General Terms of Use for PolyU Research Data Repository

The PolyU Research Data Repository is an open-access repository for PolyU researchers to store, manage, and share their valuable research data. Prior to using the PolyU Research Data Repository (the "Site") and its services (collectively referred to as the "Service"), you should read the following terms and conditions. By using the Site and the Service, you agree to comply with these terms and conditions. Depositing datasets in the Site does not transfer ownership of the datasets. This agreement does not override any prior obligations you have with third parties to keep information confidential.

1. You must adhere to all applicable laws and regulations while using the Service. Your use of the Service must not:
1. Infringe upon the rights of others, such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, or any other intellectual property rights.
2. Be unlawful, offensive, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, deceptive, fraudulent, or invade someone's privacy.
3. Introduce viruses or any other harmful computer codes that may disrupt, damage, or interfere with the proper functioning of the Site or any third-party systems.
4. Interfere or attempt to interfere with the proper operation of the Service.


2. By having an account on the Site, you understand and agree that:
1. Other registered users who have an account on the Site can search for your account details, including your first name, last name, email address, and username.
2. Your first name, last name, and affiliation will be displayed on the Site along with your deposited datasets.


3. The Service allows you to:
1. Post your own datasets, create folders, and manage them on the Site.
2. Deposit datasets to folders managed by other users.
3. Share datasets and folders with other users by searching for their first name, last name, or email address on the Site.


4. When you deposit datasets and files on the Site or assign others to do so, you agree to the following:
1. Your datasets must follow the PolyU Research Data Repository Guidelines.
2. Your datasets must be original and would not infringe on any third-party intellectual property rights.
3. Your datasets would not breach any laws or data protection legislation.
4. Your uploaded datasets would not contain software viruses or harmful codes.
5. You have the necessary approvals to post the materials in your datasets.
6. If you find any issues with your datasets, you will inform the Site and the relevant administrator promptly.


5. The Site accepts no responsibility for omission, mistakes or legal infringements associated with your deposited datasets and files.


6. If your datasets violate the Terms of Use or for other reasons, such as claims from third parties or authorities, the Site may remove the deposited datasets at their discretion. It is important to note that the Site does not review all datasets before they are published.


7. You grant the Site all necessary permissions and licenses to:
1. Make your submitted or deposited datasets available for archiving, preservation, and access on the Site.
2. Re-distribute copies of the datasets in various formats.
3. Promote and advertise the datasets in any form of publicity for the Site.
4. Store, translate, copy, or reformat the metadata and datasets to ensure future accessibility, usability, and respondent confidentiality.
5. Incorporate metadata or documentation from the datasets into public access catalogues and other official PolyU repositories.
6. Share the metadata of any published content you submit or deposit with DataCite.


8. By default, the Site uses a CC-BY-NC license for uploaded materials and datasets. For more information, refer to the Creative Commons Full Legal Text.


9. The Site strives to maintain open access to datasets for user downloads, taking into account Depositors' restrictions and legal limitations. Downloaded data and records are collected and stored by the Site and may be accessed by the Depositor. Downloaders must be registered users or agree to the CC-BY-NC waiver or a custom data usage agreement to access the Site's services, including downloading materials or datasets.
When downloading data from the Site, Downloaders agree that they will:
1. Follow the Creative Commons license agreement attached to the dataset they download.
2. Acknowledge that their account information (for Users) or temporary site identification information (for Guests) may be recorded and viewed by the owner of the uploaded content.
3. Ensure that they are not downloading or using any datasets or materials prohibited by applicable law.


10. The Terms of Use stated above are subject to update and revision at any time without prior notice, and in the event of any inconsistency, the updated terms will prevail.