Legal Framework for Memberships, Partnerships, Pricing Models and Contractual Conditions

1. Discount and Advantage Models

The Association may grant specific pricing advantages to members. All reductions apply only under the conditions defined below and are binding for the full contractual term.

1.1 Early Access Rate

A temporary pricing advantage valid exclusively for memberships that are fully signed and paid no later than 31 March 2026.

Eligibility ends automatically after this date, without extension.

The Early Access Rate provides a 10 percent reduction on the applicable membership fee.

The Early Access Rate expires if payment is not completed within the validity period.

1.2 One-Year Advantage Model

A single-year membership may be offered with a 5 percent reduction, provided it is a standard one-year contract.

This model is not eligible for the Early Access Rate.

It does not replace multi-year commitments and carries no further reductions.

1.3 Three-Years Partnership Model

A contractual commitment to a three-year membership.

This advantage grants a 12 percent reduction on the total fee for the three-year term.

1.4 Five-Years Strategic Model

A contractual commitment to a five-year membership.

This advantage grants an 18 percent reduction on the total fee for the five-year term.

1.5 Binding Effect of Discount and Advantage Models

All discount models require full fulfilment of the agreed contractual term.

If a member terminates early, withdraws or otherwise cancels before the end of the contractual period, the member remains fully liable for the entire undiscounted standard fee for the contractual term.

All outstanding amounts become immediately due.

2. Binding Nature of Membership Term

Memberships are binding for the entire contractual duration selected at registration: 1-year, 3-year or 5-year terms, with or without pricing advantages.

Early termination of multi-year memberships is not permitted.

If it occurs, full undiscounted fees for the entire contractual term are due immediately.

3. No Right of Refund

Membership fees, partnership contributions and associated charges are non-refundable under all circumstances.

4. Payment Conditions

All fees must be paid in advance at the time of registration using the Association’s designated payment system.

Deferred payments or invoice-based payments are not accepted unless expressly authorised in writing.

Activation of membership, issuance of the membership identification number and the membership certificate occur only after full payment is received.

Failure to complete payment results in automatic non-activation without further notice.

5. Electronic Invoicing and Documentation

After payment, members receive electronically an invoice, payment confirmation, membership certificate and associated documentation.

The Association may issue all documents exclusively in electronic form.

Members must keep their contact information accurate.

6. Renewal Conditions

Memberships renew automatically for the same contractual duration at the prevailing standard membership fee at the time of renewal.

Membership renewals must be paid in full no later than the end of the first week of July in the year in which the termination period expires.

The payment obligation therefore arises within seven days after the final date on which termination would have been permissible.

Termination must be submitted in writing and received by the Association no later than six months before the end of the current term.

Notifications received after this period are ineffective, and the membership renews automatically.

Members who terminate on time retain all rights and obligations until the end of their current term.

If termination is not submitted in time, the renewed term becomes binding and fully payable.

7. Misuse, Fraud or Abuse of Pricing Advantage Models

If a member misuses or fraudulently obtains a pricing reduction by providing incorrect organisational data, claiming eligibility for a discount not applicable, or exploiting Early Access or multi-year conditions, the Association may retroactively apply the full standard pricing, revoke all discounts, terminate the membership with immediate effect, and pursue legal remedies.

8. Contractual Basis

The legal framework for all memberships and partnerships consists of the Association Statutes, the Membership Regulations, the Pricing and Fee Policy, this Legal Framework, and any additional written agreements.

These documents apply to all members.

9. Applicable Law and Jurisdiction

All agreements are governed exclusively by Swiss law, excluding conflict-of-law rules.

The exclusive place of jurisdiction is Schlieren, the Association headquarters location.

The Association may alternatively pursue claims at the domicile or registered seat of the member.

10. Acceptance of Conditions

By completing registration and payment, the member declares acceptance of the binding nature of the selected membership term, the use and limitations of discount and advantage models, the automatic renewal conditions, payment provisions, and the Association’s legal framework and all related consequences.