Terms & Conditions

Last updated: 03 November 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to the British & Irish Studio Pottery Marks (BISPM) website. By accessing and using this website, you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions and our Privacy Policy.

If you do not agree with any part of these terms, you must not use this website.

2. About This Website

This website is operated by Naomi Mott and provides a free, searchable online database of 20th-21st century British and Irish studio pottery marks, monograms, and signatures.

Contact: info@bispm.co.uk

3. Use of the Website

3.1 Permitted Use

You may use this website for:

  • Personal, non-commercial research and reference purposes
  • Identifying pottery marks for your own collection or interest
  • Educational purposes related to studio pottery

3.2 Prohibited Use

You must not:

  • Reproduce, duplicate, copy, or re-sell any part of the website or database without explicit written permission
  • Use the website for any commercial purpose without authorization
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the website, server, or database
  • Use automated systems (bots, scrapers, etc.) to extract data from the website
  • Submit false, misleading, or inaccurate information
  • Upload or transmit viruses, malware, or any harmful code
  • Infringe upon intellectual property rights of the website or third parties
  • Use the website in any way that could damage, disable, or impair the service

4. Intellectual Property Rights

4.1 Website Content

Unless otherwise stated, we (Naomi Mott) and/or our licensors own the intellectual property rights in the website structure, design, and original content. All such rights are reserved.

4.2 Database Content

The pottery marks, images, and information in the database are contributed by various sources including:

  • Website administrators
  • Community contributors
  • Public domain sources
  • Licensed materials

Images of pottery marks may be protected by copyright belonging to the original potter, photographer, or contributor. The inclusion of images in this database is for educational and reference purposes under fair dealing provisions of UK copyright law.

4.3 User Contributions

By submitting photographs, information, or other content to this website, you:

  • Warrant that you own the rights to the submitted content or have permission to submit it
  • Grant us a perpetual, worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, and display the content on this website
  • Agree that submitted content may be edited, moderated, or removed at our discretion

5. Accuracy and Disclaimers

5.1 Information Accuracy

We strive to provide accurate information, but we cannot guarantee that all marks, attributions, or pottery information in the database are 100% accurate or complete. The database is:

  • Provided as a research aid and reference tool
  • Based on contributed information which may contain errors
  • Subject to ongoing research and updates

5.2 No Professional Advice

This website does not provide professional valuation, authentication, or appraisal services. Information provided should not be relied upon for:

  • Insurance valuations
  • Purchase or sale decisions
  • Legal disputes
  • Professional authentication

For professional advice, consult a qualified pottery appraiser or expert.

5.3 Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, we exclude all liability for:

  • Errors or omissions in the database content
  • Loss or damage arising from reliance on information provided
  • Loss of profits, business, or opportunities
  • Indirect or consequential losses
  • Technical failures, interruptions, or unavailability of the website

Nothing in these terms excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any liability that cannot be excluded by UK law.

6. External Links

This website may contain links to external websites. We have no control over the content of these sites and accept no responsibility for:

  • The accuracy, legality, or content of external sites
  • Privacy practices of external sites
  • Any loss or damage arising from use of external sites

Links are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement.

7. Administrator Accounts

Administrator access is restricted and invitation-only. Administrators must:

  • Keep login credentials secure and confidential
  • Not share accounts with others
  • Use the system responsibly and ethically
  • Report any security breaches immediately

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate administrator accounts for misuse.

8. Data Protection

Your use of this website is subject to our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal data in compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

For cookie information, see our Cookie Policy.

9. Availability and Modifications

9.1 Website Availability

We provide this website free of charge on an "as is" basis. We do not guarantee that:

  • The website will always be available or uninterrupted
  • The website will be free from errors or technical issues
  • The database will be continuously updated

We reserve the right to suspend, withdraw, or modify the website at any time without notice.

9.2 Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms & Conditions from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated date. Your continued use of the website after changes constitutes acceptance of the new terms.

10. Copyright Complaints

If you believe that any content on this website infringes your copyright, please contact us at info@bispm.co.uk with:

  • Your contact details
  • Details of the copyrighted work
  • Location of the infringing content on our website (URL)
  • Proof of ownership or authorization

We will investigate all legitimate claims and remove infringing content where appropriate.

11. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

12. Severability

If any provision of these terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

13. Entire Agreement

These Terms & Conditions, together with our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and us regarding use of this website.

14. Contact Information

For questions, concerns, or complaints regarding these Terms & Conditions, please contact:

Naomi Mott
British & Irish Studio Pottery Marks
Email: info@bispm.co.uk
Website: www.bispm.co.uk

These Terms & Conditions were prepared in accordance with UK law.