TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF WEBSITE USE

Last updated: 3 November 2025

Welcome to the website of the law office of Pedro Melanda. These Terms and Conditions govern your access to and use of this website. Please read them carefully before continuing.

By accessing, browsing or using this website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agreed to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, you must immediately stop using the website.

1. WEBSITE OWNERSHIP.

This website is owned and operated by:

Name: Pedro Melanda.
Tax Number: 217258263.
Registered Office: RUA FIGUEIRA DA FOZ, N.º 5, 5º ESQ. APARTADO 246.
                              3001-903 COIMBRA. PORTUGAL.
Email: geral@melanda.law
Telephone: (+351) 239.837.705 (national landline call).
Website: Melanda.law

Hereinafter referred to as the OWNER or “we/us”.

This website and all its contents are the exclusive property of the OWNER, unless expressly stated otherwise, and are protected under the applicable Portuguese and European legislation, including the Portuguese Code of Copyright and Related Rights, the Industrial Property Code, and any relevant legal provisions.

The OWNER’s professional activity is governed by the legal and ethical rules applicable to the practice of law in Portugal, including the provisions of the Portuguese Bar Association Statute (Estatuto da Ordem dos Advogados — EOA).

2. ACCEPTANCE OF THESE TERMS.

Accessing, browsing or using this website constitutes full and unconditional acceptance of these Terms and Conditions, including the applicable ethical and professional conduct rules, as well as the related policies, namely the Privacy Policy and the Cookies Policy available on the respective sections of this website.

If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must immediately stop using the website.

Acceptance of these Terms does not, under any circumstances, replace the express and written agreement required for the establishment of a professional mandate.

2.1. Amendments to the terms.

We reserve the right to amend, update or modify these Terms at any time, without prejudice to prior notice where deemed necessary. We recommend that you review this page periodically to stay informed of any updates. Continued use of the website after the publication of any amendments constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

2.2. Geographical restrictions

Access to this website may be subject to restrictions or prohibitions in certain jurisdictions. If you are accessing the website from outside Portugal, you do so on your own initiative and are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with the applicable local laws.
The content of this website refers exclusively to the Portuguese legal system and does not constitute an offer of legal services in jurisdictions where such activity is prohibited or subject to specific regulatory requirements.

3. PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL DISCLAIMERS

The professional activity of the OWNER is subject to the legal and ethical rules governing the practice of law in Portugal, namely the provisions of the Statute of the Portuguese Bar Association (“Estatuto da Ordem dos Advogados”, EOA – Law no. 145/2015 of 9 September, as amended), as well as the regulations and decisions issued by its competent bodies.

Under the EOA, the Portuguese Bar Association does not recognise professional specialisations. Accordingly, any reference on this website to practice areas, fields of activity or professional experience is purely informative and indicative, and shall not be interpreted as an official recognition of any specialisation by the Bar Association.

Likewise, this website and the information contained herein do not aim at unlawful solicitation of clients. Therefore, contacting our office through an electronic form or email does not automatically establish an attorney–client relationship. Such a relationship is only formed upon formalisation of a mandate and the express acceptance of representation.

Furthermore, the disclosure of the OWNER’s professional activity and practice areas on this website is carried out objectively, truthfully and with dignity, in strict compliance with the applicable ethical duties, professional secrecy and the legal rules on advertising, as set out in the EOA.

If you have any questions regarding the scope of the information provided on this website, you may contact the OWNER directly using the official contact channels indicated herein.

4. NATURE OF THE CONTENT — GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY, NOT LEGAL ADVICE

All content made available on this website is provided exclusively for general informational purposes and aims to offer an overview of certain legal topics. The articles, publications, comments and other materials available herein are intended to provide general insights into legal matters and shall not, under any circumstances, replace personalised legal advice rendered by a duly qualified lawyer.

This website does not constitute:
• Personalised legal advice applicable to the user’s specific situation.
• A binding legal opinion.
• An invitation to enter into a professional mandate or establish a lawyer–client relationship.
• A contractual offer or solicitation of legal services.
• A sufficient or sole basis for making legal or professional decisions.

Each legal matter is unique. To obtain appropriate legal advice and guidance, the user should contact the office directly and request contact with a duly qualified lawyer, in accordance with the Portuguese Bar Association’s Statute (Estatuto da Ordem dos Advogados).

5. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY AND TRADE MARKS

5.1. Intellectual Property Rights

All content on this website — including texts, images, logos, design, graphics, trade marks, databases, software, multimedia materials and any other elements — is the exclusive property of the OWNER, or is used under a valid licence. It is protected under applicable Portuguese and European legislation, namely the Código do Direito de Autor e dos Direitos Conexos (Copyright and Related Rights Code) and the Código da Propriedade Industrial (Industrial Property Code).

Without the prior express and written authorisation of the OWNER, it is strictly prohibited to:

• Copy, reproduce, distribute, transform, duplicate or modify any website content.
• Remove copyright notices, ownership mentions or registered trade marks.
• Perform scraping, automated data collection or any form of automated access to the website.
• Use, distribute or share content for commercial purposes, including for the training of artificial intelligence systems.
• Modify, adapt or create derivative works based on any content from the website.
• Perform reverse engineering or attempt to access the website’s source code.

The following uses are permitted:

• Viewing the website’s content for personal and non-commercial purposes.
• Sharing direct links to website pages on social networks or other platforms, provided that such sharing is non-commercial and does not alter the content.
• Quoting small excerpts, with express indication of the source and authorship, for educational, academic or journalistic purposes.

Any other use requires the prior, express and written authorisation of the OWNER.

5.2. Industrial Property and Trade Marks

Registered Trade Marks

The following trade marks, distinctive signs and visual identity elements are the exclusive property of the OWNER, or are used with the legitimate authorisation of their respective holders:

• “Melanda.law”.
• The firm’s logo.
• Associated graphic elements, design and visual identity.

The unauthorised use, reproduction, imitation, modification or any other form of exploitation of these marks constitutes a violation of industrial property rights under the Portuguese Industrial Property Code (Decreto-Lei No. 110/2018, of 10 December) and may give rise to civil and criminal liability.

Third-Party Trade Marks

All other trade marks, logos, trade names or distinctive signs mentioned on this website belong to their respective owners and are used solely for purposes of identification or reference. Such mention does not imply any association, sponsorship or commercial relationship with the OWNER.

6. DATA PROTECTION, PRIVACY AND COOKIES

The OWNER is the controller of the personal data collected through this website and ensures full compliance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), as well as the applicable Portuguese legislation, namely Law No. 58/2019 of 8 August, which implements the GDPR in Portugal, and Law No. 41/2004 of 18 August, concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in electronic communications.

Detailed information regarding:

• the categories of personal data collected;
• the purposes and legal bases of the processing;
• data retention periods;
• the rights of data subjects and how to exercise them;
• the use of cookies and similar technologies;

is fully described in the Privacy Policy and the Cookies Policy available on this website.

7. DATA SECURITY AND INTEGRITY

This website is hosted on servers located within the European Union, ensuring that the processing and storage of data comply with the applicable legal requirements on data protection.

The OWNER implements appropriate technical and organisational measures to safeguard the security, integrity, availability, and confidentiality of data, including firewalls, encryption, monitoring systems, and authentication mechanisms.

Nevertheless, the user acknowledges that the transmission of data over the internet is not entirely secure and carries inherent risks. The OWNER cannot guarantee absolute security of communications or information systems and shall not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting from cyber-attacks, unauthorised access, intrusions, viruses, or other technological incidents beyond its reasonable control.

The user is responsible for ensuring the security of their own systems and devices, keeping them updated and protected with antivirus software and other adequate security measures, in order to prevent unauthorised access or digital damage.

8. WEBSITE AVAILABILITY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

8.1. Availability

The OWNER uses all reasonable efforts to ensure the proper functioning and continuous availability of the website.

However, the OWNER does not guarantee uninterrupted availability or the absence of technical failures and reserves the right to suspend, limit, or modify access, temporarily or permanently, without prior notice.

Interruptions may occur due to, namely:

• System maintenance or update operations.
• Technical, network, or server failures.
• Security updates or infrastructure changes.
• Force majeure or circumstances beyond the OWNER’s reasonable control.

8.2. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted under Portuguese law, the OWNER shall not be liable for any direct or indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising from the use or inability to use this website, including but not limited to:

• Pecuniary or non-pecuniary damages, such as loss of profits, data, business opportunities, or interruption of activities.
• Errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the information provided, as well as the quality of the content.
• Outdated, incomplete, or inaccurate content.
• System failures, technical issues, service interruptions, viruses, malware, or other harmful elements.
• Incompatibility between the website and the user’s device, operating system, or browser.
• Legal, professional, or business decisions made solely on the basis of the information provided, as well as any resulting damages due to the absence of individualized legal advice.

8.3. Disclaimer of Warranties

This website is provided “as is” and “as available”, without any warranties of any kind, express or implied, including (but not limited to):

• Warranties of merchantability.
• Fitness for a particular purpose.
• Non-infringement of third-party rights.
• Accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of the information.

If you have any questions regarding this clause, you may contact the OWNER through the means indicated in the contact section.

9. EXTERNAL LINKS AND THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES

9.1. Links to Third-Party Websites

For the user’s convenience, this website may contain hyperlinks directing to external websites operated by third parties.

The OWNER does not control and assumes no responsibility for the content, accuracy, legality, privacy policies, security practices, or for any damages resulting from the use of such websites.

The inclusion of these links is for informational purposes only and does not imply, under any circumstances, any form of association, endorsement, or recommendation by the OWNER.

Access to and use of third-party websites are carried out solely at the user’s own risk.

9.2. Links to this Website

Creating links to this website is generally permitted, provided that:

• It is done in a simple and direct manner, leading to the homepage or other public pages.
• It does not involve “framing,” “mirroring,” or any other technique that reproduces or displays content from this website within third-party websites.
• It does not create false association, endorsement, or sponsorship, nor harm the reputation, dignity, or professional integrity of the OWNER.

Any use differing from the above requires the OWNER’s prior, express and written authorization.

10. ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS

By using the contact forms or other electronic means available on this website, the user expressly accepts that communications may be carried out electronically (email or notifications on the website itself), with the same legal value as written paper communications, to the extent permitted by law.

It is the user’s responsibility to:
• Regularly check their email inbox (including spam or junk mail).
• Maintain a valid, active, and up-to-date email address.
• Refrain from sending confidential, sensitive, or case-specific information unless a formal legal relationship has previously been established with the office and the corresponding receipt has been confirmed.

10.1. Response Time
The OWNER does not guarantee a specific response time to received communications; however, undertakes to respond as promptly as possible:
• Communications received outside the office’s normal working hours will be handled on the next business day.
• During judicial holidays or temporary office closures, response times may be delayed.

11. PROPER USE AND INDEMNIFICATION

The user undertakes to use this website responsibly, diligently, and in compliance with the law, refraining from using it for unlawful, harmful, abusive, offensive, fraudulent, or otherwise improper purposes, or for any activities that violate public order or may infringe the rights of third parties, including intellectual property rights, privacy, or reputation.

The user agrees to indemnify and hold the OWNER, as well as its representatives, employees, and partners, harmless from any liability, claim, loss, or damage, whether direct or indirect, arising from improper use of the website, breach of these Terms and Conditions, or violation of applicable legal provisions, to the extent permitted under Portuguese law.

12. GENERAL PROVISIONS

12.1. Entire Agreement

These Terms and Conditions, together with the Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between the user and the OWNER regarding the use of this website, superseding any prior communications, proposals, or understandings, whether oral or written, relating to the same subject matter.

12.2. Partial Invalidity

If any provision of these Terms is deemed invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable by a competent court:
• The remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
• The invalid provision shall be replaced with a valid one that best reflects the original intent and economic effect.

12.3. No Waiver

The failure of the OWNER to exercise or enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right, nor prevent its future exercise.

12.4. Assignment

The user may not assign, transfer, or encumber, in whole or in part, any rights or obligations arising from these Terms without the prior, express, and written consent of the OWNER.
The OWNER reserves the right to assign, transfer, or subcontract, in whole or in part, its rights and obligations at any time without requiring the user’s prior consent.

12.5. Survival

Provisions which, by their nature, are intended to survive termination of website use—namely those concerning intellectual property, limitation of liability, and indemnification—shall remain in full force and effect.

13. APPLICABLE LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

13.1. Applicable Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by Portuguese law and shall be interpreted in accordance with the Portuguese legal system, without prejudice to the applicable conflict-of-law rules.

13.2. Jurisdiction

Any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to the use of this website, the interpretation or performance of these Terms and Conditions, or any alleged breach thereof, shall fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Portuguese courts. The competent court shall be that of the comarca of Coimbra (location of the OWNER’s registered office), except where mandatory legal provisions determine otherwise, particularly in matters of consumer territorial jurisdiction.

13.3. Alternative Dispute Resolution (Consumers)

Pursuant to Law No. 144/2015 of 8 September, in the event of a consumer dispute, the user who qualifies as a consumer may resort to the competent Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) entity:

CNIACC – National Centre for Information and Arbitration of Consumer Disputes (Portugal)

Visit their current website. The user is advised to access their browser and search for the most up-to-date official page.

Alternatively, consumers may submit a complaint through the European Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Platform, by searching for the updated official website in their browser or consulting the version currently available.

14. CONTACT INFORMATION
If you have any questions, doubts, or concerns regarding these Terms and Conditions, you may contact us through:
• Email: geral@melanda.law
• Telephone: (+351) 239 837 705 (call to the Portuguese landline network, business days — Monday to Friday, 09:00–18:00)
• Address: Rua Figueira da Foz, no. 5, 5th Left, 3000-184 Coimbra, Portugal
• Website: www.melanda.law

15. LAST UPDATE AND VERSION ARCHIVE

• Last updated on: 03 November 2025
• We maintain an archive of previous versions of these Terms for transparency and legal compliance purposes. If you wish to consult previous versions, please contact us.

By continuing to use this website, you confirm that you have read, understood and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

Thank you for your trust. We remain at your disposal.
Pedro Melanda | Lawyer
Portuguese Bar Association