free basic quota of advertisements with a duration of 28 days. Additional or extended publications and additional services (e.g. highlights) can be booked for a fee. By submitting the online form, the user makes a binding offer to conclude a fixed-term publication contract (§ 145 BGB). Before submitting, the user must carefully check all information; input errors can be corrected at any time before completion.
4.5 Management of advertisements
The user can edit, renew or delete their advertisements in their personal profile.
4.6 Billing and transfer prohibition
Billing and invoicing are carried out exclusively in digital form. Purchased additional services may not be passed on or transferred to third parties without the prior consent of the operator.
4.7 Communication between users
Users can exchange electronic messages via the platform. The operator uses automated systems to detect spam or fraud attempts and can block or flag suspicious messages. Complete filtering cannot be guaranteed for technical reasons; users remain responsible for their own communications.
4.8 Reviews and interaction
The platform allows users to submit reviews after completed interactions. This function is intended solely for transparency and may not be used in an abusive or illegal manner. (see § 4.15 Reviews).
4.9 Complaint and reporting system (‘Report a problem’) – DSA / DDG
A ‘Report problem’ function is available under each advertisement. Users can use this function to report content that they suspect to be illegal or abusive. The operator will review each report immediately in accordance with Art. 16 DSA and §§ 3 ff. DDG, inform the reporting user and the user concerned of the decision, and document the proceedings in the internal complaint system.
4.10 Follow and search functions
Registered users can follow advertisements or other members and save search queries. The platform provides information about changes, new hits or activities in the categories being monitored. These notifications can be deactivated in the profile at any time.
4.11 Commercial use and information obligations
Users who place advertisements primarily for commercial purposes are considered entrepreneurs within the meaning of Section 14 of the German Civil Code (BGB). They are subject to special legal information and consumer protection obligations, in particular in accordance with Sections 312 ff. BGB, Art. 246a Section 1 EGBGB and Section 5 DDG. Suchen Technology Services is not liable for the completeness or accuracy of this information.
4.12 Violations and measures
In the event of violations of these Terms of Use or legal regulations, the operator may delete advertisements, block access or terminate the contract without notice in accordance with Section 314 BGB. In the event of suspected criminal offences, the operator reserves the right to pass on relevant data to the competent authorities.
4.13 Legal compliance of advertisements
The user is solely responsible for the legality of the content, goods or services offered via the platform. Suchen Technology Services is not liable for disputes or damages arising from contracts between users (Section 8 DDG).
4.14 Online status (‘online/offline’, ‘last active’)
4.14.1 The platform may display the online status (‘online/offline’) and the note ‘last active’ (e.g. ‘5 minutes ago’, ‘today’, ‘this week’) in order to improve transparency and accessibility in messages and advertisements and to support the prevention of abuse and fraud.
4.14.2 Opt-out: Users can deactivate the public display of their online status and ‘last active’ at any time in the profile settings → data protection.
4.14.3 Even if the display is deactivated, Suchen Technology Services will continue to process the technical usage data required for this purpose to the extent necessary for operation, security and abuse/fraud prevention. This data will not be displayed publicly. Information on data processing can be found in the privacy policy.
4.14.4 Suchen Technology Services may limit the accuracy/granularity of the display (e.g. only ‘today’/‘this week’) or, in special risk situations – such as to protect against stalking/harassment – temporarily disable the display completely.
4.15 Ratings and reviews (with deactivation of profile display)
4.15.1 Submitting ratings: Users can submit ratings (e.g. stars/comments) after interactions or transactions relating to an advertisement. Ratings must be factual, truthful and free of legal violations; in particular, insults, discrimination, abusive criticism, advertising/spam, illegal links and violations of personal rights, copyrights or trademark rights are not permitted.
4.15.2 Moderation/notice and action: Reviews that are obviously illegal or abusive can be reported and, after review, removed or modified. Affected users will receive a reasoned notification and a complaint procedure (Art. 16 DSA/§ 3 DDG, cf. § 13).
4.15.3 Opt-out profile display (reviews only, not the score):
Users can deactivate the public display of individual reviews in their profile in Profile settings/Reviews.
The overall score (average rating) remains publicly visible at all times for reasons of transparency and trust. When deactivated, only the review texts are no longer displayed in the profile; reviews that have already been submitted remain stored in the system (for evidence/abuse purposes) and can be displayed in the specific transaction/message context (between the parties directly involved in an advertisement).
4.15.4 Ranking note:
Ratings (in particular the overall score and reported/verified interactions) can influence the sorting/ranking of profiles or listings. If the display of review texts in the profile is deactivated, visibility in lists or search results may be reduced.
4.15.5 Prohibition of manipulation: The purchase, exchange or submission of agreed ratings, as well as threats or incentives to change/delete ratings, are prohibited. Suchen Technology Services may take measures such as warnings, suspensions or restrictions of the account in the event of violations.
§ 5 Information provided by the user.
5.1 Voluntary nature and purpose of data provision
When using Suchen Technology Services, the user decides for themselves whether and to what extent they transmit personal data to suchen.expert or make it publicly available. The provision of personal data is always voluntary, unless it is necessary for the execution of the user agreement.
The processing of personal data is not based solely on consent, but – depending on the processing operation – on one of the following legal bases of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):
- to execute and process the user agreement and to provide the platform functions (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR),
- to fulfil legal obligations to which the operator is subject (Art. 6(1)(c) GDPR),
- to safeguard the legitimate interests of the operator or third parties, in particular to ensure IT security, to prevent misuse and fraud, to improve the functionality of the platform and for statistical evaluation purposes, unless the interests or fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject prevail (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
Insofar as consent is required for certain processing operations (e.g. for sending newsletters or optional tracking technologies), processing is carried out exclusively on the basis of express, voluntary and revocable consent in accordance with (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR).
5.2 Published content
Information published by the user on suchen.expert is visible worldwide, depending on the function. The user is aware that this information may be stored, copied or further processed by third parties and that the operator has no influence over this. It is recommended that only content that does not contain confidential or security-relevant data be published.
5.3 International data transfer
If services from external processors (e.g. hosting, email delivery, analytics) are used, personal data may be transferred to countries outside the European Economic Area. This will only happen under the conditions set out in Art. 44 ff. GDPR and only if appropriate safeguards (e.g. EU standard contractual clauses) are in place.
5.4 Responsibility of the user
The user bears full responsibility for the data they provide or publish. They must ensure that no third-party rights are infringed and that they are authorised to publish the data (Section 823 BGB, Article 6 GDPR).
5.5 Data protection and security information
Although Suchen Technology Services takes technically appropriate measures to protect data in accordance with Art. 32 GDPR, absolute security cannot be guaranteed on the Internet. Users should regularly check and adjust their privacy settings in their profile and use secure passwords and up-to-date software.
5.6 Misuse and support
If unauthorised use, data misuse or security incidents are suspected, the operator's support team must be informed immediately. The operator will investigate reported incidents and take the necessary countermeasures.
5.7 Rights of data subjects
In accordance with Articles 15 to 21 of the GDPR, every user has the right to
- information about the stored data,
- correction of incorrect data,
- deletion (‘right to be forgotten’),
- restriction of processing,
- data portability, and
- objection to processing for reasons arising from their particular situation.
To exercise these rights, an informal notification to the following address is sufficient:
§ 6 Obligations of users
6.1 General obligations
All users are obliged to observe the applicable laws, these terms of use and the recognised principles of fair business practices (§ 241 (2) BGB, §§ 3 ff. UWG). Each user is liable for their own actions and omissions; the operator has no duty of supervision (§ 7 DDG).
6.2 Creation and publication of advertisements
(1) Advertisements must be factual, truthful and clearly worded. The title must reflect the actual content.
(2) Contact details (email, telephone number, address) may not appear in the title or text of an advertisement; contact may only be made via the communication functions provided by the platform.
(3) Images and other media must correspond to the actual item and may not contain any content that infringes copyright, trademark or personal rights.
(4) Advertising or editorial content is only permitted in sections expressly designated for this purpose and requires the prior consent of the operator.
(5) In the event of violations, Suchen Technology Services is entitled to block or delete advertisements without prior notice (Section 314 of the British Civil Code).
6.3 Responsibility for advertisement content
(1) The user is solely responsible for the legality, content and design of their advertisements. They warrant that the items or services offered have been acquired legally and do not infringe the rights of third parties.
(2) Violations of legal regulations (e.g. UrhG, MarkenG, StGB, UWG) may result in the deletion of the advertisement and claims for damages or penalties (§ 823 BGB).
6.4 Purpose-specific use
(1) The platform and its data may only be used for the purpose for which they were provided.
(2) Any misuse or illegal use, in particular for deception, spying on data (Section 202a of the German Criminal Code (StGB)) or manipulating technical processes, is prohibited.
(3) In the event of violations, the operator reserves the right to immediately block access and take criminal or civil action.
6.5 Accuracy of information
The user undertakes to provide only truthful, complete and up-to-date information. Incorrect or misleading information may be considered deception within the meaning of Section 263 of the German Criminal Code (StGB) and entitles the operator to immediately delete the content concerned.
6.6 Protection of privacy and confidentiality
(1) Personal data of other users that becomes known in the course of use must be treated confidentially.
Disclosure to third parties is only permitted with the express consent of the person concerned or on a legal basis (Art. 6 GDPR). (2) The publication of chat or message excerpts, images or personal data of others without consent is prohibited and may have civil and criminal consequences (Sections 22 KUG, 823 BGB).
6.7 Use of software, copyright and database rights
(1) The use of automated programmes, crawlers, bots or other software for mass data retrieval, storage or processing is prohibited (Section 87b UrhG).
(2) Content, source texts, layouts or databases of the platform may not be copied, reproduced, modified or redistributed, either in whole or in part, unless the operator has expressly agreed to this.
6.8 Responsible use of the infrastructure
(1) Users may not take any actions that could lead to excessive strain on or impairment of the server infrastructure (e.g. mass queries, DoS attempts).
(2) Any disruption, blocking or circumvention of technical protective measures is prohibited (Section 303b of the German Criminal Code (StGB)).
6.9 Measures in the event of violations
(1) In the event of justified suspicion of a violation of these Terms of Use or in the event of a threat to the security and integrity of the platform, the operator may
– delete individual content,
– block accounts or IP addresses,
– temporarily or permanently revoke access.
(2) The user will be informed of this, as far as technically possible, stating the reasons (Art. 17 DSA, Section 5 DDG) .
6.10 Advertising and communications from third parties
(1) Advertising information from third parties will only be sent to the user after express, documented consent (§ 7 (2) No. 3 UWG, Art. 6 (1) lit. a GDPR).
(2) Suchen Technology Services is not liable for the content or offers of such third parties, in particular for the links provided there or their accuracy (§ 8 DDG).
6.11 Prohibited content
The posting or distribution of the following content is prohibited:
- offensive, defamatory, discriminatory or inflammatory content (Sections 130, 185 ff. StGB),
- depictions of violence, pornography, drugs or weapons,
- content that infringes copyright, trademark, data protection or personal rights,
- calls for illegal actions, self-harm or harm to others,
- fraudulent or misleading information (Section 5 UWG).
6.12 User liability
(1) Each user is liable for all content posted by them and indemnifies the operator internally against all third-party claims asserted on the basis of a culpable violation of these terms and conditions (Section 280 BGB).
(2) The indemnification also includes the reasonable costs of legal defence (Section 257 BGB).
6.13 Reference to possible legal consequences
Violations of these obligations may have civil and criminal consequences. The operator is entitled to forward relevant facts to law enforcement or supervisory authorities if there is a legitimate interest or a legal obligation to do so (Art. 6 (1) (c) and (f) GDPR).
§ 7 Obligations of Suchen Technology Services
7.1 Operation and technical design
Suchen Technology Services guarantees the operation of the www.suchen.expert platform in accordance with the current state of the art. The operator is entitled to change or update the structure, design, software, layout or technical processes of the platform at any time, provided that this does not affect any essential user rights. Maintenance work may lead to temporary restrictions, but these do not entitle the user to claim damages.
7.2 Access management and security
The operator is entitled to restrict access to suchen.expert or to individual services temporarily or permanently
- if this is necessary for system security, maintenance or improvement,
- if there is suspicion of abusive or illegal use,
- or to comply with legal obligations.
Blocking shall be proportionate and in compliance with Art. 17 DSA / § 5 DDG (duty to notify).
7.3 Blocking and deletion of user accounts or content
(1) Suchen Technology Services may block or delete advertisements or accounts if the user violates these Terms of Use, applicable law or official orders.
(2) Before a permanent blocking, the user will be informed of the reasons, as far as technically possible, and given the opportunity to comment (Art. 17 (3) DSA).
(3) Temporary blocking or deletion of content does not justify any claim for restoration or compensation.
(4) In the event of repeated or serious violations, the operator may terminate the account without notice in accordance with Section 314 of the German Civil Code (BGB).
(5) After a user account has been deleted, personal data will be processed in accordance with the statutory retention and deletion periods (Art. 17 GDPR).
7.4 Communication of decisions (‘Statement of Reasons’)
In the event of blocking, deletion or restriction of content or accounts, the operator shall inform the user concerned in writing about
- the measure taken,
- the time at which it takes effect,
- the main reasons,
- and the possibilities for appeal or legal remedy (Art. 17 (4) DSA).
The user may use an internal complaint procedure in accordance with Art. 20 DSA / § 8 DDG to appeal against a decision.
7.5 Control and review of content
Suchen Technology Services is not obliged to check all user content in advance (Section 7 DDG), but may carry out random or ad hoc checks to prevent legal violations, spam, fraud or security risks. If there are indications of illegal content, the procedure according to Art. 16 DSA / Section 3 DDG (notice and action) shall be applied.
7.6 Proof and information obligations of users
The operator may request proof, documents or explanations from users that are necessary to
- verify their identity,
- the accuracy of information or
- the legality of an advertisement.
The user is obliged to provide these documents immediately and in full (§ 241 (2) BGB).
7.7 System messages and notifications
(1) Suchen Technology Services may send users notifications regarding technical or contractual changes, security notices or service updates.
This information does not constitute advertising within the meaning of § 7 UWG and cannot be deselected.
(2) Advertising communications (newsletters, special offers) are sent exclusively on the basis of prior consent (double opt-in) (Section 7 (2) No. 3 UWG, Art. 6 (1) lit. a GDPR). The user may revoke this consent at any time with effect for the future.
7.8 Support and technical assistance
Suchen Technology Services provides appropriate technical and informational support to enable users to access and use the platform. Enquiries are generally processed within a reasonable period of time. In the event of intent or gross negligence, the operator is liable in accordance with Section 280 of the German Civil Code (BGB); otherwise, the liability provisions of Section 14 of these Terms of Use apply.
7.9 Liability for third-party content
User content does not reflect the opinion of the operator. Suchen Technology Services accepts no responsibility for the legality, accuracy or completeness of the content posted by users (Section 8 DDG). Liability only arises once the operator becomes aware of a specific legal violation and the removal or blocking of the content is technically possible and reasonable.
Section 8 Warranty, liability and assumption of risk by the user
8.1 User's own responsibility
Use of the suchen.expert platform is at the user's own risk. All advertisements, content, texts, images or other information posted by the user are published on their own responsibility. The user is obliged to check for themselves whether and with whom they conclude transactions or establish other contacts via the platform. The operator does not guarantee the accuracy or legality of third-party advertisements (§ 8 DDG).
8.2 User's duty of care and diligence
The user must ensure that all actions taken by them are in accordance with applicable law. In case of uncertainty about the permissibility of an offer or publication, it is recommended to seek legal advice and refrain from risky actions.
8.3 Responsibility for content and communication
The user bears sole responsibility for all data, messages and files uploaded or transmitted by them. They are liable for ensuring that these do not infringe the rights of third parties (e.g. copyright, trademark, data protection, personal rights). All interactions with other members are at your own risk.
8.4 Legality of transactions
The user is obliged to ascertain the legality, authenticity and completeness of the goods or services offered before concluding or executing transactions with other users. Suchen Technology Services is neither an intermediary nor a party to any contracts between users (Section 311 (2) BGB).
8.5 Compliance with legal regulations
Users are responsible for their conduct in connection with the use of the platform in accordance with the general legal provisions (Sections 276 et seq. BGB). Violations of criminal, civil or administrative law (e.g. fraud, copyright infringement, data protection violations) may be prosecuted under civil and criminal law.
8.6 Legally compliant conduct and powers of attorney
The user assures that they have all the necessary rights and powers of attorney to publish advertisements or content and that their conduct does not violate any legal regulations, morality or the rights of third parties (Sections 823 et seq. BGB, Sections 3 et seq. UWG).
8.7 Obligation to report legal violations
If the user discovers illegal, misleading or abusive content, they are obliged to report it immediately using the ‘Report problem’ function (Art. 16 DSA / Section 3 DDG).
8.8 Disclaimer for third-party damages
Suchen Technology Services shall not be liable for damages incurred by the user through third parties or as a result of the use or non-usability of the platform, unless there is intent or gross negligence (§ 276 BGB). This applies in particular to:
- incorrect, incomplete or delayed transactions between users,
- incorrect or misleading advertisements,
- use of external links or communication channels outside the platform.
8.9 Indemnification obligation
The user indemnifies Suchen Technology Services against all third-party claims asserted against the operator due to a legal violation for which the user is responsible (Section 280 (1), Section 257 BGB). The indemnification also includes the reasonable costs of legal defence (including court and solicitor's fees) . The operator shall inform the user of any claims asserted and give them the opportunity to comment.
8.10 Duty of care in handling access data
Access data (email, password) must be treated as confidential and may not be disclosed to third parties. All actions taken using this data shall be attributed to the user, unless he can prove misuse (Section 280 BGB).
8.11 Obligation to report misuse
If a user recognises that their access data is being misused or used without authorisation, they must inform the operator immediately and change their password. The operator is entitled to temporarily block the affected access in order to prevent further damage.
8.12 Removal of inadmissible content
Suchen Technology Services is entitled to remove advertisements or content that violate these terms of use, legal regulations or the rights of third parties. Removal shall be carried out in accordance with the procedural requirements of Art. 17 DSA / Section 5 DDG (justification, notification, possibility of appeal).
§ 9 Limitation of liability of Suchen Technology Services
9.1 Operation and technical availability
Suchen Technology Services endeavours to ensure the uninterrupted operation of the www.suchen.expert platform. Despite the utmost care, no guarantee can be given that the platform will function without interruption or error at all times. In particular, maintenance, security or capacity issues, as well as events beyond the operator's control (e.g. force majeure, power failures, communication network failures) may lead to temporary restrictions.
9.2 No guarantee for specific purposes or results
The operator does not guarantee that the services provided will achieve specific results or are suitable for an individual purpose. All components of Suchen Technology Services are provided ‘as is’ in the condition they are in at the time of use. Liability for the achievement of the user's economic or personal goals is excluded (§ 276 BGB).
9.3 Principle of liability
The operator is liable in accordance with the statutory provisions, unless otherwise specified in these terms of use. The following applies to claims for damages by the user:
(1) Unlimited liability applies in cases of intent or gross negligence, injury to life, limb or health, under the Product Liability Act and in the event of a guarantee being assumed (§ 309 No. 7 BGB).
(2) In cases of slight negligence, the operator is only liable for damages resulting from the breach of essential contractual obligations (cardinal obligations). In this case, liability is limited to typically foreseeable damage.
(3) Any further liability is excluded.
9.4 Disclaimer for third-party content
Search Technology Services accepts no responsibility for content published by users or provided by third parties (§ 8 DDG). The operator is not obliged to monitor transmitted or stored information or to investigate circumstances that indicate illegal activity (§ 7 DDG). Liability only arises from the point in time at which the operator becomes aware of a specific legal violation and its removal is technically possible and reasonable.
9.5 Liability for links and external services
The platform may contain links to external websites or third-party services. Suchen Technology Services has no influence on their content and accepts no liability for damages resulting from the use of such external offers. The operators of linked sites are solely responsible for their content and services (Section 8 DDG).
9.6 Liability for user transactions
Suchen Technology Services is not a contractual partner in transactions initiated or concluded via the platform. The operator acts neither as a representative nor as an intermediary, trustee or agent of the users (Section 311 (2) BGB). Legal relationships are established exclusively between the users. Suchen Technology Services accepts no liability for any resulting claims or damages.
9.7 Indirect and consequential damages
Liability for indirect damages, lost profits, lost savings, data loss, business or reputation damages is excluded to the extent permitted by law. This also applies if the operator has been made aware of the possibility of such damages.
9.8 Maximum liability limit (only towards entrepreneurs within the meaning of Section 14 BGB):
Notwithstanding § 9.3, the operator's liability for slightly negligent breaches of essential contractual obligations is limited to the amount of damage typically foreseeable for this type of contract, but not exceeding the total fees actually paid by the entrepreneur for the service in question in the previous contract year. The limitation of liability shall not apply in the event of injury to life, limb or health, in the event of intent/gross negligence, in the event of the assumption of a guarantee or in accordance with the Product Liability Act.
9.9 Exclusion of liability in the event of force majeure
The operator is not liable for service failures or damage caused by events of force majeure (e.g. war, natural disasters, pandemics, power failures, official orders, industrial disputes, network disruptions). In such cases, the obligation to perform shall be suspended for the duration of the event (Section 275 of the British Civil Code).
§ 10 Intellectual property rights
10.1 Copyright, trademark and database rights
All rights to the suchen.expert platform, including software (§§ 69 a ff. UrhG), databases (§§ 87 a ff. UrhG), interfaces, source and object code, technical innovations, layouts, texts, graphics, logos, trademarks (§§ 3 ff. MarkenG) and other business identifiers are the property of Suchen Technology GmbH. Any reproduction, editing or use outside the intended use is prohibited without the prior written consent of the operator (§ 15 UrhG).
10.2 Restrictions on use
Unless otherwise specified in these Terms of Use or mandatory legal provisions, content, source code, databases or other components of the platform may not be copied, modified, distributed, framed, publicly reproduced, sold or used in any other way. Downloading or printing content is only permitted for private, non-commercial use (§ 53 UrhG).
10. 3 Rights to content created by users
(1) If users upload content (text, images, videos, etc.) to the platform, the copyrights remain with the respective user.
(2) The user grants Suchen Technology Services a simple, non-exclusive, spatially and temporally unlimited, free right of use to
– to store, reproduce, publish and make publicly available (§ 19 a UrhG),
– to use for display within the platform, in apps, newsletters or social media channels,
– as well as for translation, formatting and editorial processing, insofar as this is technically necessary for the display.
(3) This right serves exclusively for the operation, promotion and further development of the platform.
(4) The granting of this right is revocable, provided that this does not conflict with any statutory retention obligations or overriding legitimate interests of the operator (Art. 17 (3) GDPR).
(5) Upon deletion of the user account, content shall be deleted or anonymised, unless it is part of existing communication or security protocols.
10.4 Rights of other users
Users may only view or store third-party content for personal, non-commercial use. Any further use, editing or publication is prohibited without the consent of the copyright holder (Section 23 UrhG).
10.5 Trademark and label protection
The name ‘Suchen Expert’, the logo, domains and other trademarks of Suchen Technology GmbH may not be used, copied or used as meta tags or search terms without express written permission (Sections 14, 15 MarkenG). In particular, any use in the context of advertising, domain registrations or social media appearances is prohibited.
10.6 Prohibition of automated access (scraping)
Automated processes such as bots, crawlers or scrapers for the systematic retrieval, storage, reproduction or evaluation of content are prohibited (Section 87 b UrhG). The same applies to any circumvention of technical protection measures (Section 95 a UrhG). Exceptions require an express written agreement with the operator.
10.7 Feedback and suggestions
Feedback, ideas or suggestions for improvement that users submit to Suchen Technology Services are considered voluntary. The operator may freely use, edit and integrate them into products or services without remuneration (Section 31 UrhG analogously).
10.8 Violations
Any violation of the rights under this Section 10 may result in civil and criminal proceedings (Sections 97 ff. UrhG, Section 143 MarkenG). The operator reserves the right to claim injunctive relief, removal, damages and information.
§ 11 Validity and termination of the Terms of Use
11.1 Commencement of validity
By logging in or registering on suchen.expert – regardless of the device used – the user accepts these Terms of Use as binding. The agreement comes into force upon first use of the platform (§ 311 (2) BGB).
11.2 Term and continued validity
The user agreement is concluded for an indefinite period and remains valid as long as the user maintains an account or actually uses the services. It only ends through ordinary or extraordinary termination in accordance with the following provisions.
11.3 Use in Germany and abroad
The platform is available to users within the Federal Republic of Germany and in other countries, provided that the technical and legal requirements are met. The operator may restrict certain functions or content on a regional basis if this is legally or technically necessary.
11.4 Termination by the user
The user may terminate the contract at any time without notice by deleting their account or by giving written notice (§ 355 (1) sentence 2 BGB analogously). Once the termination has taken effect, access will be blocked and personal data will be deleted in accordance with Art. 17 GDPR, unless there are statutory retention periods.
11.5 Termination by the operator
(1) The operator may terminate the contract at any time with 14 days' notice, provided that no ongoing paid services are affected.
(2) Termination or blocking without notice is permissible if
a) the user violates these terms of use or applicable law,
b) the platform is discontinued,
c) an official or court order prohibits its continuation, or
d) the security or integrity of the platform is compromised.
(3) Before a permanent suspension, the user shall, as far as possible, receive a notification with reasons and an opportunity to comment (Art. 17 DSA, § 5 DDG).
11.6 Consequences of termination
(1) Upon termination or blocking taking effect, the user loses the right to use the platform and the services.
(2) Claims that have already arisen – such as payment or indemnification claims – remain valid (§ 314 (3) BGB).
(3) Provisions which, by their nature, are intended to continue to apply after the end of the contract shall remain effective. These include, in particular, provisions relating to
– intellectual property rights (Section 10),
– data protection and confidentiality (Section 15),
– dispute resolution and place of jurisdiction (Sections 16, 17).
11.7 Deletion of data and content
After termination of the contract, personal data will be deleted or anonymised in accordance with the statutory provisions (Art. 17 GDPR, Section 35 BDSG). Content that has already been integrated into other publications (e.g. advertising materials or system logs) may remain in place for technical reasons until the next scheduled update.
11.8 Indemnification upon termination
Termination of the user agreement does not release the operator from existing legal obligations, but excludes claims for damages due to proper termination or blocking, unless there is intentional or grossly negligent breach of duty (Sections 280 et seq. BGB).
11.9 Discretionary power of the operator
The user acknowledges that decisions regarding blocking, deactivation or termination are made at the operator's discretion. The operator is entitled to take these measures to protect the platform, other users or to comply with legal obligations.
§ 12 Fees and terms of payment
12.1 Services subject to a fee
Suchen Technology Services may charge a fee for certain functions or additional services. The operator shall inform the user clearly and comprehensibly about the price, scope of services, payment terms and duration before the contract is concluded (Art. 246a § 1 (1) Nos. 1–3 EGBGB). Services subject to a fee are clearly marked as such; a contract is only concluded upon express confirmation by the user (‘order with obligation to pay’).
12.2 Prices and value added tax
All prices are quoted in euros (EUR) including the applicable statutory value added tax (§ 1 PAngV). Unless otherwise agreed, payment is due immediately after conclusion of the contract (§ 271 BGB).
12.3 Payment method
Payment is made using the payment methods offered by the operator (e.g. credit card, PayPal, SEPA direct debit, instant transfer). The available options are displayed to the user before completing the booking. Payment processing may be carried out by authorised payment service providers in accordance with the EU Payment Services Directive (EU) 2015/2366 (PSD 2).
12.4 Due date and default
Fees are due without deduction upon invoicing. If the user defaults on payment, the statutory default interest rates pursuant to Section 288 BGB shall apply:
- Consumers: + 5 percentage points above the base interest rate,
- Entrepreneurs: + 9 percentage points above the base interest rate,
and, if applicable, a flat-rate default fee of €40 (Section 288 (5) BGB). Further reminder fees may be charged in the event of repeated default.
12.5 User obligations regarding payments
The user is obliged to provide all information required for payment processing completely and correctly (Section 241 (2) BGB). Incorrect or incomplete information may lead to delays, additional fees or temporary blocking of the account.
12.6 Chargebacks and bank fees
In the event of a chargeback or an uncovered payment, the user shall bear all costs incurred as a result (in particular bank and processing fees), insofar as they are responsible for these (Section 280 BGB).
12.7 Discounts and special offers
Discounts, vouchers or special offers are granted voluntarily and are subject to the conditions specified in each case. There is no legal entitlement to future discounts.
12.8 Non-transferability and refunds
Purchased paid services are personal and non-transferable. Paid fees will only be refunded
if this has been expressly agreed, or
if there is a statutory right of withdrawal in accordance with Section 14 of these Terms of Use.
12.9 Cross-border payments
Additional fees may be charged by the user's payment service provider for international transactions or currency conversions. These costs shall be borne by the user (Section 270 (1) BGB).
12.10 Invoicing and electronic receipts
Invoices are issued exclusively in electronic form (PDF or email). By concluding the contract, the user agrees to the electronic sending of invoices (Section 14 UStG).
Section 13 Data protection
13.1 Principle
The protection of personal data is of utmost importance to Suchen Technology Services. The collection, processing and use of the user's personal data is carried out exclusively in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG), the Telecommunications Digital Services Data Protection Act (TDDDG) and the relevant provisions of the Digital Services Act (DDG).
13.2 Processing purposes and legal bases
Suchen Technology Services processes personal data in particular
- for the fulfilment of contracts and provision of the platform (Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR),
- for compliance with legal obligations (Art. 6 (1) (c) GDPR),
- to safeguard legitimate interests, such as ensuring IT security, preventing misuse and fraud, or improving services (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR),
- and, where necessary, on the basis of the user's consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR).
13.3 Cookies and tracking technologies
Cookies and similar technologies are used to improve the user experience and analyse platform operations. Cookies or tracking services that are not technically necessary are only activated with the express consent of the user via the cookie consent system (Section 25 TDDDG in conjunction with Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR). Settings for this can be changed at any time in the cookie banner or in the browser.
13.4 Data transfer and order processing
Personal data will only be transferred to third parties if this
- is necessary for the fulfilment of the contract,
- is required by law,
- consent has been given, or
- the legitimate interests of the operator or a third party outweigh the interests of the data subject.
Suchen Technology Services uses processors in accordance with Art. 28 GDPR for technical provision and payment processing. Data is only transferred to third countries outside the European Economic Area under the conditions of Art. 44 ff. GDPR (e.g. EU standard contractual clauses).
13.5 Storage period and deletion
Personal data will only be stored for as long as is necessary for the purposes of its processing or for legal retention obligations. Once the purpose of processing has ceased to exist or the retention periods have expired, the data will be deleted or anonymised (Article 17 GDPR, Section 35 BDSG).
13.6 Rights of data subjects
Users have the rights set out in Articles 15–22 GDPR at any time, in particular the right to
- information,
- rectification,
- erasure (‘right to be forgotten’),
- restriction of processing,
- objection to certain types of processing,
- and data portability.
To exercise these rights, an informal notification to is sufficient. In addition, there is a right of appeal to the competent supervisory authority (Art. 77 GDPR).
13.7 Data security
Suchen Technology Services takes technical and organisational measures in accordance with Art. 32 GDPR to protect the security of the data against loss, destruction, manipulation and unauthorised access.
13.8 Data protection officer
The controller within the meaning of the GDPR is Suchen Technology GmbH, Dieselstraße 11, 30916 Isernhagen. Contact data protection:
The internal data protection officer can be contacted at this address. 13.9 Reference to data protection declaration
Further details on the type, scope and purposes of data processing are explained in the data protection declaration, which is available at any time and forms an integral part of these terms of use.
§ 14 Right of withdrawal
If you use the services of Suchen Technology Services as a consumer within the meaning of § 13 BGB (German Civil Code) and conclude contracts with Suchen Technology GmbH for a fee, you have a right of withdrawal in accordance with §§ 312 ff. BGB.
Cancellation policy
Right of cancellation
You have the right to cancel this contract within fourteen days without giving any reason. The cancellation period is fourteen days from the date of conclusion of the contract.
To exercise your right of cancellation, you must inform us
Suchen Technology GmbH
Dieselstraße 11
30916 Isernhagen
Email:
by means of a clear statement (e.g. a letter sent by post or an email) of your decision to withdraw from this contract. You can use the sample withdrawal form attached below, but this is not mandatory.
To meet the withdrawal deadline, it is sufficient for you to send your notification of exercising your right of withdrawal before the withdrawal period expires.
Consequences of withdrawal (services)
If you withdraw from this contract, we shall reimburse you for all payments we have received from you without delay and at the latest within fourteen days of the day on which we receive notification of your withdrawal from this contract.
We will use the same means of payment for this refund as you used for the original transaction, unless expressly agreed otherwise with you; in no event will you be charged for this refund.
If you have requested that the service should begin before the expiry of the withdrawal period, you shall pay us a reasonable amount corresponding to the proportion of the services already provided up to the time you inform us of the exercise of the right of withdrawal in comparison to the total scope of the services provided for in the contract (§ 357 (8) BGB).
Special notes
The right of withdrawal expires in accordance with Section 356 (4) BGB if Suchen Technology Services has completely performed the contractually agreed service and the performance of the service only began after the consumer
1. expressly agreed that the operator would begin performing the contract before the expiry of the right of withdrawal period, and
2. confirmed that they would lose their right of withdrawal upon complete performance of the contract.
Sample withdrawal form
(Appendix in accordance with Art. 246a § 1 (2) EGBGB)
To:
Suchen Technology GmbH
Dieselstraße 11
30916 Isernhagen
Email:
I/we () hereby withdraw from the contract concluded by me/us () for the provision of the following service(s):
Ordered on / received on (*): _____________________
Name of consumer(s): _____________________
Address of consumer(s): _____________________
Signature of consumer(s) (only for paper notifications): _____________________
Date: _____________________
(*) Please delete as appropriate.
§ 15 General provisions
15.1 General obligations of the user
The user is obliged to comply with the provisions contained in these Terms of Use and all supplementary guidelines of Suchen Technology Services in all phases of use – this applies in particular to registration, the creation and publication of advertisements, the use of communication functions and other services provided (§ 241 (2) BGB).
15.2 Usage guidelines and rules of conduct
Suchen Technology Services provides binding usage guidelines that ensure a safe, respectful and legally compliant environment. Each user undertakes to read, understand and comply with these guidelines carefully. This includes in particular:
- responsibility for the accuracy and legality of the content posted,
- treating other users with respect,
- refraining from any actions that could impair the operation of the platform or the rights of third parties.
Violations of these guidelines may result in warnings, temporary restrictions or permanent suspension of the user account, depending on their severity and frequency (Section 314 BGB).
15.3 Function and role of Suchen Technology Services
The platform serves as a technical framework for the publication of advertisements for lost or found items, requests, exchange and giveaway offers, services and other relevant information. Suchen Technology Services does not act as a seller, dealer, agent or proof of ownership agency within the meaning of Sections 965 et seq. BGB, but exclusively as a provider of technical infrastructure.
15.4 Free basic use
Unless fees are specified in Section 12, use of the platform is free of charge for the user.
15.5 Age and legal capacity
By using suchen.expert, the user confirms that they are of legal age and have legal capacity within the meaning of Sections 104 et seq. of the German Civil Code (BGB). Minors aged 16 and over may use the platform independently, provided that they can effectively consent to the processing of their personal data in accordance with Art. 8 of the GDPR. Minors under the age of 16 may only use the platform with the prior written consent of a legal guardian. The consent must also expressly include the data protection consent to the processing of personal data in accordance with Art. 8 (1) GDPR. Suchen Technology Services may at any time request proof of the user's age or the declaration of representation or consent of the legal guardian.
15.6 Modification, updating and availability of services
The operator reserves the right to modify, expand or temporarily suspend the functions and offers of the platform at any time if this is necessary for technical, economic or legal reasons (Section 315 of the German Civil Code (BGB)). There is no entitlement to the permanent availability of certain functions. Use is only possible in the current version of the platform.
15.7 Disclaimer for technical restrictions
Suchen Technology Services is not liable for damages caused by technical malfunctions, maintenance work, data transmission errors, force majeure or unforeseeable system failures, unless there is intent or gross negligence (§ 276 BGB).
15.8 Advertising guidelines and user access
(1) The operator may limit the number of active advertisements per user. (2) Duplicate advertisements or advertisements with identical content will be deleted. (3) In the event of repeated or intentional violations, access may be temporarily or permanently blocked.
15.9 Criteria for deleting advertisements
Advertisements may be removed in particular if they
- are posted multiple times or have identical content,
- contain incorrect or incomplete main information,
- violate these Terms of Use or applicable law,
- contain false, misleading or inaccurate information,
- are linguistically unacceptable (e.g. excessive capitalisation, exclamation marks, special characters).
The operator is not obliged to provide a reason for removal if the conditions are obviously met.
15.10 Disclaimer for advertisements
Suchen Technology Services does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness or legality of the advertisements published by users. All responsibility for the content of the advertisements lies solely with the respective user (§ 8 DDG). The operator is not liable for any direct or indirect damage resulting from the publication, use or deletion of advertisements.
15.11 Use and further processing of advertisements
The user grants Suchen Technology Services a simple, free, temporally and spatially unlimited right of use to use the transmitted advertisements for the purposes of platform advertising, service expansion or translation (§ 31 UrhG). This includes, in particular, the display of advertisements in different language versions or sub-portals of suchen.expert.
15.12 Feedback and user enquiries
Feedback, suggestions or support enquiries are not considered confidential. The operator may use such information free of charge to improve its services and products (§ 31 UrhG analogously).
15.13 Proposed amendments to the user agreement
Suchen Technology Services accepts suggestions for amendments to these terms of use, but is not obliged to implement them. Changes shall be made exclusively by the operator in text form (§ 126 b BGB).
§ 16 Applicable law and language
16.1 Applicable law
These Terms of Use and all contractual and legal relationships between the user and Suchen Technology Services are governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany, excluding the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG).
For users who have their habitual residence outside Germany but within the European Union, German law shall apply, unless this conflicts with mandatory consumer protection regulations of the country of residence (Art. 6 (2) Rome I Regulation).
For users with their habitual residence in a third country (outside the EU/EEA), German substantive law shall apply exclusively.
The place of performance and, to the extent permitted by law, the place of service is the operator's registered office in Isernhagen, Germany.
16.2 Language and binding nature of the version
The legally binding and authoritative version of these Terms of Use is the German language version. Translations into other languages are provided solely as non-binding service or information translations. In the event of deviations, conflicts of interpretation or contradictions, the German version shall be decisive.
16.3 Place of jurisdiction for entrepreneurs
If the user is an entrepreneur within the meaning of § 14 BGB (German Civil Code), a legal entity under public law or a special fund under public law, Hanover (Germany) is agreed as the exclusive place of jurisdiction for all disputes arising from or in connection with these Terms of Use (§ 38 ZPO (German Code of Civil Procedure)). For consumers, the statutory provisions on the place of jurisdiction (§§ 12 ff. ZPO) apply.
16.4 Note on consumer dispute resolution
Suchen Technology GmbH does not participate in dispute resolution proceedings before a consumer arbitration board (§ 36 VSBG). The European Online Dispute Resolution Platform (ODR/OS Platform) was discontinued on 20 July 2025. Information on consumer dispute resolution and competent authorities can be found at: https://consumer-redress.ec.europa.eu/index_de.
§ 17 Legal regulations and jurisdictions
17.1 Applicable law
All disputes arising from or in connection with these Terms of Use or their interpretation shall be governed by the law of the Federal Republic of Germany, unless mandatory provisions dictate otherwise. The provisions of the German Civil Code (BGB) and, in addition, the German Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) shall apply.
17.2 Place of jurisdiction and international jurisdiction
(1) If the user is an entrepreneur within the meaning of § 14 BGB, a legal entity under public law or a special fund under public law, the exclusive place of jurisdiction for all disputes arising from this contract or legal relationships in connection with it is the registered office of the operator in Hanover (§ 38 ZPO).
(2) This agreement on the place of jurisdiction shall also apply if the user moves his place of residence or habitual abode abroad after conclusion of the contract or does not have a general place of jurisdiction in Germany.
(3) For consumers within the meaning of § 13 BGB, the statutory provisions on the place of jurisdiction (§§ 12 ff. ZPO) shall apply. The operator may only bring legal action against consumers at their place of residence; for legal action brought by consumers against the operator, the consumer's place of residence shall also be decisive.
(4) Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) to (3), Hanover shall remain an additional non-exclusive place of jurisdiction for consumers if they bring legal action in Germany.
17.3 Dispute resolution and consumer arbitration
(1) Suchen Technology GmbH is neither obliged nor willing to participate in dispute resolution proceedings before a consumer arbitration board within the meaning of the Consumer Dispute Resolution Act (VSBG) (Section 36 (1) No. 1 VSBG).
(2) The European Online Dispute Resolution Platform (ODR/OS Platform) was discontinued on 20 July 2025. Information on consumer dispute resolution and alternative contact points is available from the European Commission at https://consumer-redress.ec.europa.eu/index_de.
17.4 Severability clause
Should individual provisions of these Terms of Use be or become wholly or partially invalid, unenforceable or incomplete, the validity of the remaining provisions shall remain unaffected (Section 306 BGB). The invalid or missing provision shall be replaced by the statutory provision. If there is no statutory substitute provision or if it leads to an unreasonable result, the parties undertake to reach an agreement that comes as close as possible to the economic purpose of the invalid provision.
§ 18 Mediation, helpdesk and changes to the Terms of Use
18.1 Contact channels and visibility of email addresses
(1) For enquiries to the operator (in particular support, legal, data protection), contact should be made via the online contact form provided on the platform. The form enables rapid allocation and processing and also serves to protect against automated mass enquiries (spam and abuse prevention).
(2) Email addresses provided by the operator are not displayed in plain text on the platform in a generally visible manner. They may be displayed in a technically protected form (e.g. after interaction/authentication/rate limit), but are not published in a machine-readable form in the DOM.
(3) The use of provided email addresses for advertising, mass or automated purposes is not permitted; unsolicited advertising by email requires prior consent in accordance with Section 7 of the German Unfair Competition Act (UWG).
(4) Notwithstanding the above provisions, the operator fulfils its legal disclosure and contact obligations (e.g. imprint/electronic contact point in accordance with the DSA). Electronic contact is guaranteed via the channels specified there.
18.2 Customer service and helpdesk
Search Technology Services maintains a free helpdesk for all user enquiries. This can be accessed via the contact form on the platform. The helpdesk regularly processes complaints, questions and technical enquiries within a reasonable period of time and endeavours to find an amicable solution in dialogue with the user. Commercial users also have the option of mediation to settle disputes amicably. Mediation is conducted voluntarily and confidentially in accordance with § 1 MediationsG.
18.3 Internal complaint procedure (DSA / DDG)
(1) Users whose content, advertisements or accounts are affected by measures pursuant to Art. 17 DSA / Section 5 DDG (e.g. blocking, removal, restriction) may challenge the decision within the framework of the internal complaint procedure.
(2) Complaints must be submitted within one month of notification of the measure using the designated online form
(3) Such Technology Services will review each complaint individually and notify the user of the decision, including the reasons, in writing (Art. 20 DSA).
18.4 Changes to the Terms of Use
(1) The operator is entitled to change these Terms of Use if
– legal or regulatory requirements (e.g. DSA, DDG, GDPR) require adjustments,
– technical developments or functional changes make this necessary, or
– regulatory gaps are to be closed, and the changes do not unreasonably disadvantage the user (§ 308 No. 5 BGB).
(2) The user will be informed of any planned changes in writing (e.g. by email) at least 30 days before they come into effect.
If the user does not object to the change within this period and continues to use the services, the amended version shall be deemed accepted. The right to object and the consequences of failing to object shall be expressly pointed out in the notification of change.
(3) Significant changes that create new obligations for the user require the express consent of the user (opt-in).
18.5 Completeness of the agreement
These Terms of Use, including all integrated usage guidelines and attachments (e.g. privacy policy, cookie policy, cancellation form), constitute the entire agreement between the user and Suchen Technology Services and supersede all prior or contemporaneous agreements in written or oral form.
18.6 Contact information
Responsible: Suchen Technology GmbH, Dieselstraße 11, 30916 Isernhagen, Germany.
If you have any questions about these Terms of Use or if you have any concerns regarding your rights and obligations, please contact us using the contact form.
