GHOST://protocol.9 // Legal Framework
Clear terms. No surprises. Every engagement is built on mutual respect, transparency, and a shared commitment to outcomes.
By engaging Alastair Monte Carlo ("AMC," "we," "us") for consulting services, you ("Client") agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. These terms apply to all fractional CTO engagements, technical advisory services, and related consulting work performed by AMC. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, please do not proceed with an engagement.
These terms become effective upon execution of a Statement of Work (SOW) or upon commencement of any consulting services, whichever occurs first.
AMC provides fractional CTO consulting and technical advisory services tailored to growth-stage startups and enterprise organizations. Our services include, but are not limited to:
The specific scope, deliverables, and timelines for each engagement are defined in a mutually agreed Statement of Work (SOW) prior to commencement.
Each engagement is governed by a dedicated Statement of Work that defines the scope of services, deliverables, timeline, allocated hours, and fees. No work will commence until a SOW has been reviewed and signed by both parties.
Amendments to any active SOW must be agreed upon in writing by both parties. Verbal modifications are not binding. Either party may propose scope changes at any time, and any resulting adjustments to fees or timelines will be documented in a written addendum.
A mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is available upon request and is recommended for engagements that involve access to proprietary systems, trade secrets, or sensitive business data. AMC is prepared to execute NDAs prior to any discovery call if requested.
The Client retains full ownership of all intellectual property that existed prior to the engagement, as well as any work product, code, documentation, and deliverables created specifically for the Client during the engagement, unless otherwise stated in the SOW.
AMC retains ownership of its proprietary methodologies, frameworks, assessment tools, templates, and general knowledge gained through professional experience. These pre-existing assets are not transferred to the Client, though the Client receives a non-exclusive license to use any such materials delivered as part of the engagement.
AMC will not use the Client's proprietary code, trade secrets, or confidential business data in engagements with other clients. General industry insights and anonymized patterns may inform future advisory work.
All communications between AMC and the Client are treated as confidential by default. AMC employs 256-bit TLS encryption for all digital communications and maintains strict data handling protocols.
Confidential information includes, but is not limited to: business strategies, financial data, technical architecture details, source code, customer data, product roadmaps, and any information marked as confidential by either party.
A formal NDA is available upon request and can be executed before the initial strategy call. AMC does not share client information with third parties, subcontractors, or affiliates without prior written consent. Your data never leaves our secure infrastructure.
Engagements are billed on a monthly retainer basis as defined in the applicable SOW. Invoices are issued on the first business day of each month and are payable within 30 days of the invoice date (Net-30).
Accepted payment methods include wire transfer and ACH. Specific payment instructions are included on each invoice. Late payments exceeding 15 days past due may result in suspension of services until the account is brought current.
For project-based engagements (such as Transformation Sprints), a 50% deposit is required before work begins, with the remaining balance due upon delivery of the final deliverables. Refunds are not available for completed work.
Either party may terminate an active engagement with 30 days written notice. Upon termination, all work completed through the effective termination date will be invoiced and is payable under standard terms.
AMC provides consulting services on an advisory basis. While we strive for the highest standards of professional excellence, all recommendations, strategies, and technical guidance are provided "as is" and do not constitute guarantees of specific business outcomes, revenue targets, or technical performance metrics.
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, AMC shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or related to the engagement, including lost profits, lost data, business interruption, or any other commercial damages or losses.
AMC's total aggregate liability for any claims arising from an engagement shall not exceed the total fees paid by the Client for that specific engagement during the twelve months preceding the claim.
The Client acknowledges that technology decisions involve inherent risks and that the ultimate responsibility for business and technical decisions rests with the Client's leadership team.
These Terms of Service and any disputes arising from or related to AMC consulting engagements shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, United States of America, without regard to its conflict of law principles.
Any dispute that cannot be resolved through good-faith negotiation shall be submitted to binding arbitration in Wilmington, Delaware, under the rules of the American Arbitration Association. Both parties agree to attempt mediation prior to initiating arbitration proceedings.
AMC reserves the right to update these Terms of Service at any time. Material changes will be communicated to active clients via email at least 30 days prior to taking effect. Continued engagement with AMC after notification of changes constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.
The most current version of these terms is always available at aamc.ai/terms.html.
For questions, concerns, or requests related to these Terms of Service, please contact us directly.
SECURE CHANNEL // LEGAL INQUIRIES
All inquiries receive a personal response within 24 hours.
Every engagement begins with a 30-minute strategy call. No commitment, no pressure, no follow-up spam.
256-bit TLS encryption. NDA available on request. All conversations are confidential.