Terms of use
Last updated: 30.08.2024
§1 Consent
These Terms of Use govern the use of the database regarding both the submission and the download of the images. By using our database, you are acknowledging that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these terms and conditions. If you do not agree to these terms, you may not use our content. These Terms of Use will be governed by the laws of Switzerland with Place of Jurisdiction Bülach, ZH.
§ 2 Ownership of the Database and the Images
The database is owned and operated by the International Seed Testing Association, Richtiarkade 18, CH8304 Wallisellen, Switzerland. All the images provided in the database are protected by copyright and other laws relating to the protection of intellectual property. Therefore, you cannot use the images from the database except as specifically permitted under these Terms of Use.
§ 3 Submission and Upload of Images
A person/entity may submit images regarding seed health images to this website. The uploads will be screened to see if they are suitable for the database. The person/entity uploading the images acknowledges, that the database does not allow the upload of images that infringe any copyright, property right, trademark or any other applicable right.
The person/entity is solely responsible for their uploaded content. By uploading the images, they are representing and warranting that they own all proprietary rights or are the authorised representative of the applicable copyright owner(s) of the images, including copyright, in and to the images with full power to grant the rights contemplated in these Terms of Use. The database cannot be held responsible for the misuse or abuse of any images.
Once the submitted image is included into the database, the watermark regarding the copyright is automatically applied as follows: © year of submission, name of creator, name of employer/entity. It will not be edited afterwards.
§ 4 Download of Images from the Database
All images made available for download in the database can be used for free for personal and/or scientific non-commercial purposes. The images may be used worldwide for research, presentations, social media etc. but only with the purpose to transfer knowledge.
The watermark regarding the copyright, which can be found on every image automatically when downloading it, must always be visible when using the image. It is not allowed to modify the watermark regarding the copyright.
Further, when downloading content, no modifications of the images are allowed (e.g. colour or size changes, cropping etc.). The image must be used in the exact version it was downloaded from the database.
Any use of an image in a context which distorts its meaning, or which is unlawful is prohibited.
§ 5 Storage and Deletion of the Images
Images are only stored on the webserver for the given purpose. They will not be sent anywhere else.
The images will be saved and displayed on the website, until the database either receives a replacement submission which has ‘better’ (meaning if a new submission has clearer pictures, with better lighting and better resolution) images or the person/entity submitting the images requests their image to be deleted from the database.
Any image can be deleted upon request of the person/entity submitting the image by contacting
If a submission of an image is rejected, not just the image but the entire submission is automatically removed from the server and cannot be retrieved. This is also applicable, if new and ‘better’ (see meaning above) images of pathogens are uploaded into the database. In this case, the older submissions will automatically be deleted, as only the images with the best quality will be kept in the database. The person/entity will be informed via e-mail about the deletion of their images.
§ 6 Termination
Any use of the database in violation of these Terms of Use may result in, among other things, termination, or suspension of your rights to use the site. Notwithstanding any of these Terms of Use, we reserve the right, without notice and in our sole discretion, to terminate your account and/or to block your use of the site. We may update, modify, or discontinue the database at any time without notice to you.
§ 7 Changes to Terms
We reserve the right to change any of the terms and conditions contained in the Terms of Use at any time and in our sole discretion. When we make changes, we will revise the "last updated" date at the top of the Terms of Use. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting such changes on the site. Your continued use of any of the site following the posting of changes will constitute your acceptance of the updated Terms of Use. We encourage you to review the Terms of Use whenever you visit the database.
§ 8 Questions and contact information
Please contact