Terms of Service

1. Applications and Services Covered

These terms apply to the following applications and services for encoding and decoding HCC2D codes:

• The HCC2D Decoder Android application
• The HCC2D Decoder iOS application
• The HCC2D Encoder macOS application
• The HCC2D website at hcc2d.com, including the web-based barcode generator and REST API

These applications are developed and maintained by Querini Marco, Rome, Italy (hereinafter referred to as "we", "us", or "the developer").

The HCC2D Encoder and HCC2D Decoder applications, along with the HCC2D website, originate from a personal project developed in the developer's spare time and are provided free of charge for educational and experimental purposes, without any commercial or monetization intent. For this reason, the applications contain no advertising, in-app purchases, or other forms of monetization, and the website does not display advertising or require payment.

2. Acceptance of Terms

By installing, accessing, or using any of the applications or services listed above, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, you must discontinue use immediately.

If you are using an application on behalf of an organization, you represent that you are authorized to bind that organization to these terms.

3. HCC2D Decoder Applications (Android and iOS)

The HCC2D Decoder apps allow you to scan and decode QR codes and HCC2D barcode images using your device camera.

Decoded Content. We are not responsible for the content encoded in codes you scan. Decoded data — including URLs, text, and structured payloads — may originate from unknown third parties. You are solely responsible for how you act on decoded information. We strongly recommend caution when opening links or acting on content from unfamiliar or untrusted sources.

Camera Access. The apps request camera permission to perform live scanning. Camera frames are processed locally on your device and are not transmitted to our servers. Users who decline camera permission can still use the app by uploading images through the image upload function.

Scan History. Scan history is stored locally on your device and is not uploaded to our servers. You may clear your scan history at any time through your device settings.

4. HCC2D Encoder for Mac

The HCC2D Encoder is a macOS application that allows you to create QR codes and HCC2D barcode images, manage encoding projects, and maintain a local export history.

Local Processing. The App operates locally on your Mac. Project files, text payloads, imported file references, export settings, and generated outputs are processed on your device and are not transmitted to our servers as part of the App's normal workflows.

Generated Codes. You are responsible for the content you choose to encode. You agree not to use the App to encode illegal, harmful, fraudulent, or misleading content. We are not responsible for how generated barcode images are used, distributed, or interpreted by third parties after they leave your device.

Project Files and Local Data. Project files and export history are stored locally on your Mac under directories you control. You are responsible for managing, backing up, and securing those files.

Mac App Store. When distributed through the Apple Mac App Store, your download is also subject to Apple's Terms and Conditions.

5. HCC2D Website and Web Generator

The HCC2D website provides a web-based barcode generator and informational content about the HCC2D standard.

Generated Codes. You agree not to use the web generator to encode illegal, harmful, fraudulent, or misleading content. We are not responsible for how generated barcode images are used, distributed, or interpreted by third parties.

Image Retention. Images generated through the website are retained on our servers for up to one hour. You are responsible for downloading and storing any images you need within that timeframe.

Website Availability. We do not guarantee that the website will be available at all times or free of errors. We may suspend or discontinue any part of the website at any time without prior notice.

6. API Access

Access to the HCC2D REST API requires an API key obtained through the official request form. Keys are issued at our discretion. The following conditions apply:

• API keys are personal and non-transferable; you must not share, sell, or redistribute your key.
• Usage is subject to rate limits: 30 requests per minute per key, 60 per minute per IP address.
• Repeated failed authentication attempts will result in a temporary IP lockout.
• We reserve the right to revoke keys misused or used in violation of these terms, without prior notice.
• You must not use automated tools to circumvent rate limits or abuse the key request process.
• Generated images are retained on the server for up to 1 hour; download them within that window.

7. Acceptable Use

You agree to use all HCC2D applications and services only for lawful purposes and in a manner that does not infringe the rights of others. In particular, you must not:

• Encode, distribute, or process illegal, harmful, fraudulent, or misleading content through any HCC2D application
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the services or infrastructure
• Interfere with or disrupt the operation of the website, API, or related systems
• Reverse-engineer or decompile any HCC2D application except as permitted by applicable law
• Use the services in any way that violates applicable local, national, or international laws

8. Intellectual Property

The HCC2D applications, website, and software implementation are protected by applicable intellectual property laws.

Certain methods, concepts, and elements implemented within HCC2D are derived from or related to academic research authored or co-authored by the developer. Rights relating to published papers, research articles, specifications, and associated scholarly materials remain subject to the rights of their respective authors, institutions, and publishers.

These Terms do not restrict academic reference, discussion, citation, or independent implementation of publicly available HCC2D research or specifications. No ownership claim is made over publicly available academic research, specifications, or independent implementations of HCC2D. However, these Terms do not grant any right to claim official affiliation with the HCC2D Encoder and Decoder applications distributed by the developer through application stores without prior written permission.

Content created by users through the HCC2D services, including project files, encoded data, and exported barcode images, remains the property of the respective user.

The software implementation of the HCC2D Encoder and Decoder applications distributed by the developer remains the property of the developer.

9. No Warranty

All HCC2D applications and services are provided "as is" and "as available", without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, accuracy, or non-infringement.

We do not warrant that the apps or website will be available at all times or free of errors, that generated barcodes will be readable by any specific scanner, or that decoded content will be accurate.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, we shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of any HCC2D application or service. This includes damages from decoded content from unknown sources, from generated codes used by third parties, from loss of project data or locally stored files, from service interruptions, or from errors in barcode data.

Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of certain types of liability. In such cases, our liability is limited to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.

11. Privacy

Your use of HCC2D applications is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which describes how we handle information in connection with each application. By using any HCC2D application, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the applicable Privacy Policy.

12. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms of Service at any time. The updated version will be published on this page with a revised date.

For the HCC2D Encoder macOS app and the HCC2D Decoder iOS and Android apps, the version of these terms current at the time of each release is bundled offline within the app. Updated terms will be included in future app releases.

Continued use of any HCC2D application or service after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised terms.

13. Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of Italy and applicable European Union regulations, without regard to conflict of law provisions, except where mandatory local consumer protection laws of your jurisdiction apply.

14. Contact

For questions about these terms, contact us at info@hcc2d.com.