GlycanBuilder

These Terms of Use ("Terms") set forth the conditions for using GlycanBuilder (the "Software"). All users ("Users") who use this Software are deemed to have agreed to these Terms.

1. PURPOSE AND FEATURES

GlycanBuilder is an open-source tool for drawing and editing glycan structures using the Symbol Nomenclature for Glycans (SNFG) format. Both a web-based version and a downloadable desktop version are available.

Users can also choose to send drawn glycan structures to external services (e.g., GlyCosmos) to view related glycan information on those services.

2. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

1. The Software is developed and maintained primarily by the Noguchi Institute.
2. Copyrights and all other intellectual property rights related to the Software—including but not limited to its source code, images, user interface, and documentation—belong to the Noguchi Institute and respective contributors.
3. While SNFG is a public notation standard, this Software includes original implementations and technical innovations.

3. LICENSE

1. The Software is open source and is governed by the license terms stated in its official repository.
2. Users are expected to review and agree to the license terms before using, modifying, or redistributing the Software.
3. For detailed license information, please refer to the official repository linked in the footer of this website.

4. USE OF EXTERNAL SERVICES

1. The Software provides functionality to send glycan structures—at the user's discretion—to external services such as GlyCosmos.
2. Users should consult the terms of service and privacy policies of each external service before using those features.
3. The Noguchi Institute and developers disclaim any responsibility for the availability, accuracy, or behavior of external services, or any consequences resulting from their use.

5. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

Users must not engage in any of the following:

• Using the Software for unlawful purposes
• Infringing on intellectual property, privacy, or other rights of third parties
• Tampering with the Software’s functionality, security, or stability (e.g., unauthorized access or abuse)
• Violating the open-source license terms when using, modifying, or redistributing the Software

6. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY

1. The Software is provided "as is", without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to fitness for a particular purpose, accuracy, reliability, or uninterrupted availability.
2. In no event shall the Noguchi Institute or its contributors be liable for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from the use of the Software.

7. HANDLING OF PERSONAL INFORMATION

The Software and this website may perform statistical analysis based on access logs to understand usage trends and improve quality. Such analysis aggregates visit counts and usage patterns, but any data contained in logs are used in an anonymized format and cannot identify individuals.

The aggregated statistical information is used solely for service improvement and understanding usage trends. If a user voluntarily provides information such as name, email address, or opinions through feedback forms or emails, such data will be appropriately managed and used only for responding to inquiries and improving the Software.

Collected information will not be shared with third parties except when required by law.

8. MODIFICATION OF TERMS

These Terms may be modified without prior notice. Continued use of the Software after any such modifications constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

9. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

These Terms shall be governed by the laws of Japan.

Any dispute arising in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Tokyo District Court as the court of first instance.

CONTACT

For any inquiries regarding the Software or these Terms, please contact us via the contact form or email button available on this website.