Terms and Conditions of Service

COGNITIVE LINGUISTIC ENGINEERING, LLC TERMS & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

Effective Date: March 4, 2025
Last Updated: March 4, 2025
Entity: Cognitive Linguistic Engineering, LLC (Illinois)

ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

By enrolling in, participating in, accessing, purchasing, or engaging with any program, service, training, coaching, consultation, event, content, material, or communication associated with, provided by, delivered through, or affiliated with Cognitive Linguistic Engineering, LLC ("CLE," "Company," "we," "us," or "our"), including but not limited to programs conducted by independent contractors, trainers, coaches, affiliates, partners, representatives, or third parties operating under the CLE brand, trademark, methodology, or in any form of partnership, collaboration, or association with CLE, you ("Student," "Client," "User," "Participant," or "you") unconditionally and irrevocably agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions of Service ("Terms").

THIS AGREEMENT CONSTITUTES A LEGALLY BINDING CONTRACT. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO ALL TERMS HEREIN, YOU ARE PROHIBITED FROM PARTICIPATING IN ANY CLE PROGRAMS OR SERVICES AND MUST IMMEDIATELY CEASE ALL ENGAGEMENT WITH CLE.

ARTICLE I: UNIVERSAL APPLICATION

1.1 Comprehensive Coverage: These Terms apply to ALL participants, past, present, and future, who have engaged with any CLE program, service, or content, regardless of enrollment date, program structure, delivery method, or payment arrangement.

1.2 Multi-Layer Digital Acceptance: Contract formation occurs through multiple verification layers:

Initial checkbox consent with timestamped IP address logging
Email confirmation requiring active click-through acceptance
Digital signature capture where technologically feasible
Recorded acknowledgment of Terms review during onboarding calls
Continued-use acceptance through ongoing platform access

1.3 Continued-Use Acceptance: By continuing to access, use, or benefit from any CLE materials, recordings, communications, networks, opportunities, or services after any Terms modification, you reaffirm acceptance regardless of original enrollment date.

1.4 Anti-Repudiation Provisions: Participants cannot claim lack of awareness, technical difficulties, or inability to access Terms. CLE maintains permanent public posting at [website]/terms with email notifications of material changes.

ARTICLE II.

MULTI-STATE COMPLIANCE

2.1 State Law Hierarchy: Where state laws provide greater consumer protections than these Terms, such protections apply as minimum requirements while all other Terms remain in full effect:

California. Compliance with California Consumer Legal Remedies Act and automatic 3-day cooling-off period for purchases over $2,500
New York. Adherence to New York General Business Law Article 22-A for vocational services
Texas. Compliance with Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act requirements
Florida. Conformity with Florida Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act

2.2 Savings Clause. If any provision is deemed unenforceable in a specific jurisdiction, the Terms shall be interpreted to provide maximum enforceability while maintaining compliance with local mandatory consumer protections.

2.3 Choice of Law Hierarchy. Illinois law governs except where mandatory state consumer protections require local law application for specific claims.

ARTICLE III.

FTC-COMPLIANT EARNINGS AND RESULTS DISCLAIMERS

3.1 Material Connection Disclosure. CLE may receive compensation through referral programs, affiliate relationships, or business partnerships. All testimonials and success stories represent individual experiences and are not typical results.

3.2 FTC Earnings Disclaimer: "EARNINGS AND INCOME REPRESENTATIONS: CLE MAKES NO EARNINGS CLAIMS, EARNINGS REPRESENTATIONS, OR INCOME GUARANTEES. ANY EARNINGS OR INCOME STATEMENTS, OR EXAMPLES OF EARNINGS OR INCOME, ARE ONLY ESTIMATES OF WHAT WE THINK YOU COULD EARN. THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THAT ANY PRIOR SUCCESSES OR PAST RESULTS AS TO EARNINGS OR INCOME WILL APPLY, NOR CAN ANY PRIOR SUCCESSES BE USED AS AN INDICATION OF YOUR FUTURE SUCCESS OR RESULTS FROM ANY OF THE INFORMATION, CONTENT, OR STRATEGIES. ANY AND ALL CLAIMS OR REPRESENTATIONS AS TO INCOME EARNINGS ARE NOT TO BE CONSIDERED AS AVERAGE EARNINGS."

3.3 Substantiation Requirements. All case studies, testimonials, and success stories are based on documented participant experiences and are maintained in CLE's records for FTC compliance purposes.

3.4 Atypical Results Notice. Testimonials and case studies represent exceptional results and are not representative of typical participant outcomes. Most participants should expect significantly different results.

ARTICLE IV.

PROTECTION AND CONFIDENTIALITY

4.1 Comprehensive Confidentiality: All CLE methodologies, business processes, internal communications, strategic plans, financial information, participant data, training materials, and proprietary systems constitute trade secrets protected under the Illinois Trade Secrets Act.

4.2 Discovery Limitations.

In any legal proceeding, participants agree that.

CLE's internal business communications are protected from discovery
Proprietary methodologies and trade secrets are subject to protective orders
Third-party participant information remains confidential
Discovery requests must be narrowly tailored to specific claims

4.3 Protective Order Consent. Participants consent to entry of protective orders limiting disclosure of CLE confidential information in any legal proceeding.

4.4 Non-Disclosure Survival. All confidentiality obligations survive termination of participation and continue in perpetuity.

ARTICLE V.

COLLECTION AND ENFORCEMENT RIGHTS

5.1 Collection Authorization. Participants authorize CLE to pursue all available legal and equitable remedies for breach, including:

Immediate collection of outstanding fees and penalties
Assignment of collection rights to third-party agencies
Credit bureau reporting of delinquent accounts
Garnishment of wages and bank accounts to the fullest extent permitted by law
Attachment and execution on personal and real property

5.2 Security Interest. To secure payment obligations, participants grant CLE a security interest in all benefits, materials, and value received from CLE programs.

5.3 Confession of Judgment. Where legally permissible, participants consent to entry of judgment against them for unpaid fees without trial or notice.

5.4 Recovery of Costs. Participants are liable for all costs of collection including attorney fees (not less than 33% of amount collected), court costs, investigation fees, and collection agency fees.

5.5 Lien Rights. CLE may file liens against participant property for unpaid obligations where permitted by state law.

ARTICLE VI.

INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE

6.1 Broad Indemnification. Participants agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless CLE, its officers, directors, employees, contractors, affiliates, and agents from any and all claims, damages, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorney fees) arising from:

Participant's use or misuse of CLE programs or materials
Participant's violation of these Terms
Participant's violation of any law or regulation
Third-party claims related to participant's participation
Participant's business activities or application of CLE teachings

6.2 Defense Obligation. Participants must provide legal defense for CLE at participant's expense for any covered claims.

6.3 Insurance Requirements. Participants with business entities are encouraged to maintain professional liability insurance and agree that such insurance is primary to any CLE coverage.

6.4 No CLE Liability for Third Parties. CLE disclaims all responsibility for actions of independent contractors, trainers, or affiliates beyond CLE's direct supervision.

ARTICLE VII: ENHANCED REFUND POLICY WITH STATE COMPLIANCE

7.1 Refund Windows by State.

General: 90 days from program completion
California: 5 business days for programs over $2,500 (cooling-off period)
New York: 30 days for vocational training programs
Texas: Compliance with specific program type requirements
Florida: Standard 90-day window unless state law requires otherwise

7.2 Refund Calculation Formula.

Refund Amount = (Fees Paid) - (Referral Compensation) - (Administrative Costs) - (Used Materials Value) - (Collection Costs if applicable)

7.3 Mandatory Disclosure. Participants receive written disclosure of refund terms during enrollment process with specific state law requirements highlighted.

ARTICLE VIII.

CHARGEBACK AND PAYMENT PROTECTION

8.1 Chargeback Defense. Any chargeback or payment dispute triggers automatic provision of comprehensive defense package to financial institutions including.

Signed enrollment agreements with digital timestamps
Proof of program delivery and participant engagement
Documentation of Terms acceptance
Evidence of refund policy disclosure
Participant communications acknowledging receipt of services

8.2 Chargeback Penalties.

Successful chargebacks that result in financial loss to CLE trigger immediate assessment of penalties equal to 150% of the disputed amount plus all recovery costs.

8.3 Merchant Account Protection. Participants acknowledge that frivolous chargebacks harm CLE's merchant relationships and agree to reimburse any merchant account penalties or fees.

ARTICLE IX.

BINDING ARBITRATION

9.1 Mandatory Arbitration.

ALL disputes must proceed through binding arbitration under American Arbitration Association Commercial Rules, except:

CLE's right to seek injunctive relief for intellectual property violations
Small claims court actions under $10,000 (where arbitration is unenforceable)
Collection actions for undisputed amounts

9.2 Arbitration Procedures.

Single arbitrator with relevant industry experience
Location: Chicago, Illinois (or virtual by agreement)
Illinois law governs unless state law mandates otherwise
Expedited procedures for claims under $75,000
Discovery limitations to control costs

9.3 Appeal Waiver. Participants waive all rights to appeal arbitration decisions except for fraud or arbitrator misconduct.

9.4 Enforcement: Arbitration awards may be entered as judgments in any court of competent jurisdiction.

ARTICLE X.

DIGITAL COMPLIANCE AND ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES

10.1 E-Sign Act Compliance: These Terms comply with the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act. Electronic acceptance has the same legal effect as handwritten signatures.

10.2 Digital Authentication: CLE employs multiple authentication methods including IP logging, timestamp verification, device fingerprinting, and email confirmation to establish binding acceptance.

10.3 Record Retention: CLE maintains electronic records of all acceptances for minimum seven (7) years or as required by applicable law.

ARTICLE XI. FINAL PROVISIONS

11.1 Survival. Confidentiality, indemnification, liability limitations, dispute resolution, and payment obligations survive any termination.

11.2 Assignment. CLE may assign these Terms without consent. Participants cannot assign their obligations.

11.3 Waiver. No waiver by CLE of any breach excuses future breaches or constitutes a modification of Terms.

11.4 Notice.All legal notices must be sent to CLE's registered address via certified mail.

11.5 Counterparts. These Terms may be executed in counterparts, including electronic counterparts.

ARTICLE XII.

INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS AND CROSS-BORDER ENFORCEMENT

ARTICLE XII: INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS AND TRANSNATIONAL ENFORCEMENT

12.1 Extraterritorial Jurisdiction and Choice of Law. International participants, defined as any individual or entity domiciled, residing, or conducting business outside the territorial boundaries of the United States, hereby submit to the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts of Cook County, Illinois, and agree that all disputes, claims, causes of action, and legal proceedings arising from or relating to their participation in CLE programs shall be governed exclusively by the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to principles of conflicts of law or the participant's domicile, citizenship, or place of business.
12.2 Waiver of Sovereign Immunity and Diplomatic Protection: International participants, including but not limited to government officials, diplomatic personnel, and state-owned entity representatives, expressly waive any claim to sovereign immunity, diplomatic immunity, or state immunity from jurisdiction and enforcement. Such participants further waive any right to invoke the protection of their home state or diplomatic missions in connection with legal proceedings or enforcement actions.
12.3 International Treaty and Convention Application: a) Arbitration Enforcement: Arbitration awards rendered under these Terms shall be enforceable in any jurisdiction that is a signatory to the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (New York Convention) or similar international arbitration treaties.
b) Judgment Recognition: Court judgments obtained in Illinois courts shall be enforceable under applicable bilateral or multilateral treaties for the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments, including the Hague Convention on Choice of Court Agreements where applicable.
c) Service of Process: Service of process may be effectuated through any method recognized under the Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents or through alternative methods permitted under Illinois law for international service.
12.4 Currency, Exchange Rate, and International Payment Provisions: a) Denomination: All financial obligations are denominated in United States Dollars (USD) and shall be satisfied in USD regardless of participant location or local currency restrictions.
b) Exchange Rate Risk: International participants bear all risk of currency fluctuation. Payment obligations are not reduced by unfavorable exchange rate movements, currency devaluation, or government-imposed currency controls.
c) Transfer Costs: All costs associated with international fund transfers, including but not limited to wire transfer fees, correspondent bank charges, foreign exchange spreads, and regulatory compliance costs, are the sole responsibility of the international participant.
12.5 Transnational Tax and Regulatory Compliance: International participants acknowledge and agree that: a) They are solely responsible for compliance with all tax obligations in their jurisdiction of residence, including but not limited to income tax, value-added tax, goods and services tax, and withholding tax requirements;
b) They shall not seek reimbursement from CLE for any taxes, duties, or regulatory fees imposed by their home jurisdiction;
c) They warrant compliance with all applicable foreign exchange controls, import/export regulations, and educational service regulations in their jurisdiction.
12.6 Enhanced Collection and Enforcement Rights - International: a) Global Asset Recovery: CLE is expressly authorized to pursue collection and enforcement against any assets of international participants located anywhere in the world, through local counsel and enforcement mechanisms in any jurisdiction where such assets may be found.
b) Attachment and Garnishment. International participants consent to prejudgment attachment, post-judgment garnishment, and asset freezing orders in any jurisdiction where they maintain assets, regardless of local procedural requirements.
c) International Credit Reporting. Delinquent accounts may be reported to international credit bureaus and commercial credit agencies operating in the participant's jurisdiction.
12.7 Modified Arbitration Procedures for International Participants: a) Virtual Proceedings: Arbitration hearings may be conducted entirely through video conference technology to accommodate international participants, provided that such virtual proceedings do not diminish the binding nature of the arbitration or the enforceability of resulting awards.
b) Waiver of Inconvenience. International participants expressly waive any claim that Illinois-based arbitration proceedings are inconvenient, burdensome, or inappropriate due to distance, time zones, or cultural differences.
c) Language: All arbitration proceedings shall be conducted in English. International participants are responsible for providing qualified interpreters if needed, at their own expense.
12.8 Sanctions, Export Controls, and Trade Compliance: a) Sanctions Screening: CLE reserves the absolute right to terminate any participant who becomes subject to economic sanctions imposed by the United States, European Union, United Nations, or other relevant jurisdictions, without notice and without refund.
b) Export Control Compliance: International participants warrant that their participation does not violate U.S. export control regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
c) Ongoing Compliance Monitoring. CLE may continuously screen participants against sanctions lists and terminate participation immediately upon any adverse determination.
12.9 International Data Transfer and Privacy Compliance: a) Cross-Border Data Transfer Consent: International participants explicitly consent to the transfer and processing of their personal data in the United States, acknowledging that U.S. privacy protections may differ from those in their home jurisdiction.
b) Adequacy Decision Waiver: Participants waive any requirement that data transfers comply with adequacy decisions or other data localization requirements imposed by their home jurisdiction.
c) Standard Contractual Clauses: Where required by applicable law, CLE shall implement appropriate standard contractual clauses or other approved transfer mechanisms, but such measures do not limit participants' other obligations under these Terms.
12.10 Force Majeure - International and Political Events: CLE shall not be liable for any delay, interruption, or cessation of services resulting from: a) International trade disputes, tariff imposition, or trade war measures; b) Diplomatic tensions or breakdown of diplomatic relations; c) Currency crises, foreign exchange controls, or capital controls; d) International sanctions, embargoes, or trade restrictions; e) Political instability, civil unrest, or armed conflict in participant's jurisdiction; f) Internet restrictions, government censorship, or telecommunications disruptions imposed by participant's government.
12.11 Corporate Veil Piercing and Personal Guarantees - International Entities: a) Personal Liability: Individual participants remain personally liable for all obligations regardless of whether they participate through corporate entities, partnerships, trusts, or other legal structures established under foreign law.
b) Veil Piercing Authorization: International participants consent to the application of U.S. veil-piercing doctrines to reach individual assets behind corporate structures, regardless of the protections offered by foreign limited liability regimes.
c) Alter Ego Liability: Use of foreign corporate structures to evade obligations shall constitute grounds for alter ego liability under Illinois law.
12.12 Diplomatic and Consular Notification Waiver: International participants waive any right to notification of their home country's consular or diplomatic representatives in the event of legal proceedings, and waive any right to invoke consular assistance or diplomatic intervention in connection with enforcement of these Terms.
12.13 International Judgment Enforcement: a) Reciprocal Enforcement: Participants consent to enforcement of Illinois judgments in their home jurisdiction and agree not to challenge such enforcement on grounds of public policy, due process, or jurisdictional defects.
b) Local Counsel Authorization. CLE is authorized to retain local counsel in any jurisdiction for enforcement purposes, with all costs charged to the participant.
c) Asset Discovery. Participants agree to full asset disclosure upon demand for enforcement purposes and consent to international asset discovery procedures.

THIS AGREEMENT IS LEGALLY BINDING UNDER STATE AND FEDERAL LAW

CONTACT INFORMATION: Cognitive Linguistic Engineering, LLC
1225 S Wake Rd Unit A
New Berlin, IL 62670
Legal Notices: legal@cle.institute

Document Version: 4.0
Effective Date: March 4, 2025