Terms & Conditions

Last updated: February 2026

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your purchase and use of BioDecode ("the Software"), provided by DecodeLabs Ltd ("we", "us", "our"), a company registered in England and Wales.

1. Product Description

BioDecode is a downloadable desktop application that parses VCF (Variant Call Format) files from whole genome sequencing and cross-references genomic variants against the ClinVar database maintained by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The ClinVar data is publicly available and in the public domain.

2. Nature of the Information

The reports generated by BioDecode display publicly available variant annotations from ClinVar. You should understand that:

• Reports explain only a small part of the genetic basis for any trait or condition. They reflect known ClinVar annotations only.
• Reports do not account for how different genetic variants may interact with each other.
• Reports do not consider environmental, dietary, microbial, or lifestyle factors that may affect actual disease risk.
• Variant classifications in ClinVar can change over time as new evidence emerges.
• The absence of a variant in ClinVar does not mean it is benign.

3. Not Medical Advice

BioDecode is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You are strongly encouraged to:

• Discuss any findings with a qualified healthcare professional or genetic counselor before making any health-related decisions.
• Confirm any significant findings through an independent, clinically validated genetic test performed by a CLIA-certified laboratory.
• Not alter any existing medical treatment or medication based on BioDecode reports without consulting your doctor.

4. Assumption of Risk

By using BioDecode, you acknowledge and accept that:

• You may learn unexpected information about your disease predisposition, carrier status, or other genetic characteristics that may cause emotional distress.
• Genetic information may have implications for your biological relatives.
• Genetic information, once known, cannot be "unknown" and may affect your self-perception or family relationships.

5. Genetic Privacy Warning

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) in the United States provides protections against discrimination based on genetic information in health insurance and employment. However:

• GINA does NOT extend to life insurance, disability insurance, or long-term care insurance.
• Genetic information disclosed to insurers outside of GINA's scope may affect your eligibility for or cost of such coverage.
• Laws vary by jurisdiction. You are responsible for understanding the genetic privacy laws applicable in your location.

6. Territory Restrictions

BioDecode is not available for purchase by, and not intended for use by, residents of the following U.S. states due to specific genetic information privacy regulations:

• Illinois — Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA, 410 ILCS 513/)
• New York — Public Health Law Article 79-e

By purchasing BioDecode, you confirm that you are not a resident of these states. If you are a resident of these states, you must not purchase or use this product.

7. Data Processing

BioDecode processes your genomic data entirely on your local machine. We do not receive, access, store, or transmit your genetic data. The Software:

• Does not connect to any external server for variant analysis.
• Does not upload your VCF file or any derivative data anywhere.
• Does not require an internet connection for analysis (only for initial ClinVar database download from NCBI).

If you choose to use the Markdown export feature to share your report with a third-party AI service, you do so at your own discretion and risk. We are not responsible for how third-party services handle data you voluntarily share with them.

8. License

Upon purchase, we grant you a non-exclusive, non-transferable, personal license to use BioDecode on your personal computer(s). You may not:

• Redistribute, resell, or sublicense the Software.
• Reverse-engineer, decompile, or modify the Software.
• Use the Software to provide analysis as a commercial service to third parties.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law:

• Our total liability arising from or related to your use of BioDecode shall not exceed the purchase price you paid for the Software.
• We shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to emotional distress, loss of data, or health-related outcomes.
• We make no warranty that the variant annotations from ClinVar are complete, accurate, or current.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless DecodeLabs Ltd, its officers, directors, and employees from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your use of BioDecode or your reliance on its reports.

11. Refunds

Due to the digital nature of the product, all sales are final. If you experience technical issues preventing use of the Software, please contact us at hello@biodecode.io and we will work to resolve the issue or provide a refund at our discretion.

12. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

13. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page indicates when the most recent changes were made. Continued use of the Software after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

14. Contact

For questions about these Terms, contact us at:

DecodeLabs Ltd
Email: hello@biodecode.io