Dispute Resolution Policy

Dispute Resolution Policy

Issued On: August 1, 2024 | Last Updated On: April 26, 2025

This Dispute Resolution Policy (“Policy”) sets forth the process for addressing disputes related to the use of the Global Fashion Directory LLC (“GFD,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) platform. By accessing or using GFD’s services, you (“you,” “your,” or “User”) agree to the terms outlined in this Policy for resolving conflicts.

This Dispute Resolution Policy is part of GFD’s Terms of Service and is incorporated by reference into those Terms. By accessing or using any part of the Platform, you agree to be bound by the Terms of Service and this Dispute Resolution Policy.

1. Scope of Policy

This Policy applies to any disputes arising out of or related to your use of the GFD platform, membership terms, or any GFD services, including issues related to payments, account suspensions, intellectual property claims, or violations of GFD policies.

2. Initial Resolution and Support

  • Contact GFD Support: Members are encouraged to contact GFD support at info@globalfashiondirectory.com with any concerns or issues before initiating a formal dispute. Most issues can be resolved quickly through communication.
  • Informal Resolution Effort: GFD’s support team will make every effort to address and resolve your concern informally within 10 business days of receiving your request. Informal resolution is a prerequisite to initiating arbitration or other dispute processes.

3. Binding Arbitration Agreement

  • Agreement to Arbitrate: If a dispute cannot be resolved informally, members agree to resolve the issue through binding arbitration rather than through court litigation. Arbitration is a process where a neutral arbitrator, rather than a judge or jury, hears and decides the dispute.
  • Arbitration Rules and Venue: Arbitration will be conducted by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) in accordance with its Consumer Arbitration Rules. The arbitration will be conducted in English language in Hawaii, USA, or, if you are an international member, may be conducted remotely.
  • Arbitrator’s Authority: The arbitrator has exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, or formation of this Dispute Resolution Policy, including any claim that all or part of this Policy is void or voidable.
  • Costs of Arbitration: Each party will bear its own costs, fees, and expenses of arbitration, except as otherwise required by law or by AAA rules. GFD will cover any arbitration fees required by AAA rules to the extent they exceed court filing fees.

4. Waiver of Class Actions and Jury Trials

  • Class Action Waiver: Members agree that any disputes must be resolved on an individual basis and waive the right to participate in any class, collective, or representative action. This means that members may not act as a plaintiff or class member in any purported class or representative proceeding against GFD.
  • Jury Trial Waiver: To the extent permitted by law, members waive any rights to a trial by jury for all disputes covered by this Policy.

5. Exceptions to Arbitration

  • Small Claims Court: Either you or GFD may bring an individual action in small claims court to resolve claims within that court’s jurisdiction, provided the matter remains in that court and is not transferred or appealed to another court.
  • Injunctive Relief for Intellectual Property: GFD may seek injunctive relief in a court of competent jurisdiction to prevent actual or threatened intellectual property infringement or unauthorized use of GFD’s brand, logos, or proprietary content.

6. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

  • Applicable Law: This Policy, along with any disputes arising under it, shall be governed by the laws of the State of Hawaii, USA, without regard to its conflict of laws principles.
  • Exclusive Venue: For disputes that do not require arbitration or cannot be heard in small claims court, members agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in the state of Hawaii, USA.

7. Policy Updates GFD reserves the right to modify or update this Dispute Resolution Policy at any time to reflect changes in the law or operational needs. Members will be notified of significant changes, and continued use of the GFD platform constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.