Kurzemes Vards Introduces Distance Agreement for Digital and Print Subscriptions

Liepaja, Latvia – SIA “Kurzemes Vards,” a prominent regional media company (registration number: 42103002455), has announced a new distance agreement governing the purchase of content service subscriptions through its online platforms, liepajnieki.lv and kurzemes-vards.lv. This agreement, effective promptly, outlines the terms and conditions for buyers subscribing to various digital and print services offered by KV, including subscription options like “Liepaja Plus” and the electronic and printed editions of “Kurzemes Vards.” The move aims to ensure clarity and consumer protection in the digital marketplace.

The agreement, meticulously crafted to comply with Latvian regulations, aims to streamline the subscription process and protect the rights of both the company and its customers. It covers essential aspects such as service descriptions, pricing, payment methods, delivery schedules, and cancellation policies. By agreeing to the terms, buyers gain access to a range of content services, while KV ensures a obvious and legally sound framework for its online offerings.

Understanding the Distance Agreement

The distance agreement, as defined by SIA “Kurzemes Vards,” is a contract concluded between the company, referred to as KV, and the buyer, for the purchase of content services via the internet. The agreement applies to purchases made on the websites liepajnieki.lv and Kurzemes-vards.lv.By purchasing a subscription, the buyer expresses consent to the agreement’s terms and conditions, wich they are entitled to print and preserve for their records. The legal address for SIA “Kurzemes Vards” is Pasta Street 3, Liepaja, LV-3401, and they can be reached via email at [email protected].

Within the framework of this agreement, the buyer is defined as a natural or legal person who purchases a paid content service for purposes not related to economic activity. The services available for subscription include:

• Liepaja Plus: A paid digital content service featuring articles and photos specifically designed, selected, and published on the site with the “Plus” designation.
• Electronic Subscription of Kurzemes Vards: A digital content service that includes a visual and content-like copy of the printed newspaper “Kurzemes Vārds” (registered in the Mass Facts Register with No. 000700763, from Nov. 28, 1991), along with access to one month’s worth of previous electronic copies.
• Printed Newspaper “Kurzeme vards”: A paper-based regional newspaper (registered in the Mass Information Register with No. 000700763, from Nov.28,1991),delivered to the buyer in Liepaja and Grobiņa by AC Kurzemes Vārds SIA,or elsewhere in Latvia by VAS “Latvijas Pasts” according to its delivery schedule.

Service Terms and Pricing

The service subscription is offered for a fixed term at a specific price. KV reserves the right to change the price without prior notice, but these changes will not affect already paid service terms. Buyers will be notified of any price changes no later than 30 days before the new price takes affect. The agreement stipulates that changes in service prices will apply to the new period at the end of the pre-paid service subscription term. The price of the service subscription includes all applicable taxes, including value-added tax (VAT), in accordance with the regulatory enactments of the republic of Latvia.

The specific pricing for each service is as follows:

• Liepaja Plus: A 24-hour service permit costs EUR 0.99.
• Liepaja Plus: A 4-week service permit costs EUR 1.99.
• Electronic Subscription of Kurzeme Vards: A 4-week service permit costs EUR 5.99.
• Printed newspaper “Kurzeme Vards”: Costs EUR 10.99 per month.

Purchase and Settlement procedures

The agreement outlines a clear procedure for purchasing and paying for service subscriptions. Buyers can only purchase a service after registering or logging in to the website. To purchase a subscription, the buyer must select a payment method when entering the required information. By entering into this contract, the buyer confirms that they understand that the purchase of a service subscription is a paid service and that they have read and understood the content of the agreement.

Service subscriptions are purchased using a billing card or via SMS (with the fee included in the mobile service provider’s bill). Subscriptions for Liepaja Plus and the electronic subscription of Kurzeme vards are set up as regular payments, automatically extended for the next 4-week period. payment for the service subscription is automatically debited from the KV bank account until the buyer chooses to stop the subscription on the site by deactivating it in their registered profile.

Delivery of the Printed Newspaper

The agreement also specifies the delivery schedule for the printed newspaper “Kurzeme Vards”:

• if the buyer pays for the service on a working day by 2 p.m., the subscription will start on the next working day if delivery is provided by AC Kurzeme Vards. If delivery is provided by Latvijas Pasts, the subscription will start after two business days.
• If the buyer pays on a working day after 2 p.m., the subscription will start on the next business day if delivery is provided by AC Kurzeme Vards. If delivery is provided by Latvijas Pasts, the subscription will start after three business days.

Right of Refusal

The agreement explicitly states that there is no 14-day right of refusal for the electronic Subscription of Kurzeme Vards and Liepaja Plus. This is because these services provide digital content online that is available on request, and delivery begins immediately upon subscription. The buyer agrees that the service is initiated with the use of the service, thus waiving the right to refuse under the cabinet of Ministers Regulation no.255 “Regulations on the Rules of Distance Agreement” from May 20, 2014.

Liability, Confidentiality, and copyright

The agreement also addresses liability, confidentiality, and copyright issues. KV is not responsible for commitments to third parties arising from the implementation of the agreement. The parties are exempt from obligation for non-compliance if it is due to force majeure, defined as circumstances beyond their control that make it impossible to fulfill the contract.

All non-public information exchanged between the parties,including financial data,technology,and advancement plans,is considered confidential. KV grants the buyer a general license to use the service but prohibits unauthorized copying, reproduction, or publication of the digital content. KV guarantees that it has agreements with all individuals involved in creating the digital content for Liepaja plus and the Kurzeme Vards Electronic Subscription, ensuring that KV owns the digital content and platform solutions.

Data Processing and Other rules

The agreement includes provisions for data processing, outlining how each party manages and protects personal data. Both parties agree to process data manually and electronically for purposes such as contracting, billing, payment management, and communication. KV follows customer instructions, uses technical means, and takes organizational measures to protect personal data and prevent illegal processing. The agreement also specifies data storage periods and conditions for transferring data to third-party processors.

The contract comes into force when the buyer purchases a service subscription on the site,agrees to its terms,and pays the subscription fee. It remains

Unveiling Clarity: A Deep Dive into Kurzemes Vards’ new distance Agreement for Digital Subscriptions

Did you know that a seemingly simple online subscription can trigger complex legal implications for both businesses and consumers? This interview explores the landmark distance agreement introduced by Kurzemes Vards, a Latvian media company, shedding light on its importance for the digital publishing landscape.

Interviewer: Welcome, Dr. Elīna Liepa, expert in Latvian media law and digital commerce.Kurzemes vards’ new distance agreement for online subscriptions has created quite a stir. Can you explain its core purpose and how it benefits both the company and its subscribers?

Dr. Liepa: the core purpose of Kurzemes Vards’ distance agreement is to establish a transparent and legally sound framework for online subscription purchases. This benefits the company by providing clear terms and conditions, protecting them against potential disputes. For subscribers, it offers increased clarity on pricing, service specifications, cancellation policies, and data handling, fostering trust and consumer protection in the digital sphere.The agreement addresses many aspects often overlooked in standard online terms and conditions, providing a more complete and consumer-friendly approach, vital in today’s complex digital marketplace.

Interviewer: The agreement specifically covers digital and print subscriptions for services like “Liepaja Plus” and the electronic and printed editions of “Kurzemes Vards.” Can you elaborate on the key legal considerations involved in offering such diverse subscription models under a single agreement?

Dr. liepa: offering diverse subscription models requires careful consideration of several legal aspects. For digital content, such as “Liepaja Plus” and the electronic “Kurzemes Vards,” the agreement must comply with regulations surrounding the provision of digital services, including considerations concerning data protection, intellectual property rights, and consumer rights related to digital content access. The agreement must be clear about the nature of access, duration of service, and any restrictions. For print subscriptions, the contract must adhere to regulations governing the delivery of physical goods, including details like delivery timeframes, responsibility for loss or damage, and return policies. The agreement skilfully manages the integration of thes different legal requirements, offering a unified and legally sound approach to both digital and print subscription models.

Interviewer: The agreement addresses the “right of refusal.” Coudl you explain the significance of this aspect, particularly within the context of digital content delivery?

Dr. Liepa: The right of refusal, often a 14-day period for consumers to withdraw from a contract, is subject to exceptions, especially for digital content delivered instantly. The agreement clearly states that the immediate nature of digital content access for services like “Liepaja Plus” waives the standard 14-day right of refusal. This is crucial because once a subscriber gains access to online content, the service has been rendered, making a full return of goods functionally impossible. This is legally compliant with Latvian laws on distance agreements,ensuring transparency and protecting Kurzemes Vards from potential misuse of the right of refusal. The key is clear dialog and explicitly laying out the terms and conditions for consumers during the subscription process.

Interviewer: The agreement details pricing, payment methods, and service delivery. What makes this section critical for consumer protection and legally sound buisness practices?

Dr. Liepa: Transparency in pricing and payment procedures is paramount for consumer confidence.The specific outline of prices, clearly indicating all applicable taxes (like VAT), protects both the consumer and the company from misunderstandings. The specified payment methods and mechanisms for automatic renewals (for services like Liepaja Plus) ensure clarity and legally compliant, automated billing procedures. The agreement’s delivery procedures for the print newspaper, outlining the timeframe based on payment timing and the respective delivery providers, further demonstrates a commitment to precise service definition, essential for minimizing potential disputes and legal challenges. This transparent detail addresses essential aspects of contract law, protecting both parties’ interests.

Interviewer: What are some key takeaways for businesses considering similar distance agreements for their online offerings?

Dr. Liepa: Businesses should consider the following:

Transparency: Clearly defined terms and conditions are paramount.

Compliance: Adhere to all relevant consumer rights and data protection regulations.

Clarity: Use plain language and avoid overly technical jargon.

Accessibility: Ensure the agreement is easily accessible and understandable for all subscribers.

* Specifics: detail all aspects of service delivery, pricing, and dispute resolution methods.

Interviewer: Dr. Liepa, thank you for this insightful explanation of Kurzemes Vards’ distance agreement.Your expertise has provided valuable clarity on a complex topic.

Dr. Liepa: My pleasure. I hope this interview helps businesses understand the importance of crafting comprehensive and legally compliant distance agreements for their online services, demonstrating a commitment to building trust and fostering long-term sustainable relationships with their clients.

What are your thoughts on the importance of clear and comprehensive distance agreements in the digital age? Share your comments below and join the conversation on social media!