API Terms of Use

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

These API Terms of Use ("API Terms") govern your access to and use of any application programming interface (API) provided by Berks Connect. By accessing or using the Berks Connect API, you agree to be bound by these API Terms in addition to our general Terms and Conditions.

1. Definitions

• "API" means the Berks Connect application programming interface, including all associated tools, documentation, code samples, and specifications.
• "API Key" means the unique identifier and credentials issued to you to access the API.
• "API Data" means any data, content, or information accessed through the API.
• "Application" means any software application, website, or service that you develop that accesses or uses the API.
• "Rate Limits" means the restrictions on the number of API requests you may make within a given time period.

2. API Access and Registration

2.1 Account Required

To access the API, you must have a Berks Connect account and agree to these API Terms. You may be required to complete an API registration process and provide additional information about your intended use.

2.2 API Keys

Upon approval, you will be issued API credentials. You are responsible for:

• Keeping your API Key secure and confidential
• All activities that occur using your API Key
• Not sharing your API Key with unauthorized parties
• Notifying us immediately if your API Key is compromised

2.3 Approval

API access may be subject to our approval. We reserve the right to deny or revoke API access at our sole discretion.

3. Permitted Uses

Subject to these API Terms, you may use the API to:

• Build applications that display Berks Connect business data
• Integrate Berks Connect data into your websites or services
• Create tools that help users discover local businesses
• Develop applications that enhance the local business discovery experience

4. Prohibited Uses

You may NOT use the API to:

• Compete with Berks Connect: Build a competing business directory or similar service using our data.
• Scrape or bulk download: Systematically download, scrape, or harvest our entire database or substantial portions thereof.
• Resell data: Sell, license, or otherwise commercially distribute API Data to third parties.
• Exceed rate limits: Circumvent or attempt to exceed the rate limits imposed on your API access.
• Modify or reverse engineer: Modify, adapt, translate, reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the API.
• Harmful purposes: Use the API for any illegal, harmful, or malicious purpose.
• Spam or harassment: Use the API to send unsolicited communications or harass businesses or users.
• Misrepresent affiliation: Suggest any affiliation, endorsement, or partnership with Berks Connect that doesn't exist.
• Circumvent security: Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems or data.
• Privacy violations: Collect or store personal information in violation of applicable privacy laws.

5. Rate Limits and Quotas

Your API access is subject to rate limits and quotas that may be adjusted at our discretion. Current limits will be communicated in your API documentation. If you need higher limits, you may request an increase, which may be subject to additional terms or fees.

We may temporarily reduce rate limits during periods of high demand or system maintenance.

6. Attribution Requirements

When displaying API Data in your Application, you must:

• Clearly attribute the data to Berks Connect
• Include a link back to berksconnect.com or the relevant business listing
• Display our logo or attribution text as specified in the API documentation
• Not remove, obscure, or alter any attribution we require

7. Data Accuracy and Caching

7.1 No Guarantee

We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of API Data. You are responsible for verifying data accuracy for your use case.

7.2 Caching

You may cache API Data only as permitted by the API documentation. Cached data must be refreshed according to the specified intervals. You must delete cached data upon request or upon termination of your API access.

8. Intellectual Property

8.1 Our Rights

The API, API Data, documentation, and all related intellectual property are owned by Berks Connect. These API Terms grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to use the API as described herein.

8.2 Your Application

You retain ownership of your Application, excluding any Berks Connect intellectual property incorporated therein.

9. Privacy and Security

You must:

• Comply with all applicable privacy laws and regulations
• Maintain a privacy policy that accurately describes your data practices
• Implement reasonable security measures to protect API Data
• Promptly notify us of any security breach affecting API Data
• Not collect more data than necessary for your Application's functionality

10. Modifications to the API

We may modify, update, or discontinue the API at any time with or without notice. We will make reasonable efforts to provide advance notice of material changes. You are responsible for updating your Application to accommodate API changes.

11. Fees

API access may be subject to fees depending on usage level and features accessed. Current pricing, if any, will be communicated during the registration process. We reserve the right to introduce or modify fees with reasonable advance notice.

12. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your API access at any time for any reason, including:

• Violation of these API Terms
• Violation of our general Terms and Conditions
• Abusive or excessive usage
• Security concerns
• Discontinuation of the API

Upon termination, you must immediately cease using the API and delete all cached API Data.

13. Disclaimer of Warranties

THE API AND API DATA ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND. WE DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE API WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, OR SECURE.

14. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, BERKS CONNECT SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF THE API, EVEN IF WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. OUR TOTAL LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID US FOR API ACCESS IN THE TWELVE MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

15. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Berks Connect from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses arising from:

• Your use of the API
• Your Application
• Your violation of these API Terms
• Your violation of any third-party rights

16. Changes to These Terms

We may modify these API Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated via email or through the API documentation. Continued use of the API after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

17. Contact Us

For questions about API access or these API Terms, please contact us:

Berks Connect
4712 Penn Ave, Unit 7090
Sinking Spring, PA 19608
Email: hello@berksconnect.com
Phone: +1-484-650-3808