Acceptable Use Policy

Last updated: May 15, 2026 · Applies to all Clerke services

This Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP") governs how you may use Clerke's platform, AI receptionist features, phone services, and all related tools. Violations may result in immediate account suspension or termination.

1. Lawful Use Only

You may only use Clerke for lawful purposes. You must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including but not limited to:

• IRS regulations governing tax preparation and representation
• State business formation and corporate regulations
• Federal and state telemarketing laws (TCPA, state do-not-call regulations)
• CAN-SPAM Act and applicable email marketing laws
• Consumer protection and anti-fraud laws
• Privacy laws including applicable state privacy statutes

2. Prohibited Uses — Tax Services

You must not use Clerke's tax services to:

• File fraudulent tax returns or assist others in doing so
• Claim deductions, credits, or exemptions you are not legally entitled to
• Submit falsified documents, forged W-2s, or fabricated income records
• Engage in tax evasion schemes or abusive tax shelters
• Prepare or file returns for others without proper authorization and credentials where required
• Submit returns under another person's identity without their express written consent

3. Prohibited Uses — AI Receptionist & Phone

You must not use Ava AI Receptionist or Clerke phone features to:

• Engage in or facilitate deceptive marketing or fraudulent sales practices
• Contact individuals who have opted out or are on do-not-call registries
• Impersonate another person, business, or government entity
• Conduct illegal robocalling or autodial campaigns
• Collect sensitive personal information in violation of applicable privacy laws
• Harass, threaten, or abuse callers or contacts
• Use Ava to generate or distribute spam communications
• Operate without required disclosures that callers are interacting with an AI system
• Train Ava with false, misleading, or illegal content

4. Prohibited Uses — Business Formation

You must not use Clerke's formation services to:

• Form entities for illegal purposes or money laundering
• Provide false information in formation documents
• Create shell companies intended to obscure beneficial ownership in violation of FinCEN regulations
• Circumvent professional licensing requirements through entity structures

5. Platform Integrity

You must not:

• Attempt to reverse engineer, decompile, or extract the source code of Clerke
• Use automated bots, scrapers, or scripts to access the platform beyond normal use
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to other accounts, systems, or databases
• Interfere with the platform's performance or availability
• Circumvent account restrictions, rate limits, or usage controls
• Probe for vulnerabilities without written permission

6. Content Standards

Content you upload, configure, or train Ava with must not:

• Contain malware, viruses, or malicious code
• Infringe on copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights
• Include sexual content involving minors or any content illegal under applicable law
• Defame or harass specific individuals
• Include content that facilitates illegal activity

7. Partner Program

If you participate in Clerke's partner program (referral, reseller, or white-label), you additionally agree to:

• Accurately represent Clerke's services to your clients and prospects
• Not make unauthorized representations about Clerke's capabilities, pricing, or service levels
• Ensure your clients comply with these acceptable use terms
• Promptly notify us of any suspected misuse by clients you've referred or onboarded

8. Enforcement

Clerke reserves the right to:

• Investigate suspected violations of this AUP
• Suspend or terminate accounts that violate this policy, with or without notice
• Cooperate with law enforcement in investigations involving suspected illegal activity
• Report confirmed fraud to appropriate government authorities including the IRS
• Seek legal remedies for violations that cause harm to Clerke or third parties

9. Reporting Violations

If you become aware of a violation of this policy — by another user or through your own services — please report it immediately:

• Email: contact@tbgshoppe.com
• Subject line: "AUP Violation Report"

10. Updates

This AUP may be updated periodically. Continued use of Clerke after updates constitutes acceptance. Material changes will be communicated via email with at least 14 days' notice.