Dispute Resolution Policy
Contents
1. Purpose & Scope
Dictionary, Inc. ("Dictionary", "we", "us", or "our") is committed to resolving any disputes that may arise between users and our company in a fair, efficient, and transparent manner. This Dispute Resolution Policy outlines the steps and procedures that govern the handling of complaints, grievances, and legal disputes related to our platform, services, subscriptions, and terms of use.
This policy applies to all individuals and entities that access, register, or use Dictionary's web and mobile applications, APIs, and related services. By using our platform, you acknowledge and agree to the dispute resolution procedures described herein.
2. Informal Resolution Process
We believe that the majority of issues can be resolved quickly and amicably through direct communication. Before initiating any formal legal proceedings or arbitration, you must attempt to resolve the dispute informally.
Step-by-Step Procedure:
- Submission: Submit a written notice of your complaint to our Dispute Resolution Team via email at disputes@dictionary.com. Include your full name, account email, a clear description of the issue, and any supporting documentation.
- Acknowledgment: We will acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 3 business days and assign a case manager to your file.
- Review & Response: Our team will review the merits of your claim and respond with a proposed resolution within 30 calendar days of acknowledgment.
- Resolution: If you accept our proposal, we will implement the agreed-upon remedy promptly. If you do not accept, you may proceed to formal mediation.
If the informal process fails to resolve the dispute to your satisfaction, you may escalate the matter to binding arbitration as outlined in Section 3.
3. Formal Mediation & Arbitration
If informal resolution is unsuccessful, disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or JAMS, pursuant to their Commercial Arbitration Rules.
Key Arbitration Terms:
- Arbitrator Selection: Both parties will select a neutral, experienced arbitrator jointly. If unable to agree within 15 days, the administering body will appoint one.
- Venue: Arbitration will take place in San Francisco, California, unless both parties agree to an alternative location for convenience.
- Costs: Dictionary will cover the arbitrator's fees and administrative costs for claims under $10,000. For larger claims, costs will be allocated per the AAA/JAMS rules, with equitable adjustments for financial hardship.
- Confidentiality: All arbitration proceedings, documents, and outcomes will remain confidential, except to the extent required by law.
- Enforceability: The arbitrator's decision will be final, binding, and enforceable in any court of competent jurisdiction under the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA).
4. Class Action & Representative Action Waiver
By agreeing to this Dispute Resolution Policy, you and Dictionary waive the right to participate in class action lawsuits, private attorney general actions, or representative proceedings. All claims must be brought in your individual capacity only.
This waiver applies to both court litigation and arbitration. However, if you seek injunctive or declaratory relief solely for the benefit of the general public (not monetary damages), you may pursue such relief in a court of competent jurisdiction.
5. Submission Guidelines & Contact
To ensure proper handling of your dispute, please adhere to the following submission standards:
- Use the official dispute email address for all communications.
- Provide verifiable account details and transaction IDs where applicable.
- Attach screenshots, logs, or correspondence that substantiate your claim.
- Allow the full 30-day review window before escalating.
📧 Dispute Resolution Email
📍 Mailing Address
Dictionary, Inc.
Dispute Resolution Dept.
100 Language Way, Suite 400
San Francisco, CA 94107
⏱️ Response Time
Initial acknowledgment: 3 business days
Substantive response: 30 calendar days
🛡️ Privacy Guarantee
All submissions are handled under strict confidentiality per our Data Privacy Policy.
6. Governing Law & Amendments
This Dispute Resolution Policy shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict of law principles. The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods shall not apply.
Dictionary reserves the right to modify, update, or revise this policy at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to our website. Your continued use of our services following such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.
For questions regarding this policy, or if you require an accessibility accommodation to submit a dispute, please contact our Legal Compliance team at legal@dictionary.com.