Refund & Cancellation Policy
AKBSTOCK Refund & Cancellation Policy v2.0
Version: 2.0
Document Status: Publisher Edition
Effective Date: 25 August 2026
Last Updated: 25 August 2026
© AKBSTOCK. All Rights Reserved.
Table of Contents
65. Introduction
66. Scope of This Policy
67. Digital Nature of AKBSTOCK Products
68. General Refund Principle
69. When a Refund May Be Considered
70. When Refunds Are Normally Not Available
71. Product Preview, Description & Customer Responsibility
72. Downloaded & Accessed Digital Products
73. Technical Problems & Support Before Refund
74. Corrupted, Defective or Unusable Files
75. Incorrect Product or File Delivered
76. Replacement, Repair or Restored Access Before Refund
77. Duplicate Payments & Duplicate Charges
78. Payment Processing Errors
79. Failed, Pending & Reversed Payments
80. Unauthorized or Suspected Fraudulent Transactions
81. Refund Request Procedure
82. Information & Evidence Required for Refund Requests
83. Refund Review & Verification
84. Approval or Rejection of Refund Requests
85. Processing Approved Refunds
86. Refund Method & Processing Time
87. Currency, Bank & Payment Provider Differences
88. Cancellation of Digital Product Orders
89. Subscription Cancellations & Refunds
90. Exclusive License Transactions
91. Free Products & Free Downloads
92. Promotional, Discounted & Coupon Purchases
93. Chargebacks & Payment Disputes
94. Fraudulent, Abusive & Repeated Refund Requests
95. Account Restrictions Related to Refund Abuse
96. Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights
97. Refund Records & Transaction Records
98. Mandatory Consumer Rights
99. International Customers & Local Consumer Laws
100. Third-Party Payment Providers
101. Changes to This Refund & Cancellation Policy
102. Relationship With Other AKBSTOCK Legal Documents
103. Fairness & Customer Support Commitment
104. Contact Information
65. Introduction
65.1 Welcome & Purpose
Welcome to the AKBSTOCK Refund & Cancellation Policy.
AKBSTOCK (“AKBSTOCK”, “we”, “us” or “our”) provides digital textile design Products, licenses, Subscription-related services and other digital offerings through the AKBSTOCK Website.
This Refund & Cancellation Policy (“Policy”) explains the general rules governing refunds, cancellations, payment-related issues and other remedies that may be available in connection with eligible AKBSTOCK transactions.
65.2 Why This Policy Exists
Digital Products differ from physical goods because they may become available for access or download electronically and, once delivered or accessed, cannot ordinarily be returned in the same manner as a physical product.
This Policy is therefore intended to establish clear and fair rules for handling genuine refund or cancellation issues while also protecting AKBSTOCK against misuse of digital Products, downloads, licenses and payment systems.
65.3 General Policy Objective
The objective of this Policy is to provide Customers with transparent information about circumstances in which a refund may be considered, circumstances in which a refund is normally unavailable, how refund requests are reviewed and what alternative remedies may be available.
AKBSTOCK seeks to handle legitimate refund and cancellation matters fairly, consistently and in good faith while taking into account the digital nature of its Products and applicable legal requirements.
65.4 Digital Products Require Different Refund Rules
AKBSTOCK primarily supplies digital Products rather than physical goods.
After a digital Product has been successfully delivered, made available for download or otherwise provided to the Customer, the Customer may have obtained access to the underlying digital content even though no physical item has been shipped.
For this reason, eligibility for refunds or cancellations involving digital Products may be more limited than eligibility that may apply to certain physical goods, subject always to mandatory rights available under applicable law.
65.5 Fairness to Customers
AKBSTOCK recognizes that genuine technical, payment, delivery or system-related problems may occasionally occur.
Where a Customer experiences a legitimate issue, AKBSTOCK seeks to review the relevant facts and, where appropriate, provide reasonable assistance, restored access, a corrected or replacement file, a refund or another suitable remedy according to this Policy and applicable law.
65.6 Protection Against Misuse
Because digital Products can potentially be downloaded, copied, stored or used after access has been provided, AKBSTOCK must also protect its Products, intellectual property, licensing system and legitimate business interests against fraudulent, misleading or abusive refund activity.
A refund request does not automatically establish entitlement to a refund merely because the request has been submitted.
Each eligible request may be reviewed according to the circumstances, available records, supporting information, applicable transaction terms and applicable law.
65.7 Refunds, Cancellations & Alternative Remedies
Depending on the circumstances, resolution of a Customer issue may not always require a monetary refund.
Where appropriate, an issue may instead be resolved through technical assistance, restored download access, correction of a delivery problem, replacement of a corrupted or incorrect file or another reasonable remedy.
The availability of any particular remedy depends on the nature of the issue, the applicable Product or transaction and any mandatory rights provided by law.
65.8 No Automatic Refund Entitlement
Except where required by applicable law or expressly provided under this Policy or another applicable AKBSTOCK legal document, purchasing a Product, submitting a refund request, contacting Customer Support or experiencing dissatisfaction does not automatically create a right to a monetary refund.
Refund eligibility will be determined according to the circumstances and the provisions applicable to the relevant transaction.
65.9 No Automatic Cancellation After Digital Delivery
A Customer’s request to cancel an order does not necessarily mean that the transaction can be cancelled after the relevant digital Product has already been successfully delivered, accessed, downloaded or otherwise made available.
Cancellation eligibility depends on the status and circumstances of the transaction, this Policy, other applicable AKBSTOCK legal documents and mandatory law.
65.10 Relationship With Product Access
The fact that a Product is technically available for download, has been downloaded or has otherwise been accessed may be relevant when evaluating a refund or cancellation request.
Detailed rules concerning Product delivery, download access and related Website functionality may be governed by the AKBSTOCK Terms & Conditions, applicable Product terms and other relevant Website documentation.
This Policy focuses specifically on refund and cancellation consequences and does not duplicate the complete Product delivery and download-access framework.
65.11 Relationship With Product Licenses
AKBSTOCK Products may be supplied subject to a Commercial License Agreement, Subscription License Agreement, Exclusive License Agreement or another applicable License Agreement.
This Policy does not independently define the permitted use, ownership, exclusivity or intellectual property rights associated with a Product.
Where a refund is approved, any resulting effect on Product access or applicable License rights will be determined according to this Policy, the applicable License Agreement and applicable law.
65.12 Subscription Matters
Where AKBSTOCK offers Subscription Plans, certain refund or cancellation matters relating to a Subscription may be subject to the applicable Subscription Agreement, Subscription License Agreement, billing terms or other Subscription-specific rules.
This Policy provides the general refund framework but does not replace detailed Subscription-specific billing, renewal, cancellation, entitlement or licensing provisions.
65.13 Mandatory Consumer Rights
Nothing in this Policy is intended to exclude, waive or restrict a mandatory consumer right or remedy that applicable law does not permit AKBSTOCK to exclude, waive or restrict.
Where applicable consumer protection law grants a Customer rights that are inconsistent with a limitation contained in this Policy, the mandatory legal requirement will apply to the extent required by law.
65.14 International Customers
AKBSTOCK may provide Products and services to Customers in different countries or jurisdictions.
Refund, cancellation or consumer rights may vary depending on applicable law, and nothing in this Policy is intended to remove mandatory local rights that legally apply to a particular Customer or transaction.
65.15 Good-Faith Review
Where this Policy permits AKBSTOCK to review the circumstances of a refund or cancellation request, AKBSTOCK seeks to conduct that review in good faith based on reasonably available information.
Relevant information may include order records, payment records, Product delivery or access information, technical records, Customer communications and supporting evidence submitted in connection with the request.
65.16 Customer Responsibility
Customers are encouraged to review Product descriptions, previews, technical information, applicable License terms and other relevant information before completing a purchase.
Customers should also ensure, where reasonably possible, that the selected Product is suitable for their intended purpose and that they understand the applicable licensing conditions before placing an order.
65.17 Payment Provider Involvement
Certain payments, refunds, reversals or transaction processing activities may be performed through third-party payment providers, banks, card networks or financial institutions.
Where a refund is approved by AKBSTOCK, the time required for the refunded amount to appear in a Customer’s account may depend on the applicable payment provider or financial institution and may not be entirely within AKBSTOCK’s control.
65.18 Policy Does Not Guarantee a Particular Outcome
Nothing in this Policy should be interpreted as guaranteeing that every refund or cancellation request will be approved.
The appropriate outcome depends on the relevant facts, transaction status, Product access or delivery circumstances, supporting evidence, applicable AKBSTOCK legal documents and mandatory legal requirements.
65.19 Relationship With Other AKBSTOCK Legal Documents
This Policy forms part of AKBSTOCK’s broader legal framework and should be read together with the AKBSTOCK Terms & Conditions and any License Agreement, Subscription Agreement, Product-specific terms or other legal document applicable to the relevant transaction.
Each AKBSTOCK legal document serves its own purpose, and this Policy is primarily concerned with refunds, cancellations and related transaction remedies.
65.20 Section Summary
This Section establishes the purpose and general framework of the AKBSTOCK Refund & Cancellation Policy.
Because AKBSTOCK primarily supplies digital Products that may become accessible electronically, refunds and cancellations require rules appropriate to digital transactions rather than physical-product returns.
AKBSTOCK seeks to balance fair treatment of genuine Customer issues with protection against misuse of digital Products, downloads, licenses and refund processes, while preserving all mandatory consumer rights that apply under applicable law.
66. Scope of This Policy
66.1 General Scope
This Refund & Cancellation Policy applies to eligible purchases, payments, refund requests, cancellation requests and related transaction issues involving Products or services offered directly through AKBSTOCK, except where a different policy, agreement or mandatory legal requirement expressly applies.
The Policy is intended to establish a general framework for determining how refund and cancellation matters are handled in connection with AKBSTOCK transactions.
66.2 AKBSTOCK Website Transactions
This Policy generally applies to eligible transactions completed directly through the official AKBSTOCK Website where AKBSTOCK is responsible for supplying the relevant Product, service, Subscription or License.
The availability of a refund, cancellation or other remedy may depend on the type of transaction, Product status, delivery or access status, applicable License, payment circumstances and mandatory legal requirements.
66.3 Digital Products
This Policy primarily applies to AKBSTOCK digital Products, including digital textile designs and other downloadable or electronically delivered creative Products offered through the Website.
Because such Products are digital in nature, their refund and cancellation treatment may differ from the treatment ordinarily associated with physical goods.
66.4 Product Categories
Unless expressly stated otherwise, this Policy may apply to the various categories of digital Products made available by AKBSTOCK, subject to any Product-specific, License-specific, Subscription-specific or transaction-specific terms that apply to the relevant purchase.
The inclusion of a Product category within the Website does not automatically mean that every Product within that category has identical refund or cancellation eligibility.
66.5 Individual Product Purchases
Where a Customer purchases an individual digital Product directly from AKBSTOCK, any refund or cancellation request concerning that purchase will be considered under this Policy together with the applicable Terms & Conditions, Product information, License Agreement and mandatory law.
The fact that a Product was purchased individually does not by itself create an automatic right to a refund after successful digital delivery or access.
66.6 Non-Exclusive Product Transactions
Where AKBSTOCK supplies a Product under a non-exclusive commercial licensing arrangement, this Policy governs applicable refund and cancellation matters relating to the transaction.
The permitted use, restrictions and intellectual property rights associated with the Product remain governed by the applicable License Agreement and are not independently defined by this Policy.
66.7 Exclusive License Transactions
Where a Product is purchased or licensed under an Exclusive License arrangement, refund or cancellation matters may require additional consideration because exclusivity may affect the availability, licensing status or commercial treatment of the Product.
Such transactions remain subject to this Policy to the extent applicable, together with the relevant Exclusive License Agreement and transaction-specific terms.
Exclusive License refund matters are addressed further in Section 90 – Exclusive License Transactions.
66.8 Subscription Transactions
This Policy may apply to refund or cancellation issues relating to AKBSTOCK Subscription Plans, but Subscription-specific matters may also be governed by the applicable Subscription Agreement, Subscription License Agreement and billing terms.
Detailed rules concerning Subscription billing, renewal, cancellation, Product entitlements, download credits or other Subscription-specific rights are not duplicated in this Policy.
Subscription refund and cancellation matters are addressed further in Section 89 – Subscription Cancellations & Refunds.
66.9 Free Products & Free Downloads
AKBSTOCK may make certain Products or digital content available without monetary payment.
Because no purchase price is paid for a genuinely free Product, there is ordinarily no monetary purchase amount to refund.
Access, licensing and other conditions applicable to free Products may nevertheless remain subject to the applicable AKBSTOCK legal documents.
66.10 Promotional & Discounted Purchases
Unless expressly stated otherwise, Products purchased using a promotional price, discount or coupon remain subject to this Policy.
The existence of a discount or promotional price does not by itself create or remove a mandatory refund right available under applicable law.
Promotional and discounted transactions are addressed further in Section 92 – Promotional, Discounted & Coupon Purchases.
66.11 Payment-Related Issues
This Policy applies to eligible payment-related issues connected with AKBSTOCK transactions, including duplicate charges, verified payment processing errors, failed or pending payments, reversals and certain unauthorized transaction concerns.
The treatment of a payment issue may depend on AKBSTOCK’s records and information available from the relevant payment provider, bank, card network or financial institution.
66.12 Technical Delivery Issues
This Policy applies where a Customer seeks a refund or other remedy because of a genuine technical issue affecting access to or use of a purchased Product.
Depending on the circumstances, AKBSTOCK may first attempt to resolve the issue through technical assistance, restored access, file correction or replacement rather than immediately issuing a monetary refund.
66.13 Incorrect, Corrupted or Defective Files
This Policy applies to claims that a Product file supplied by AKBSTOCK is incorrect, corrupted, materially defective or otherwise unusable because of a verified issue attributable to the delivered file or AKBSTOCK system.
The appropriate remedy may depend on whether the issue can reasonably be corrected through replacement, repair, restored access or another suitable solution.
66.14 Cancellation Requests
This Policy applies to requests to cancel eligible AKBSTOCK transactions.
Whether cancellation remains possible may depend on factors including whether payment has been completed, whether digital delivery has occurred, whether Product access has been provided, whether a Product has been downloaded and whether any License or exclusivity-related rights have already taken effect.
66.15 Refund Requests
This Policy applies to requests seeking repayment of all or part of an amount paid directly in connection with an eligible AKBSTOCK transaction.
Submission of a refund request does not by itself establish that the Customer is entitled to a refund.
Refund eligibility will be determined according to this Policy, the relevant transaction circumstances, other applicable AKBSTOCK legal documents and mandatory law.
66.16 Alternative Remedies
The scope of this Policy includes reasonable alternatives to monetary refunds where appropriate.
Depending on the circumstances, AKBSTOCK may seek to resolve an issue through technical assistance, restored access, replacement, correction or another appropriate remedy before or instead of a refund where legally permissible.
66.17 Customers & Account Holders
This Policy applies to eligible Customers who purchase Products or services directly from AKBSTOCK and, where relevant, to Account holders responsible for the applicable transaction.
AKBSTOCK may require reasonable verification before discussing, modifying or refunding a transaction in order to protect Customers against unauthorized requests.
66.18 Business Customers
AKBSTOCK Products may be purchased or licensed for commercial, professional or business use.
Where a Customer acts in a business or professional capacity, the applicable refund or cancellation rights may differ from rights available to an individual acting as a consumer, depending on applicable law and the relevant contractual relationship.
66.19 Consumer Customers
Where a Customer qualifies as a consumer under applicable law, this Policy applies subject to any mandatory consumer rights or remedies that cannot lawfully be excluded or restricted.
Nothing in this Policy is intended to remove a mandatory consumer protection applicable to a particular transaction.
66.20 International Customers
This Policy may apply to Customers accessing AKBSTOCK from different countries and jurisdictions.
The availability of mandatory refund, cancellation or withdrawal rights may vary by jurisdiction, and applicable local law may provide additional protections in certain circumstances.
International consumer matters are addressed further in Section 99 – International Customers & Local Consumer Laws.
66.21 Transactions Through Third-Party Payment Providers
The use of a third-party payment provider to process an AKBSTOCK payment does not by itself remove the transaction from the scope of this Policy where AKBSTOCK is the relevant seller or provider.
However, payment processing, settlement, reversal and refund timing may also be subject to the systems, procedures and terms of the relevant payment provider or financial institution.
66.22 Purchases Through Independent Third Parties
If an AKBSTOCK Product or service is purchased through an independent third-party marketplace, reseller, platform or other seller rather than directly from AKBSTOCK, the refund or cancellation process may be governed by the terms and procedures of that third party.
AKBSTOCK cannot guarantee that this Policy will govern a transaction where another entity is legally responsible for the sale, payment collection or refund decision.
66.23 Matters Outside the Scope of This Policy
This Policy does not independently determine Product ownership, copyright ownership, permitted Product use, exclusivity, intellectual property infringement, Website acceptable use, privacy rights or other matters that are governed primarily by separate AKBSTOCK legal documents.
Those matters should be considered under the legal document specifically applicable to the relevant subject.
66.24 Product Delivery & Download Access Boundary
This Policy does not duplicate the complete rules governing Product delivery, download access, Account-based access or other technical delivery mechanisms.
Those matters may be addressed in the AKBSTOCK Terms & Conditions, Download Guide or other applicable Website documentation.
Where delivery or download status affects refund or cancellation eligibility, this Policy may refer to that status only to the extent necessary to determine the relevant refund or cancellation consequence.
66.25 Licensing Boundary
This Policy may determine the refund or cancellation consequences of a Product transaction but does not independently establish the scope of a Product License.
Commercial, Subscription and Exclusive licensing rights and restrictions remain governed by the applicable AKBSTOCK License Agreement.
66.26 Copyright & Intellectual Property Boundary
This Policy is not the primary procedure for submitting or resolving copyright, trademark or other intellectual property complaints.
Such matters should be handled under the applicable AKBSTOCK Copyright Policy, Copyright Complaint procedure or other relevant intellectual property framework.
A refund request should not be used as a substitute for a formal intellectual property complaint where the underlying issue concerns alleged infringement.
66.27 Privacy Boundary
This Policy may require AKBSTOCK to process information relating to Customers, orders, payments, refund requests, supporting evidence or communications.
The handling of personal information in connection with those activities is governed by the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable privacy law.
This Refund & Cancellation Policy does not replace the Privacy Policy.
66.28 Mandatory Legal Rights
The scope and limitations of this Policy remain subject to mandatory rights and remedies provided by applicable law.
If applicable law requires AKBSTOCK to provide a refund, cancellation, withdrawal right or other remedy notwithstanding a provision of this Policy, the mandatory legal requirement will apply to the extent required.
66.29 Relationship With Other AKBSTOCK Legal Documents
This Policy should be read together with the AKBSTOCK Terms & Conditions and any Commercial License Agreement, Subscription Agreement, Subscription License Agreement, Exclusive License Agreement, Product-specific terms or other legal document applicable to the relevant transaction.
Where another AKBSTOCK legal document specifically governs a matter outside the primary scope of this Policy, that document should govern that specific subject to the extent legally valid.
66.30 Section Summary
This Policy primarily governs refund, cancellation and related transaction-remedy issues concerning eligible Products and services supplied directly by AKBSTOCK.
It applies to relevant digital Product purchases, payment issues, technical delivery problems, Subscription-related refund matters and other eligible transactions, while separate AKBSTOCK legal documents continue to govern licensing, intellectual property, privacy, Website use and other specialized subjects.
The application of this Policy remains subject to the circumstances of each transaction and any mandatory rights or remedies provided by applicable law.
67. Digital Nature of AKBSTOCK Products
67.1 Digital Products
AKBSTOCK primarily provides digital textile design Products and other digital creative content made available electronically through the AKBSTOCK Website.
Unless expressly stated otherwise for a particular offering, AKBSTOCK Products are digital files or digitally delivered content and are not physical goods.
67.2 No Physical Product Is Shipped
Purchasing or obtaining an AKBSTOCK digital Product does not ordinarily involve the shipment or delivery of fabric, garments, printed samples, paper artwork, storage media or any other physical item.
A Product preview displayed on the Website may demonstrate how a digital design could appear when applied to fabric, apparel, home textile products or other surfaces, but such presentation does not mean that the depicted physical item is included in the purchase unless AKBSTOCK expressly states otherwise.
67.3 Electronic Delivery
AKBSTOCK digital Products may be delivered or made available electronically through Website functionality, Customer Account access, download functionality or another electronic method provided by AKBSTOCK.
The specific delivery or access mechanism available for a particular Product or transaction may depend on the Website functionality and applicable Product or service terms in effect at the relevant time.
67.4 Immediate or Prompt Digital Availability
Depending on the applicable Product and transaction, digital content may become available immediately or promptly after successful payment, order confirmation, Account verification or completion of another required transaction step.
Customers should therefore review the Product information and applicable terms before completing a purchase because digital delivery may begin shortly after the transaction is successfully completed.
67.5 Digital Delivery Differs From Physical Delivery
A digital Product does not need to be physically transported to the Customer in order to be delivered.
Where the relevant Product has been successfully made available through the applicable electronic delivery or access mechanism, the absence of physical shipment does not mean that delivery has not occurred.
67.6 Digital Products Cannot Be Physically Returned
Unlike a physical product, a digital Product cannot ordinarily be physically returned to AKBSTOCK after the Customer has received or accessed the digital content.
A Customer may be able to delete a local copy from a device, but deletion of that copy does not place the digital Product back into AKBSTOCK’s possession in the same manner as returning a physical item to a seller.
67.7 Ability to Copy Digital Content
Once a digital Product has been downloaded or accessed, technical copies may potentially exist on a Customer’s computer, device, storage system, backup system or other location.
This characteristic of digital content is one reason why refund and cancellation requests involving successfully delivered digital Products require different consideration from ordinary physical-product returns.
67.8 Download or Access May Affect Refund Eligibility
Whether a Product has been delivered, accessed or downloaded may be relevant when AKBSTOCK evaluates a refund or cancellation request.
Successful access or download does not override any mandatory refund or consumer right that applies under law, but it may affect eligibility where AKBSTOCK is legally permitted to consider the digital delivery status of the Product.
67.9 Digital Access Is Not Unlimited Ownership
Receiving, accessing or downloading an AKBSTOCK Product does not by itself transfer copyright, intellectual property ownership or unrestricted rights in the underlying design to the Customer.
The Customer receives only the rights expressly granted under the License applicable to the relevant Product or transaction.
67.10 Product File & License Are Related but Distinct
The digital Product file and the legal rights granted to use that Product are related but distinct concepts.
Technical possession of a Product file does not authorize use beyond the scope permitted by the applicable AKBSTOCK License Agreement.
Similarly, a refund or cancellation affecting a transaction may have consequences for the applicable License even if a technical copy of the Product remains stored on a Customer’s device.
67.11 Product Formats
AKBSTOCK Products may be supplied in the digital file format or formats identified in the applicable Product description, Product page, download information or other relevant Website documentation.
Customers should review the stated Product information before purchase to determine whether the supplied format is appropriate for their intended workflow.
67.12 Product Specifications
Digital Products may have technical characteristics such as dimensions, resolution, file format, colour mode, repeat structure or other design-specific specifications.
Where such specifications are material to a Customer’s intended use, the Customer should review the information made available for the Product before completing the purchase.
67.13 Product Preview vs. Delivered File
Images displayed on the AKBSTOCK Website may include previews, thumbnails, watermarked presentations, mockups, reduced-resolution representations or other visual presentations intended to help Customers evaluate a Product before purchase.
Such Website previews may differ from the delivered Product file in presentation, resolution, watermarking, scale or other characteristics appropriate to Website display.
67.14 Mockups Are Illustrative Unless Stated Otherwise
Where a design is displayed on a garment, fabric, cushion, curtain, bedding item, wall, product template or other mockup, the mockup is ordinarily provided for visual illustration unless the Product description expressly states that the mockup itself forms part of the purchased Product.
The Customer should rely on the applicable Product description to determine what digital file or content is included in the transaction.
67.15 Display Differences
Colours and visual appearance may vary between screens, devices, software environments and display settings.
A difference caused solely by monitor calibration, display technology, screen brightness, colour management or another Customer-side viewing condition does not necessarily establish that the supplied digital Product is defective.
67.16 Printing & Production Differences
The appearance of a digital textile design after printing or production may be affected by factors outside the digital Product file itself, including fabric composition, printing technology, ink, dye, colour profiles, RIP settings, printer calibration, production processes, finishing and other manufacturing conditions.
A difference between on-screen appearance and a physical production result does not automatically establish that the AKBSTOCK digital Product is defective.
67.17 Customer Software & Hardware
Use of a digital Product may require compatible software, hardware, storage capacity or technical knowledge depending on the Product format and intended use.
Unless AKBSTOCK expressly represents compatibility with a particular third-party system, inability to use a Product solely because of unsupported Customer software, hardware or workflow does not automatically mean that the Product itself is defective.
67.18 Genuine File Problems Remain Covered
The digital nature of AKBSTOCK Products does not prevent a Customer from reporting a genuine problem with a supplied file.
If a Product is materially corrupted, incorrect, incomplete or unusable because of a verified issue attributable to the file supplied by AKBSTOCK, the matter may be reviewed under the applicable provisions of this Policy.
67.19 Technical Resolution May Be Appropriate
Where a digital Product problem can reasonably be resolved through technical assistance, corrected delivery, restored access, replacement or another suitable technical remedy, AKBSTOCK may attempt such resolution before considering a monetary refund where legally permitted.
This approach recognizes that certain digital delivery problems can be fully resolved without cancelling the underlying transaction.
67.20 No Refund Merely for Retaining an Unused File
A Customer’s decision not to use a correctly supplied digital Product does not by itself establish that the Product is defective or that a refund must be provided.
Refund eligibility remains subject to this Policy, the circumstances of the transaction and mandatory applicable law.
67.21 Change of Mind
Because AKBSTOCK Products are digital and may become accessible shortly after purchase, a change of mind after successful delivery or access does not automatically create a right to a refund or cancellation.
This provision does not limit any mandatory cooling-off, withdrawal or cancellation right that applicable law requires AKBSTOCK to provide.
67.22 Accidental Purchases
Customers are responsible for reviewing their selected Product and transaction details before completing payment.
An accidental purchase does not automatically guarantee a refund after the Product has been digitally delivered, accessed or downloaded, although AKBSTOCK may review the circumstances where appropriate and subject to applicable law.
67.23 Duplicate Purchases or Charges
The digital nature of a Product does not prevent AKBSTOCK from addressing a genuine duplicate payment or duplicate charge.
Verified duplicate payment matters are treated separately under the applicable provisions of this Policy and should not be confused with ordinary change-of-mind refund requests.
67.24 Subscription-Based Digital Access
Where a digital Product is obtained through an AKBSTOCK Subscription Plan, access to or downloading of that Product may also be subject to the applicable Subscription Agreement, Subscription License Agreement and Subscription-specific rules.
This Section does not independently determine Subscription credits, download entitlements, billing cycles, renewals or other Subscription-specific conditions.
67.25 Exclusive Digital Products
Where an Exclusive License is involved, the digital nature of the Product remains the same, but the legal and commercial consequences of the transaction may differ because exclusivity may affect the Product’s future licensing or availability.
Refund and cancellation issues involving Exclusive License transactions are therefore addressed separately in Section 90 – Exclusive License Transactions and the applicable Exclusive License Agreement.
67.26 Free Digital Products
Products made available without monetary payment remain digital Products and may still be subject to applicable licensing, copyright, Account, download and usage rules.
However, where no purchase price was paid, there is ordinarily no monetary purchase amount to refund.
67.27 Digital Product Records
AKBSTOCK may maintain reasonable records relating to digital Product orders, delivery, access, downloads, payments and licenses where appropriate for transaction administration, Customer support, fraud prevention, licensing, dispute resolution, legal compliance or other legitimate purposes.
The processing of personal information contained in such records remains subject to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable law.
67.28 Mandatory Digital Content Rights
Nothing in this Section is intended to exclude or restrict a mandatory right or remedy that applicable consumer law provides specifically in relation to digital content or digital services.
Where mandatory law requires a different result from a provision of this Section, the mandatory requirement will apply to the extent legally required.
67.29 Relationship With Product Delivery Rules
This Section explains why the digital nature of AKBSTOCK Products is relevant to refunds and cancellations but does not establish the complete technical framework governing Product delivery or download access.
Detailed delivery and access rules may be addressed in the AKBSTOCK Terms & Conditions, Download Guide and other applicable Website documentation.
67.30 Section Summary
AKBSTOCK primarily supplies digital textile design Products and related digital creative content rather than physical goods.
Digital Products may be delivered electronically and, once accessed or downloaded, cannot ordinarily be physically returned in the same manner as tangible goods. This characteristic is relevant when determining refund and cancellation eligibility.
At the same time, the digital nature of a Product does not prevent AKBSTOCK from addressing genuine file defects, incorrect delivery, technical problems, duplicate payments or other eligible issues under this Policy, and it does not override mandatory rights available under applicable law.
68. General Refund Principle
68.1 General Refund Rule
Because AKBSTOCK primarily supplies digital Products that may be delivered, accessed or downloaded electronically, purchases are generally treated as final once the applicable digital Product has been successfully delivered, accessed, downloaded or otherwise made available to the Customer, except where a refund or other remedy is required by applicable law or is otherwise available under this Policy.
This general principle reflects the nature of digital content, which cannot ordinarily be physically returned after access has been provided.
68.2 Refunds Are Exception-Based
A monetary refund is not automatically available for every completed AKBSTOCK transaction.
Refunds may be considered where the circumstances fall within an eligible situation described in this Policy, where AKBSTOCK determines that a refund is an appropriate remedy, or where applicable law requires a refund or other remedy.
68.3 Successful Digital Delivery
Where the correct Product has been successfully delivered or made available in accordance with the applicable transaction and no verified Product, payment or delivery problem exists, the transaction will ordinarily not qualify for a refund merely because the Product is digital.
Whether delivery, access or download has occurred may therefore be relevant when evaluating refund eligibility.
68.4 Downloaded or Accessed Products
Once a Customer has downloaded, accessed or otherwise obtained a digital Product, AKBSTOCK may take that fact into account when reviewing a refund request where permitted by applicable law.
Access or download does not eliminate any mandatory legal right that cannot lawfully be excluded or restricted.
68.5 No Physical Return Requirement
AKBSTOCK does not require a Customer to physically return a digital Product because digital content cannot ordinarily be returned in the same manner as tangible goods.
However, where a refund results in termination or withdrawal of applicable Product rights, the Customer may be required to discontinue further use of the refunded Product in accordance with this Policy and the applicable License Agreement.
68.6 Genuine Problems Will Be Reviewed
The general final-sale nature of digital Products does not prevent AKBSTOCK from reviewing genuine problems involving a transaction.
Examples may include verified technical delivery problems, materially corrupted or incorrect files, duplicate charges, payment processing errors or other circumstances expressly addressed by this Policy.
68.7 Appropriate Remedy Before Monetary Refund
Where a genuine issue can reasonably be resolved without cancelling the transaction, AKBSTOCK may first offer or attempt an appropriate remedy such as technical assistance, restored access, correction or replacement of the relevant Product file.
A monetary refund may be considered where such a remedy is unavailable, unsuccessful, inappropriate in the circumstances or otherwise required by applicable law.
68.8 Customer Dissatisfaction Alone
Subjective dissatisfaction alone does not automatically establish that a correctly described and correctly supplied digital Product is defective or refundable.
Refund eligibility will depend on the actual circumstances, applicable Product information, this Policy and any mandatory legal rights.
68.9 Change of Mind
A Customer’s change of mind after completing a purchase does not automatically create a right to a refund, particularly where the digital Product has already been delivered, accessed or downloaded.
This principle remains subject to any mandatory cancellation, withdrawal or cooling-off right that applies under applicable law.
68.10 Customer Selection Responsibility
Customers are responsible for reviewing the Product page, preview, description, available technical specifications and applicable License information before completing a purchase.
Purchasing the wrong Product, selecting an unsuitable Product or later deciding that a Product is not required does not automatically establish refund eligibility after digital delivery or access.
68.11 Product Expectations
A refund will not automatically be available merely because a Customer expected a feature, format, characteristic, physical item or other element that was not represented as included in the applicable Product information.
AKBSTOCK will evaluate genuine claims that the Product materially differs from what AKBSTOCK actually represented or supplied.
68.12 Technical Compatibility
A correctly supplied Product does not automatically become refundable solely because the Customer’s software, hardware, device, workflow or production environment is incompatible with the Product, unless AKBSTOCK expressly represented compatibility that the Product materially fails to provide.
Customers should review available technical information before purchase where compatibility is material to their intended use.
68.13 Printing & Production Results
A difference in physical printing or production results does not automatically establish refund eligibility where the supplied digital Product itself is correct.
Fabric, printing technology, ink or dye, colour management, printer calibration, RIP settings, production processes and other external factors may affect the final physical result.
Where a claimed problem is attributable to the AKBSTOCK Product file itself rather than an external production factor, the issue may be reviewed under the applicable provisions of this Policy.
68.14 Refund Request Does Not Equal Approval
Submitting a refund request does not mean that the request has been approved.
AKBSTOCK may review the relevant transaction, Product, payment, delivery or access records and any information reasonably necessary to determine whether the request qualifies under this Policy or applicable law.
68.15 Case-by-Case Review
Where a refund request requires individual assessment, AKBSTOCK may review the circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
A decision concerning one transaction does not automatically establish that a different transaction will receive the same outcome where the facts, Products, delivery status, payment circumstances or applicable legal requirements differ.
68.16 Supporting Information
AKBSTOCK may request reasonable information or evidence necessary to evaluate a refund claim, such as the relevant order information, description of the issue, screenshots, error details or other material reasonably connected with the request.
Customers should provide accurate information and should not submit fabricated, altered or misleading evidence in support of a refund request.
68.17 Refund Amount
Where a monetary refund is approved, the amount refunded will ordinarily correspond to the eligible amount actually paid for the affected transaction or portion of the transaction, subject to applicable law and any relevant payment, currency or transaction circumstances.
Approval of a refund does not create an entitlement to an amount greater than the amount properly refundable in connection with the relevant transaction.
68.18 Original Payment Method
Where reasonably practicable, an approved monetary refund may be returned through the original payment method or payment channel used for the transaction.
The actual refund mechanism may depend on the capabilities, requirements and restrictions of the relevant payment provider, bank, card network or financial institution.
68.19 Payment Provider Processing
AKBSTOCK’s approval or initiation of a refund does not necessarily mean that the refunded amount will appear immediately in the Customer’s account.
Processing and settlement times may depend on third-party payment providers, banks, card networks or financial institutions and may be outside AKBSTOCK’s direct control.
68.20 Effect of an Approved Refund
An approved refund may affect the Customer’s continued right to access, download, use or commercially exploit the refunded Product.
The specific consequences of a refund for Product access and License rights are addressed in Section 96 – Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights and the applicable License Agreement.
68.21 No Refund-Based Retention of License Benefits
Unless mandatory law or an express AKBSTOCK provision requires otherwise, a Customer should not expect to receive a full refund for a Product while simultaneously retaining the commercial or licensing benefits associated with the refunded transaction.
The legal consequences of an approved refund will be determined under the applicable AKBSTOCK legal framework.
68.22 Subscription Refund Principle
Refund and cancellation requests relating to Subscription Plans may involve considerations different from individual Product purchases, including billing cycles, renewals, Product access and Subscription entitlements.
Such matters are addressed further in Section 89 – Subscription Cancellations & Refunds and the applicable Subscription documents.
68.23 Exclusive License Refund Principle
Refund requests involving Exclusive License transactions may require special review because exclusivity may affect the Product’s licensing status, availability and commercial treatment.
Such matters are addressed further in Section 90 – Exclusive License Transactions and the applicable Exclusive License Agreement.
68.24 Duplicate Payment Principle
A verified duplicate payment or duplicate charge is treated differently from an ordinary request to return a correctly supplied digital Product.
Where AKBSTOCK confirms that the Customer was improperly charged more than once for the same intended transaction, the duplicate amount may be eligible for correction or refund in accordance with this Policy.
68.25 Fraud & Abuse
AKBSTOCK may reject or further investigate refund requests involving suspected fraud, fabricated claims, manipulation of transaction information, misuse of downloaded Products, repeated abusive refund activity or other conduct inconsistent with this Policy or applicable AKBSTOCK legal documents.
Nothing in this provision prevents a Customer from making a legitimate refund request or exercising a mandatory legal right.
68.26 Chargebacks Are Not a Substitute for the Refund Process
Where reasonably appropriate, Customers are encouraged to contact AKBSTOCK regarding a genuine transaction issue before initiating a payment dispute or chargeback so that AKBSTOCK has an opportunity to review and resolve the matter.
This provision does not restrict any mandatory right a Customer may have to dispute an unauthorized or otherwise legally disputable transaction through a payment provider or financial institution.
68.27 Mandatory Consumer Rights Prevail
Nothing in the general refund principle is intended to exclude, restrict or waive a refund, repair, replacement, cancellation, withdrawal or other remedy that applicable law requires AKBSTOCK to provide and does not permit AKBSTOCK to exclude.
Where a mandatory legal requirement conflicts with a limitation contained in this Policy, the mandatory requirement will apply to the extent required by law.
68.28 Fair & Consistent Application
AKBSTOCK seeks to apply this Refund & Cancellation Policy fairly and consistently while considering the circumstances of each eligible request.
The purpose of the Policy is not to deny legitimate remedies but to distinguish genuine refund situations from circumstances in which a correctly supplied digital Product has already been provided and no refund entitlement exists.
68.29 Relationship With Sections 69 & 70
This Section establishes the general refund principle.
Specific circumstances in which a refund may be considered are addressed in Section 69 – When a Refund May Be Considered, while circumstances in which refunds are normally unavailable are addressed in Section 70 – When Refunds Are Normally Not Available.
Those Sections should be read together with this general principle and the remainder of this Policy.
68.30 Section Summary
AKBSTOCK digital Product purchases are generally treated as final after successful digital delivery, access or download, except where this Policy provides an eligible remedy or applicable law requires otherwise.
Genuine technical, delivery, Product or payment problems may be reviewed, and AKBSTOCK may provide technical assistance, correction, replacement, restored access, a monetary refund or another appropriate remedy depending on the circumstances.
This general principle seeks to balance fair treatment of Customers with the practical reality that digital Products cannot ordinarily be physically returned after they have been delivered or accessed.
69. When a Refund May Be Considered
69.1 General Eligibility Principle
AKBSTOCK may consider a refund where a Customer experiences a genuine and verifiable problem with an eligible transaction and the circumstances fall within this Policy or applicable law.
The submission of a refund request does not automatically guarantee approval. AKBSTOCK may review the relevant Product, transaction, payment, delivery, access and supporting information before determining the appropriate remedy.
69.2 Product Not Delivered or Made Available
A refund may be considered where payment has been successfully completed but the purchased digital Product has not been delivered or made available to the Customer because of a verified issue attributable to AKBSTOCK or its delivery system.
Where the problem can reasonably be corrected by restoring or providing Product access, AKBSTOCK may first attempt to complete the delivery before considering a monetary refund.
69.3 Persistent Download Failure
A refund may be considered where a Customer is genuinely unable to download an eligible purchased Product because of a verified AKBSTOCK-side technical problem and reasonable troubleshooting or restored access does not resolve the issue.
A temporary interruption or Customer-side connectivity problem that can reasonably be resolved does not automatically require a monetary refund.
69.4 Corrupted Product File
A refund may be considered where the Product file supplied by AKBSTOCK is materially corrupted and cannot reasonably be opened or used for its intended purpose.
Where AKBSTOCK can provide a valid replacement or corrected version of the purchased Product, replacement or correction may ordinarily be attempted before a monetary refund is considered.
69.5 Materially Defective Product File
A refund may be considered where a digital Product contains a material technical defect attributable to the supplied file that substantially prevents the Product from functioning or being used as reasonably represented by AKBSTOCK.
Minor differences, subjective preferences or issues caused by external software, hardware, printing or production conditions do not automatically constitute a material Product defect.
69.6 Incorrect Product Delivered
A refund may be considered where AKBSTOCK verifies that the digital Product delivered to the Customer is materially different from the Product actually purchased because AKBSTOCK supplied the wrong file or Product.
Where the correct Product can reasonably be supplied, AKBSTOCK may first provide the correct Product rather than immediately refunding the transaction.
69.7 Material Difference From Product Description
A refund may be considered where the delivered Product materially fails to correspond with an important specification or characteristic expressly represented by AKBSTOCK on the applicable Product page or transaction information.
The assessment will be based on what AKBSTOCK actually represented as included in the Product and not on assumptions, expectations or features that were never stated to be included.
69.8 Incorrect File Format Supplied
A refund may be considered where AKBSTOCK expressly represented that a Product would be supplied in a particular file format but materially failed to provide the represented format.
If the correct file format can reasonably be supplied, AKBSTOCK may first correct the delivery before considering a refund.
69.9 Material Technical Specification Error
A refund may be considered where an important technical specification expressly stated by AKBSTOCK for the Product is materially incorrect and the discrepancy substantially affects the Customer’s reasonable use of the Product.
Where appropriate, AKBSTOCK may first attempt to provide a corrected Product file or another reasonable solution.
69.10 Verified Duplicate Charge
A refund may be considered where AKBSTOCK or the applicable payment records verify that the Customer was charged more than once for the same intended transaction because of a duplicate payment or processing error.
In such circumstances, the duplicate amount may be eligible for refund or reversal while the valid underlying transaction remains effective.
69.11 Payment Collected Without Completed Order
A refund may be considered where payment was successfully collected but the corresponding AKBSTOCK order was not properly completed or created because of a verified technical or payment-processing failure.
Where the transaction can reasonably be reconciled and the intended Product can be properly supplied with the Customer’s agreement, AKBSTOCK may resolve the issue without refunding the valid payment.
69.12 Incorrect Amount Charged
A refund or adjustment may be considered where AKBSTOCK verifies that the Customer was charged an amount materially different from the amount properly payable for the relevant transaction because of a system, calculation or processing error.
Any refund may be limited to the verified excess amount where the underlying purchase itself remains valid.
69.13 Payment Processing Error
A refund, reversal or other payment correction may be considered where a verified payment-processing error results in money being collected in circumstances where the transaction should not have been successfully completed.
AKBSTOCK may coordinate with the relevant payment provider or financial institution where necessary to verify and resolve the issue.
69.14 Verified Unauthorized Transaction
A refund may be considered where a transaction is credibly reported as unauthorized and available evidence reasonably supports the claim, subject to verification, fraud-prevention procedures, payment-provider requirements and applicable law.
AKBSTOCK may request reasonable information or cooperate with the relevant payment provider, bank or financial institution when reviewing an unauthorized transaction claim.
69.15 AKBSTOCK Unable to Provide the Purchased Product
A refund may be considered where AKBSTOCK is unable to provide an eligible Product for which valid payment has been received and no reasonable replacement, correction or delivery solution is available or appropriate.
This may include circumstances where the purchased Product becomes unavailable before valid delivery can be completed.
69.16 Product Withdrawn Before Delivery
If AKBSTOCK withdraws or removes a purchased Product before the Customer has received valid delivery or access and AKBSTOCK cannot appropriately complete the transaction, a refund may be considered for the affected purchase.
The mere later removal of a Product from public sale does not automatically create a refund right where the Customer previously received valid delivery and applicable License rights remain effective.
69.17 Failed Correction or Replacement
A refund may be considered where AKBSTOCK has reasonably attempted to correct, replace or restore an eligible Product or delivery issue but the remedy does not resolve the verified underlying problem.
The Customer may be asked to reasonably cooperate with troubleshooting or verification necessary to determine whether the corrective remedy has succeeded.
69.18 Correction or Replacement Is Not Reasonably Possible
A refund may be considered where a verified Product or delivery problem exists and AKBSTOCK determines that correction, replacement, restored access or another non-monetary remedy is not reasonably possible or appropriate.
The remedy selected will depend on the nature and materiality of the problem and applicable legal requirements.
69.19 Material AKBSTOCK Error
A refund may be considered where AKBSTOCK identifies a material error attributable to its own systems, Product delivery, transaction processing or Product information and determines that a refund is the appropriate method of correcting the resulting Customer harm.
Where only part of a transaction is affected, an appropriate partial correction or refund may be considered where legally and technically practicable.
69.20 Partial Refund Where Appropriate
Where only a separable portion of a transaction is genuinely affected and the remainder of the transaction remains valid and usable, AKBSTOCK may consider an appropriate partial refund where technically possible and legally appropriate.
A partial refund is not automatically available and will depend on the structure of the transaction and the circumstances of the issue.
69.21 Subscription Billing Error
A refund or billing adjustment may be considered where AKBSTOCK verifies that a Subscription-related charge occurred because of a genuine billing or system error.
Subscription-specific refund and cancellation eligibility remains subject to Section 89 – Subscription Cancellations & Refunds and the applicable Subscription Agreement, billing terms and mandatory law.
69.22 Subscription Cancellation Required by Law
Where applicable law gives a Customer a mandatory right to cancel, withdraw from or obtain a refund concerning an eligible Subscription transaction, AKBSTOCK will apply that mandatory right to the extent legally required.
This provision does not independently create a general right to refund previously used Subscription periods, downloaded Products or consumed entitlements where such a right is not otherwise available.
69.23 Exclusive License Transactions
A refund involving an Exclusive License may be considered only after taking into account the circumstances of the transaction, Product access, exclusivity status, any use of the Product, applicable License terms and mandatory law.
Because an Exclusive License may materially affect the Product’s commercial status, such refund requests may require additional review under Section 90 – Exclusive License Transactions and the applicable Exclusive License Agreement.
69.24 Mandatory Consumer Remedy
A refund may be required where applicable consumer protection law provides a mandatory refund, cancellation, withdrawal or other monetary remedy that AKBSTOCK is legally required to honor.
Nothing in this Policy is intended to prevent a Customer from exercising a mandatory right that cannot lawfully be excluded or restricted.
69.25 Other Legally Required Refunds
AKBSTOCK may issue a refund where required by a valid court order, regulatory requirement, applicable law or another legally binding obligation.
Such refunds may be processed according to the requirements applicable to the particular legal matter.
69.26 Exceptional Circumstances
AKBSTOCK may, where appropriate and legally permissible, consider exceptional circumstances not expressly listed in this Section if the available facts demonstrate that a refund or other remedy would be reasonable and consistent with the purpose of this Policy.
Any discretionary accommodation in one case does not create an automatic entitlement or precedent for unrelated transactions.
69.27 Evidence & Verification
Refund consideration may require reasonable verification of the Customer, transaction and claimed problem.
Depending on the issue, AKBSTOCK may review order information, payment records, Product delivery or access records, technical information, screenshots, Customer communications and other reasonably relevant evidence.
Detailed evidence requirements are addressed further in Section 82 – Information & Evidence Required for Refund Requests.
69.28 Refund Consideration Does Not Guarantee Approval
The circumstances described in this Section identify situations in which a refund may be considered; they do not mean that every request falling within a broadly similar category will automatically be approved.
The final outcome may depend on verification, materiality of the issue, whether an appropriate remedy has already been provided, Product access or use, applicable contractual terms and mandatory law.
69.29 Fair Review & Appropriate Remedy
AKBSTOCK seeks to distinguish genuine Customer problems from circumstances in which a correctly supplied digital Product has been successfully delivered and no refund entitlement exists.
Where a genuine eligible problem is established, AKBSTOCK seeks to provide an appropriate remedy, which may include technical assistance, restored access, correction, replacement, partial refund, full refund or another remedy appropriate to the circumstances and applicable law.
69.30 Section Summary
A refund may be considered where there is a genuine and verifiable issue such as non-delivery, persistent AKBSTOCK-side technical failure, a materially corrupted or incorrect Product file, a material discrepancy from an expressly stated Product specification, duplicate or incorrect charges, certain unauthorized transactions, an inability by AKBSTOCK to provide the purchased Product or another circumstance requiring an appropriate refund remedy.
Where a problem can reasonably be resolved through correction, replacement, restored access or technical assistance, AKBSTOCK may attempt that remedy before issuing a monetary refund where legally permitted.
Every refund remains subject to appropriate verification, the circumstances of the transaction, applicable AKBSTOCK legal documents and any mandatory rights or remedies provided by law.
70. When Refunds Are Normally Not Available
70.1 General Non-Refund Principle
Refunds are normally not available where AKBSTOCK has correctly supplied the purchased digital Product, the Product materially corresponds with the information provided for the transaction, and no genuine technical, delivery, payment or other eligible issue exists.
This principle is subject to any mandatory refund, cancellation, withdrawal or other consumer right that applicable law requires AKBSTOCK to provide.
70.2 Successful Delivery of a Correct Product
A refund is normally not available merely because a Customer no longer wishes to retain a digital Product after the correct Product has been successfully delivered, accessed, downloaded or otherwise made available.
The digital nature of the Product means that delivery cannot ordinarily be reversed in the same manner as the return of a physical item.
70.3 Change of Mind
A refund is normally not available solely because the Customer changes their mind after completing a purchase, particularly where digital delivery, access or download has already occurred.
This provision does not limit any mandatory cooling-off, cancellation or withdrawal right that applicable law requires AKBSTOCK to provide.
70.4 Product No Longer Required
A refund is normally not available merely because the Customer later decides that the purchased Product is no longer required for a project, collection, client, production order or other intended purpose.
A subsequent change in the Customer’s commercial or creative requirements does not by itself establish a defect in the Product supplied by AKBSTOCK.
70.5 Incorrect Product Selected by the Customer
A refund is normally not available where the Customer purchases the wrong Product because of their own selection error and the Product supplied by AKBSTOCK correctly corresponds with the Product ordered.
Customers are responsible for reviewing Product previews, descriptions and other relevant information before completing a purchase.
70.6 Failure to Review Product Information
A refund is normally not available where information clearly provided on the Product page or during the purchase process would reasonably have informed the Customer of the characteristic that later becomes the basis of the refund request.
This may include available information concerning Product type, file format, dimensions, resolution, design structure or other relevant specifications.
70.7 Failure to Review the Product Preview
A refund is normally not available merely because the Customer later dislikes the visual appearance, style, composition, motif arrangement or other clearly visible characteristic of a Product that was reasonably represented in the available Product preview before purchase.
A genuine material difference between the represented Product and the delivered Product remains subject to Section 69 – When a Refund May Be Considered.
70.8 Subjective Design Preference
A refund is normally not available solely because the Customer later decides that a correctly supplied design does not suit their personal taste, creative preference, collection theme, market preference or aesthetic expectation.
Subjective dissatisfaction does not by itself mean that the digital Product is technically defective or incorrectly supplied.
70.9 Client or Third-Party Rejection
A refund is normally not available solely because the Customer’s own client, buyer, employer, manufacturer, printer, retailer or another third party rejects, dislikes or decides not to use a correctly supplied AKBSTOCK Product.
AKBSTOCK does not guarantee that a particular Product will be accepted by a Customer’s client or other third party unless such a guarantee is expressly provided in writing by AKBSTOCK for the relevant transaction.
70.10 Customer’s Project Is Cancelled
A refund is normally not available merely because the Customer’s project, production order, collection, client order or other intended use is subsequently cancelled, postponed or changed.
Such circumstances ordinarily concern the Customer’s own commercial activities rather than the validity of the Product supplied by AKBSTOCK.
70.11 Product Was Not Used
A refund is normally not available merely because the Customer purchased and received a Product but did not subsequently use it.
Non-use of a correctly supplied digital Product does not by itself reverse the completed transaction or establish refund eligibility.
70.12 Product Was Downloaded but Later Deleted
A refund is normally not available merely because the Customer deletes a downloaded Product from their computer, device, storage system or other location after receiving it.
Deleting a Customer-side copy does not constitute a physical return of the digital Product to AKBSTOCK.
70.13 Failure to Download Within an Available Access Period
Where AKBSTOCK clearly provides an applicable download or access period, a refund is normally not available solely because the Customer failed to download the Product within that period for reasons not attributable to AKBSTOCK.
Any available restoration of access will be governed by the applicable AKBSTOCK Terms & Conditions, Website functionality or other relevant rules.
70.14 Customer-Side Internet Problems
A refund is normally not available solely because the Customer experiences an internet connection failure, slow network, local service-provider problem or other Customer-side connectivity issue where the AKBSTOCK Product and delivery system are otherwise functioning correctly.
AKBSTOCK may provide reasonable support where appropriate, but Customer-side connectivity problems do not automatically establish refund eligibility.
70.15 Customer Device or Storage Problems
A refund is normally not available solely because the Customer lacks sufficient storage capacity, experiences a device failure, loses locally stored files or encounters another problem attributable to the Customer’s computer, mobile device, storage media or local system.
This provision does not apply where the underlying problem is verified to have been caused by a defective Product file supplied by AKBSTOCK.
70.16 Unsupported Software or Hardware
A refund is normally not available where a correctly supplied Product cannot be used solely because the Customer’s software, hardware, operating system or workflow does not support the Product format or technical characteristics, provided AKBSTOCK did not materially misrepresent compatibility.
Customers should verify relevant compatibility requirements before purchase where such compatibility is important to their intended use.
70.17 Lack of Technical Knowledge
A refund is normally not available solely because the Customer lacks the software skills, textile-design knowledge, printing knowledge or other technical ability necessary to use a correctly supplied Product for the Customer’s intended workflow.
AKBSTOCK may provide support where offered, but the purchase of a digital Product does not automatically include training, customization or professional production assistance unless expressly stated.
70.18 Third-Party Software Changes
A refund is normally not available solely because a third-party software developer later modifies, discontinues or changes software in a way that affects the Customer’s ability to use a previously compatible digital Product.
AKBSTOCK cannot guarantee the future operation or compatibility of independent third-party software unless expressly stated otherwise.
70.19 Screen Colour Differences
A refund is normally not available solely because colours appear differently across monitors, mobile devices, software applications or display environments.
Colour appearance may vary because of monitor calibration, brightness, display technology, colour profiles, software settings and other factors outside AKBSTOCK’s direct control.
70.20 Printing Colour Differences
A refund is normally not available solely because printed colours differ from the Customer’s on-screen expectation where the supplied digital Product itself is correct.
Physical colour output may be affected by printing technology, ink, dye, substrate, fabric composition, colour profiles, printer calibration, RIP settings, environmental conditions and production processes.
70.21 Fabric & Substrate Differences
A refund is normally not available solely because a design appears differently when printed on different fabrics, materials or substrates.
Fabric composition, texture, absorbency, weave, surface characteristics, pretreatment and finishing may materially influence the final appearance of a printed design.
70.22 Printer, RIP & Production Settings
A refund is normally not available for a production problem caused by printer settings, RIP configuration, scaling, colour management, production workflow, machine calibration or another manufacturing parameter outside AKBSTOCK’s control.
A verified defect in the digital Product itself remains separately reviewable under this Policy.
70.23 Customer Modification of the Product
A refund is normally not available for a problem created after the Customer or a third party modifies, resizes, recolours, converts, compresses, edits, restructures or otherwise alters a correctly supplied AKBSTOCK Product.
Where a Customer claims that the original Product was defective before modification, AKBSTOCK may request the original supplied file or other reasonable evidence for verification.
70.24 Improper Use of the Product
A refund is normally not available where a problem results from using the Product in a manner inconsistent with its stated specifications, applicable License, intended technical characteristics or reasonable digital-production practices.
This provision does not excuse a genuine defect that existed in the Product as originally supplied by AKBSTOCK.
70.25 Expectation of Unstated Files or Services
A refund is normally not available because the Customer expected additional source files, editable files, colourways, mockups, customization, design changes, printing services, physical samples or other content or services that were not represented as included in the purchase.
The applicable Product page or transaction information determines what AKBSTOCK represents as included in the relevant purchase.
70.26 Misunderstanding of License Rights
A refund is normally not available solely because the Customer failed to review or understand the applicable License terms before using or purchasing a Product, provided the applicable licensing information was reasonably made available by AKBSTOCK.
Product usage rights are governed by the applicable Commercial License Agreement, Subscription License Agreement, Exclusive License Agreement or other relevant License terms.
70.27 Customer Expected Copyright Ownership
A refund is normally not available merely because the Customer incorrectly assumed that purchasing or downloading a Product would automatically transfer copyright or unrestricted intellectual property ownership.
Unless AKBSTOCK expressly agrees otherwise in a legally applicable written agreement, purchasing a Product provides only the License rights applicable to the relevant transaction.
70.28 Non-Exclusive Product Purchased With Expectation of Exclusivity
A refund is normally not available where a Customer purchases a Product under a non-exclusive License but later claims a refund because the same or similar licensed Product may lawfully be available to other Customers.
Exclusivity applies only where AKBSTOCK expressly grants an Exclusive License under the applicable Exclusive License Agreement.
70.29 Customer Found a Similar Design Elsewhere
A refund is normally not available merely because the Customer later discovers another design, Product, artwork or visual work that the Customer considers similar to the purchased Product.
A genuine copyright or intellectual property complaint should be handled under the applicable AKBSTOCK copyright or intellectual property procedure rather than being assumed to create an automatic refund entitlement.
70.30 Price Changed After Purchase
A refund or partial refund is normally not available solely because AKBSTOCK later changes the price of a Product, offers the Product at a discount or includes it in a promotional campaign after the Customer’s completed purchase.
The price applicable to a transaction is ordinarily the valid price applied when the Customer completed that transaction, subject to correction of genuine pricing or processing errors and applicable law.
70.31 Coupon or Promotion Not Used
A refund or retrospective price adjustment is normally not available merely because the Customer failed to apply an available coupon, promotional code or discount before completing the transaction.
This does not prevent AKBSTOCK from correcting a verified Website or payment error that improperly prevented an expressly applicable promotion from being processed.
70.32 Free Product Becoming Paid or Paid Product Becoming Free
A refund is normally not available merely because AKBSTOCK later changes a Product from paid to free, free to paid or otherwise changes its commercial availability.
Changes in future Product pricing or availability do not ordinarily alter a transaction validly completed under the terms applicable at the time of purchase.
70.33 Product Later Removed From Public Sale
A refund is normally not available merely because AKBSTOCK later removes a Product from public sale or stops offering new licenses for that Product after the Customer has validly received it.
The effect of Product removal on an existing License will be determined by the applicable License Agreement and other relevant AKBSTOCK legal documents.
70.34 Customer Account Problems Caused by the Customer
A refund is normally not available solely because a Customer loses access to an Account due to forgotten credentials, failure to maintain accurate Account information or another Customer-side Account issue where AKBSTOCK can reasonably provide an Account recovery or support process.
Genuine AKBSTOCK-side access failures remain separately reviewable under this Policy.
70.35 Account Restriction Resulting From Customer Misconduct
A refund is not automatically available merely because an Account is restricted, suspended or terminated because of verified fraud, abuse, security concerns or material violation of applicable AKBSTOCK legal documents.
Any financial or licensing consequences of such action will depend on the applicable agreement, transaction circumstances and mandatory law.
70.36 Subscription Entitlements Already Used
A refund is normally not available merely because a Customer cancels a Subscription after using Subscription benefits, accessing Products, consuming download entitlements or otherwise using the relevant Subscription period, except where applicable Subscription terms or mandatory law provide otherwise.
Detailed Subscription cancellation and refund rules are addressed in Section 89 – Subscription Cancellations & Refunds.
70.37 Failure to Cancel a Subscription Before Renewal
A refund is not automatically available solely because a Customer intended to cancel a Subscription but did not complete the applicable cancellation process before a renewal charge occurred.
The treatment of renewal charges remains subject to the applicable Subscription terms, billing rules, transaction circumstances and mandatory law.
70.38 Exclusive License Change of Mind
A refund is normally not available solely because a Customer changes their mind after completing an Exclusive License transaction, particularly where exclusivity has already taken effect or AKBSTOCK has changed the Product’s commercial availability in reliance on the transaction.
Exclusive License transactions remain subject to Section 90 – Exclusive License Transactions, the applicable Exclusive License Agreement and mandatory law.
70.39 Refund Request Based on False or Misleading Information
A refund is normally not available where the request materially depends on information that AKBSTOCK reasonably determines to be fabricated, altered, fraudulent or intentionally misleading.
AKBSTOCK may investigate suspected refund abuse and take appropriate action under this Policy and other applicable legal documents.
70.40 Repeated or Abusive Refund Activity
AKBSTOCK may refuse or further investigate refund requests that form part of a reasonably identified pattern of refund abuse, including repeated acquisition and use of digital Products followed by unsupported refund claims.
This provision is not intended to penalize Customers for submitting genuine claims or exercising mandatory legal rights.
70.41 Unauthorized Redistribution or Misuse
A Customer who has materially violated applicable Product License restrictions, including through unauthorized redistribution or other prohibited exploitation, should not assume that requesting a refund will remove responsibility for conduct that occurred before the refund request.
Refund eligibility and any licensing or intellectual property consequences will be determined separately under the applicable AKBSTOCK legal framework and mandatory law.
70.42 Refund Request After Commercial Use
A refund is normally not available merely because a Customer wishes to reverse a correctly supplied transaction after already using the Product commercially, particularly where no genuine Product or transaction defect exists.
Any mandatory legal right or verified eligible issue will nevertheless be considered according to applicable law and this Policy.
70.43 Refund Request After Product Modification or Production
A refund is normally not available merely because the Customer decides not to continue using a Product after modifying it, incorporating it into another work, preparing it for production or using it in a manufacturing process where the original Product was correctly supplied.
This does not prevent review of a genuine defect that existed in the original Product supplied by AKBSTOCK.
70.44 Customer’s Commercial Performance
A refund is normally not available because a Product fails to generate expected sales, profits, customer interest, market acceptance, production volume or other commercial results.
AKBSTOCK supplies digital design Products and applicable License rights but does not guarantee the commercial success of a Customer’s business, collection or finished product unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing.
70.45 Failure to Follow Reasonable Troubleshooting
Where a reported issue appears capable of reasonable technical resolution, AKBSTOCK may ask the Customer to cooperate with appropriate troubleshooting, file verification, replacement or restored-access steps.
A refund may normally be declined where the Customer refuses reasonable steps necessary to verify or resolve the claimed problem, unless a refund or other remedy is independently required by applicable law.
70.46 Insufficient Information to Verify a Claim
AKBSTOCK may be unable to approve a refund where the Customer does not provide information reasonably necessary to identify the transaction or verify the claimed issue.
AKBSTOCK should not request unnecessary information, and any personal information obtained during the refund process will be handled according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy.
70.47 Circumvention of the Refund Process
A Customer should not attempt to obtain both the benefits of an AKBSTOCK transaction and repayment of the purchase amount through deceptive refund claims, duplicate disputes, fraudulent chargebacks or other improper methods.
Suspected abuse may be reviewed under the applicable refund, payment, Account, fraud-prevention and legal provisions.
70.48 Exceptions Required by Applicable Law
Every limitation described in this Section remains subject to applicable mandatory law.
If a Customer is legally entitled to a refund, repair, replacement, cancellation, withdrawal or other remedy despite a circumstance described above, AKBSTOCK will apply the mandatory legal requirement to the extent required.
70.49 Relationship With Eligible Refund Circumstances
This Section should be read together with Section 69 – When a Refund May Be Considered.
A circumstance that would normally be non-refundable under this Section may require a different outcome where a separate genuine Product defect, incorrect delivery, duplicate payment, payment error or mandatory legal right is established.
70.50 Section Summary
Refunds are normally not available for correctly supplied digital Products merely because of change of mind, incorrect Customer selection, subjective dissatisfaction, non-use, client rejection, project cancellation, Customer-side technical problems, unsupported software, display or production differences, misunderstanding of License rights, later price changes or other circumstances not caused by a genuine AKBSTOCK Product, delivery or transaction problem.
AKBSTOCK may also take into account Product access, download, commercial use, modification and evidence of refund abuse when reviewing a request where legally permitted.
These limitations do not override genuine eligible circumstances described elsewhere in this Policy or any mandatory refund, cancellation, withdrawal or consumer remedy available under applicable law.
71. Product Preview, Description & Customer Responsibility
71.1 General Responsibility Before Purchase
Customers are responsible for reviewing the available Product information before completing an AKBSTOCK purchase.
This includes reviewing the Product preview, description, technical specifications, file information, applicable License details and any other information reasonably provided to help the Customer understand what is being purchased.
71.2 Purpose of Product Previews
AKBSTOCK may provide Product previews, thumbnails, watermarked images, mockups or other visual representations to help Customers evaluate a digital Product before purchase.
Product previews are intended to provide a reasonable visual representation of the design but may be optimized for Website display and may therefore differ from the delivered Product file in resolution, watermarking, presentation, scale or other display characteristics.
71.3 Product Preview Is Not the Delivered File
A Website preview should not automatically be treated as the exact technical form of the delivered Product file.
The delivered Product may have different resolution, dimensions, watermark status, file naming, technical properties or other characteristics described in the applicable Product information.
Customers should rely on the Product description and stated technical specifications to determine what is included in the purchase.
71.4 Mockups & Presentation Images
AKBSTOCK may display a digital design on garments, fabrics, home textile products, fashion products, interiors or other mockups to demonstrate possible visual application.
Unless expressly stated otherwise, such mockups are illustrative and are not included as physical products, finished garments, fabrics or manufactured items within the digital Product purchase.
71.5 Product Description
Customers should carefully review the Product description before purchase.
The Product description may identify the nature of the Product, design category, file format, dimensions, resolution, colour information, repeat characteristics, included files or other relevant technical or commercial details.
Where a particular characteristic is important to the Customer’s intended use, the Customer should verify that the characteristic is expressly stated or otherwise confirmed before completing the transaction.
71.6 File Format Review
Customers are responsible for reviewing the file format identified for the Product and determining whether that format is suitable for their intended software, workflow or production process.
A refund is normally not available solely because a Customer later discovers that their software or workflow does not support a correctly described and correctly supplied file format.
71.7 Dimensions & Resolution
Where Product dimensions, pixel dimensions, print size, resolution or other technical measurements are provided, Customers should review those specifications before purchase.
The Customer is responsible for determining whether the stated specifications are appropriate for the intended production size, printing method or other use.
A materially incorrect specification published by AKBSTOCK may nevertheless be reviewed under Section 69 – When a Refund May Be Considered.
71.8 Colour Information
Customers should understand that colours displayed on a Website or screen may vary depending on monitor calibration, device settings, software, colour profiles and display technology.
Physical printing results may also vary depending on fabric, substrate, ink, dye, printing system, RIP settings, colour management and production conditions.
Such differences do not automatically establish that the digital Product supplied by AKBSTOCK is defective.
71.9 Repeat & Pattern Information
Where a Product is described as a seamless pattern, repeat design, placement design, panel, border, motif or another specific textile-design structure, Customers should review the relevant Product information before purchase.
Customers should not assume that every AKBSTOCK Product is seamless, editable, layered, repeat-ready or suitable for every production process unless the applicable Product information states or reasonably indicates that characteristic.
71.10 Software Compatibility
Customers are responsible for determining whether their software can open, import or otherwise use the Product file format and technical characteristics identified by AKBSTOCK.
Unless AKBSTOCK expressly represents compatibility with a particular software application, version or platform, compatibility should not be assumed solely because the Product is a digital design file.
71.11 Hardware & System Requirements
Customers should consider whether their computer, storage, software environment, printing system or other technical equipment is suitable for handling the Product.
Problems caused solely by insufficient storage, unsupported hardware, outdated Customer systems or other Customer-side technical limitations do not automatically establish refund eligibility.
71.12 Intended Production Method
Where a Customer intends to use an AKBSTOCK Product in textile printing, garment production, home textile production or another manufacturing process, the Customer is responsible for determining whether the Product’s technical characteristics are appropriate for the intended production method.
Production suitability may depend on factors outside AKBSTOCK’s control, including fabric, printing technology, machine specifications, colour management, production scale and finishing requirements.
71.13 Production Testing
Customers are encouraged to conduct appropriate sampling, testing, colour verification or production trials before committing a digital Product to large-scale manufacturing where such testing is reasonably appropriate to the intended production process.
AKBSTOCK does not guarantee that a Customer’s first production output will exactly match an on-screen preview where external production variables influence the result.
71.14 License Review
Customers are responsible for reviewing the License information applicable to the Product before purchase or use.
The applicable License may determine permitted commercial use, restrictions, exclusivity, redistribution rules and other Product usage rights.
A refund is normally not available solely because a Customer later discovers that the License does not provide a right that was never represented as included.
71.15 Non-Exclusive vs. Exclusive Licensing
Customers should determine whether the relevant Product is offered under a non-exclusive or Exclusive licensing arrangement before completing a transaction where exclusivity is important to the intended use.
A non-exclusive Product does not become exclusive merely because a particular Customer purchased it.
Exclusive rights exist only where AKBSTOCK expressly grants such rights under an applicable Exclusive License Agreement.
71.16 Copyright Ownership
Customers should not assume that purchasing an AKBSTOCK Product transfers copyright or unrestricted intellectual property ownership unless AKBSTOCK expressly agrees to such a transfer in a legally effective agreement.
Ordinary Product purchases generally provide the applicable License rights rather than an automatic transfer of copyright ownership.
71.17 Product Quantity & Included Content
Where a Product page includes multiple preview images, colour presentations, close-up images, mockups or detail views, Customers should review the Product description to determine the actual number and type of files or designs included in the purchase.
The presence of multiple visual images on a Product page does not automatically mean that every displayed image, mockup or presentation is supplied as a separate downloadable Product unless expressly stated.
71.18 Source, Editable & Layered Files
Customers should not assume that editable source files, layered files, vector files or other working files are included unless the applicable Product description expressly states that such files are part of the purchase.
If AKBSTOCK identifies a Product as being supplied only in a particular final file format, the Customer should evaluate whether that format is suitable before purchase.
71.19 Customization Is Not Automatically Included
Unless expressly stated otherwise, the purchase of a standard AKBSTOCK digital Product does not automatically include customized colour changes, resizing, redesign, motif replacement, repeat modification, technical conversion, production preparation or other personalized design services.
Any separately agreed customization service may be subject to additional terms, fees or policies.
71.20 Customer Questions Before Purchase
If an important Product characteristic is unclear and materially affects the Customer’s purchasing decision, the Customer is encouraged to contact AKBSTOCK Support before completing the purchase.
Where reasonably possible, AKBSTOCK may provide clarification concerning Product information, technical specifications or the applicable purchase arrangement.
71.21 AKBSTOCK Responsibility for Product Information
AKBSTOCK seeks to provide Product descriptions, previews and technical information that reasonably and accurately represent the digital Product being offered.
AKBSTOCK does not intend to materially misrepresent Product characteristics or intentionally provide misleading information concerning what is included in a purchase.
71.22 Material Product Information Errors
If AKBSTOCK materially misstates an important Product characteristic and the delivered Product materially fails to match that representation, the Customer may report the issue for review.
Depending on the circumstances, AKBSTOCK may correct the information, provide a corrected Product or consider another remedy under this Policy.
71.23 Minor Errors or Non-Material Differences
A minor typographical, formatting or presentation issue that does not materially affect the nature, usability or represented characteristics of the purchased Product does not automatically create refund eligibility.
AKBSTOCK may correct non-material Website information when such an issue is identified.
71.24 Customer Assumptions
Customers should avoid relying on assumptions concerning Product characteristics, included files, License rights, physical delivery, customization services or technical compatibility that are not supported by the applicable Product information.
A refund is normally not available solely because an unstated Customer assumption later proves incorrect.
71.25 Customer’s Intended End Use
AKBSTOCK may provide general Product information but does not necessarily know the precise project, machine, fabric, client requirement, manufacturing process or commercial purpose for which every Customer intends to use a Product.
The Customer is therefore responsible for determining whether a correctly described Product is appropriate for their particular intended end use.
71.26 Third-Party Client Requirements
If a Customer purchases a Product for a client, employer, manufacturer, printer, retailer or another third party, the Customer is responsible for determining whether the Product satisfies that third party’s requirements before purchase where reasonably possible.
Subsequent rejection by a Customer’s client or third party does not automatically establish that the Product supplied by AKBSTOCK is defective.
71.27 Saving Product Information
Customers may wish to retain relevant order confirmations, Product information and License documentation associated with important commercial transactions.
AKBSTOCK may maintain its own records according to applicable legal, operational and record-retention requirements, but Customers should maintain appropriate records necessary for their own business and licensing purposes.
71.28 Product Information May Be Updated
AKBSTOCK may correct, clarify or update Product descriptions, previews, technical information or Website presentation over time.
A later update to Product information does not automatically mean that a Product previously supplied was defective or that every prior Customer is entitled to a refund.
Where an earlier material misrepresentation affected a particular transaction, the circumstances may be reviewed separately.
71.29 Mandatory Consumer Protections
Customer responsibility to review Product information does not excuse AKBSTOCK from mandatory legal obligations concerning accurate descriptions, digital content quality, consumer information or other rights that cannot lawfully be excluded.
Nothing in this Section is intended to transfer responsibility to the Customer for a genuine defect, incorrect delivery or material misrepresentation attributable to AKBSTOCK.
71.30 Relationship With Refund Eligibility
Product previews, descriptions, technical specifications and Customer pre-purchase responsibilities may be considered when evaluating whether a refund request arises from a genuine AKBSTOCK issue or from a characteristic that was reasonably disclosed before purchase.
Eligible refund circumstances are addressed in Section 69 – When a Refund May Be Considered, while normally non-refundable circumstances are addressed in Section 70 – When Refunds Are Normally Not Available.
71.31 Section Summary
Customers are responsible for reviewing available AKBSTOCK Product previews, descriptions, technical specifications, file details and applicable License information before completing a purchase and for determining whether a correctly described Product is suitable for their intended workflow or production use.
AKBSTOCK, in turn, seeks to provide Product information that reasonably and accurately represents what is being offered and to review genuine material discrepancies or defects under this Policy.
Customer responsibility does not remove mandatory consumer protections or excuse a verified Product, delivery or description error attributable to AKBSTOCK.
72. Downloaded & Accessed Digital Products
72.1 General Principle
Because AKBSTOCK Products are digital, the download, access or electronic availability of a Product may be relevant when determining refund or cancellation eligibility.
Once a Customer has obtained access to a correctly supplied digital Product, the transaction cannot ordinarily be reversed in the same manner as the return of a physical product.
72.2 Meaning of Downloaded Product
For purposes of this Policy, a Product may be considered downloaded where the applicable digital file has been transferred, retrieved or otherwise obtained through the download functionality or delivery method made available for the relevant transaction.
The technical method by which a download is recorded may depend on the Website, Account system, hosting infrastructure or other delivery technology used by AKBSTOCK.
72.3 Meaning of Accessed Product
A Product may be considered accessed where the Customer has been provided with and has used the applicable means of obtaining, viewing, retrieving or otherwise accessing the purchased digital content, even where the precise technical delivery method does not involve a conventional download process.
Whether access has occurred may be determined from reasonably available transaction and technical records.
72.4 Product Made Available
Where AKBSTOCK has successfully made the purchased Product available through the applicable delivery mechanism, that availability may be relevant to the status of the transaction.
However, the mere technical availability of a Product will not automatically be treated as equivalent to actual Customer download or use where such distinction is material under applicable law or this Policy.
72.5 Effect of Successful Download
Where a Customer successfully downloads a correctly supplied Product and no genuine Product, delivery or payment issue exists, a refund is normally not available merely because the Customer later changes their mind or decides not to use the Product.
This principle remains subject to mandatory rights and remedies provided by applicable law.
72.6 Effect of Successful Access
Successful access to digital content may be considered when evaluating a refund request even if the Customer does not subsequently use the Product for a commercial or production purpose.
A Customer’s decision not to use a correctly supplied Product after obtaining access does not by itself establish refund eligibility.
72.7 Download Does Not Eliminate Genuine Claims
The fact that a Product has been downloaded or accessed does not prevent a Customer from reporting a genuine defect, incorrect Product, corrupted file, material misdescription or other eligible issue that could reasonably be discovered only after obtaining the Product.
Such claims may be reviewed under Section 69 – When a Refund May Be Considered.
72.8 Defects Discoverable Only After Download
Certain technical problems may not be reasonably identifiable from a Website preview and may become apparent only after the Customer opens, inspects or uses the delivered Product file.
AKBSTOCK will not reject a genuine defect claim solely because downloading the Product was reasonably necessary to discover the claimed defect.
72.9 Download Records
Where technically available and legally permissible, AKBSTOCK may maintain and review records relating to Product downloads for transaction administration, Customer support, licensing, fraud prevention, security, dispute resolution and refund assessment.
Such records may be considered together with other available evidence and will not necessarily be treated as conclusive where there is credible evidence of a technical error or other relevant circumstance.
72.10 Access Records
AKBSTOCK may, where technically available and legally permissible, review reasonable Account or system records indicating whether access to a purchased Product was provided or used.
Personal information associated with such records will be handled according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable law.
72.11 Download Record Is Relevant Evidence
A record indicating that a Product was downloaded may constitute relevant evidence when AKBSTOCK evaluates whether digital delivery occurred.
AKBSTOCK may nevertheless consider credible information showing that the recorded download failed, produced an unusable file or otherwise did not result in valid delivery.
72.12 Failed Download Attempt
A failed or incomplete download attempt should not automatically be treated as successful Product delivery where the Customer did not reasonably obtain a usable Product file.
AKBSTOCK may investigate the issue and may provide renewed access, technical assistance, replacement delivery or another appropriate remedy.
72.13 Interrupted Downloads
Where a download is interrupted because of a temporary network, browser, server or technical problem, AKBSTOCK may attempt to restore or repeat the delivery where reasonably possible.
A temporary interrupted download does not automatically require a monetary refund where the Customer can subsequently receive the purchased Product correctly.
72.14 Accidental Download
A Customer’s statement that a Product was downloaded accidentally does not automatically create refund eligibility where the correct Product was purchased and successfully supplied.
AKBSTOCK may consider the circumstances where appropriate, particularly where a separate verified transaction or technical error is involved.
72.15 Download Without Subsequent Use
A refund is normally not available merely because a Customer downloaded a correctly supplied Product but later chose not to open, edit, print, manufacture with, commercially use or otherwise use the Product.
Non-use after valid digital delivery does not ordinarily reverse the completed transaction.
72.16 Opening or Inspecting the Product
Opening or inspecting a Product file may be relevant to establishing access, but it does not prevent a Customer from reporting a genuine technical defect or material discrepancy discovered during reasonable inspection.
The circumstances of the claim will be assessed under the applicable provisions of this Policy.
72.17 Editing or Modifying the Product
Where a Customer edits, recolours, resizes, converts, restructures or otherwise modifies a Product after download, that activity may be relevant when evaluating a later refund request.
AKBSTOCK is not ordinarily responsible for defects or technical problems created by Customer or third-party modifications to an originally correct Product.
72.18 Commercial Use After Download
Commercial use of a downloaded Product may be relevant when AKBSTOCK evaluates whether a refund is appropriate.
A Customer should not ordinarily expect to commercially benefit from a correctly supplied Product and subsequently obtain a refund while retaining the commercial benefits of the same transaction, except where applicable law requires otherwise.
72.19 Production Use After Download
Where a Customer has already used a Product in printing, manufacturing, sampling, garment production, home textile production or another production process, such use may be relevant to the assessment of a refund request.
This does not prevent review of a genuine defect that existed in the Product as originally supplied by AKBSTOCK.
72.20 Incorporation Into Other Work
Where a Customer has incorporated a Product into another design, finished artwork, garment, textile product, collection, presentation or commercial project, that use may be relevant when determining the consequences of a requested refund.
Any continued use following an approved refund remains subject to the applicable License consequences described elsewhere in this Policy.
72.21 Local Copies
After downloading a digital Product, copies may exist on a Customer’s computer, device, external storage, network storage or other systems.
The existence of such copies does not expand the Customer’s License rights beyond the rights granted under the applicable AKBSTOCK License Agreement.
72.22 Backup Copies
Where the applicable License permits a Customer to maintain reasonable technical or backup copies of a Product, such copies remain subject to the same License restrictions as the original downloaded Product.
The existence of a backup copy does not create a separate Product License or independent ownership right.
72.23 Access From Multiple Devices
Where Website functionality or the applicable License permits access from more than one device, such technical access does not create additional ownership or licensing rights.
Any use across devices remains subject to the applicable Account, security and License requirements.
72.24 Sharing Download Access
Customers must not share Product download links, Account credentials or other access mechanisms in a manner prohibited by the applicable AKBSTOCK legal documents.
Unauthorized sharing does not create refund eligibility and may result in consequences under the applicable Account, License, Acceptable Use or intellectual property provisions.
72.25 Loss of a Local File
A refund is normally not available merely because a Customer loses, deletes or damages a locally stored copy of a correctly delivered Product after successful download.
Any ability to re-download or restore access will depend on the applicable Website functionality, Account rules and other relevant AKBSTOCK terms.
72.26 Re-Download Availability
This Refund & Cancellation Policy does not independently guarantee unlimited or permanent re-download access to purchased Products.
The availability, duration and conditions of re-download access are governed by the applicable AKBSTOCK Terms & Conditions, Website functionality or other relevant delivery rules.
72.27 Product Removal After Previous Download
The later removal of a Product from public sale does not automatically create a refund entitlement where the Customer previously received valid delivery and the applicable License remains effective.
Different considerations may apply where AKBSTOCK is legally required to withdraw a Product or take other action affecting existing Customer rights.
72.28 Subscription Downloads
Products obtained through an AKBSTOCK Subscription may be subject to additional rules concerning download entitlements, credits, Subscription periods, cancellation and License rights.
The fact that a Product was obtained through a Subscription does not remove the relevance of download or access records when evaluating an eligible Subscription refund or cancellation matter.
Detailed Subscription matters are addressed in Section 89 – Subscription Cancellations & Refunds and the applicable Subscription documents.
72.29 Exclusive License Downloads
Where an Exclusive License Product has been accessed or downloaded, refund review may require additional consideration of whether exclusivity has taken effect, whether the Product has been used and whether AKBSTOCK has changed the Product’s commercial availability in reliance on the transaction.
Detailed Exclusive License refund matters are addressed in Section 90 – Exclusive License Transactions and the applicable Exclusive License Agreement.
72.30 Approved Refund After Download
Where AKBSTOCK approves a refund for a Product that has already been downloaded or accessed, the approval may terminate or otherwise affect the Customer’s right to continue using the Product, subject to the applicable License Agreement and mandatory law.
A refund should not ordinarily be understood as allowing the Customer to retain both the refunded purchase amount and the continuing commercial benefits of the refunded License.
72.31 Continued Use After Refund
Where an approved refund terminates the applicable Product License, the Customer must discontinue any use that is no longer authorized under the applicable License Agreement.
Knowingly continuing unauthorized use after the relevant License rights have ended may constitute a violation of the applicable AKBSTOCK legal documents and may also implicate intellectual property rights.
72.32 Existing Physical Production After Refund
The effect of an approved refund on Products already incorporated into physical goods, existing production, completed client work or other prior uses may depend on the circumstances, applicable License Agreement and mandatory law.
This Policy does not independently grant a right to continue new production or commercial exploitation after the applicable License has ended.
72.33 Deletion Following Refund
Where an approved refund terminates the Customer’s rights to the refunded Product, AKBSTOCK may, where legally appropriate, require the Customer to delete or cease using Product files remaining under the Customer’s control, subject to applicable License terms and mandatory law.
Technical deletion does not itself determine the legal consequences of uses lawfully made before the refund; those consequences are governed by the applicable legal terms.
72.34 Download & Refund Abuse
AKBSTOCK may investigate circumstances suggesting that a Customer repeatedly downloads, copies, uses or otherwise obtains the benefit of digital Products and then seeks refunds without a genuine eligible basis.
Reasonably verified abuse may result in rejection of non-mandatory refund requests and other appropriate action under the applicable AKBSTOCK legal documents.
72.35 Download Records & Customer Evidence
Where AKBSTOCK records indicate successful download or access but the Customer credibly reports that valid delivery did not occur, AKBSTOCK may consider both the technical records and information supplied by the Customer.
No single technical record will necessarily override credible evidence of a genuine delivery or file problem where further investigation is reasonably appropriate.
72.36 Security & Unauthorized Account Access
If a Product appears to have been downloaded through unauthorized access to a Customer Account, the Customer should report the issue to AKBSTOCK as soon as reasonably practicable.
AKBSTOCK may review relevant Account, security, transaction and download information and may require reasonable verification before determining the appropriate action.
72.37 Privacy of Download & Access Information
Any personal information processed in connection with Product download, access, security, support or refund records will be handled in accordance with the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable data protection law.
This Policy does not authorize AKBSTOCK to collect information beyond what is reasonably permitted for legitimate operational, security, licensing, support, dispute or legal purposes.
72.38 Mandatory Digital Content Rights
Nothing in this Section is intended to remove or restrict a mandatory right relating to digital content that applicable law does not permit AKBSTOCK to exclude.
Where applicable law gives a Customer a remedy despite previous download or access, AKBSTOCK will apply the mandatory legal requirement to the extent required.
72.39 Relationship With Effect of Refund on License Rights
This Section explains how download and access may affect refund eligibility but does not independently establish every licensing consequence of an approved refund.
The effect of a refund on Product access and License rights is addressed further in Section 96 – Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights and the applicable AKBSTOCK License Agreement.
72.40 Section Summary
Download, access and use of an AKBSTOCK digital Product may be relevant when determining refund or cancellation eligibility because digital content cannot ordinarily be returned after it has been obtained.
A Customer who has successfully received a correctly supplied Product will not normally be entitled to a refund merely because the Product is later unused, deleted or no longer required. Commercial use, modification or production use may also be relevant to the assessment of a refund request.
However, downloading or accessing a Product does not prevent a Customer from reporting a genuine defect, corrupted file, incorrect Product, failed delivery or other eligible issue, and nothing in this Section overrides mandatory rights available under applicable law.
73. Technical Problems & Support Before Refund
73.1 General Support-First Principle
Where a Customer experiences a technical problem with an AKBSTOCK Product, download, Account access or digital delivery process, the Customer is encouraged to contact AKBSTOCK Support before requesting a monetary refund.
Many technical issues may be resolved through troubleshooting, restored access, corrected delivery, replacement files or other reasonable assistance without cancelling the underlying transaction.
73.2 Purpose of Technical Support Before Refund
The purpose of providing technical support before a refund is to determine whether the Customer’s issue can be resolved while preserving the Product purchase and applicable License.
A technical problem that can be reasonably corrected does not necessarily require a monetary refund.
73.3 Types of Technical Issues
Technical issues may include, depending on the circumstances, failed downloads, interrupted downloads, inaccessible Product links, corrupted files, incorrect file delivery, Account access issues, browser-related problems or other technical conditions affecting legitimate Product access.
The appropriate support process will depend on the nature and cause of the reported problem.
73.4 Download Problems
If a Customer is unable to download a purchased Product, AKBSTOCK may first investigate whether the issue relates to the Product delivery system, Customer Account, Website functionality, browser, network connection or another technical factor.
Where reasonably possible, AKBSTOCK may restore access or provide another appropriate method of completing the valid Product delivery.
73.5 Interrupted or Incomplete Downloads
Where a download is interrupted or incomplete, the Customer should first attempt any reasonable re-download or access procedure made available by AKBSTOCK.
If the issue continues, AKBSTOCK Support may review the relevant transaction and delivery information and provide assistance where appropriate.
73.6 Product File Cannot Be Opened
If a Customer reports that a Product file cannot be opened, AKBSTOCK may request information reasonably necessary to determine whether the issue is caused by file corruption, incomplete download, unsupported software, incorrect extraction, Customer-side technical conditions or another cause.
A file that is genuinely corrupted as supplied by AKBSTOCK may qualify for correction, replacement or another remedy under this Policy.
73.7 Product File Appears Corrupted
Where a Product appears corrupted, AKBSTOCK may compare the Customer’s reported file with the original Product file or delivery records where reasonably possible.
If the source Product is valid but the Customer’s copy was damaged during download or storage, AKBSTOCK may attempt to provide a fresh copy or restored download access before considering a refund.
73.8 Incorrect File Delivered
If AKBSTOCK verifies that the wrong Product or file was delivered because of a system or administrative error, AKBSTOCK may first provide the correct Product or file.
A monetary refund may be considered where correct delivery cannot reasonably be completed or another remedy is required under this Policy or applicable law.
73.9 Account Access Problems
Where a Customer cannot access an Account required for Product delivery or download, AKBSTOCK may first attempt to resolve the Account issue through appropriate Account recovery, verification or technical assistance.
An Account access problem that can reasonably be resolved does not automatically create refund eligibility.
73.10 Browser-Related Problems
Certain Website or download issues may result from browser configuration, extensions, cached data, security settings or other browser-related conditions.
AKBSTOCK may suggest reasonable browser troubleshooting steps where such steps appear relevant to the reported issue.
73.11 Customer-Side Internet Problems
Where a technical problem is caused solely by the Customer’s internet connection, local network or internet service provider, AKBSTOCK may provide reasonable guidance but does not control the Customer’s external connectivity environment.
Such Customer-side connectivity problems do not automatically require a refund where the Product and AKBSTOCK delivery system are otherwise functioning correctly.
73.12 Customer Device Problems
Technical issues caused solely by the Customer’s computer, mobile device, storage system, operating system or other local hardware may require the Customer to address the underlying device problem.
AKBSTOCK is not responsible for repairing or maintaining Customer-owned hardware.
73.13 Software Compatibility Issues
If a Customer cannot use a Product because of software compatibility, AKBSTOCK may review whether the Product format materially corresponds with the format represented on the Product page.
Where the correct file format was clearly disclosed and correctly supplied, unsupported Customer software does not automatically establish a technical defect requiring a refund.
73.14 Production or Printing Issues
Problems that arise during textile printing, manufacturing or production may require evaluation to determine whether the cause lies in the AKBSTOCK Product file or in external production conditions.
Fabric, ink, dye, printer calibration, RIP configuration, colour management, production settings and other manufacturing factors may affect the final result.
AKBSTOCK may reasonably request information necessary to distinguish a genuine Product file issue from an external production issue.
73.15 Reasonable Troubleshooting
AKBSTOCK may request that the Customer perform reasonable troubleshooting steps relevant to the reported problem before a refund decision is made.
Such steps should be proportionate to the issue and should not require the Customer to undertake unreasonable technical work or incur unnecessary expense merely to preserve a valid refund right.
73.16 Customer Cooperation
Customers are expected to reasonably cooperate with legitimate troubleshooting and verification necessary to identify or resolve a reported technical issue.
This may include providing relevant error messages, screenshots, file information or other evidence reasonably connected with the problem.
73.17 No Requirement to Provide Sensitive Credentials
Technical support does not require Customers to provide Account passwords, complete payment card details, card security codes, one-time passwords or other unnecessary authentication credentials through ordinary support communications.
Customers should not disclose such sensitive information unless a secure and legitimate process expressly requires it.
73.18 Information AKBSTOCK May Request
Depending on the technical issue, AKBSTOCK may request reasonable information such as the order number, Product name, Account email, description of the problem, screenshot, error message, file information, browser information or other relevant technical details.
AKBSTOCK seeks to avoid requesting information unrelated to the technical issue.
73.19 Supporting Screenshots
Screenshots may help AKBSTOCK understand certain download, Account, Website or file-related issues.
Customers should, where reasonably possible, remove or obscure unrelated sensitive personal or financial information before submitting screenshots for technical review.
73.20 Original Product File Verification
Where a claimed defect concerns the Product file itself, AKBSTOCK may compare the issue against the original master or delivery file maintained by AKBSTOCK where reasonably possible.
This may help determine whether the problem existed in the Product supplied by AKBSTOCK or arose after download, modification, conversion or Customer-side processing.
73.21 Corrected File
Where a verified technical defect can reasonably be corrected, AKBSTOCK may provide a corrected version of the relevant Product file.
Successful correction of the genuine issue may constitute an appropriate remedy and may remove the need for a monetary refund where legally permissible.
73.22 Replacement File
Where the delivered file is unusable but a valid replacement version of the same purchased Product can reasonably be supplied, AKBSTOCK may provide the replacement file.
Replacement of the defective or incorrectly delivered file does not constitute a new independent Product purchase or additional License unless expressly stated otherwise.
73.23 Restored Download Access
Where a valid Customer is unable to access a purchased Product because of an AKBSTOCK-side delivery or access problem, AKBSTOCK may restore download access where reasonably possible and consistent with applicable Account and Product-delivery rules.
Restored access may be preferred to a monetary refund where it fully resolves the genuine delivery problem.
73.24 Technical Assistance
AKBSTOCK may provide reasonable technical assistance relating to access, download or verification of the Product supplied.
Unless expressly agreed otherwise, technical assistance under this Policy does not automatically include extensive design editing, software training, printing consultancy, production management, colour matching services or other professional services beyond reasonable support for the purchased Product.
73.25 Support Is Not Customization
A Customer support request should not be used to obtain free customization, redesign, recolouring, resizing, file conversion, motif replacement, production adaptation or other services that were not included in the original Product purchase.
Where AKBSTOCK offers such services separately, additional terms or fees may apply.
73.26 Reasonable Opportunity to Resolve the Issue
Where legally permissible and the issue appears capable of correction, Customers are encouraged to allow AKBSTOCK a reasonable opportunity to investigate and resolve the problem before insisting on cancellation of the transaction.
This provision does not remove a mandatory right to an immediate refund or other remedy where applicable law provides such a right.
73.27 Failure of Technical Resolution
If reasonable technical support, correction, replacement or restored access does not resolve a verified eligible issue, the Customer may request further review under the refund provisions of this Policy.
A refund may then be considered where appropriate under Section 69 – When a Refund May Be Considered.
73.28 Technical Resolution Not Possible
Where AKBSTOCK determines that a verified Product or delivery problem cannot reasonably be corrected or resolved, AKBSTOCK may consider a refund or another appropriate remedy according to this Policy and applicable law.
73.29 Customer Refusal to Troubleshoot
Where a claimed issue cannot reasonably be verified without limited and appropriate Customer cooperation, AKBSTOCK may be unable to approve a discretionary refund if the Customer refuses reasonable troubleshooting or evidence requests.
This provision does not permit AKBSTOCK to deny a refund or remedy that is independently required by mandatory law.
73.30 Repeated Technical Claims
AKBSTOCK may investigate repeated technical refund claims associated with the same Customer, Account, payment method, device or pattern of Product usage where there is a reasonable basis to suspect abuse or fraud.
Repeated genuine technical problems will not be treated as abusive merely because more than one legitimate issue has occurred.
73.31 Support Records
AKBSTOCK may maintain reasonable records of technical support requests, troubleshooting steps, replacement files, restored access and related communications for Customer support, transaction administration, fraud prevention, dispute resolution and legal compliance.
Personal information contained in support records will be handled according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy.
73.32 Third-Party Technical Services
Where an issue involves a third-party hosting, payment, communication or technical service provider, AKBSTOCK may need to work with that provider to investigate or resolve the issue.
AKBSTOCK cannot guarantee the internal response time or technical operation of independent third-party systems but will seek to take reasonable steps within its control.
73.33 Response Time
AKBSTOCK seeks to review genuine technical support requests within a reasonable period, taking into account the nature, complexity and urgency of the reported issue.
No fixed technical-resolution period is guaranteed by this Section unless AKBSTOCK expressly provides one or applicable law requires a specific period.
73.34 Support Availability
Technical assistance is subject to the support channels, operating procedures and availability maintained by AKBSTOCK from time to time.
The availability of support does not guarantee that every Customer-side software, hardware, production or third-party problem can be resolved by AKBSTOCK.
73.35 Mandatory Consumer Rights
The support-first approach described in this Section does not reduce or delay any mandatory consumer remedy where applicable law gives the Customer a right that must be provided without requiring the troubleshooting process described here.
Mandatory consumer rights remain preserved under this Policy.
73.36 Relationship With Corrupted & Defective Files
Technical support may be used to determine whether a Product is genuinely corrupted, defective or unusable and whether correction or replacement is possible.
Detailed treatment of such files is addressed further in Section 74 – Corrupted, Defective or Unusable Files.
73.37 Relationship With Replacement Remedies
The availability of replacement files, corrected files, restored access or related non-monetary remedies is addressed further in Section 76 – Replacement, Repair or Restored Access Before Refund.
This Section establishes the general technical-support process before those remedies or a monetary refund are considered.
73.38 Relationship With Refund Review
Information obtained during technical troubleshooting may form part of the evidence considered during a later refund review.
The formal refund review and verification process is addressed further in Sections 83 – Refund Review & Verification and 84 – Approval or Rejection of Refund Requests.
73.39 Fairness to Both Parties
The purpose of technical support before refund is to provide Customers with a practical opportunity to receive the Product they purchased while avoiding unnecessary cancellation of valid digital transactions.
It also allows AKBSTOCK to distinguish genuine Product or delivery problems from issues caused by Customer-side systems, unsupported software, production conditions or other external factors.
73.40 Section Summary
Customers experiencing genuine technical problems are encouraged to contact AKBSTOCK Support before requesting a monetary refund.
AKBSTOCK may investigate download, access, file, Account or delivery problems and may provide troubleshooting, corrected files, replacement files, restored access or other reasonable assistance where appropriate.
If a verified eligible issue cannot reasonably be resolved through technical assistance or an alternative remedy, the matter may proceed to refund consideration under this Policy, while mandatory consumer rights remain fully preserved.
74. Corrupted, Defective or Unusable Files
74.1 General Principle
AKBSTOCK may review a refund or other remedy request where a Customer reasonably claims that a purchased digital Product file is corrupted, materially defective or unusable.
The appropriate outcome will depend on whether the problem is attributable to the Product file supplied by AKBSTOCK, whether the issue can reasonably be corrected or replaced and whether any mandatory legal right applies.
74.2 Meaning of a Corrupted File
A Product file may be considered corrupted where the file is materially damaged or incomplete in a way that prevents it from being opened, accessed or used as reasonably intended.
A file is not necessarily corrupted merely because the Customer’s software, hardware, device or workflow cannot use the file where the file itself is valid and correctly supplied.
74.3 Meaning of a Materially Defective File
A Product file may be considered materially defective where it contains a significant technical defect attributable to the file itself that substantially prevents use consistent with AKBSTOCK’s applicable Product representation.
Minor differences, cosmetic issues or characteristics that do not materially affect the Product’s intended technical use do not automatically establish a material defect.
74.4 Meaning of an Unusable File
A file may be considered unusable for purposes of this Policy where a verified Product-side problem prevents the Customer from reasonably opening, accessing or using the file for the purpose represented by AKBSTOCK.
A file is not automatically unusable merely because it does not meet a Customer’s unstated preference, unsupported workflow or particular production expectation that was not represented by AKBSTOCK.
74.5 Defect Must Relate to the Supplied Product
AKBSTOCK may distinguish between defects that existed in the Product as supplied and problems that arose after download because of Customer-side modification, conversion, storage failure, unsupported software or other external conditions.
A defect attributable solely to a Customer-side process does not ordinarily make the original AKBSTOCK Product defective.
74.6 Incomplete Downloads
A Product file may appear corrupted if the download was interrupted or incomplete.
Where this appears to be the cause, AKBSTOCK may first restore access or provide a fresh download so that a complete copy of the Product can be obtained.
74.7 Download Damage
If a valid AKBSTOCK master file becomes damaged during transfer, download or Customer-side storage, AKBSTOCK may attempt to provide a fresh copy of the same Product.
A fresh replacement may be an appropriate remedy where it resolves the genuine problem.
74.8 Source File Verification
Where reasonably possible, AKBSTOCK may compare the Customer’s report against the original Product file, master file, delivery copy or other internal records maintained for the Product.
This verification may help determine whether the reported issue existed in the Product supplied by AKBSTOCK or arose after delivery.
74.9 File Integrity Review
AKBSTOCK may review reasonable technical characteristics of the relevant Product file where necessary to evaluate a claimed corruption or defect.
The review may include determining whether the file opens correctly, whether the expected digital content is present and whether the file materially corresponds with the Product that was purchased.
74.10 Incorrect File Extension or Format
If the file supplied uses an incorrect format or extension relative to what AKBSTOCK expressly represented for the Product and the discrepancy materially affects usability, the issue may qualify for correction, replacement or refund consideration.
Where the correct file can reasonably be supplied, AKBSTOCK may first correct the delivery.
74.11 Missing or Incomplete Product Content
A Product may be considered materially defective where essential content represented as part of the purchase is missing from the delivered file.
AKBSTOCK may first attempt to provide the missing content or a complete replacement file where reasonably possible.
74.12 Material Repeat or Structural Defect
Where a Product is expressly represented as having a particular repeat, panel, placement, border or other textile-design structure, a material technical defect in that represented structure may be reviewed as a Product defect.
Minor design preferences or production adjustments that were not part of the stated Product specification do not automatically constitute defects.
74.13 Resolution or Dimension Defect
Where AKBSTOCK expressly represents a Product as having particular dimensions, resolution or other technical measurement and the delivered file materially fails to meet that representation, the discrepancy may be treated as a technical defect for review.
Where a corrected file can reasonably be supplied, correction may be attempted before a refund is considered.
74.14 Colour Mode or Technical Characteristic Error
Where AKBSTOCK expressly states that a Product will have a particular technical characteristic, such as a specified colour mode or other material file property, and the delivered file materially fails to match that representation, the issue may be reviewed for correction or another remedy.
This provision does not mean that every Customer-side colour or print difference constitutes a Product defect.
74.15 File Opens Differently Across Software
A Product file may behave differently across software applications, versions or operating systems.
Such differences do not automatically establish that the file is defective where the file is valid and AKBSTOCK did not expressly represent compatibility with the unsupported environment.
74.16 Unsupported Software Is Not File Corruption
A Customer’s inability to open a correctly supplied file using unsupported or incompatible software does not, by itself, mean that the Product file is corrupted.
Customers should review stated file formats and compatibility information before purchase where such compatibility is important to their intended use.
74.17 Customer Modification
If a file becomes unusable after the Customer edits, converts, compresses, resizes, recolours, restructures or otherwise modifies it, AKBSTOCK may request the original downloaded file or another unmodified copy for comparison.
AKBSTOCK is not ordinarily responsible for defects created by Customer or third-party modifications to an originally valid Product.
74.18 Customer Storage Failure
A file that becomes damaged because of Customer-side storage failure, disk corruption, device failure, malware, accidental deletion or another local-system problem is not automatically considered defective as originally supplied by AKBSTOCK.
Any available re-download or replacement access will depend on applicable AKBSTOCK delivery and Account rules.
74.19 Printing Problems Are Not Automatically File Defects
A problem observed only in physical printing or production does not automatically establish that the underlying digital Product is defective.
AKBSTOCK may consider whether the issue results from the Product file itself or from printing technology, fabric, ink, dye, RIP settings, colour profiles, calibration, scaling or other production factors.
74.20 Customer Production Error
A defect created through incorrect Customer-side scaling, colour conversion, file preparation, layout, printing or manufacturing does not ordinarily create refund eligibility where the original AKBSTOCK Product was correctly supplied.
This does not prevent review of a genuine defect that existed in the original Product file.
74.21 Reporting a Corrupted or Defective File
Customers should report a suspected corrupted, defective or unusable Product through the appropriate AKBSTOCK Support channel and provide sufficient information to identify the Product and explain the problem.
Providing clear information may help AKBSTOCK investigate and resolve the issue more efficiently.
74.22 Information That May Be Requested
AKBSTOCK may request reasonable information such as the order number, Product name, description of the problem, screenshots, error messages, relevant software information or other technical details necessary to investigate the claimed defect.
Detailed evidence requirements are addressed further in Section 82 – Information & Evidence Required for Refund Requests.
74.23 Customer Should Preserve the Original File
Where reasonably possible, a Customer reporting a file defect should preserve the original downloaded Product file until the issue has been reviewed.
The original file may assist AKBSTOCK in distinguishing a source-file defect from a problem introduced by later modification, conversion or storage.
74.24 Correction as the First Remedy
Where a verified defect can reasonably be corrected without changing the essential Product purchased by the Customer, AKBSTOCK may provide a corrected file as the first remedy.
A successful correction may resolve the issue without requiring a monetary refund where legally permissible.
74.25 Replacement as the First Remedy
Where a Product file is genuinely corrupted or unusable but a valid copy of the same purchased Product can be supplied, AKBSTOCK may provide a replacement file.
The replacement file should correspond with the Product and License originally purchased and does not ordinarily create an additional independent Product entitlement.
74.26 Restored Access
Where the problem results from a failed or damaged download rather than a defective master Product, AKBSTOCK may restore download access or otherwise enable the Customer to obtain a valid copy.
Restored access may constitute an appropriate remedy where it fully resolves the genuine problem.
74.27 Refund Where Correction Is Not Possible
A monetary refund may be considered where AKBSTOCK verifies a material Product defect and cannot reasonably provide a corrected, complete or usable version of the purchased Product.
Refund eligibility remains subject to the circumstances, applicable legal documents and mandatory law.
74.28 Refund After Failed Replacement
Where AKBSTOCK provides a reasonable replacement or correction but the verified underlying defect remains unresolved, the Customer may request further review for a refund or another appropriate remedy.
The final outcome will depend on the materiality of the remaining issue and applicable legal requirements.
74.29 Minor Defects
A minor issue that does not materially prevent reasonable use of the Product may not justify cancellation of the entire transaction.
Where appropriate, AKBSTOCK may correct the minor issue or provide another proportionate remedy rather than issuing a full refund.
74.30 Partial Defect
Where only a separable part of a multi-part Product or transaction is genuinely defective, AKBSTOCK may consider correction, replacement or another remedy limited to the affected part where technically and legally appropriate.
A full refund is not automatically required where the defect affects only a separable component and the remainder remains valid and usable.
74.31 Product Used Before Defect Was Discovered
A Customer may discover certain defects only after opening, inspecting or reasonably testing a Product.
Reasonable inspection or testing does not automatically defeat a genuine defect claim, although substantial commercial use or modification may be relevant to the available remedy.
74.32 Product Modified Before Defect Report
Where the Customer materially modifies the Product before reporting a defect, AKBSTOCK may require reasonable evidence showing that the claimed problem existed in the original Product rather than being created by the modification.
The absence of an original copy may make verification more difficult but does not automatically defeat a claim where other credible evidence is available.
74.33 Commercial Use of a Defective Product
If a Customer continues substantial commercial use of a Product after becoming aware of a claimed defect, such conduct may be relevant when determining the appropriate remedy where permitted by law.
This provision does not remove a mandatory legal right or excuse a genuine Product defect attributable to AKBSTOCK.
74.34 False Defect Claims
AKBSTOCK may reject or investigate claims that rely on fabricated screenshots, altered files, intentionally damaged Product copies, false technical information or other misleading evidence.
Fraudulent or abusive refund activity may be handled under the applicable fraud, Account and refund-abuse provisions of this Policy.
74.35 Genuine Claims Are Not Treated as Abuse
A Customer will not be treated as abusive merely because they report a legitimate Product defect or because more than one genuine technical problem has occurred.
AKBSTOCK seeks to distinguish good-faith defect reports from fabricated or abusive claims based on the available evidence and circumstances.
74.36 Privacy of Technical Evidence
Personal information contained in screenshots, support messages, technical logs or other evidence submitted in connection with a Product defect will be handled according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable law.
Customers should avoid providing unrelated sensitive information when reporting a technical issue.
74.37 Mandatory Consumer Rights
Nothing in this Section is intended to exclude or restrict any mandatory legal remedy applicable to defective digital content.
Where applicable law requires repair, replacement, refund, price reduction, cancellation or another remedy, AKBSTOCK will apply that mandatory requirement to the extent legally required.
74.38 Relationship With Technical Support
Suspected corrupted or defective Product files may first be reviewed through the technical support process described in Section 73 – Technical Problems & Support Before Refund.
Technical review may help determine whether correction, replacement, restored access or a refund is the appropriate remedy.
74.39 Relationship With Replacement Remedies
Where correction, replacement or restored access is appropriate, the detailed remedy framework is addressed further in Section 76 – Replacement, Repair or Restored Access Before Refund.
This Section focuses specifically on determining whether the underlying Product file is genuinely corrupted, defective or unusable.
74.40 Section Summary
AKBSTOCK may review claims that a purchased Product is corrupted, materially defective or unusable where the problem is reasonably attributable to the Product as supplied.
AKBSTOCK may verify the original file, request reasonable evidence and distinguish genuine Product defects from problems caused by incomplete downloads, unsupported software, Customer modification, storage failure or external production conditions.
Where possible, AKBSTOCK may first provide correction, replacement or restored access. If a material verified defect cannot reasonably be resolved, a refund or other appropriate remedy may be considered, while all mandatory consumer rights remain preserved.
75. Incorrect Product or File Delivered
75.1 General Principle
AKBSTOCK may review a refund or other remedy request where a Customer receives a digital Product or file that is materially different from the Product actually purchased because of a verified AKBSTOCK system, delivery or administrative error.
Where the correct Product or file can reasonably be supplied, AKBSTOCK may first correct the delivery before considering a monetary refund.
75.2 Meaning of Incorrect Product
An incorrect Product may include a situation where the Customer purchases one identified AKBSTOCK Product but receives a materially different Product because of a delivery or system error attributable to AKBSTOCK.
A Customer’s own incorrect selection of a Product before purchase is not the same as AKBSTOCK delivering the wrong Product.
75.3 Meaning of Incorrect File
An incorrect file may include a situation where the Product purchased is correctly identified but the downloadable file supplied does not correspond with the Product that the Customer purchased.
This may arise from file association, upload, delivery, configuration or other administrative or technical errors.
75.4 Incorrect Product vs. Customer Selection Error
AKBSTOCK will distinguish between an incorrect Product delivered by AKBSTOCK and an incorrect Product selected by the Customer.
Where AKBSTOCK supplied exactly the Product that the Customer selected and purchased, the transaction is not ordinarily treated as an incorrect-delivery case merely because the Customer later realizes that a different Product was intended.
75.5 Incorrect Product Identifier
Where Product identifiers, Product names, SKUs or other transaction references are used, AKBSTOCK may compare the purchased Product reference with the file or Product actually delivered.
A material mismatch may help establish that an incorrect Product was supplied.
75.6 Wrong File Attached to the Correct Product
If the correct Product page or order was used but the downloadable file attached to that Product was incorrect, AKBSTOCK may treat the matter as a delivery error.
Where reasonably possible, AKBSTOCK may replace the incorrect file with the correct file associated with the purchased Product.
75.7 Incorrect File Format Delivered
Where AKBSTOCK expressly represented that the purchased Product would be supplied in a particular digital format but materially supplied a different format because of a delivery error, the issue may qualify for correction or another remedy.
If the represented format can reasonably be supplied, AKBSTOCK may first provide the correct format before considering a refund.
75.8 Incorrect Version or Variant
Where a Product includes expressly identified versions, variants or other selectable options and AKBSTOCK supplies a materially different version from the one validly ordered, the issue may be reviewed as incorrect delivery.
AKBSTOCK may first provide the correct version where reasonably possible.
75.9 Incorrect Colourway Where Specifically Included
Where a transaction expressly includes a particular colourway or identified colour version and AKBSTOCK supplies a different version because of an AKBSTOCK-side error, the issue may be reviewed for correction or replacement.
This provision does not mean that ordinary screen or production colour differences constitute incorrect delivery.
75.10 Incorrect Design Category
Where the Product purchased belongs to a clearly identified design category or Product type but the delivered file is materially unrelated to that Product because of a delivery error, AKBSTOCK may review the matter as incorrect Product delivery.
The remedy will normally focus on supplying the Product that was actually purchased.
75.11 Missing Purchased File
Where a transaction expressly includes one or more specified Product files and a required file is missing from the delivered content because of an AKBSTOCK error, the issue may be treated as incomplete or incorrect delivery.
AKBSTOCK may first supply the missing file where reasonably possible.
75.12 Additional Incorrect File
If an incorrect file is delivered in addition to the correct purchased Product, AKBSTOCK may take appropriate steps to correct the delivery record or access arrangement.
Receipt of an unintended additional file does not automatically create a License to use that file.
75.13 No License to an Incorrectly Delivered Product
Where AKBSTOCK mistakenly provides a Product that the Customer did not purchase or validly obtain, the mistaken delivery does not automatically grant the Customer commercial or other License rights in that unintended Product.
Any rights in the correctly purchased Product remain governed by the applicable License Agreement.
75.14 Customer Should Avoid Using a Known Incorrect Product
Where a Customer reasonably recognizes that an unintended Product has been delivered, the Customer should avoid commercially using, distributing or otherwise exploiting that unintended Product and should notify AKBSTOCK through the appropriate support channel.
Continued use after becoming aware of the delivery error may affect the legal assessment of the situation.
75.15 Reporting Incorrect Delivery
A Customer who believes that the wrong Product or file has been delivered should contact AKBSTOCK Support and provide sufficient information to identify the order and explain the mismatch.
Prompt reporting may help AKBSTOCK correct the issue before the incorrect file is used or distributed.
75.16 Information That May Be Requested
AKBSTOCK may request reasonable information such as the order number, Product name or identifier, screenshot of the order or download area, file name, description of the file received and other information necessary to verify the delivery error.
Detailed evidence requirements are addressed further in Section 82 – Information & Evidence Required for Refund Requests.
75.17 Order Record Verification
AKBSTOCK may compare the Customer’s report with relevant order, Product, file-association, download and transaction records where reasonably necessary to determine what was purchased and what was supplied.
Personal information contained in such records will be handled according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy.
75.18 Product Page Verification
Where relevant, AKBSTOCK may review the Product information that applied to the transaction in order to determine whether the delivered Product materially differed from what was offered.
Minor display or presentation differences that do not change the actual purchased Product are not automatically treated as incorrect delivery.
75.19 Correct Product as the Primary Remedy
Where AKBSTOCK verifies that the wrong Product or file was supplied and the correct purchased Product remains available, AKBSTOCK may ordinarily provide the correct Product as the primary remedy.
Successful correct delivery may resolve the underlying problem without cancelling the valid purchase.
75.20 Replacement Does Not Create a Second Purchase
Providing the correct Product to replace an incorrectly delivered Product does not ordinarily create an additional independent Product purchase or additional License.
The Customer’s original transaction remains associated with the Product validly purchased.
75.21 Removal of Incorrect Download Access
Where technically possible and legally appropriate, AKBSTOCK may remove or disable future access to an incorrectly delivered Product after providing the correct Product.
This does not require AKBSTOCK to remotely access or delete files stored on a Customer’s own device.
75.22 Local Copy of Incorrect Product
If an incorrectly delivered Product has already been downloaded, the Customer may be asked to delete or cease using the unintended file where appropriate and legally permissible.
Technical possession of an accidentally delivered file does not by itself create lawful usage rights beyond those expressly granted by AKBSTOCK.
75.23 Refund Where Correct Delivery Is Impossible
A refund may be considered where AKBSTOCK verifies that the wrong Product was supplied and cannot reasonably provide the Product actually purchased.
The appropriate remedy may depend on the circumstances of the transaction and any mandatory rights available under applicable law.
75.24 Refund Where Replacement Fails
If AKBSTOCK attempts to correct an incorrect delivery but the Customer still does not receive the valid purchased Product because of a continuing verified AKBSTOCK-side issue, a refund or other appropriate remedy may be considered.
75.25 Customer Already Used the Incorrect Product
Where a Customer commercially uses or materially exploits a Product that the Customer knew or reasonably should have known was delivered by mistake, that use may be relevant to the legal and refund assessment of the matter.
This provision does not excuse an AKBSTOCK delivery error but may affect the available remedy or other rights where permitted by law.
75.26 Customer Used Incorrect Product Before Discovering the Error
Where the Customer could not reasonably identify the delivery error until after opening or inspecting the Product, reasonable inspection will not automatically be treated as misuse.
AKBSTOCK may consider the circumstances, timing and nature of any use before determining the appropriate remedy.
75.27 Incorrect Product Used in Production
If an incorrectly delivered Product has already been incorporated into production or client work before the error is discovered, the appropriate consequences may depend on the circumstances, applicable License terms and mandatory law.
This Refund & Cancellation Policy does not automatically grant continuing rights in a Product that was never validly licensed to the Customer.
75.28 No Automatic Choice of Any Replacement Product
Where AKBSTOCK supplied the wrong Product, the Customer is ordinarily entitled to seek correction of the original transaction rather than automatically selecting any unrelated Product of their choice as a replacement.
AKBSTOCK may voluntarily offer an alternative solution where appropriate, but such accommodation is not automatically required unless applicable law provides otherwise.
75.29 Difference in Price Between Incorrect and Correct Product
Where an incorrect Product is delivered because of an AKBSTOCK error, the Customer should not ordinarily be required to pay an additional amount merely to receive the Product that was validly purchased at the applicable transaction price.
If the Customer requests a different Product or transaction beyond correction of the original error, any price difference may be handled separately.
75.30 Incorrect Product of Higher Value
The accidental delivery of a Product that would ordinarily have a higher price or different License does not automatically grant the Customer the higher-value Product or expanded License rights.
AKBSTOCK may correct the delivery and provide the Product originally purchased.
75.31 Incorrect Product of Lower Value
Where AKBSTOCK mistakenly supplies a different lower-value Product instead of the Product purchased, AKBSTOCK may correct the issue by supplying the correct Product.
If correct delivery cannot reasonably be completed, an appropriate refund or other remedy may be considered.
75.32 Subscription Downloads
Where a Product obtained through a Subscription is incorrectly delivered, AKBSTOCK may correct the Product delivery and, where technically appropriate, correct any affected Subscription entitlement or download record.
The detailed treatment of Subscription credits, entitlements and billing remains governed by the applicable Subscription documents.
75.33 Exclusive License Transactions
An incorrect delivery involving an Exclusive License transaction may require additional review because the purchased Product, exclusivity status and License rights must be accurately matched.
Such matters may also be governed by Section 90 – Exclusive License Transactions and the applicable Exclusive License Agreement.
75.34 Fraudulent Incorrect-Delivery Claims
AKBSTOCK may reject or investigate claims that a wrong Product was delivered where available records reasonably establish correct delivery and the claim relies on fabricated, altered or misleading evidence.
This provision does not affect genuine Customer claims involving actual AKBSTOCK delivery errors.
75.35 Record Correction
Where an incorrect delivery is verified, AKBSTOCK may correct relevant internal Product, order, download or support records where appropriate to reflect the resolution of the issue.
Licensing records should accurately identify the Product that the Customer ultimately validly obtained.
75.36 Privacy of Supporting Information
Personal information provided or reviewed in connection with an incorrect-delivery claim will be handled according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable law.
Customers should avoid including unrelated sensitive information in screenshots or support communications.
75.37 Mandatory Consumer Rights
Nothing in this Section is intended to reduce any mandatory legal remedy applicable where a seller provides incorrect digital content or fails to supply the Product purchased.
Where applicable law requires replacement, refund, price adjustment, cancellation or another remedy, AKBSTOCK will apply the mandatory requirement to the extent legally required.
75.38 Relationship With Defective Files
If the correct Product was delivered but the Product file itself is corrupted, defective or unusable, the matter should be considered under Section 74 – Corrupted, Defective or Unusable Files rather than being treated solely as an incorrect-delivery issue.
75.39 Relationship With Replacement Remedies
Where the issue can be resolved through replacement, correction or restored access, Section 76 – Replacement, Repair or Restored Access Before Refund provides the broader remedy framework.
75.40 Section Summary
Where AKBSTOCK verifies that a Customer received a Product or file materially different from the Product validly purchased because of an AKBSTOCK-side error, AKBSTOCK may correct the delivery by providing the correct Product or file.
The mistaken delivery of another Product does not automatically grant License rights in that unintended Product, and Customers should avoid knowingly using an incorrectly delivered Product.
If correct delivery cannot reasonably be completed or the verified issue remains unresolved, a refund or another appropriate remedy may be considered under this Policy, subject to applicable law.
76. Replacement, Repair or Restored Access Before Refund
76.1 General Remedy Principle
Where a genuine Product, delivery or access issue can reasonably be resolved without cancelling the underlying transaction, AKBSTOCK may provide an appropriate non-monetary remedy before considering a monetary refund.
Such remedies may include replacement of the Product file, correction or repair of a defective file, restored download access, re-delivery or reasonable technical assistance.
76.2 Purpose of Alternative Remedies
The purpose of replacement, repair or restored access is to place the Customer in the position reasonably expected from the valid transaction by providing the Product that was purchased in usable form.
Where that objective can be achieved fairly and reasonably, cancellation of the transaction may not be necessary.
76.3 Replacement Before Refund
Where a Product file is corrupted, incomplete, incorrectly delivered or otherwise unusable because of a verified issue, AKBSTOCK may first provide a valid replacement copy of the same purchased Product.
Successful replacement may resolve the refund request where the Customer ultimately receives the Product validly purchased.
76.4 Repair or Correction Before Refund
Where a verified defect can reasonably be corrected without materially changing the Product purchased, AKBSTOCK may provide a repaired or corrected version of the Product file.
The correction should address the genuine defect while preserving the essential nature of the Product and the applicable License.
76.5 Restored Access Before Refund
Where a Customer cannot access or download a purchased Product because of a verified AKBSTOCK-side access or delivery issue, AKBSTOCK may restore or renew access where reasonably possible.
Restored access may be an appropriate remedy where the Product itself is valid and the issue concerns delivery rather than Product quality.
76.6 Re-Delivery
Where a valid Product was not successfully received because of an interrupted, failed or damaged digital delivery, AKBSTOCK may re-deliver the Product or provide another reasonable method of access.
Re-delivery does not ordinarily create a second independent purchase or additional License.
76.7 Correct Product Delivery
Where AKBSTOCK delivered the wrong Product or file, AKBSTOCK may correct the error by providing the Product that the Customer actually purchased.
Correct delivery may constitute the primary remedy where it fully resolves the verified issue.
76.8 Replacement Must Relate to the Original Purchase
A replacement under this Section ordinarily means a valid copy or corrected version of the same Product purchased by the Customer.
It does not automatically entitle the Customer to select an unrelated Product, higher-value Product or different License unless AKBSTOCK expressly agrees to such an alternative.
76.9 No Additional License Through Replacement
Providing a replacement, corrected file or restored access does not ordinarily create an additional Product License.
The Customer’s rights remain based on the original valid transaction and the applicable License Agreement.
76.10 Replacement of a Corrupted File
If a Product file is genuinely corrupted but a valid master or replacement copy exists, AKBSTOCK may supply that valid copy to the Customer.
Where the replacement file resolves the corruption issue, a monetary refund may not be necessary unless otherwise required by applicable law.
76.11 Correction of a Material Defect
Where a Product contains a verified technical defect that AKBSTOCK can reasonably correct, AKBSTOCK may provide the corrected file.
The Customer may be asked to verify whether the correction resolves the specific defect reported.
76.12 Missing File or Component
Where an expressly included Product file or component is missing from the delivery, AKBSTOCK may provide the missing item rather than cancelling the entire transaction.
If the missing component cannot reasonably be supplied and materially affects the purchased Product, further refund review may be appropriate.
76.13 Incorrect File Format
Where AKBSTOCK materially supplied the wrong file format despite expressly representing another format, AKBSTOCK may first provide the correct represented format where reasonably possible.
Successful correction may resolve the issue without a monetary refund.
76.14 Download Link or Access Failure
If a download link, Account access function or delivery mechanism fails because of an AKBSTOCK-side issue, AKBSTOCK may repair or restore the relevant access mechanism.
Where the Product itself remains valid and accessible after restoration, the underlying transaction may remain in effect.
76.15 Expired or Failed Access Caused by a Verified System Error
Where Product access becomes unavailable earlier than reasonably expected because of a verified AKBSTOCK system error, AKBSTOCK may restore access where technically and legally appropriate.
This provision does not independently guarantee unlimited or permanent re-download access beyond the rules applicable to the original transaction.
76.16 Customer-Side Loss of File
Replacement or restored access is not automatically required merely because the Customer later deletes, loses or damages a valid Product file after successful delivery for reasons unrelated to AKBSTOCK.
Any available re-download or assistance will depend on the applicable Website functionality, Account rules and other AKBSTOCK legal documents.
76.17 Technical Assistance as a Remedy
Where the Product file itself is valid but a Customer experiences a reasonably resolvable access or usage problem, AKBSTOCK may provide limited technical assistance related to the purchased Product.
Such assistance may include guidance concerning download, access or basic file verification where appropriate.
76.18 Technical Assistance Does Not Include Unpurchased Services
Technical assistance under this Policy does not automatically include free customization, redesign, recolouring, resizing, source-file preparation, file conversion, production adaptation, software training or other professional services not included in the original transaction.
Such services may be separately offered by AKBSTOCK under additional terms where applicable.
76.19 Reasonable Opportunity to Remedy
Where legally permissible, AKBSTOCK may request a reasonable opportunity to investigate and remedy a genuine technical or Product issue before a monetary refund is issued.
The time and steps reasonably required may depend on the nature, complexity and evidence associated with the issue.
76.20 No Unreasonable Delay
The use of replacement, repair or restored access as a first remedy is not intended to allow AKBSTOCK to delay resolution indefinitely.
Where a verified issue cannot be resolved within a reasonable manner or period, AKBSTOCK may consider a refund or another appropriate remedy according to this Policy and applicable law.
76.21 Customer Cooperation
Customers are expected to reasonably cooperate with steps necessary to deliver, test or verify a replacement or corrected file.
AKBSTOCK may be unable to determine whether a remedy succeeded where the Customer refuses reasonable access, verification or troubleshooting steps necessary to evaluate the issue.
76.22 Replacement Testing
A Customer may be asked to reasonably test or inspect a replacement or corrected file to determine whether the reported issue has been resolved.
Reasonable inspection does not create a new independent Product purchase or alter the applicable License.
76.23 Successful Remedy
Where AKBSTOCK provides a replacement, correction or restored access that reasonably and materially resolves the verified issue, the underlying refund request may be treated as resolved where permitted by applicable law.
This does not prevent the Customer from reporting a separate genuine problem affecting the replacement or corrected Product.
76.24 Failed Remedy
If a replacement, repair, correction or restored access attempt does not resolve the verified underlying issue, the Customer may request further review.
A refund or another remedy may then be considered according to Section 69 – When a Refund May Be Considered and other applicable provisions of this Policy.
76.25 Remedy Not Technically Possible
Where AKBSTOCK determines that a genuine Product or delivery problem cannot reasonably be repaired, replaced or otherwise corrected, a monetary refund may be considered where appropriate.
The final outcome will depend on the transaction circumstances, materiality of the issue and mandatory law.
76.26 Remedy No Longer Appropriate
Even where a replacement or correction is technically possible, a monetary refund or different remedy may be appropriate where applicable law requires it or where the circumstances make replacement or repair unreasonable.
This may depend on the nature of the defect, delay, repeated failure or other relevant factors.
76.27 Repeated Replacement Failure
AKBSTOCK does not intend to require an unlimited series of unsuccessful replacement or repair attempts before considering another remedy.
Where reasonable attempts have repeatedly failed to resolve a verified material issue, refund review may be appropriate.
76.28 Partial Remedy
Where only a separable part of a Product or transaction is affected, AKBSTOCK may provide replacement, repair or correction limited to the affected component where technically and legally appropriate.
A full refund is not automatically required where the unaffected remainder of the transaction remains valid and usable.
76.29 Replacement After Customer Modification
AKBSTOCK is not ordinarily required to repair or replace a Product where the reported problem was created solely by Customer or third-party modification of an originally valid file.
Where a genuine original defect is alleged, AKBSTOCK may request the original supplied file or other reasonable evidence to verify the claim.
76.30 Replacement After Customer Storage Damage
A file damaged by Customer-side storage failure, malware, device failure or another local-system issue is not automatically eligible for replacement under this Refund & Cancellation Policy.
AKBSTOCK may nevertheless provide available re-download assistance where permitted by applicable delivery and Account rules.
76.31 Subscription Product Replacement
Where a Product obtained through a Subscription is defective or incorrectly delivered, AKBSTOCK may correct or replace the affected Product and, where technically appropriate, correct any related download or entitlement record.
The replacement does not automatically restore or create additional Subscription credits unless the applicable Subscription rules or AKBSTOCK’s correction process provide otherwise.
76.32 Exclusive License Product Replacement
Where an Exclusive License transaction involves an incorrect or defective file, any replacement or correction should ordinarily relate to the same Product covered by the Exclusive License.
Providing an unrelated replacement Product does not automatically create exclusive rights in that alternative Product unless AKBSTOCK expressly enters into an appropriate Exclusive License arrangement.
76.33 Record of Replacement or Restored Access
AKBSTOCK may maintain reasonable records showing that a replacement, corrected file or restored access was provided.
Such records may be relevant to Customer support, licensing, transaction administration, fraud prevention, refund review or dispute resolution.
76.34 Privacy of Remedy Records
Personal information processed in connection with replacement, repair, restored access or technical assistance will be handled in accordance with the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable law.
AKBSTOCK seeks to limit information collection to what is reasonably relevant to the issue and remedy.
76.35 Fraudulent Replacement Requests
AKBSTOCK may reject or investigate replacement or restored-access requests based on fabricated loss, false corruption claims, altered files, unauthorized sharing or other reasonably identified abuse.
This does not affect genuine Customer requests involving actual AKBSTOCK delivery or Product problems.
76.36 No Double Recovery
Unless required by applicable law, a Customer should not ordinarily receive both a complete and effective replacement or correction of the purchased Product and a full monetary refund for the same resolved issue.
The remedy should be proportionate to the actual problem and should avoid duplicative recovery for the same underlying issue.
76.37 Mandatory Consumer Rights
Nothing in this Section is intended to force a Customer to accept repair, replacement or restored access where applicable law gives the Customer a mandatory right to a different remedy.
Where applicable law prescribes the order, availability or timing of repair, replacement, price reduction, cancellation or refund remedies, AKBSTOCK will apply the mandatory legal requirement to the extent required.
76.38 Relationship With Technical Support
Technical problems may first be investigated according to Section 73 – Technical Problems & Support Before Refund.
The technical support process may determine whether replacement, repair, restored access or another remedy under this Section is appropriate.
76.39 Relationship With Defective & Incorrect Files
Where the issue concerns a corrupted, defective or unusable Product, Section 74 – Corrupted, Defective or Unusable Files should also be considered.
Where the issue concerns the wrong Product or file being delivered, Section 75 – Incorrect Product or File Delivered should also be considered.
76.40 Section Summary
Where a genuine AKBSTOCK Product, delivery or access issue can reasonably be resolved, AKBSTOCK may provide replacement, repair, correction, re-delivery, restored access or technical assistance before considering a monetary refund.
The objective is to provide the Customer with the valid Product and benefit originally purchased without unnecessarily cancelling a transaction that can be properly completed.
If reasonable corrective measures fail, are unavailable or are inappropriate, a refund or another remedy may be considered under this Policy, while mandatory consumer rights remain fully preserved.
77. Duplicate Payments & Duplicate Charges
77.1 General Principle
AKBSTOCK may investigate and correct a verified duplicate payment or duplicate charge where a Customer has been charged more than once for the same intended transaction because of a payment, Website, system or processing error.
Where a genuine duplicate charge is confirmed, the duplicate amount may be refunded, reversed or otherwise appropriately corrected while the valid underlying transaction remains in effect.
77.2 Meaning of Duplicate Payment
A duplicate payment generally refers to circumstances in which more than one payment is successfully collected for what was intended to be a single AKBSTOCK transaction.
The determination will depend on the relevant order, payment and transaction records and the circumstances in which the payments occurred.
77.3 Meaning of Duplicate Charge
A duplicate charge may occur where the same intended purchase results in more than one debit, card charge, wallet deduction or other payment collection that is not supported by separate valid transactions.
AKBSTOCK may review whether each charge corresponds with an independent valid order or whether one or more charges are genuine duplicates.
77.4 Duplicate Payment vs. Separate Valid Orders
Two payments are not automatically duplicates merely because they involve the same Customer, Product or payment amount.
If the Customer intentionally or independently completes separate valid orders, each transaction may remain valid even where the Products or amounts are identical.
77.5 Accidental Repeated Checkout
Where a Customer unintentionally submits the same checkout process more than once and multiple payments or orders are created, AKBSTOCK may review whether the circumstances constitute a genuine duplicate transaction.
The outcome may depend on whether separate Products, Licenses or other benefits were actually created or used under the additional transaction.
77.6 Customer Clicking Payment More Than Once
A Customer may occasionally attempt payment more than once because a payment page appears delayed, unresponsive or incomplete.
If those attempts result in multiple successful charges for a single intended order, AKBSTOCK may review and correct the genuine duplicate amount where appropriate.
77.7 Website or System Error
Where an AKBSTOCK Website or system error causes more than one payment to be associated with a single intended transaction, the matter may qualify for duplicate-payment correction.
AKBSTOCK may review relevant Website, order and payment records to verify the issue.
77.8 Payment Provider Processing Error
A duplicate charge may also result from a payment-provider, banking, card-network, wallet or other financial processing issue.
Where appropriate, AKBSTOCK may coordinate with the relevant payment provider or request that the Customer also contact their financial institution so that the duplicate transaction can be verified and resolved.
77.9 Pending Transactions Are Not Always Duplicate Charges
A Customer may sometimes see more than one pending payment entry while the payment system determines the final status of a transaction.
A temporary pending authorization or processing entry is not necessarily a completed duplicate charge.
AKBSTOCK may need to wait for the relevant payment records to show the final transaction status before determining whether a duplicate payment actually occurred.
77.10 Authorization Holds
Certain payment methods may display temporary authorization or processing holds that do not represent final settled payments to AKBSTOCK.
Where a Customer reports a duplicate charge, AKBSTOCK may distinguish between a completed payment and a temporary authorization or pending entry based on available payment information.
77.11 One Successful Payment and One Failed Attempt
Where one payment attempt succeeds and another attempt fails or is automatically reversed, the failed attempt may not require a separate AKBSTOCK refund if the relevant payment provider returns or releases the amount through its own payment process.
AKBSTOCK may assist in identifying the transaction status where reasonably possible.
77.12 Duplicate Order Records
Where more than one AKBSTOCK order record exists, AKBSTOCK may determine whether each order represents a valid separate transaction or whether the records resulted from a duplicate checkout or processing error.
The presence of two order numbers does not by itself establish that both payments were intentionally made.
77.13 Same Product Purchased Twice
Purchasing the same Product more than once does not automatically establish a duplicate-payment error.
AKBSTOCK may consider whether the Customer intentionally completed separate transactions or whether the repeated purchase resulted from a verified technical or payment-processing issue.
77.14 Different Products With the Same Price
Two charges of the same amount are not automatically duplicate charges where they relate to different Products, orders, Subscription payments or other legitimate transactions.
The transaction references and order details will be considered when verifying the claim.
77.15 Duplicate Subscription Charge
If a Customer is charged more than once for the same Subscription billing event because of a verified payment or system error, AKBSTOCK may investigate and correct the duplicate amount.
Subscription-specific billing and refund matters remain subject to Section 89 – Subscription Cancellations & Refunds and the applicable Subscription documents.
77.16 Duplicate Exclusive License Charge
Where an Exclusive License transaction results in a verified duplicate charge but only one valid Exclusive License transaction was intended, the duplicate payment may be corrected while the underlying Exclusive License remains governed by the applicable Exclusive License Agreement.
A duplicate payment does not create a second independent Exclusive License in the same Product.
77.17 Customer Should Report Suspected Duplicate Charges
A Customer who believes that they have been charged more than once for the same intended AKBSTOCK transaction should contact AKBSTOCK Support through the applicable official channel.
Prompt reporting may assist AKBSTOCK in identifying the relevant payment and order records.
77.18 Information That May Be Requested
AKBSTOCK may request reasonable information necessary to identify and verify a suspected duplicate payment.
This may include the order number, transaction reference, payment date, amount, payment method, screenshot showing the relevant charges or other information reasonably connected with the claim.
Detailed evidence requirements are addressed further in Section 82 – Information & Evidence Required for Refund Requests.
77.19 Sensitive Payment Information
Customers should not provide complete payment card numbers, card security codes, banking passwords, one-time passwords or other unnecessary sensitive credentials when reporting a duplicate charge.
Where a screenshot is submitted, Customers are encouraged to obscure unrelated sensitive financial information where reasonably possible.
77.20 AKBSTOCK Transaction Review
AKBSTOCK may review relevant order, payment, Account and transaction records to determine whether more than one payment was received for the same intended purchase.
The review may also consider information received from an authorized payment provider where appropriate.
77.21 Payment Provider Verification
AKBSTOCK may need to rely on payment-provider or financial-institution records to determine the status of a reported transaction, particularly where the Customer’s banking interface shows a pending, reversed or otherwise unclear entry.
The information available to AKBSTOCK may differ from the information displayed directly by the Customer’s bank or payment provider.
77.22 Verified Duplicate Payment
Where AKBSTOCK verifies that two or more successful payments were improperly collected for one intended transaction and only one payment was legitimately due, the excess duplicate payment may be eligible for refund or other appropriate reversal.
The valid original payment and associated Product or License transaction may remain effective.
77.23 Refund Limited to the Duplicate Amount
Where the underlying Product purchase remains valid and the only problem is an additional duplicate charge, the remedy will ordinarily concern the duplicate amount rather than refunding the valid original payment.
The Customer’s access to the correctly purchased Product and applicable License may therefore remain unaffected.
77.24 No Cancellation of Valid License Because of Duplicate Charge
Refunding or reversing a verified duplicate payment does not ordinarily cancel the Product License associated with the valid underlying transaction.
The Customer’s License remains based on the properly completed purchase unless another independent reason affects that License.
77.25 Multiple Valid Transactions
If AKBSTOCK verifies that multiple charges correspond with separate valid transactions intentionally or independently completed by the Customer, the charges will not ordinarily be treated as duplicate-payment errors.
Any refund request concerning those transactions will be assessed under the other applicable provisions of this Policy.
77.26 Customer Disputes Intent
If the Customer states that multiple separate orders were not intentionally placed, AKBSTOCK may review the circumstances, timing, transaction records and Product access information where relevant.
The appropriate outcome will depend on the available evidence and mandatory legal requirements.
77.27 Duplicate Payment Already Automatically Reversed
Where a payment provider or financial institution has already automatically reversed or released a duplicate or failed transaction, AKBSTOCK will not ordinarily issue an additional refund for the same amount.
The Customer should review the final account or payment status before seeking an additional duplicate-payment refund.
77.28 No Double Refund
A Customer is not entitled to receive more than one reimbursement for the same duplicate payment.
If the relevant amount has already been reversed, refunded, credited or otherwise restored through AKBSTOCK, a payment provider or a financial institution, an additional refund for the same amount may be refused or corrected.
77.29 Duplicate Refund Error
If AKBSTOCK or a payment provider accidentally issues more than one refund for the same duplicate charge, AKBSTOCK may take reasonable steps to reconcile or correct the resulting transaction records where legally permitted.
This provision does not authorize AKBSTOCK to collect an amount that the Customer is legitimately entitled to retain.
77.30 Processing an Approved Duplicate-Payment Refund
Where a duplicate-payment refund is approved, AKBSTOCK may initiate the refund through the original payment method or another appropriate method where reasonably practicable.
The Customer may be provided with relevant confirmation or transaction information where available.
77.31 Refund Processing Time
The time required for a refunded duplicate payment to appear in the Customer’s account may depend on the relevant payment provider, bank, card network or financial institution.
AKBSTOCK cannot guarantee the internal settlement or posting time of independently operated payment systems.
77.32 Currency & International Transactions
Where a duplicate payment involves an international transaction, foreign currency or cross-border payment provider, differences in exchange rates, bank processing or financial-provider procedures may affect how entries appear in the Customer’s account.
Currency and payment-provider differences are addressed further in Section 87 – Currency, Bank & Payment Provider Differences.
77.33 Fraudulent Duplicate-Payment Claims
AKBSTOCK may reject or investigate duplicate-payment claims based on fabricated payment screenshots, altered transaction information, knowingly false statements or other misleading evidence.
This provision does not affect genuine Customers reporting legitimate duplicate charges.
77.34 Chargeback Filed for a Duplicate Payment
If a Customer has already initiated a chargeback or payment dispute concerning a suspected duplicate payment, AKBSTOCK may need to coordinate the refund review with the applicable payment-provider dispute process.
AKBSTOCK seeks to avoid issuing a separate refund that would result in duplicate reimbursement for the same disputed amount.
77.35 Customer Should Notify AKBSTOCK of Existing Disputes
When requesting a duplicate-payment refund, Customers should inform AKBSTOCK if the same charge has already been disputed through a bank, card issuer, payment provider or other financial institution where such information is relevant to avoiding duplicate processing.
77.36 Records of Duplicate Payment Resolution
AKBSTOCK may maintain reasonable records concerning duplicate-payment reports, transaction verification, refunds, reversals and related communications for accounting, Customer support, fraud prevention, dispute resolution and legal compliance.
Personal information contained in such records will be handled according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy.
77.37 Third-Party Payment Provider Responsibilities
Certain duplicate-payment or failed-transaction issues may be resolved directly by the relevant bank, card issuer, payment gateway, wallet provider or other financial institution under its own procedures and applicable legal requirements.
AKBSTOCK may reasonably cooperate with such providers where information or action from AKBSTOCK is required to resolve the relevant transaction.
77.38 Mandatory Payment & Consumer Rights
Nothing in this Section is intended to reduce any mandatory right concerning duplicate debits, failed payment transactions, payment reversals, refunds or consumer remedies that applicable law or payment-system regulation requires.
Where a mandatory requirement provides the Customer with greater protection, the applicable requirement will apply to the extent legally required.
77.39 Relationship With Payment Processing Errors
This Section primarily addresses duplicate payments and duplicate charges.
Other payment errors, including circumstances where an incorrect amount is collected or a transaction is otherwise improperly processed, are addressed further in Section 78 – Payment Processing Errors.
77.40 Relationship With Failed & Pending Payments
Where the issue concerns a failed, pending, reversed or incomplete payment rather than a completed duplicate charge, Section 79 – Failed, Pending & Reversed Payments should also be considered.
77.41 Relationship With Chargebacks
Where a Customer disputes a duplicate charge through a payment provider or financial institution, Section 93 – Chargebacks & Payment Disputes may also apply.
The refund and chargeback processes should not be used to obtain duplicate reimbursement for the same payment.
77.42 Fair Correction Principle
The purpose of this Section is to ensure that a Customer is not required to bear a genuine duplicate charge while preserving the validity of the underlying Product transaction for which payment was properly due.
AKBSTOCK seeks to correct verified payment errors fairly without creating duplicate refunds or unintentionally cancelling valid Product and License rights.
77.43 Section Summary
If a Customer is genuinely charged more than once for a single intended AKBSTOCK transaction, AKBSTOCK may investigate the payment records and refund, reverse or otherwise correct the verified duplicate amount.
Separate valid orders, temporary authorizations, pending entries or already reversed failed payments are not automatically duplicate charges. AKBSTOCK may work with payment providers or financial institutions where necessary to determine the final transaction status.
Correction of a genuine duplicate payment ordinarily affects only the duplicate amount and does not cancel the valid underlying Product purchase or License, while all mandatory payment and consumer rights remain preserved.
78. Payment Processing Errors
78.1 General Principle
AKBSTOCK may review and correct a verified payment processing error where a Customer’s payment transaction is materially processed incorrectly because of an AKBSTOCK system issue, payment provider error, financial processing problem or other verified transaction-processing failure.
The appropriate remedy may include transaction correction, order reconciliation, payment reversal, partial refund, full refund or another suitable action depending on the circumstances.
78.2 Meaning of Payment Processing Error
A payment processing error may include a situation in which the amount, payment status, order association, transaction result or other material payment information is processed incorrectly in relation to the Customer’s intended AKBSTOCK transaction.
Not every delay, pending entry or Customer-side payment difficulty constitutes a payment processing error.
78.3 Incorrect Amount Charged
A payment processing error may exist where the Customer is charged an amount materially different from the amount properly payable for the relevant AKBSTOCK transaction because of a verified system, calculation or payment-processing error.
Where the underlying transaction remains valid, the appropriate remedy may be limited to correcting or refunding the verified excess amount.
78.4 Amount Charged Below the Correct Amount
If a verified payment-processing error results in an amount being collected that is lower than the amount properly payable, AKBSTOCK may review the transaction and take reasonable corrective action where legally permitted.
AKBSTOCK will not automatically treat a payment-processing error as creating a permanent entitlement to an unintended pricing or payment benefit.
78.5 Payment Debited but Order Not Completed
A Customer may occasionally experience a situation where payment appears to have been successfully debited but the corresponding AKBSTOCK order is not completed or confirmed.
AKBSTOCK may investigate the payment status and, where the payment is verified as successfully received, may either reconcile the transaction and complete the valid order or provide an appropriate refund or reversal where the order cannot reasonably be completed.
78.6 Order Completed but Payment Status Incorrect
Where an order is validly created but the Website displays an incorrect payment status because of a synchronization or processing error, AKBSTOCK may review and correct the relevant transaction record.
The Customer should not be required to make an unnecessary second payment where AKBSTOCK can verify that the original valid payment was successfully received.
78.7 Payment Successful but Product Access Not Activated
Where payment is successfully completed but Product access, download entitlement or another transaction benefit is not activated because of a verified payment-status or system-processing error, AKBSTOCK may first attempt to correct the access or order status.
A monetary refund may be considered where the transaction cannot reasonably be completed or another remedy is required by applicable law.
78.8 Payment Gateway Communication Error
A payment gateway communication or synchronization error may result in AKBSTOCK and the payment provider temporarily displaying different transaction statuses.
AKBSTOCK may need to review payment-provider records or wait for final transaction confirmation before determining whether payment was successfully completed, failed, reversed or remains pending.
78.9 Incorrect Transaction Status
Where a payment or order is incorrectly marked as successful, failed, cancelled, refunded or pending because of a verified processing error, AKBSTOCK may correct the transaction status based on authoritative payment and order information.
The corrected status may affect Product access, refund processing, Account records and related transaction administration.
78.10 Failed Callback or Notification
Some payment systems communicate transaction results to AKBSTOCK through technical notifications or callbacks.
If such a notification fails or is delayed, the Website may temporarily show an inaccurate or incomplete order status even where the payment provider has processed the transaction differently.
AKBSTOCK may reconcile the transaction once the correct payment status can be verified.
78.11 Settlement Error
A transaction may appear successful to the Customer but later fail to settle to AKBSTOCK because of a payment-provider, banking or financial-processing issue.
Where such a discrepancy occurs, AKBSTOCK may review the final settlement status before determining whether Product access, order completion, payment collection or another corrective action is appropriate.
78.12 Payment Reversal After Apparent Success
A payment may initially appear successful but later be reversed, rejected or cancelled by the payment provider, bank, card issuer or financial institution.
Where AKBSTOCK does not ultimately receive the valid payment, the transaction may be treated according to its final payment status and applicable Product access or Account rules.
78.13 Payment Collected After Order Failure
If an AKBSTOCK order fails or cannot be validly completed but a payment is nevertheless successfully collected because of a verified processing error, the Customer may be entitled to transaction correction or refund of the affected amount.
AKBSTOCK may first determine whether the intended order can reasonably be reconciled with the Customer’s agreement.
78.14 Wrong Order Associated With Payment
If a payment is materially associated with the wrong AKBSTOCK order because of a verified system or administrative error, AKBSTOCK may correct the transaction association where reasonably possible.
Where the correct transaction cannot reasonably be established or completed, an appropriate refund or other remedy may be considered.
78.15 Currency Processing Error
A payment processing error may be reviewed where the wrong transaction currency is applied because of a verified AKBSTOCK or payment-processing error rather than ordinary currency conversion by the Customer’s bank or payment provider.
Normal exchange-rate differences, foreign transaction fees or currency conversion practices of independent financial institutions are addressed separately under Section 87 – Currency, Bank & Payment Provider Differences.
78.16 Incorrect Tax or Transaction Calculation
Where a verified system error causes a Customer to be charged an incorrect amount because of an erroneous tax, fee, discount or transaction calculation, AKBSTOCK may correct the affected amount where appropriate.
The treatment of taxes and legally required charges remains subject to applicable law.
78.17 Discount Processing Error
Where AKBSTOCK expressly offers an applicable discount or promotion but a verified Website or payment-processing error causes the transaction to be charged differently from the valid checkout amount, AKBSTOCK may review the discrepancy.
A Customer’s failure to enter or apply a promotional code correctly is not automatically a payment-processing error.
78.18 Subscription Billing Processing Error
A Subscription payment may qualify for correction where AKBSTOCK verifies that the charge was materially processed incorrectly because of a billing or system error.
Subscription-specific billing, cancellation and refund rules remain subject to Section 89 – Subscription Cancellations & Refunds and the applicable Subscription documents.
78.19 Exclusive License Payment Processing Error
Where an Exclusive License transaction is affected by a verified payment-processing error, AKBSTOCK may correct the payment while separately preserving or adjusting the legal status of the Exclusive License according to the transaction circumstances and applicable Exclusive License Agreement.
A payment correction does not automatically create, terminate or modify exclusive rights unless the relevant transaction or legal terms require that result.
78.20 Duplicate Payment Is Addressed Separately
Where the payment problem consists specifically of more than one successful charge for a single intended transaction, Section 77 – Duplicate Payments & Duplicate Charges should primarily govern that issue.
This Section addresses other payment-processing errors that do not necessarily involve duplicate charges.
78.21 Pending Payment Is Addressed Separately
A payment that remains pending does not automatically constitute a processing error or completed charge.
Failed, pending and reversed payments are addressed further in Section 79 – Failed, Pending & Reversed Payments.
78.22 Customer Reporting a Payment Error
A Customer who reasonably believes that an AKBSTOCK payment has been processed incorrectly should contact AKBSTOCK Support through the applicable official channel.
The Customer should provide sufficient information to identify the relevant order or transaction and explain the suspected error.
78.23 Information That May Be Requested
AKBSTOCK may request reasonable information such as the order number, payment amount, transaction reference, payment date, payment method, screenshot of the relevant transaction status or other information necessary to verify the reported error.
Detailed evidence requirements are addressed further in Section 82 – Information & Evidence Required for Refund Requests.
78.24 Sensitive Financial Information
Customers should not provide complete payment card numbers, card security codes, banking passwords, one-time passwords or other unnecessary sensitive financial credentials when reporting a payment-processing error.
Where screenshots are provided, Customers should obscure unrelated sensitive information where reasonably possible.
78.25 AKBSTOCK Order Record Review
AKBSTOCK may review relevant order, payment, Account and transaction records to determine whether a payment-processing error occurred.
Such review may include comparing Website records with information made available by the applicable payment provider.
78.26 Payment Provider Verification
Where necessary, AKBSTOCK may rely on or request information from the applicable payment gateway, bank, card network, wallet provider or other financial institution to determine the final status of a transaction.
AKBSTOCK may not have direct control over the internal records or processing systems of independent financial providers.
78.27 Customer Bank Records
A Customer’s bank statement or payment-provider record may provide relevant evidence of a payment issue but may need to be considered together with final settlement information and AKBSTOCK transaction records.
A pending or temporary debit shown by a bank does not necessarily establish that AKBSTOCK received a completed payment.
78.28 Transaction Reconciliation
Where payment has been received but the corresponding order is incomplete or incorrectly recorded, AKBSTOCK may reconcile the transaction by linking the valid payment with the intended order where reasonably possible and appropriate.
Successful reconciliation may remove the need for a refund if the Customer receives the Product or service originally purchased.
78.29 Correction of Excess Charge
Where the underlying purchase is valid but a verified processing error results in an excess amount being collected, AKBSTOCK may refund or otherwise correct only the excess amount.
The valid portion of the transaction and associated Product or License rights may remain in effect.
78.30 Full Refund Where Transaction Cannot Be Completed
Where a verified payment is received but AKBSTOCK cannot reasonably complete the corresponding valid transaction and no appropriate alternative remedy exists, a full refund of the eligible payment may be considered.
The refund remains subject to applicable payment-provider procedures and mandatory law.
78.31 Partial Refund
Where a payment-processing error affects only a separable portion of a valid transaction, AKBSTOCK may consider a partial refund or adjustment limited to the affected amount where technically and legally appropriate.
A full transaction refund is not automatically required where the remainder of the transaction remains valid.
78.32 Payment Reversal Instead of Refund
Depending on the payment status and provider, a payment-processing error may be resolved through reversal, voiding, cancellation or release of the transaction rather than through a conventional post-settlement refund.
The terminology and technical process may vary between payment methods and providers.
78.33 Refund Processing After Correction
Where AKBSTOCK determines that a refund is the appropriate corrective action, the refund may be initiated through the original payment method or another appropriate method where reasonably practicable.
The time required for the amount to appear in the Customer’s account may depend on the relevant payment provider or financial institution.
78.34 No Double Correction
A Customer should not receive multiple reimbursements, refunds, credits or reversals for the same payment-processing error.
If a bank or payment provider has already restored the affected amount, AKBSTOCK may take that correction into account when resolving the Customer’s request.
78.35 Chargeback During Payment Error Review
If the Customer has already initiated a chargeback or payment dispute concerning the same payment-processing error, AKBSTOCK may coordinate its review with the relevant dispute process.
The refund and dispute mechanisms should not be used to obtain duplicate reimbursement for the same transaction.
78.36 Fraudulent Payment-Error Claims
AKBSTOCK may reject or investigate claims based on fabricated transaction records, altered payment screenshots, false statements or other misleading information.
This provision does not affect genuine Customers reporting actual payment-processing problems.
78.37 Payment Error Records
AKBSTOCK may maintain reasonable records relating to payment-processing errors, transaction reconciliation, refunds, reversals, Customer communications and related actions.
Such records may be retained for accounting, Customer support, fraud prevention, dispute resolution, transaction administration and legal compliance.
78.38 Privacy of Payment Information
Personal information processed during payment-error investigation will be handled according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable law.
AKBSTOCK seeks to limit payment-related information processing to what is reasonably necessary for transaction verification, correction, fraud prevention and other legitimate purposes.
78.39 Third-Party Payment Provider Limitations
AKBSTOCK cannot guarantee that independently operated banks, card networks, payment gateways, wallet providers or financial institutions will process corrections, reversals or refunds within a particular internal timeframe unless applicable law or the relevant provider imposes such a requirement.
AKBSTOCK will seek to take reasonable action within its own control where a verified payment-processing error requires correction.
78.40 Mandatory Payment & Consumer Rights
Nothing in this Section is intended to reduce any mandatory payment, refund, reversal, consumer or financial-service right available under applicable law.
Where applicable law or payment-system rules require a particular corrective action or provide greater protection to the Customer, the mandatory requirement will apply to the extent legally required.
78.41 Relationship With Duplicate Payments
Where the primary issue is that the Customer was charged more than once for the same intended transaction, Section 77 – Duplicate Payments & Duplicate Charges should be read together with this Section.
A verified duplicate payment will ordinarily be corrected by addressing the duplicate amount while preserving the valid underlying transaction.
78.42 Relationship With Failed, Pending & Reversed Payments
Where the issue concerns whether a payment ultimately succeeded, failed, remained pending or was automatically reversed rather than an incorrect processing outcome, Section 79 – Failed, Pending & Reversed Payments should also be considered.
78.43 Relationship With Refund Processing
Where a payment-processing error results in an approved refund, Sections 85 – Processing Approved Refunds, 86 – Refund Method & Processing Time and 87 – Currency, Bank & Payment Provider Differences may also apply.
78.44 Fair Correction Principle
The purpose of this Section is to ensure that genuine payment-processing errors are corrected in a manner proportionate to the actual transaction problem.
AKBSTOCK seeks to avoid both unfairly charging a Customer because of a verified processing error and unnecessarily cancelling a valid Product transaction where the error can be accurately corrected.
78.45 Section Summary
AKBSTOCK may investigate and correct verified payment-processing errors involving incorrect amounts, mismatched order or payment status, failed transaction communication, payment received without proper order completion, incorrect transaction association or other material payment-processing problems.
Depending on the circumstances, AKBSTOCK may reconcile the transaction, correct access, refund an excess amount, reverse the payment, issue a partial or full refund or provide another appropriate remedy.
Payment correction is intended to address the actual verified error without creating duplicate reimbursement or unnecessarily cancelling valid Product and License rights, while all mandatory payment and consumer protections remain preserved.
79. Failed, Pending & Reversed Payments
79.1 General Principle
Payment transactions may occasionally fail, remain pending, be temporarily authorized, be automatically reversed or display a status that differs between AKBSTOCK and the Customer’s payment provider.
AKBSTOCK will seek to determine the final payment status before treating a transaction as successfully paid, refundable or otherwise completed.
79.2 Meaning of a Failed Payment
A payment may be treated as failed where the payment process does not result in a successfully completed and valid transaction.
A failed payment may occur because of insufficient funds, authentication failure, payment-provider rejection, network interruption, technical failure, transaction timeout or another reason affecting completion of the payment.
79.3 Meaning of a Pending Payment
A pending payment is a transaction for which the final payment result has not yet been conclusively determined or communicated to AKBSTOCK.
During the pending period, the transaction may later become successful, fail, expire, be cancelled or be automatically reversed depending on the payment method and provider.
79.4 Meaning of a Reversed Payment
A reversed payment is a transaction in which an amount that was previously debited, authorized or provisionally processed is returned, released or otherwise restored through the applicable payment system.
A reversal may occur automatically or through action taken by a payment provider, bank, financial institution or AKBSTOCK depending on the circumstances.
79.5 Failed Payment Does Not Create a Completed Purchase
Where a payment genuinely fails and AKBSTOCK does not receive valid payment for the transaction, the attempted payment does not ordinarily create a completed Product purchase or License.
The Customer may need to complete a new valid payment before the relevant Product or service can be supplied.
79.6 Pending Payment Does Not Automatically Confirm an Order
A pending payment does not necessarily mean that AKBSTOCK has successfully received the purchase amount or that the order is complete.
Product access, download rights or other transaction benefits may remain unavailable until the payment reaches the status required for order completion.
79.7 Customer Account Debited but AKBSTOCK Has No Confirmation
A Customer may sometimes see an amount debited from their bank, card, wallet or other payment account even though AKBSTOCK has not received confirmation of a successful transaction.
In such circumstances, AKBSTOCK may need to wait for the payment provider or financial system to determine whether the transaction will settle, fail or be reversed.
79.8 Merchant Confirmation Failure
A payment may be debited from the Customer but fail to generate a successful confirmation at the AKBSTOCK Website or merchant system because of a technical or payment-network issue.
AKBSTOCK may investigate the transaction and reconcile the payment if it is ultimately confirmed as successfully received.
79.9 Temporary Authorization or Hold
Certain payment methods may temporarily reserve or authorize an amount before the transaction is finally completed.
A temporary authorization, hold or pending entry does not necessarily mean that AKBSTOCK has received a settled payment.
79.10 Authorization Later Released
If a temporary authorization or payment hold is later released by the Customer’s payment provider without settlement to AKBSTOCK, no separate AKBSTOCK refund may be necessary because the amount was not ultimately received as a completed payment.
79.11 Failed Payment Automatically Reversed
A failed payment may be automatically reversed through the applicable payment system without AKBSTOCK manually issuing a refund.
Where the full amount has already been restored to the Customer through an automatic reversal, AKBSTOCK will not ordinarily issue an additional refund for the same payment.
79.12 Payment Reversal May Take Time to Appear
A reversal initiated or processed through a payment system may not always appear immediately in the Customer’s account.
The posting or settlement time may depend on the payment method, bank, card issuer, payment gateway, wallet provider or other financial institution involved.
79.13 No Universal Reversal Period
AKBSTOCK does not establish one universal reversal period for every payment method because different payment systems, providers, transaction types and applicable legal requirements may use different processing timelines.
Any mandatory payment-system or regulatory reversal timeline applicable to the relevant transaction will continue to apply.
79.14 Final Payment Status Controls Transaction Treatment
Where transaction information is temporarily inconsistent, AKBSTOCK may rely on the final verified payment status when determining whether an order has been paid, failed, reversed or otherwise completed.
The final status may be confirmed through AKBSTOCK records, payment-provider information or other reliable transaction evidence.
79.15 Payment Initially Failed but Later Confirmed
A transaction that initially appears failed or pending may later be confirmed as successfully completed.
Where valid payment is ultimately confirmed and the Customer intended the purchase, AKBSTOCK may reconcile the order and provide the applicable Product or service rather than refunding the valid transaction.
79.16 Payment Initially Successful but Later Reversed
A payment may initially appear successful but later be reversed or rejected by the payment provider or financial institution.
If AKBSTOCK ultimately does not receive valid payment, the related order, Product access or License may be adjusted according to the final transaction status and applicable AKBSTOCK legal documents.
79.17 Payment Failure After Product Access
Where Product access is provided based on an apparent successful payment that is later reversed, cancelled or determined not to have been validly received, AKBSTOCK may review the resulting Product access and License status.
Technical possession of the Product file does not automatically create continuing License rights where the underlying valid payment requirement was not satisfied.
79.18 Customer Should Avoid Immediate Repeated Payments
Where a payment remains pending or its status is unclear, Customers are encouraged to verify the transaction status before repeatedly attempting payment where reasonably practicable.
Repeated payment attempts may result in multiple authorizations, orders or charges depending on the payment system.
79.19 Repeated Attempt Creates Duplicate Charge
If repeated payment attempts result in more than one successful charge for a single intended transaction, the matter may be handled under Section 77 – Duplicate Payments & Duplicate Charges.
79.20 Customer Reporting a Failed Payment
A Customer who sees a debit or other payment entry but does not receive the expected AKBSTOCK order confirmation may contact AKBSTOCK Support through the appropriate official channel.
AKBSTOCK may request reasonable transaction information to help identify the payment status.
79.21 Customer Reporting a Pending Payment
Where payment remains pending for an unusual or concerning period, the Customer may contact AKBSTOCK and, where appropriate, the applicable bank or payment provider.
AKBSTOCK may not be able to independently accelerate the internal processing of a payment controlled by an external financial institution.
79.22 Information That May Be Requested
AKBSTOCK may request reasonable information such as the order number, transaction reference, payment amount, payment date, payment method or screenshot showing the relevant payment status.
Customers should provide only information reasonably necessary to investigate the transaction.
79.23 Sensitive Payment Credentials
Customers should not provide complete card numbers, card security codes, banking passwords, one-time passwords or other unnecessary sensitive credentials when asking AKBSTOCK to investigate a failed, pending or reversed payment.
AKBSTOCK does not require such credentials through ordinary Customer support communications.
79.24 AKBSTOCK Transaction Verification
AKBSTOCK may review relevant order, payment, Account and transaction records to determine whether the payment was received, failed, remains pending or was reversed.
The review may include information available from an authorized payment provider.
79.25 Payment Provider Verification
Where the transaction status cannot be established solely from AKBSTOCK records, AKBSTOCK may rely on the relevant payment provider or financial institution for final payment-status information.
Different systems may update transaction information at different times.
79.26 Successful Payment Located During Review
If AKBSTOCK verifies that a payment reported as failed or missing was actually successfully received, AKBSTOCK may reconcile the relevant order and complete the intended transaction where appropriate.
Completing the valid purchase may be preferred to issuing a refund where the Customer still wishes to receive the Product and no other eligible problem exists.
79.27 Payment Not Received by AKBSTOCK
If AKBSTOCK verifies that it did not receive a completed payment, AKBSTOCK may be unable to issue a conventional merchant refund for money that was never settled to AKBSTOCK.
The Customer may need to rely on the payment provider, bank or applicable payment-system reversal process for restoration of the affected amount.
79.28 AKBSTOCK Cooperation
Where reasonably possible, AKBSTOCK may provide available transaction information or otherwise cooperate with the Customer or relevant payment provider in resolving a genuine failed-payment issue.
AKBSTOCK cannot control procedures or decisions that fall exclusively within an independent bank or payment provider’s systems.
79.29 Failed Payment and Product Reservation
A failed or pending payment does not automatically reserve a Product, price, promotion, Exclusive License or other commercial condition indefinitely unless AKBSTOCK expressly provides otherwise.
The treatment of an Exclusive License transaction may require additional consideration under the applicable Exclusive License Agreement.
79.30 Pending Exclusive License Payment
Where payment for an Exclusive License remains pending, AKBSTOCK may delay final activation of exclusivity until the transaction is validly completed.
A pending payment does not by itself guarantee that exclusive rights have taken effect unless the applicable Exclusive License terms expressly provide otherwise.
79.31 Failed Subscription Payment
A failed Subscription payment may affect activation, renewal or continuation of Subscription benefits according to the applicable Subscription terms.
A failed payment does not ordinarily create a paid Subscription entitlement where valid payment has not been received.
79.32 Pending Subscription Payment
Where a Subscription payment remains pending, Subscription activation or renewal may remain incomplete until the final payment status is determined.
Subscription-specific consequences remain subject to Section 89 – Subscription Cancellations & Refunds and the applicable Subscription documents.
79.33 Reversed Subscription Payment
If a Subscription payment is reversed after Subscription access was provisionally activated, AKBSTOCK may adjust the Subscription status and related entitlements according to the applicable Subscription terms and final payment status.
79.34 Automatic Reversal vs. Merchant Refund
An automatic payment-system reversal and an AKBSTOCK-issued merchant refund are not necessarily the same process.
An automatic reversal may restore money from an incomplete or failed transaction before AKBSTOCK ever receives final settlement, while a refund generally concerns money returned after a completed payment has been received and later refunded.
79.35 No Double Recovery
A Customer should not receive both an automatic reversal and a separate AKBSTOCK refund for the same payment amount where that would result in duplicate reimbursement.
AKBSTOCK may verify the final payment status before processing an additional refund.
79.36 Chargeback or Payment Dispute
Where a Customer has already initiated a chargeback or payment dispute concerning a failed, pending or reversed transaction, AKBSTOCK may coordinate its review with the applicable payment-provider process.
Chargebacks and payment disputes are addressed further in Section 93 – Chargebacks & Payment Disputes.
79.37 Payment Records
AKBSTOCK may maintain reasonable records concerning failed, pending, successful and reversed payment transactions for accounting, transaction administration, Customer support, fraud prevention, dispute resolution and legal compliance.
Personal information contained in such records will be handled according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy.
79.38 Fraudulent Claims
AKBSTOCK may investigate claims involving altered payment screenshots, false transaction information, knowingly misleading statements or other evidence suggesting payment-related fraud or abuse.
This provision does not affect genuine Customers reporting legitimate payment failures or reversals.
79.39 Third-Party Provider Limitations
AKBSTOCK cannot guarantee the uninterrupted operation, real-time status updates or internal processing speed of independently operated banks, payment gateways, card networks, wallet providers or other payment systems.
AKBSTOCK will seek to take reasonable steps within its control when a payment issue affects an AKBSTOCK transaction.
79.40 Applicable Payment-System Rules
Failed, pending and reversed payments may also be subject to rules, timelines, reversal mechanisms, dispute procedures or compensation requirements imposed by applicable payment systems, regulators, banks or financial-service laws.
Nothing in this Policy is intended to replace or reduce a mandatory payment-system protection that legally applies to the Customer’s transaction.
79.41 Mandatory Consumer & Payment Rights
Where applicable law requires reversal, refund, compensation, dispute handling or another remedy for a failed payment transaction, the mandatory requirement will apply to the extent legally required.
AKBSTOCK’s internal payment policy will not be interpreted as reducing rights that cannot lawfully be excluded or restricted.
79.42 Relationship With Duplicate Payments
If repeated payment attempts result in more than one completed charge for a single intended transaction, Section 77 – Duplicate Payments & Duplicate Charges should be applied.
A failed or pending entry should not be treated as a duplicate completed charge unless the relevant payment records support that conclusion.
79.43 Relationship With Payment Processing Errors
If the payment ultimately completes but the wrong amount, order association or transaction status is processed, Section 78 – Payment Processing Errors should also be considered.
This Section focuses primarily on determining whether payment succeeded, failed, remained pending or was reversed.
79.44 Relationship With Refund Processing
If a completed payment is ultimately determined to require an AKBSTOCK refund, the processing of the approved refund will be governed by Sections 85 – Processing Approved Refunds, 86 – Refund Method & Processing Time and 87 – Currency, Bank & Payment Provider Differences.
79.45 Fair Payment Resolution Principle
AKBSTOCK seeks to distinguish between money actually received as a completed payment, temporary or pending debits and amounts automatically restored through payment-system reversals.
This distinction helps ensure that Customers are not unfairly charged for failed transactions while also avoiding duplicate refunds or creation of Product and License rights where valid payment was never completed.
79.46 Section Summary
A failed payment does not ordinarily create a completed AKBSTOCK purchase, while a pending payment requires confirmation of its final status before the transaction can be conclusively treated as successful or failed.
Where an amount is debited but the transaction fails, the payment may be automatically reversed through the applicable payment system, or AKBSTOCK may reconcile the payment if it is ultimately confirmed as successfully received.
AKBSTOCK seeks to verify the final transaction status, avoid duplicate reimbursement and cooperate reasonably in resolving genuine payment problems, while preserving all mandatory payment-system, regulatory and consumer protections applicable to the transaction.
80. Unauthorized or Suspected Fraudulent Transactions
80.1 General Principle
AKBSTOCK may investigate transactions that are reported or reasonably suspected to be unauthorized, fraudulent, deceptive or otherwise inconsistent with the legitimate use of an Account, payment method or transaction process.
The appropriate response may depend on the available evidence, payment-provider procedures, Account activity, transaction records, applicable law and the circumstances of the reported activity.
80.2 Meaning of an Unauthorized Transaction
An unauthorized transaction may include a payment or purchase that the legitimate payment-method holder or Account holder did not authorize and did not reasonably intend to complete.
Whether a transaction is legally considered unauthorized may depend on the applicable payment method, financial institution, authentication process and law.
80.3 Meaning of a Suspected Fraudulent Transaction
A suspected fraudulent transaction may include circumstances in which available information reasonably suggests payment fraud, identity misuse, stolen credentials, Account compromise, deceptive refund activity, unauthorized payment-method use or other dishonest conduct.
Suspicion alone does not conclusively establish fraud, and AKBSTOCK may investigate the available facts before determining the appropriate action.
80.4 Unauthorized Payment Method Use
A transaction may require review where a payment card, bank account, wallet, payment instrument or other payment method appears to have been used without the authorization of the legitimate holder.
AKBSTOCK may cooperate with the applicable payment provider, bank, card issuer or financial institution where necessary to verify and resolve the reported transaction.
80.5 Unauthorized Account Access
A transaction may also require review where an AKBSTOCK Account appears to have been accessed by an unauthorized person who then purchases, downloads or otherwise obtains Products through that Account.
AKBSTOCK may review relevant Account, security, transaction and Product-access records where reasonably necessary to investigate the report.
80.6 Compromised Credentials
If a Customer reasonably believes that their Account password, payment credentials or other authentication information has been compromised, the Customer should take reasonable steps to secure the affected Account or payment method and report the concern through the appropriate official channel.
Customers should not send passwords, one-time passwords, complete card security codes or other sensitive credentials to AKBSTOCK through ordinary support communications.
80.7 Prompt Reporting
Customers are encouraged to report a suspected unauthorized or fraudulent transaction as soon as reasonably practicable after becoming aware of it.
Prompt reporting may help limit further unauthorized activity, preserve relevant evidence and support investigation by AKBSTOCK or the applicable payment provider.
80.8 Reporting to the Payment Provider or Bank
A Customer reporting an unauthorized payment may also need to notify the relevant bank, card issuer, wallet provider, payment gateway or other financial institution according to that provider’s procedures.
AKBSTOCK’s internal review does not replace any reporting requirement or protection available through the Customer’s payment provider.
80.9 Customer Liability May Depend on Circumstances
The financial responsibility for an unauthorized payment may depend on factors such as how the transaction occurred, whether credentials were compromised, whether the Customer contributed to the loss, when the issue was reported and the rules applicable to the relevant payment provider.
AKBSTOCK does not independently determine every legal question concerning liability between a Customer and their bank or financial institution.
80.10 Customer Negligence
Where an unauthorized transaction results partly or entirely from the Customer voluntarily sharing payment credentials, Account passwords, one-time passwords or other sensitive authentication information, the treatment of the resulting loss may differ under applicable payment-provider rules and law.
AKBSTOCK will not automatically assume liability for losses caused by Customer-side credential sharing or security failures.
80.11 No Automatic Finding of Customer Negligence
AKBSTOCK will not treat a Customer as negligent merely because an unauthorized transaction occurred.
The available facts, security information and payment-provider findings may be considered before drawing conclusions about how the transaction occurred.
80.12 Transactions Caused by Third-Party Breach
An unauthorized payment may arise from a security or processing problem outside the direct control of both AKBSTOCK and the Customer.
Where appropriate, the matter may require investigation by the relevant payment provider, bank, card network or other financial institution to determine the applicable responsibility and remedy.
80.13 AKBSTOCK-Side Security or Processing Error
Where available evidence indicates that unauthorized activity resulted from a verified security, system or processing failure attributable to AKBSTOCK, AKBSTOCK may take appropriate corrective action according to the circumstances and applicable law.
The appropriate response may include Account protection, transaction correction, refund review, technical remediation or other reasonable measures.
80.14 Transaction Verification
AKBSTOCK may review information reasonably relevant to determining whether a transaction was legitimately authorized.
This may include order records, Account activity, payment status, Product access, download records, Customer communications and information available from the payment provider.
80.15 Identity Verification
AKBSTOCK may take reasonable steps to verify the identity or authority of a person reporting an unauthorized transaction before disclosing transaction or Account information or taking action that could affect the relevant Account.
Verification is intended to prevent fraudulent claims and unauthorized manipulation of legitimate Customer transactions.
80.16 Information That May Be Requested
AKBSTOCK may request reasonable information such as the order number, payment date, transaction reference, payment amount, Account email, description of the unauthorized activity or other information necessary to identify and investigate the transaction.
Detailed evidence requirements are addressed further in Section 82 – Information & Evidence Required for Refund Requests.
80.17 Sensitive Financial Information
Customers should not provide complete card numbers, card security codes, banking passwords, one-time passwords or other unnecessary sensitive financial credentials to AKBSTOCK when reporting an unauthorized transaction.
Where screenshots or statements are provided, unrelated sensitive financial information should be obscured where reasonably possible.
80.18 Temporary Account Protection
Where AKBSTOCK reasonably suspects Account compromise or fraudulent activity, AKBSTOCK may temporarily restrict certain Account functions, Product access, downloads or transactions where reasonably necessary to protect the Customer, AKBSTOCK or other affected persons.
Any restriction should be proportionate to the security concern and applicable legal requirements.
80.19 Password Reset or Security Action
AKBSTOCK may require or recommend a password reset, re-authentication or other reasonable security measure where an Account is suspected to have been compromised.
Additional security steps may be required before normal Account access is restored.
80.20 Product Access During Investigation
AKBSTOCK may temporarily limit Product access or future downloads associated with a disputed transaction while a credible fraud or unauthorized-payment investigation is pending.
This may help prevent further unauthorized use while the status of the transaction and applicable License rights is being determined.
80.21 Product Already Downloaded
If a Product has already been downloaded through an allegedly unauthorized transaction, AKBSTOCK may consider the download and Account circumstances when reviewing the matter.
Technical possession of the Product file by an unauthorized person does not automatically create valid License rights in that person.
80.22 Unauthorized User Does Not Acquire Valid Rights
A person who obtains an AKBSTOCK Product through fraud, unauthorized Account access, stolen payment credentials or another invalid transaction should not assume that the transaction grants valid Product usage or licensing rights.
The legal status of the Product and any affected License will be determined under the applicable AKBSTOCK legal documents and law.
80.23 Refund May Be Considered
A refund may be considered where an unauthorized transaction is reasonably verified and refunding the affected payment is an appropriate remedy under the circumstances, payment-provider procedures and applicable law.
Verification may be necessary before AKBSTOCK initiates a merchant-side refund.
80.24 Refund Is Not Automatically Guaranteed
Reporting a transaction as unauthorized does not automatically guarantee that AKBSTOCK will issue a refund before the claim is reasonably reviewed.
The final outcome may depend on the payment provider’s findings, transaction evidence, applicable liability rules, whether the amount has already been reversed or disputed and any mandatory legal requirements.
80.25 Payment Provider Reversal
An unauthorized transaction may be reversed or credited through the applicable bank, card issuer, wallet provider or payment system rather than through a separate AKBSTOCK merchant refund.
Where the Customer has already received the affected amount through another valid reversal or dispute process, AKBSTOCK will seek to avoid duplicate reimbursement.
80.26 Chargeback or Payment Dispute
A Customer may have the ability to dispute an unauthorized transaction through the relevant payment provider or financial institution according to applicable procedures and law.
Where such a dispute has already been initiated, AKBSTOCK may coordinate its investigation or refund process with the payment-provider dispute procedure.
80.27 No Double Recovery
A Customer should not receive both a payment-provider reversal or chargeback and a separate AKBSTOCK refund for the same transaction where this would result in duplicate reimbursement.
AKBSTOCK may verify the final dispute or payment status before issuing an additional refund.
80.28 False Unauthorized-Transaction Claims
AKBSTOCK may investigate claims where available evidence reasonably suggests that a Customer authorized or benefited from a transaction but falsely reports it as unauthorized in order to obtain a refund or chargeback.
Knowingly false fraud claims may constitute refund abuse and may result in action under this Policy and other applicable AKBSTOCK legal documents.
80.29 Family, Employee or Authorized-Person Use
A transaction is not automatically unauthorized merely because another person used the Customer’s device, Account or payment method.
AKBSTOCK may consider whether that person had actual, apparent or previously granted authority and whether applicable payment-provider rules treat the transaction as authorized or unauthorized.
80.30 Business Account Transactions
Where an AKBSTOCK Account or payment method is used on behalf of a business, organization or professional Customer, authorization may involve employees, directors, partners, agents or other persons permitted to transact on behalf of that organization.
Internal disputes concerning who within an organization was permitted to make a purchase do not automatically establish that AKBSTOCK processed a fraudulent transaction.
80.31 Transaction Later Denied by the Customer
A Customer’s later denial of a transaction will be considered together with the available evidence and does not by itself conclusively establish that the transaction was unauthorized.
AKBSTOCK may rely on payment-provider findings or other reliable records where appropriate.
80.32 Suspicious Transaction Patterns
AKBSTOCK may review unusual transaction patterns where reasonably necessary for fraud prevention and security.
Relevant indicators may include abnormal Account activity, inconsistent transaction information, repeated payment failures, unusual download activity or other circumstances that reasonably warrant further verification.
80.33 Additional Verification Before Completing a Transaction
Where a transaction presents a reasonable fraud or security concern, AKBSTOCK may delay completion, Product delivery or activation of certain rights while appropriate verification is performed.
Such verification should be proportionate to the relevant risk and applicable legal requirements.
80.34 Transaction Cancellation for Fraud Prevention
AKBSTOCK may cancel or refuse a transaction before valid completion where there is a reasonable basis to believe that the transaction is fraudulent, unauthorized or otherwise unsafe to process.
Where money has already been validly collected and the transaction is cancelled, the payment will be handled according to the applicable payment, refund and legal requirements.
80.35 Fraud Detected After Product Delivery
If AKBSTOCK discovers credible evidence of fraud after Product delivery or access has already occurred, AKBSTOCK may take reasonable action concerning the Account, transaction, Product access and License status.
Such action may include restricting future access, preserving relevant records, cooperating with payment providers or authorities and enforcing applicable Product rights.
80.36 Fraud Does Not Create Product Ownership
Obtaining a digital Product through fraud or an invalid transaction does not transfer copyright, intellectual property ownership or lawful Product rights merely because the file was technically obtained.
AKBSTOCK retains all rights not validly granted under an applicable legitimate transaction and License Agreement.
80.37 Preservation of Fraud-Related Records
AKBSTOCK may preserve transaction, Account, payment, access, communication or security records reasonably relevant to suspected fraud, unauthorized transactions or related disputes.
Such records may be retained for fraud prevention, investigation, legal compliance, dispute resolution, security and protection of legal rights.
80.38 Privacy of Fraud Investigations
Personal information processed during fraud or unauthorized-transaction investigations will be handled according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable law.
AKBSTOCK seeks to limit access and disclosure to information reasonably relevant to the investigation, security concern or legal requirement involved.
80.39 Cooperation With Payment Providers
AKBSTOCK may cooperate with payment gateways, banks, card issuers, wallet providers, card networks or other financial institutions in investigating suspected unauthorized or fraudulent transactions.
Information sharing will be limited to what is reasonably necessary and legally permissible for the relevant investigation, dispute or fraud-prevention purpose.
80.40 Cooperation With Authorities
Where required or permitted by applicable law, AKBSTOCK may cooperate with competent law-enforcement, regulatory, judicial or other authorities concerning suspected fraud, identity misuse or unauthorized transactions.
Any disclosure of personal information will remain subject to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable legal requirements.
80.41 Recovery of Fraudulently Obtained Benefits
Where legally permitted, AKBSTOCK may take reasonable steps to prevent or address the continued use of Products, Subscription benefits, Exclusive rights or other advantages obtained through a verified fraudulent or invalid transaction.
The appropriate action will depend on the applicable transaction, License terms and law.
80.42 Account Restrictions
An Account reasonably associated with verified fraud, repeated unauthorized payment use, deceptive refund claims or serious security abuse may be restricted, suspended or terminated where appropriate under applicable AKBSTOCK legal documents.
Such action will not be taken merely because a Customer submits a legitimate unauthorized-transaction report.
80.43 Genuine Fraud Victims Are Not Treated as Abusers
A Customer will not be treated as engaging in refund abuse merely because they are the genuine victim of Account compromise, identity misuse or unauthorized payment activity.
AKBSTOCK seeks to distinguish legitimate fraud reports from knowingly false or deceptive claims.
80.44 No Guarantee of Recovery From Fraudster
AKBSTOCK cannot guarantee that Products, funds, information or other benefits obtained by an unknown or fraudulent third party can always be recovered after unauthorized activity has occurred.
AKBSTOCK may nevertheless take reasonable measures within its control and cooperate with appropriate payment providers or authorities where applicable.
80.45 Exclusive License Fraud
A suspected unauthorized or fraudulent Exclusive License transaction may require immediate review because the transaction may affect the Product’s commercial availability and exclusivity status.
AKBSTOCK may delay or suspend activation of exclusive rights until valid payment and authorization are confirmed.
Exclusive License matters are addressed further in Section 90 – Exclusive License Transactions and the applicable Exclusive License Agreement.
80.46 Subscription Fraud
Where a Subscription is created or renewed through a suspected fraudulent or unauthorized transaction, AKBSTOCK may restrict or suspend Subscription benefits while the payment status and authorization are investigated.
The final treatment of Subscription access, billing and Products obtained through the affected transaction will remain subject to the applicable Subscription documents and law.
80.47 Mandatory Payment-System Protections
Unauthorized electronic payments may be subject to customer-protection, reporting, liability, reversal or dispute requirements established by applicable payment-system regulations, banks, card issuers or financial institutions.
Nothing in this Policy is intended to reduce any mandatory protection applicable to the Customer’s payment transaction.
80.48 Mandatory Consumer Rights
Nothing in this Section excludes, restricts or waives any mandatory refund, reimbursement, payment-dispute or consumer right that applicable law does not permit AKBSTOCK to exclude or restrict.
Where a mandatory requirement provides greater protection than this Policy, the mandatory requirement will apply to the extent legally required.
80.49 Relationship With Chargebacks & Payment Disputes
Where an unauthorized transaction is disputed through a bank, card issuer, payment provider or financial institution, Section 93 – Chargebacks & Payment Disputes should also be considered.
AKBSTOCK’s refund process and the payment-provider dispute process should not be used to obtain duplicate reimbursement for the same transaction.
80.50 Relationship With Fraudulent Refund Requests
Where the issue concerns a Customer knowingly submitting false, fabricated or abusive refund claims rather than being the victim of an unauthorized payment, Sections 94 – Fraudulent, Abusive & Repeated Refund Requests and 95 – Account Restrictions Related to Refund Abuse may also apply.
80.51 Section Summary
AKBSTOCK may investigate transactions reported or reasonably suspected to be unauthorized or fraudulent and may review relevant Account, payment, Product-access and security information to determine an appropriate response.
A verified unauthorized transaction may qualify for refund, reversal or another remedy depending on payment-provider procedures, transaction circumstances and applicable law. However, reporting a transaction as unauthorized does not automatically establish refund entitlement before reasonable verification.
AKBSTOCK may also protect Accounts, restrict suspicious activity, cooperate with payment providers or competent authorities and prevent continued use of Products obtained through verified fraud, while ensuring that genuine victims of unauthorized transactions are not treated as refund abusers and that mandatory payment and consumer protections remain preserved.
81. Refund Request Procedure
81.1 General Procedure
A Customer seeking a refund, cancellation or related transaction remedy should submit the request through an official AKBSTOCK support, billing or refund contact channel made available on the Website.
The request should provide sufficient information to allow AKBSTOCK to identify the relevant transaction, understand the issue and determine the appropriate next step.
81.2 Use Official AKBSTOCK Channels
Customers should submit refund requests only through official AKBSTOCK contact methods published on the AKBSTOCK Website or otherwise communicated through verified AKBSTOCK channels.
AKBSTOCK cannot guarantee that requests sent to unofficial, outdated, impersonating or unrelated third-party contact addresses will be received or processed.
81.3 Identify the Relevant Transaction
A refund request should identify the specific transaction or order to which the request relates.
Where available, the Customer should provide the relevant order number, Product name or identifier, payment reference or other transaction information reasonably necessary to locate the purchase.
81.4 Explain the Reason for the Request
The Customer should clearly explain the reason for requesting a refund, cancellation or other remedy.
The explanation should identify the actual issue, such as a technical problem, incorrect Product, corrupted file, duplicate payment, payment-processing error, unauthorized transaction or another relevant circumstance.
81.5 Provide Relevant Supporting Information
Where reasonably necessary, the Customer should provide supporting information that helps AKBSTOCK verify the request.
This may include screenshots, error messages, transaction records or other evidence relevant to the claimed issue.
Detailed evidence requirements are addressed further in Section 82 – Information & Evidence Required for Refund Requests.
81.6 Avoid Unnecessary Sensitive Information
Customers should not include Account passwords, complete payment card numbers, card security codes, banking passwords, one-time passwords or other unnecessary sensitive credentials in a refund request.
Where screenshots or statements are submitted, unrelated sensitive information should be obscured where reasonably possible.
81.7 Request From the Relevant Customer or Account
Where reasonably possible, the refund request should be submitted from the email address or Account associated with the relevant transaction.
This may help AKBSTOCK verify the request and reduce the risk of unauthorized transaction changes.
81.8 Identity or Authority Verification
AKBSTOCK may take reasonable steps to verify the identity or authority of the person submitting a refund request before disclosing transaction information, modifying an order or issuing a refund.
Additional verification may be required where the request involves unusual activity, suspected fraud, Account compromise or another security concern.
81.9 Authorized Representatives
Where a refund request is submitted on behalf of another Customer, AKBSTOCK may require reasonable evidence that the requester is authorized to act for the Customer or relevant business.
This requirement is intended to protect Customers against unauthorized refund or Account requests.
81.10 Business Customer Requests
Where a transaction was completed on behalf of a company, organization or other business Customer, AKBSTOCK may require the refund request to be submitted by an authorized person associated with the relevant business or Account.
Internal disagreements within a Customer organization do not automatically require AKBSTOCK to alter an otherwise valid transaction.
81.11 Submit the Request Promptly
Customers are encouraged to submit a refund or cancellation request as soon as reasonably practicable after discovering the relevant issue.
Prompt reporting may assist AKBSTOCK in preserving transaction records, investigating technical problems, stopping unauthorized activity and identifying an appropriate remedy.
81.12 No Universal Refund Request Deadline Created Here
This Section does not establish one universal refund-request deadline for every Product, Subscription, payment method or jurisdiction.
Any applicable deadline may depend on the relevant transaction terms, Product type, mandatory law, payment-provider procedure or another applicable AKBSTOCK legal document.
81.13 Technical Issues Should Normally Follow Support Procedure
Where the refund request is based on a technical problem, the Customer may first be asked to follow the reasonable support and troubleshooting procedure described in Section 73 – Technical Problems & Support Before Refund.
If the genuine issue cannot reasonably be resolved, the request may proceed to refund review.
81.14 Corrupted or Defective File Requests
Where the Customer alleges that the Product file is corrupted, defective or unusable, AKBSTOCK may review the request according to Section 74 – Corrupted, Defective or Unusable Files.
The Customer may be asked to preserve or provide information concerning the original supplied file so that the issue can be reasonably verified.
81.15 Incorrect Product Requests
Where the Customer reports that AKBSTOCK supplied the wrong Product or file, AKBSTOCK may review the order and delivery records and may first provide the correct Product where reasonably possible.
Such requests are addressed further in Section 75 – Incorrect Product or File Delivered.
81.16 Duplicate Payment Requests
Where the request concerns a suspected duplicate payment or duplicate charge, the Customer should identify the relevant charges and provide sufficient transaction information to allow comparison.
Duplicate payment matters are addressed further in Section 77 – Duplicate Payments & Duplicate Charges.
81.17 Payment Processing Error Requests
Where the refund request concerns an incorrect payment amount, mismatched payment status or another payment-processing problem, AKBSTOCK may review relevant payment and order records before determining the appropriate correction.
Payment-processing errors are addressed further in Section 78 – Payment Processing Errors.
81.18 Failed, Pending or Reversed Payment Requests
Where the Customer believes that money has been debited in connection with a failed or pending transaction, AKBSTOCK may first determine whether the payment was actually received, remains pending or has already been reversed.
Such transactions are addressed further in Section 79 – Failed, Pending & Reversed Payments.
81.19 Unauthorized Transaction Requests
A Customer reporting an unauthorized or suspected fraudulent transaction should clearly identify the disputed transaction and should also take appropriate steps with the relevant bank, card issuer or payment provider where necessary.
Unauthorized and suspected fraudulent transactions are addressed further in Section 80 – Unauthorized or Suspected Fraudulent Transactions.
81.20 Subscription Refund or Cancellation Requests
Refund or cancellation requests relating to a Subscription should identify the relevant Subscription, billing transaction or renewal involved.
Such requests may be subject to Subscription-specific rules addressed in Section 89 – Subscription Cancellations & Refunds and the applicable Subscription documents.
81.21 Exclusive License Refund Requests
A refund or cancellation request concerning an Exclusive License should clearly identify the relevant Product and Exclusive License transaction.
Because exclusivity may affect the Product’s commercial status, such requests may require additional review under Section 90 – Exclusive License Transactions and the applicable Exclusive License Agreement.
81.22 AKBSTOCK May Acknowledge the Request
AKBSTOCK may acknowledge receipt of a refund request through email, Account communication, support response or another appropriate method.
An acknowledgement of receipt does not mean that the refund has been approved.
81.23 Initial Screening
AKBSTOCK may conduct an initial review to determine whether the request contains sufficient information, concerns an AKBSTOCK transaction and falls within the scope of this Policy.
The request may then proceed to technical support, payment verification, refund review or another appropriate process.
81.24 Incomplete Requests
If a refund request does not contain enough information to identify or evaluate the transaction, AKBSTOCK may ask the Customer to provide additional relevant information.
AKBSTOCK may be unable to complete the review until the reasonably necessary information is provided.
81.25 Requests Sent Without Order Information
Where the Customer cannot provide an order number, AKBSTOCK may attempt to identify the transaction using other appropriate information reasonably available to it.
AKBSTOCK does not guarantee that a transaction can be located where the Customer provides insufficient or inaccurate identifying information.
81.26 Additional Questions During Review
AKBSTOCK may ask reasonable follow-up questions where necessary to understand the issue, verify a claim or determine whether replacement, correction, restored access, refund or another remedy is appropriate.
Customers are encouraged to respond accurately and provide only information relevant to the request.
81.27 Customer Cooperation
Customers are expected to reasonably cooperate with the refund-review process, including appropriate verification, troubleshooting or evidence requests necessary to evaluate the claim.
Refusal to provide reasonably necessary information may prevent AKBSTOCK from approving a discretionary refund where the claimed issue cannot otherwise be verified.
81.28 No Unreasonable Information Demands
AKBSTOCK does not intend to require unnecessary, excessive or irrelevant information merely to discourage a Customer from submitting a legitimate refund request.
Information requests should be reasonably connected to identity verification, transaction identification, technical investigation, fraud prevention or refund eligibility.
81.29 Review of Product Access & Downloads
Where relevant and legally permissible, AKBSTOCK may review whether the Product was delivered, accessed or downloaded as part of the refund assessment.
Download or access information is relevant evidence but does not automatically defeat a genuine claim concerning a defect, incorrect Product or another eligible issue.
81.30 Review of Commercial Use
Where relevant, AKBSTOCK may consider whether the Product has already been materially or commercially used when evaluating a discretionary refund request.
This does not remove mandatory rights or prevent review of a genuine defect that existed in the Product as originally supplied.
81.31 Technical Remedy May Be Offered
If the request concerns a genuine issue that can reasonably be resolved through correction, replacement, re-delivery, restored access or technical assistance, AKBSTOCK may offer that remedy before issuing a monetary refund where legally permissible.
The broader alternative-remedy framework is addressed in Section 76 – Replacement, Repair or Restored Access Before Refund.
81.32 Refund Review Stage
Where the request cannot be resolved through support or another preliminary remedy, AKBSTOCK may proceed to formal refund review and verification.
The review process is addressed further in Section 83 – Refund Review & Verification.
81.33 Approval or Rejection
After reviewing the relevant information, AKBSTOCK may approve the refund, approve an alternative remedy, approve a partial correction, reject the request or request additional information where reasonably necessary.
The approval and rejection framework is addressed further in Section 84 – Approval or Rejection of Refund Requests.
81.34 Approval Does Not Mean Immediate Bank Credit
If a refund is approved, AKBSTOCK may initiate the applicable refund process, but the refunded amount may not appear immediately in the Customer’s financial account.
Payment-provider and bank processing are addressed further in Sections 85 – Processing Approved Refunds, 86 – Refund Method & Processing Time and 87 – Currency, Bank & Payment Provider Differences.
81.35 One Request Per Issue Where Practical
Customers are encouraged to avoid submitting repeated duplicate support or refund requests concerning the same unresolved issue where an existing request is already being reviewed.
Multiple duplicate requests may slow identification or administration of the matter but will not automatically invalidate a legitimate refund claim.
81.36 Multiple Transactions in One Request
If a Customer seeks review of multiple transactions, the Customer should clearly identify each affected order or payment and explain the reason applicable to each transaction.
AKBSTOCK may review the transactions separately where their circumstances or refund eligibility differ.
81.37 Fraudulent or Misleading Requests
Customers must not knowingly submit fabricated evidence, altered transaction information, false technical claims or other materially misleading information in connection with a refund request.
Suspected refund abuse may be investigated under Section 94 – Fraudulent, Abusive & Repeated Refund Requests.
81.38 Chargeback During Refund Review
If a Customer initiates a chargeback or payment-provider dispute while the same refund request is under review, the Customer should notify AKBSTOCK where reasonably practicable.
AKBSTOCK may coordinate its refund process with the dispute process to avoid duplicate reimbursement or conflicting transaction outcomes.
81.39 Customer Communication During Review
AKBSTOCK may communicate with the Customer through the contact information associated with the request or Account concerning verification, additional information, technical resolution or the outcome of the request.
Customers should ensure that relevant contact information is reasonably accurate and accessible.
81.40 Refund Request Records
AKBSTOCK may maintain reasonable records of refund requests, evidence, support actions, review decisions, refunds and related communications for transaction administration, accounting, Customer support, fraud prevention, dispute resolution and legal compliance.
Personal information contained in such records will be handled according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy.
81.41 No Automatic Approval Through Delay
A refund request does not become automatically approved merely because review requires additional time, unless applicable law expressly provides a different consequence.
AKBSTOCK nevertheless seeks to handle legitimate requests within a reasonable period and any mandatory legally prescribed timeframe.
81.42 No Automatic Rejection Through Technical Formality
AKBSTOCK does not intend to reject an otherwise legitimate refund claim solely because of a minor procedural or formatting error where the Customer’s request can reasonably be understood and verified.
AKBSTOCK may request clarification or missing information where necessary.
81.43 Mandatory Consumer Procedures
Where applicable law provides a specific procedure, deadline, notice requirement or consumer remedy that applies to a refund or cancellation request, that mandatory requirement will apply to the extent legally required.
This internal procedure is not intended to replace or reduce mandatory consumer protections.
81.44 Third-Party Marketplace Purchases
If a Product was purchased through an independent third-party marketplace, reseller or platform rather than directly from AKBSTOCK, the Customer may need to submit the refund request through that third party’s procedure where that entity controls the transaction or payment.
AKBSTOCK may provide reasonable information or assistance where appropriate but may not control the third party’s refund decision.
81.45 Request Withdrawal
A Customer may inform AKBSTOCK if they no longer wish to pursue a refund request because the problem has been resolved or for another reason.
Withdrawal of a refund request does not necessarily alter any independent legal, security or fraud-prevention action that AKBSTOCK is required or reasonably entitled to take.
81.46 Resolution Through Replacement or Correction
If the Customer accepts and receives an effective replacement, correction or restored-access remedy that resolves the reported issue, AKBSTOCK may treat the refund request as resolved where legally permissible.
This does not prevent review of a new and separate genuine issue affecting the remedy provided.
81.47 Final Decision Communication
Where reasonably appropriate, AKBSTOCK may communicate whether the request has been approved, rejected, resolved through another remedy or requires additional action.
The level of detail provided may depend on the nature of the request, security considerations, fraud-prevention requirements and applicable law.
81.48 Relationship With Evidence Requirements
This Section establishes the process for submitting a refund request.
The specific information and supporting evidence that may be required to verify a request are addressed further in Section 82 – Information & Evidence Required for Refund Requests.
81.49 Relationship With Refund Review
After a sufficiently complete request has been received, AKBSTOCK may evaluate the request according to Section 83 – Refund Review & Verification and Section 84 – Approval or Rejection of Refund Requests.
Those Sections determine how the submitted information may be assessed and how the outcome may be decided.
81.50 Section Summary
A Customer seeking a refund or cancellation should contact AKBSTOCK through an official channel, identify the relevant transaction, clearly explain the issue and provide reasonable supporting information where necessary.
AKBSTOCK may verify the Customer and transaction, request additional relevant information, attempt technical or replacement remedies where appropriate and then proceed to formal refund review if the issue remains unresolved.
The refund-request procedure is intended to provide a practical and fair process for genuine Customer claims while protecting Accounts, payments, Products and refund systems against unauthorized or abusive requests and preserving all mandatory consumer rights.
82. Information & Evidence Required for Refund Requests
82.1 General Evidence Principle
AKBSTOCK may request reasonable information or supporting evidence where necessary to identify a transaction, verify a reported issue and determine whether a refund, cancellation, correction or other remedy is appropriate.
The information requested should be proportionate to the nature of the claim and should not exceed what is reasonably necessary for legitimate verification, support, fraud prevention, dispute resolution or legal compliance.
82.2 Evidence Requirements May Vary
Not every refund request requires the same information or evidence.
The evidence reasonably required may depend on whether the issue concerns Product delivery, file corruption, incorrect Product delivery, payment processing, duplicate charges, unauthorized transactions, Subscription billing, Exclusive License matters or another eligible circumstance.
82.3 Order Number
Where available, the Customer should provide the relevant AKBSTOCK order number when submitting a refund request.
The order number may help AKBSTOCK identify the Product, payment, Account and transaction records associated with the request.
82.4 Product Name or Identifier
The Customer may be asked to identify the Product involved in the refund request by Product name, Product ID, SKU or another available identifier.
This helps distinguish the affected Product from other purchases associated with the same Customer or Account.
82.5 Account Email or Contact Information
AKBSTOCK may request the email address or other contact information associated with the relevant Account or transaction where reasonably necessary to locate or verify the purchase.
Customers should avoid providing unrelated personal information that is not necessary for the refund review.
82.6 Payment Date
The date or approximate date of the payment may help AKBSTOCK identify the relevant transaction where multiple orders or payment attempts exist.
Where exact information is unavailable, the Customer may provide the best reasonably available transaction details.
82.7 Payment Amount
AKBSTOCK may request the amount paid or charged in connection with the disputed transaction.
This information may be particularly relevant for duplicate-payment, incorrect-charge, payment-processing or failed-payment investigations.
82.8 Transaction Reference
Where available, a payment gateway, bank, card, wallet or other transaction reference may assist AKBSTOCK in identifying or reconciling the disputed payment.
Customers should provide only the reference information reasonably necessary to identify the transaction and should not disclose unnecessary authentication credentials.
82.9 Payment Method
AKBSTOCK may ask the Customer to identify the general payment method used for the transaction, such as a card, bank-based payment, wallet or another available method.
The Customer should not provide complete card numbers, banking passwords, one-time passwords or similar sensitive information.
82.10 Description of the Issue
The Customer should provide a clear and accurate explanation of the problem giving rise to the refund or cancellation request.
The description should identify what occurred, what the Customer expected based on the transaction and why the Customer believes a remedy may be appropriate.
82.11 Screenshots
AKBSTOCK may request screenshots where they are reasonably useful for verifying a technical, Product, payment or Website issue.
Examples may include screenshots of error messages, download problems, incorrect Product delivery, payment status or duplicate transaction entries.
82.12 Redaction of Sensitive Information
Customers should, where reasonably possible, redact or obscure unrelated sensitive information before submitting screenshots, bank statements or other supporting records.
This may include complete card numbers, account balances, unrelated transactions, personal identification numbers or other information not necessary to verify the refund claim.
82.13 Error Messages
Where the request concerns a technical problem, the Customer may be asked to provide the exact or approximate error message displayed by the Website, software or system involved.
Error information may assist AKBSTOCK in distinguishing a Product-side issue from a Customer-side software, browser, device or connectivity issue.
82.14 Product File Name
Where the claim concerns a file problem or incorrect delivery, AKBSTOCK may request the file name associated with the Product received by the Customer.
This may assist in comparing the delivered file with the Product and order records maintained by AKBSTOCK.
82.15 Original Downloaded File
Where reasonably necessary to verify a corruption or defect claim, AKBSTOCK may ask the Customer to preserve or provide information concerning the original downloaded Product file.
The Customer should not materially modify the original file before verification where preservation is reasonably practicable.
82.16 File Properties or Technical Information
AKBSTOCK may request limited technical information concerning a Product file where relevant to the reported issue.
This may include file format, file size, dimensions, resolution or other properties reasonably necessary to determine whether the delivered file materially corresponds with the Product represented.
82.17 Software Information
Where a file cannot be opened or used, AKBSTOCK may ask which software application or version the Customer is using where that information is relevant to determining whether the issue concerns Product corruption or software compatibility.
This information should be requested only where reasonably connected to the technical problem.
82.18 Browser or Device Information
Where the request concerns Website access, download or Account functionality, AKBSTOCK may request limited information concerning the Customer’s browser, device or operating environment where reasonably necessary for troubleshooting.
Such information should not be collected merely as a condition of submitting an unrelated refund claim.
82.19 Download or Access Evidence
Where relevant, AKBSTOCK may review internal download or access records and may ask the Customer for information concerning whether the Product was successfully downloaded, opened or accessed.
Download evidence may be relevant to refund eligibility but does not automatically defeat a genuine defect or incorrect-delivery claim.
82.20 Evidence of Corrupted or Defective File
For a corrupted or defective-file claim, relevant evidence may include error messages, screenshots, file properties, a description of the technical defect or other information reasonably showing that the Product cannot be used as represented.
AKBSTOCK may compare such information with the original Product or master file where reasonably possible.
82.21 Evidence of Incorrect Product Delivery
For an incorrect-delivery claim, the Customer may be asked to identify the Product purchased and the file or Product actually received.
Relevant evidence may include order details, screenshots, file names or other information showing a material mismatch between the purchase and delivery.
82.22 Evidence of Duplicate Payment
For a duplicate-payment claim, the Customer may be asked to provide information showing multiple charges that appear to relate to a single intended transaction.
AKBSTOCK may compare the Customer’s information with internal order records and the final payment status available from the payment provider.
82.23 Bank or Payment Statement
Where reasonably necessary, a redacted bank, card, wallet or payment-provider statement showing the disputed transaction may assist verification.
Customers should obscure unrelated transactions, complete account numbers and other sensitive financial information not necessary to identify the relevant payment.
82.24 Evidence of Payment Processing Error
For an alleged payment-processing error, relevant evidence may include the checkout amount, actual charge, transaction reference, order status, payment confirmation or other information showing the claimed discrepancy.
AKBSTOCK may rely on payment-provider records to determine the final transaction status.
82.25 Evidence of Failed, Pending or Reversed Payment
Where the Customer reports a failed, pending or reversed payment, AKBSTOCK may request evidence showing the relevant payment status or debit entry.
Such evidence may need to be considered together with final payment-provider or settlement information before the transaction can be conclusively classified.
82.26 Evidence for Unauthorized Transactions
Where a transaction is reported as unauthorized, AKBSTOCK may request reasonable information necessary to identify the disputed payment and verify the reporter’s connection with the relevant Account or transaction.
AKBSTOCK may also consider findings or information from the applicable bank, card issuer or payment provider where available.
82.27 Evidence of Identity or Authority
AKBSTOCK may request reasonable identity or authority verification where necessary to protect a Customer, business Account or transaction against an unauthorized refund request.
The verification method should be proportionate to the risk and should avoid unnecessary collection of highly sensitive information.
82.28 Business Authorization Evidence
Where a refund request concerns a business or organizational Account, AKBSTOCK may request reasonable evidence that the person submitting the request is authorized to act for the relevant organization.
The level of evidence required may depend on the transaction value, Account structure and security circumstances.
82.29 Subscription Evidence
Where the request concerns a Subscription payment or cancellation, the Customer may be asked to identify the relevant Subscription, billing period, renewal transaction or other Subscription-related information necessary to evaluate the request.
Subscription-specific rules remain governed by Section 89 – Subscription Cancellations & Refunds and the applicable Subscription documents.
82.30 Exclusive License Evidence
Where the request concerns an Exclusive License transaction, AKBSTOCK may require information sufficient to identify the relevant Product, transaction and exclusivity status.
Additional verification may be appropriate because a refund or cancellation could affect the Product’s commercial availability and License status.
82.31 Evidence of Technical Troubleshooting
Where AKBSTOCK has previously provided troubleshooting, replacement, correction or restored-access instructions, the Customer may be asked to explain whether those steps were attempted and whether they resolved the issue.
The Customer should not be required to perform unreasonable troubleshooting solely to preserve a mandatory legal right.
82.32 Evidence of Failed Replacement or Correction
Where a refund is requested after a replacement or correction attempt, AKBSTOCK may request reasonable information showing that the verified issue remains unresolved.
This may help determine whether further correction is appropriate or whether the matter should proceed to refund review.
82.33 Evidence of Commercial Use
Where relevant to a discretionary refund review, AKBSTOCK may consider reasonably available evidence concerning whether the Product has already been materially or commercially used.
AKBSTOCK should not require unnecessary disclosure of a Customer’s confidential business information where the same issue can be evaluated through less intrusive evidence.
82.34 Evidence of Modification
Where a claimed defect may have arisen after Customer or third-party editing, AKBSTOCK may request reasonable information concerning whether the Product was modified, converted, resized, recoloured or otherwise altered before the issue occurred.
The purpose of this inquiry is to distinguish an original Product defect from a later Customer-side change.
82.35 Evidence Must Be Accurate
Customers should provide accurate and truthful information when submitting evidence in support of a refund request.
Knowingly false, fabricated, altered or misleading evidence may result in rejection of the request and may be treated as refund abuse under this Policy.
82.36 Altered Screenshots or Documents
AKBSTOCK may reject or further investigate evidence that appears materially altered, manipulated or fabricated in a manner relevant to the refund claim.
Ordinary redaction of unrelated sensitive information will not be treated as improper alteration where the remaining evidence is sufficient to verify the relevant transaction.
82.37 AKBSTOCK May Verify Submitted Evidence
AKBSTOCK may compare Customer-submitted evidence with its own Product, Account, order, payment, download, support or technical records where reasonably necessary.
AKBSTOCK may also rely on information obtained from authorized payment providers or other relevant service providers where legally permissible.
82.38 Internal Records Are Not Automatically Conclusive
AKBSTOCK’s internal records may constitute relevant evidence but will not necessarily be treated as conclusive where credible information indicates that a technical, payment or system error may have affected those records.
AKBSTOCK may consider the available evidence as a whole when reviewing a genuine dispute.
82.39 Customer Unable to Provide a Particular Document
A Customer’s inability to provide one specific requested document does not automatically require rejection of the refund claim where the issue can reasonably be verified through other reliable information.
AKBSTOCK may consider alternative evidence appropriate to the circumstances.
82.40 Insufficient Evidence
Where a claimed issue cannot reasonably be verified because the Customer does not provide information necessary to identify the transaction or substantiate the relevant facts, AKBSTOCK may be unable to approve a discretionary refund.
This does not permit AKBSTOCK to deny a mandatory legal remedy solely by imposing unreasonable evidence requirements.
82.41 Additional Evidence Requests
AKBSTOCK may request additional information where the evidence initially provided is incomplete, inconsistent or insufficient to reasonably determine the refund claim.
Any additional request should remain relevant and proportionate to the issue being reviewed.
82.42 No Excessive Documentation Requirement
AKBSTOCK does not intend to require excessive paperwork or unnecessary documentation merely to discourage legitimate refund claims.
Evidence requirements should be practical and proportionate to the transaction, issue, security risk and applicable legal requirements.
82.43 Sensitive Personal Information
Customers should not submit government identification documents, financial credentials or other highly sensitive personal information unless AKBSTOCK reasonably requests such information through an appropriate process and the information is genuinely necessary for verification.
Where less sensitive information is sufficient, AKBSTOCK should use the less intrusive verification method.
82.44 Payment Card Information
AKBSTOCK does not require Customers to submit complete card numbers or card security codes as ordinary evidence of a refund claim.
Where partial card information is reasonably useful for identifying a transaction, only the minimum information appropriate to the payment-provider process should be used.
82.45 Passwords & One-Time Passwords
Customers must not provide Account passwords, banking passwords, PINs, one-time passwords or similar authentication secrets as evidence for a refund request.
AKBSTOCK will not legitimately require such credentials through ordinary refund or support communications.
82.46 Privacy of Submitted Evidence
Personal information contained in refund evidence will be handled according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable privacy and data protection law.
AKBSTOCK may process such information for refund review, transaction administration, Customer support, security, fraud prevention, dispute resolution and legal compliance.
82.47 Retention of Refund Evidence
AKBSTOCK may retain relevant refund-request evidence and associated records for periods reasonably necessary for accounting, transaction administration, Customer support, fraud prevention, chargeback defence, dispute resolution or legal compliance.
Retention remains subject to the principles described in the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy.
82.48 Confidential Business Information
Where supporting evidence contains confidential Customer business or client information, Customers are encouraged to provide only the portion reasonably necessary to demonstrate the refund issue.
AKBSTOCK does not require unrelated proprietary or client information where the claim can reasonably be verified without it.
82.49 Third-Party Evidence
Where a refund claim depends on information controlled by a payment provider, bank, software provider or another third party, AKBSTOCK may consider reliable third-party transaction or technical information where appropriate.
AKBSTOCK is not required to accept unsupported statements from an unrelated third party as conclusive evidence where further verification is reasonably necessary.
82.50 Evidence Obtained Through Fraud or Unauthorized Access
Customers should not obtain or submit evidence through unlawful access to another person’s Account, payment information, private communications or other protected information.
Nothing in this Policy requires or authorizes unlawful evidence gathering.
82.51 Mandatory Consumer Rights
Evidence requirements under this Section will not be applied in a manner that unlawfully prevents or unreasonably burdens the exercise of a mandatory consumer right.
Where applicable law establishes specific evidentiary standards or assigns the burden of proof differently, the mandatory legal requirement will apply to the extent required.
82.52 Relationship With Refund Review
Information and evidence collected under this Section may be used during the refund review process described in Section 83 – Refund Review & Verification.
The existence of evidence supporting a claim does not by itself predetermine the final outcome, which will depend on the complete circumstances and applicable legal requirements.
82.53 Relationship With Fraud Prevention
AKBSTOCK may use reasonable evidence verification to distinguish genuine refund claims from fraudulent, abusive or fabricated requests.
Suspected refund abuse is addressed further in Section 94 – Fraudulent, Abusive & Repeated Refund Requests.
82.54 Fair Evidence Principle
The purpose of requesting evidence is to understand and verify genuine refund issues, not to create unnecessary barriers to legitimate Customer remedies.
AKBSTOCK seeks to use evidence requirements that are relevant, proportionate, privacy-conscious and appropriate to the particular transaction or problem being reviewed.
82.55 Section Summary
AKBSTOCK may request reasonable information and evidence necessary to identify a transaction and verify the basis of a refund, cancellation or related remedy request.
Relevant evidence may include order information, Product identifiers, transaction references, screenshots, error messages, technical information or appropriately redacted payment records depending on the nature of the issue.
Customers should provide accurate information while avoiding unnecessary sensitive credentials or unrelated private information. AKBSTOCK seeks to keep evidence requirements proportionate and fair, and mandatory consumer rights will not be restricted through unreasonable documentation requirements.
83. Refund Review & Verification
83.1 General Review Principle
AKBSTOCK may review each eligible refund, cancellation or related remedy request based on the circumstances of the relevant transaction, the information provided by the Customer, available AKBSTOCK records, applicable payment-provider information and any mandatory legal requirements.
The review is intended to determine whether the claimed issue is genuine, whether the transaction falls within this Policy and what remedy, if any, is appropriate.
83.2 Case-by-Case Assessment
Refund requests may be assessed on a case-by-case basis where individual facts materially affect eligibility.
A decision in one transaction does not automatically create the same outcome for another transaction where the Products, payments, access status, evidence, Customer conduct or applicable legal requirements differ.
83.3 Scope of Review
Depending on the nature of the request, AKBSTOCK may review information relating to the order, Product, Product description, payment, delivery, download, Account access, Subscription status, License, support communications, technical issue or other relevant transaction circumstances.
Only information reasonably relevant to the refund or cancellation issue should be considered.
83.4 Transaction Identification
Before determining refund eligibility, AKBSTOCK may confirm that the request corresponds with an identifiable AKBSTOCK transaction.
This may include verification of the order number, Product identifier, Customer Account, payment record or other reliable transaction reference.
83.5 Customer or Requester Verification
AKBSTOCK may verify that the person submitting the refund request is the relevant Customer, Account holder, authorized representative or another person legally entitled to act concerning the transaction.
Reasonable verification may be required before AKBSTOCK discloses transaction information, changes an order or issues a refund.
83.6 Product Verification
Where the refund request concerns the Product itself, AKBSTOCK may verify which Product was purchased and which Product or file was delivered.
This may include comparison of Product identifiers, file names, Product records, Product descriptions, previews or other relevant information.
83.7 Product Description Review
AKBSTOCK may review the Product description, technical specifications, preview and other Product information that applied to the relevant transaction.
This review may help determine whether the Customer received a Product that materially corresponded with what AKBSTOCK represented at the time of purchase.
83.8 File Integrity Review
Where the claim concerns a corrupted, defective or unusable Product file, AKBSTOCK may compare the Customer’s report with the original master file, delivery file or other reliable Product copy where reasonably possible.
This may help determine whether the issue existed in the Product as supplied or arose after delivery.
83.9 Technical Evidence Review
AKBSTOCK may review relevant screenshots, error messages, file properties, browser information, software information or other technical evidence where necessary to understand a claimed technical problem.
Technical evidence should be evaluated in context and not treated as conclusive where credible conflicting information exists.
83.10 Download Status Review
Where technically available and legally permissible, AKBSTOCK may review whether the Product was downloaded or accessed.
Download or access information may be relevant to refund eligibility but does not automatically defeat a genuine claim involving a defect, incorrect delivery, unauthorized transaction or other eligible issue.
83.11 Delivery Status Review
AKBSTOCK may determine whether the Product was successfully made available, delivered or otherwise provided through the applicable digital delivery mechanism.
A failed or incomplete delivery may require a different remedy from a transaction in which the correct Product was successfully received.
83.12 Payment Verification
Where the refund request concerns payment, AKBSTOCK may verify the amount, payment status, transaction reference, order association and whether the payment was successfully received.
AKBSTOCK may compare its own records with information made available by the relevant payment provider or financial institution.
83.13 Duplicate Payment Verification
For a suspected duplicate payment, AKBSTOCK may determine whether multiple completed charges correspond with one intended transaction or with separate valid orders.
Temporary authorizations, pending entries or already reversed failed transactions should not automatically be classified as duplicate completed payments.
83.14 Failed or Pending Payment Verification
Where a Customer reports a failed or pending payment, AKBSTOCK may determine whether the payment ultimately settled, failed, remained pending or was reversed.
The final verified payment status may control whether an order can be completed, reconciled or refunded.
83.15 Unauthorized Transaction Verification
Where a transaction is reported as unauthorized, AKBSTOCK may review Account, payment, download, security and transaction information reasonably relevant to the claim.
AKBSTOCK may also consider findings or procedures of the applicable bank, card issuer or payment provider where appropriate.
83.16 Subscription Verification
For a Subscription-related request, AKBSTOCK may review the Subscription status, billing period, renewal status, Product access, downloads or other relevant entitlements.
Subscription-specific rules remain subject to Section 89 – Subscription Cancellations & Refunds and the applicable Subscription documents.
83.17 Exclusive License Verification
For an Exclusive License refund or cancellation request, AKBSTOCK may verify the relevant Product, payment, exclusivity status, Product availability, License activation and any Product use reasonably relevant to the request.
Additional review may be necessary because an Exclusive License transaction can affect the Product’s future commercial status.
83.18 Review of Customer-Supplied Evidence
AKBSTOCK may consider screenshots, payment records, technical information, communications and other supporting evidence supplied by the Customer.
Evidence should be considered together with relevant AKBSTOCK and third-party transaction records rather than in isolation where additional verification is reasonably necessary.
83.19 Review of AKBSTOCK Internal Records
AKBSTOCK may review internal order, Product, download, Account, support, payment and technical records reasonably relevant to the refund claim.
Internal records may constitute important evidence but will not necessarily be treated as conclusive where credible information indicates that an error may have affected those records.
83.20 Third-Party Records
AKBSTOCK may consider reliable information from payment providers, banks, hosting providers, technical service providers or other relevant third parties where their systems are involved in the disputed transaction.
Any information sharing or retrieval should remain consistent with applicable privacy and legal requirements.
83.21 Conflicting Evidence
Where Customer evidence, AKBSTOCK records and third-party information do not agree, AKBSTOCK may conduct additional review before determining the request.
No single record should automatically override credible conflicting evidence where further verification is reasonably appropriate.
83.22 Additional Information
If the information available is insufficient to determine the request, AKBSTOCK may ask the Customer for additional relevant information or clarification.
Additional requests should remain proportionate to the issue and should not be used merely to delay or discourage a legitimate claim.
83.23 Verification of Technical Troubleshooting
Where AKBSTOCK previously provided technical support, replacement, correction or restored-access steps, AKBSTOCK may review whether those steps were reasonably attempted and whether the underlying issue remains unresolved.
This may help determine whether further technical remedy or monetary refund consideration is appropriate.
83.24 Review of Replacement or Correction
If AKBSTOCK has already supplied a corrected or replacement Product, AKBSTOCK may review whether that remedy materially resolved the verified issue.
A fully effective correction may affect whether a further monetary refund is appropriate where legally permissible.
83.25 Commercial Use Review
Where relevant to a discretionary refund decision, AKBSTOCK may consider whether the Customer has already materially or commercially used the Product.
Commercial use may be relevant to the appropriate remedy but does not excuse a genuine Product defect or remove any mandatory legal right.
83.26 Modification Review
Where a claimed Product defect may have arisen after editing, conversion, recolouring, resizing, production preparation or other modification, AKBSTOCK may consider whether the issue existed in the original supplied Product.
Reasonable comparison with an original or master Product may be used where available.
83.27 Production Environment Review
Where a refund request concerns physical printing or production output, AKBSTOCK may consider whether the issue appears attributable to the digital Product or to external production conditions.
Relevant external factors may include fabric, printer calibration, RIP settings, ink, dye, colour profiles, scaling, production workflow or other manufacturing variables.
83.28 Product Preview and Description Comparison
AKBSTOCK may compare the delivered Product with the preview, description and specifications reasonably available to the Customer before purchase.
This comparison may help determine whether the refund request concerns a genuine material discrepancy or a characteristic that was reasonably disclosed before purchase.
83.29 License Review
Where the refund request may affect Product usage rights, AKBSTOCK may review the License applicable to the transaction.
This may be necessary to determine the consequences of an approved refund or whether particular Product use occurred within or outside the applicable License.
83.30 Refund Abuse Indicators
AKBSTOCK may consider reasonable indicators of refund abuse where relevant, including repeated unsupported refund claims, fabricated evidence, repeated acquisition and use of Products followed by refund demands or other suspicious transaction patterns.
The presence of one unusual circumstance does not automatically establish abuse.
83.31 Genuine Repeat Claims
A Customer will not be treated as engaging in refund abuse merely because more than one legitimate Product, technical or payment problem has occurred.
AKBSTOCK seeks to distinguish genuine repeat issues from reasonably verified abusive conduct.
83.32 Fraud Investigation
Where the refund request itself appears fraudulent or where the underlying transaction involves suspected unauthorized activity, AKBSTOCK may conduct additional verification before making a refund decision.
Relevant fraud matters may also be handled under Sections 80 – Unauthorized or Suspected Fraudulent Transactions and 94 – Fraudulent, Abusive & Repeated Refund Requests.
83.33 Chargeback Status Review
AKBSTOCK may verify whether the disputed payment is already subject to a chargeback, bank dispute, payment-provider claim or previous reversal.
This helps avoid issuing a merchant refund that would duplicate another reimbursement process.
83.34 Previous Refund Status
AKBSTOCK may verify whether the relevant amount has already been refunded, reversed, credited or otherwise restored to the Customer.
A Customer should not receive duplicate reimbursement for the same amount merely because multiple refund or dispute processes exist.
83.35 Materiality of the Issue
AKBSTOCK may consider whether the reported problem materially affects the Product, transaction or Customer’s ability to receive the benefit reasonably represented by AKBSTOCK.
Minor or non-material issues may warrant correction rather than cancellation of the entire transaction.
83.36 Proportionality of Remedy
AKBSTOCK may consider whether the requested remedy is proportionate to the verified problem.
Depending on the circumstances, an appropriate outcome may include support, correction, replacement, restored access, partial adjustment, partial refund, full refund or another lawful remedy.
83.37 No Automatic Full Refund for Every Error
A verified issue does not necessarily require cancellation and full refund of the entire transaction where the problem affects only a separable portion of the purchase or can reasonably be corrected.
The appropriate remedy should reflect the actual issue and mandatory legal requirements.
83.38 Good-Faith Review
AKBSTOCK seeks to conduct refund reviews in good faith and based on reasonably available evidence rather than automatically favoring either approval or rejection.
The purpose of verification is to identify the correct transaction outcome and protect both legitimate Customer interests and AKBSTOCK’s digital Products and payment systems.
83.39 No Presumption of Customer Fraud
A Customer submitting a refund request will not automatically be presumed to be acting fraudulently.
Fraud or abuse concerns should be based on reasonable evidence or transaction circumstances rather than the mere existence of a refund request.
83.40 No Presumption That AKBSTOCK Records Are Infallible
AKBSTOCK may rely on its records as relevant evidence but recognizes that technical, payment or administrative records can occasionally contain errors.
Credible evidence suggesting such an error may be considered during the verification process.
83.41 Review Time
The time required to complete a refund review may depend on the complexity of the request, availability of evidence, payment-provider involvement, technical investigation, fraud concerns or applicable legal requirements.
AKBSTOCK seeks to complete legitimate reviews within a reasonable period and any mandatory timeframe applicable by law.
83.42 Third-Party Delays
Some refund reviews may require information or action from a bank, payment gateway, card issuer, technical provider or other third party.
AKBSTOCK cannot guarantee the internal response time of independent providers but may take reasonable steps within its control to progress the review.
83.43 Customer Communication During Verification
AKBSTOCK may contact the Customer during the review to request clarification, additional evidence or confirmation that a technical remedy has succeeded.
The Customer should ensure that the contact information associated with the request remains reasonably accessible during the review.
83.44 Review Records
AKBSTOCK may maintain reasonable records concerning refund reviews, evidence considered, verification steps, technical remedies, payment findings and final decisions.
Such records may be relevant to accounting, Customer support, fraud prevention, chargeback defence, dispute resolution and legal compliance.
83.45 Privacy of Review Information
Personal information processed during refund review and verification will be handled according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable law.
AKBSTOCK seeks to limit review information to what is reasonably necessary for the relevant transaction, security, fraud-prevention, dispute or legal purpose.
83.46 Confidential Business Information
Where a refund review involves Customer business, client or production information, AKBSTOCK seeks to avoid requiring disclosure of unrelated confidential information where the issue can reasonably be verified through less intrusive evidence.
83.47 Mandatory Burden-of-Proof Rules
Nothing in this Section is intended to alter a burden of proof or evidentiary requirement that applicable law assigns to AKBSTOCK, the Customer, a payment provider or another party.
Where mandatory law prescribes how a particular claim must be assessed, the mandatory legal requirement will apply.
83.48 Mandatory Consumer Rights
Refund review and verification procedures will not be applied in a manner that unlawfully delays, removes or restricts a mandatory consumer remedy.
Where applicable law requires an immediate or differently structured remedy, that requirement will apply to the extent legally required.
83.49 Relationship With Evidence Requirements
This Section should be read together with Section 82 – Information & Evidence Required for Refund Requests, which explains the types of information AKBSTOCK may reasonably request during review.
83.50 Relationship With Approval or Rejection
Once the relevant review and verification have been completed to a reasonable extent, AKBSTOCK may determine the outcome according to Section 84 – Approval or Rejection of Refund Requests.
The review process itself does not guarantee either approval or rejection.
83.51 Fair Verification Principle
AKBSTOCK seeks to verify refund requests using a balanced approach that recognizes both the need to protect Customers from genuine Product, payment or delivery problems and the need to protect digital Products and payment systems against misuse.
Verification should be relevant, proportionate, evidence-based and consistent with applicable law.
83.52 Section Summary
AKBSTOCK may review relevant order, Product, file, payment, delivery, download, Account, Subscription, License, support and transaction information when determining a refund or cancellation request.
Customer evidence, AKBSTOCK records and reliable third-party information may be compared where appropriate, and conflicting or incomplete information may require additional verification.
The review process is intended to identify genuine eligible issues, select a proportionate remedy, prevent duplicate reimbursement or fraud and support a fair decision under this Policy while preserving all mandatory consumer and payment rights.
84. Approval or Rejection of Refund Requests
84.1 General Decision Principle
After completing a reasonable review and verification of a refund, cancellation or related remedy request, AKBSTOCK may determine the appropriate outcome based on the circumstances of the transaction, available evidence, applicable AKBSTOCK legal documents and mandatory law.
The outcome may include approval of a full refund, approval of a partial refund, provision of another remedy, rejection of the request or a request for additional information where further verification is reasonably necessary.
84.2 Approval Is Not Automatic
The submission, acknowledgement or review of a refund request does not automatically mean that the request will be approved.
Refund eligibility depends on whether the relevant circumstances satisfy this Policy, another applicable AKBSTOCK legal document or a mandatory legal requirement.
84.3 Rejection Is Not Automatic
AKBSTOCK does not intend to reject refund requests automatically merely because a Product is digital, downloaded or accessed.
A genuine defect, incorrect delivery, payment problem, unauthorized transaction or mandatory consumer right may require further review or an appropriate remedy even after digital access has occurred.
84.4 Full Refund Approval
A full refund may be approved where AKBSTOCK determines that the entire eligible transaction should be reversed and a full monetary refund is the appropriate remedy.
This may occur where a verified material issue cannot reasonably be corrected, where the purchased Product cannot be validly supplied or where applicable law requires a full refund.
84.5 Partial Refund Approval
A partial refund may be approved where only a separable part of a transaction is affected, where only an excess amount was charged or where another proportionate monetary adjustment is appropriate.
A partial refund will ordinarily be limited to the affected portion of the transaction rather than automatically cancelling the entire valid purchase.
84.6 Approval of Alternative Remedy
AKBSTOCK may determine that replacement, correction, restored access, re-delivery or another non-monetary remedy is more appropriate than a refund where that remedy reasonably resolves the verified problem and applicable law permits such an outcome.
The alternative-remedy framework is addressed further in Section 76 – Replacement, Repair or Restored Access Before Refund.
84.7 Approval Based on Product Defect
A refund may be approved where AKBSTOCK verifies that the Product was materially corrupted, defective or unusable as supplied and the problem cannot reasonably be corrected or replaced.
The treatment of defective files is addressed further in Section 74 – Corrupted, Defective or Unusable Files.
84.8 Approval Based on Incorrect Product Delivery
A refund may be approved where AKBSTOCK supplied a materially incorrect Product or file and cannot reasonably provide the correct Product purchased by the Customer.
Where correct delivery remains reasonably possible, AKBSTOCK may instead correct the delivery.
84.9 Approval Based on Non-Delivery
A refund may be approved where valid payment has been received but AKBSTOCK cannot reasonably provide the purchased Product or complete the applicable digital delivery.
Where access can be successfully restored or delivery completed, the transaction may instead be fulfilled without refund.
84.10 Approval Based on Duplicate Payment
Where a genuine duplicate charge is verified, AKBSTOCK may approve refund or reversal of the duplicate amount.
The valid original payment and associated Product or License transaction may remain effective.
84.11 Approval Based on Payment Processing Error
Where a verified payment-processing error results in an excess charge or another amount that should not have been collected, AKBSTOCK may approve an appropriate refund or payment correction.
The remedy should ordinarily correspond with the actual verified payment error.
84.12 Approval Based on Unauthorized Transaction
A refund may be approved where an unauthorized transaction is reasonably verified and refunding the affected amount is appropriate under applicable payment-provider procedures, transaction circumstances and law.
AKBSTOCK may consider whether the amount has already been reversed or reimbursed through another payment dispute process before issuing a merchant refund.
84.13 Approval Required by Law
AKBSTOCK will approve or provide a refund, cancellation or other remedy where mandatory applicable law requires that result and the legal requirements for the remedy are satisfied.
No limitation in this Policy is intended to override a mandatory consumer or payment right that cannot lawfully be excluded.
84.14 Discretionary Approval
AKBSTOCK may, where legally permissible, approve a refund or other accommodation in exceptional circumstances even where the Customer does not have an automatic contractual right to that remedy.
A discretionary accommodation in one case does not create an entitlement or binding precedent for unrelated transactions.
84.15 Rejection Where Correct Product Was Supplied
A refund request may be rejected where AKBSTOCK verifies that the correct Product was accurately described, successfully delivered and no genuine Product, payment, delivery or other eligible issue exists.
This remains subject to any mandatory legal right applicable to the Customer.
84.16 Rejection for Change of Mind
A refund request may normally be rejected where the sole reason for the request is a change of mind after valid digital delivery, access or download.
This provision does not override a mandatory cooling-off, withdrawal or cancellation right where applicable law requires one.
84.17 Rejection for Incorrect Customer Selection
A refund request may normally be rejected where the Customer selected and purchased the wrong Product but AKBSTOCK correctly supplied the Product actually ordered.
A different result may apply where AKBSTOCK materially misrepresented the Product or another eligible issue exists.
84.18 Rejection for Subjective Dissatisfaction
A refund request may normally be rejected where the Product is correctly supplied but the Customer simply dislikes the style, colour arrangement, composition or another subjective design characteristic reasonably visible before purchase.
Subjective dissatisfaction should be distinguished from a material Product defect or misdescription.
84.19 Rejection for Customer-Side Technical Problems
A refund request may normally be rejected where the claimed problem is caused solely by unsupported Customer software, hardware, internet connectivity, storage failure or another Customer-side technical condition and the AKBSTOCK Product itself is valid.
AKBSTOCK may nevertheless provide reasonable support where appropriate.
84.20 Rejection for Production-Side Problems
A refund request may normally be rejected where a physical production problem results solely from fabric, printer calibration, RIP settings, ink, dye, colour management, manufacturing conditions or other external production variables rather than from a defect in the supplied digital Product.
84.21 Rejection After Effective Correction
A monetary refund request may be rejected where AKBSTOCK has provided a reasonable replacement, correction or restored-access remedy that materially and effectively resolves the verified issue, where applicable law permits that outcome.
The Customer may still report a separate genuine issue affecting the corrected or replacement Product.
84.22 Rejection Where Payment Was Already Reversed
A refund request may be rejected where the relevant amount has already been returned to the Customer through an automatic reversal, bank adjustment, payment-provider credit or other valid reimbursement process.
This helps prevent duplicate recovery for the same transaction.
84.23 Rejection Where Refund Was Already Issued
AKBSTOCK may reject a request for an additional refund where the same eligible amount has already been refunded.
Where the Customer believes the earlier refund did not reach the intended account, the matter should be investigated as a refund-processing issue rather than treated as a new refund entitlement.
84.24 Rejection for Insufficient Verification
AKBSTOCK may be unable to approve a discretionary refund where the relevant transaction or claimed issue cannot reasonably be verified from the information available.
AKBSTOCK should first consider whether reasonably obtainable additional or alternative evidence could resolve the uncertainty before rejecting a legitimate-looking request solely for lack of one particular document.
84.25 Rejection for Refusal to Provide Reasonable Information
A discretionary refund may be rejected where the Customer refuses to provide information reasonably necessary to identify the transaction, verify the claimed issue or protect against unauthorized refund activity.
This provision does not permit AKBSTOCK to impose unreasonable information demands or deny a mandatory legal remedy.
84.26 Rejection for False or Fabricated Evidence
AKBSTOCK may reject a refund request where the claim materially relies on evidence reasonably determined to be fabricated, falsified or intentionally misleading.
Serious or repeated deceptive conduct may also be reviewed under Section 94 – Fraudulent, Abusive & Repeated Refund Requests.
84.27 Rejection for Refund Abuse
A non-mandatory refund request may be rejected where AKBSTOCK reasonably verifies that the request forms part of abusive conduct intended to obtain both the benefits of digital Products and reimbursement without a legitimate basis.
Genuine repeat problems or legitimate consumer complaints will not be treated as abuse merely because multiple requests have been submitted.
84.28 Commercial Use May Affect Decision
Where legally permissible, substantial commercial use of a correctly supplied Product may be relevant when assessing a discretionary refund request.
Commercial use does not remove a mandatory legal right or excuse a genuine defect that existed in the Product as originally supplied.
84.29 Product Modification May Affect Decision
Where the Customer materially modified the Product before the claimed problem arose, AKBSTOCK may consider whether the issue was caused by the modification rather than the Product as supplied.
A genuine original defect remains reviewable where credible evidence supports the claim.
84.30 Subscription Refund Decision
A Subscription-related refund request may be approved, partially approved, rejected or otherwise resolved according to the applicable billing circumstances, Subscription use, cancellation status, mandatory law and Section 89 – Subscription Cancellations & Refunds.
This Section does not independently alter detailed Subscription billing or entitlement rules.
84.31 Exclusive License Refund Decision
An Exclusive License refund or cancellation request may require additional consideration of the Product’s exclusivity status, access, use and commercial availability.
The decision should be coordinated with Section 90 – Exclusive License Transactions and the applicable Exclusive License Agreement.
84.32 Approval May Affect Product Access
Approval of a refund may result in removal or restriction of future access to the refunded Product where technically possible and legally appropriate.
The effect of a refund on Product access and License rights is addressed further in Section 96 – Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights.
84.33 Approval May Affect License Rights
Where a refund reverses the economic basis of a Product transaction, the associated License may terminate or otherwise be affected according to the applicable License Agreement and mandatory law.
A Customer should not assume that receiving a full refund allows indefinite continuation of all commercial Product rights.
84.34 Partial Refund and Continuing Rights
Where only part of a transaction is refunded and the remainder remains valid, any continuing Product or License rights will depend on the structure of the transaction and applicable legal terms.
A partial refund does not automatically terminate rights associated with unaffected Products or valid portions of the transaction.
84.35 Refund Amount Determination
Where a monetary refund is approved, AKBSTOCK may determine the refundable amount by reference to the amount validly paid and the part of the transaction that qualifies for refund.
The Customer will not ordinarily be entitled to receive more than the amount properly refundable for the affected transaction.
84.36 Taxes and Transaction Components
The treatment of taxes, payment charges, discounts or other transaction components within an approved refund may depend on applicable law, payment-provider processing and the structure of the original transaction.
AKBSTOCK will not intentionally retain an amount that applicable law requires to be refunded.
84.37 Decision Based on Complete Circumstances
AKBSTOCK may consider the complete circumstances of the transaction rather than relying solely on one isolated factor.
Relevant considerations may include Product description, delivery status, Product access, defect evidence, technical support, payment status, commercial use, License status and mandatory law.
84.38 Consistency Without Mechanical Decisions
AKBSTOCK seeks to apply this Policy consistently while recognizing that different transactions may involve materially different facts.
Consistency does not require identical outcomes where the relevant evidence, Products, payments or legal requirements differ.
84.39 No Retaliation for Legitimate Requests
AKBSTOCK will not treat a Customer as abusive or impose adverse action merely because the Customer submits a legitimate refund request, questions a transaction or exercises a mandatory consumer or payment right.
Separate action may nevertheless be taken where independently verified fraud, abuse or legal violation exists.
84.40 Decision Communication
Where reasonably appropriate, AKBSTOCK may inform the Customer whether a refund request has been approved, partially approved, rejected or resolved through another remedy.
The communication may also identify any further action reasonably required from the Customer.
84.41 Reasons for Rejection
Where appropriate and legally required, AKBSTOCK may provide a reasonable explanation for rejecting or limiting a refund request.
AKBSTOCK may limit details where disclosure would materially compromise security, fraud-prevention measures, confidential third-party information or another lawful interest.
84.42 Request for Clarification of Decision
A Customer who reasonably believes that a decision was based on incomplete or materially incorrect information may contact AKBSTOCK through the applicable official channel and provide relevant clarification or evidence.
This provision does not guarantee reversal of the original decision but allows credible new information to be considered where appropriate.
84.43 New Material Evidence
AKBSTOCK may reconsider a previous refund decision where the Customer provides credible new evidence that materially changes the understanding of the transaction or claimed issue.
Repeated submission of the same information does not necessarily require repeated reconsideration.
84.44 Finality of Internal Decision
Once AKBSTOCK has reasonably reviewed a request and any material new evidence, AKBSTOCK may treat its internal refund decision as complete unless another review is required by applicable law, a payment-provider process, a competent authority or another binding legal procedure.
This provision does not remove any external consumer, payment, dispute or legal right available under applicable law.
84.45 Approval Record
AKBSTOCK may maintain records of approved refunds, including the relevant order, amount, reason, processing status and related transaction information.
Such records may be used for accounting, Customer support, licensing, fraud prevention, dispute resolution and legal compliance.
84.46 Rejection Record
AKBSTOCK may maintain reasonable records of rejected or limited refund requests and the basis for the decision where appropriate.
Such records may assist with consistency, fraud prevention, chargeback defence, dispute resolution and legal compliance.
84.47 Privacy of Decision Records
Personal information contained in refund decision records will be handled according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable privacy law.
AKBSTOCK seeks to retain and use only information reasonably necessary for legitimate transaction, accounting, security, dispute and legal purposes.
84.48 Mandatory Consumer Remedies
Nothing in the approval or rejection process is intended to exclude, delay or restrict a mandatory consumer remedy available under applicable law.
If applicable law requires refund, replacement, repair, price reduction, cancellation or another remedy, AKBSTOCK will apply the mandatory legal requirement to the extent required.
84.49 Mandatory Payment Rights
Nothing in this Section prevents a Customer from exercising a mandatory payment-dispute, unauthorized-transaction, reversal or other payment right available through applicable law or an authorized payment provider.
AKBSTOCK may coordinate its refund process with such external procedures where necessary to avoid duplicate recovery or conflicting outcomes.
84.50 Relationship With Refund Review
This Section follows the review and verification process described in Section 83 – Refund Review & Verification.
A refund decision should ordinarily be based on information reasonably established through that review process.
84.51 Relationship With Refund Processing
Where a refund is approved, the next stage is the processing of the approved refund under Section 85 – Processing Approved Refunds.
Approval of the refund and actual receipt of money by the Customer are separate stages because external payment-provider processing may be involved.
84.52 Fair Decision Principle
AKBSTOCK seeks to approve legitimate refunds and reject unsupported or abusive requests using a fair, proportionate and evidence-based process.
The purpose of the decision framework is to provide appropriate remedies for genuine Customer problems without allowing misuse of digital Products, Product Licenses or payment systems.
84.53 Section Summary
After reviewing a refund request, AKBSTOCK may approve a full or partial refund, provide an alternative remedy, request additional relevant information or reject the request depending on the verified circumstances.
Approval may be appropriate for genuine Product defects, incorrect or failed delivery, verified payment problems, unauthorized transactions or other eligible circumstances, while requests based solely on change of mind, subjective dissatisfaction, Customer-side errors or unsupported claims may normally be rejected.
Every decision remains subject to applicable AKBSTOCK legal documents, the evidence available and mandatory consumer and payment protections that cannot lawfully be excluded or restricted.
85. Processing Approved Refunds
85.1 General Processing Principle
Once AKBSTOCK approves a refund, AKBSTOCK will seek to initiate the appropriate refund, reversal, adjustment or other approved monetary correction through the relevant payment process.
The exact processing method may depend on the original payment method, transaction status, payment provider, currency, refund amount and applicable legal requirements.
85.2 Approval and Processing Are Separate Stages
Approval of a refund means that AKBSTOCK has determined that a refund or monetary adjustment should be provided.
Actual receipt of the refunded amount by the Customer may occur later because the payment must still be processed through the relevant payment provider, bank, card network, wallet provider or financial institution.
85.3 Refund Initiation
After approval, AKBSTOCK may initiate the refund through the payment system or method reasonably available for the relevant transaction.
Where technically possible and appropriate, AKBSTOCK will ordinarily use the payment channel connected with the original transaction.
85.4 Original Payment Method
An approved refund will ordinarily be returned to the original payment method where reasonably practicable.
This approach may help maintain transaction integrity, reduce fraud risk and ensure that the refund is returned through the same financial relationship used for the original purchase.
85.5 Alternative Refund Method
If refunding through the original payment method is not technically possible, unavailable or otherwise inappropriate, AKBSTOCK may consider another lawful and reasonable refund method where permitted by the applicable payment provider and law.
AKBSTOCK may require appropriate verification before using an alternative refund destination.
85.6 No Refund to an Unrelated Third Party
AKBSTOCK will not ordinarily redirect an approved refund to an unrelated third-party account, payment method or person merely at the request of the Customer.
Any exception may require additional verification and must be consistent with applicable payment, fraud-prevention and legal requirements.
85.7 Full Refund Processing
Where a full refund is approved, AKBSTOCK may initiate refund of the eligible amount associated with the affected transaction.
The final amount refunded will be determined according to the approved decision, applicable transaction components and mandatory law.
85.8 Partial Refund Processing
Where a partial refund is approved, AKBSTOCK may refund only the approved portion of the transaction while leaving the unaffected portion of the transaction in effect.
The remaining Product, License or transaction rights will depend on the structure of the original purchase and applicable legal documents.
85.9 Duplicate Payment Refund
Where a verified duplicate payment is approved for refund, AKBSTOCK may refund the duplicate amount while preserving the valid original transaction.
The Customer’s valid Product access and applicable License may therefore remain unaffected by refund of the duplicate charge.
85.10 Excess Charge Refund
Where an approved refund concerns an excess amount caused by a payment-processing error, AKBSTOCK may refund only the verified excess amount.
The properly charged portion of the transaction may remain valid and effective.
85.11 Failed Transaction Refund
Where money was successfully received by AKBSTOCK in connection with a transaction that cannot reasonably be completed, AKBSTOCK may initiate refund of the eligible amount.
Where the payment was never finally settled to AKBSTOCK and was instead automatically reversed, a separate merchant refund may not be required.
85.12 Unauthorized Transaction Refund
Where an unauthorized transaction refund is approved, AKBSTOCK may process the refund in coordination with applicable payment-provider, bank, card or dispute procedures.
AKBSTOCK may verify whether the amount has already been reversed or reimbursed through another process before issuing an additional merchant refund.
85.13 Subscription Refund Processing
Where a Subscription refund is approved, AKBSTOCK may process the approved amount according to the relevant Subscription transaction, billing period, payment method and applicable Subscription rules.
The refund may also require adjustment of Subscription status, renewal settings, access or entitlements where appropriate.
85.14 Exclusive License Refund Processing
Where an Exclusive License refund is approved, processing may require coordination between the monetary refund and the legal status of the Exclusive License.
The Product’s exclusivity status, future availability and applicable License rights may need to be adjusted in accordance with Section 90 – Exclusive License Transactions and the applicable Exclusive License Agreement.
85.15 Refund Confirmation
Where reasonably available, AKBSTOCK may provide the Customer with confirmation that the approved refund has been initiated or processed.
Such confirmation may include relevant refund or transaction information without disclosing unnecessary sensitive payment data.
85.16 Refund Reference
Where the payment system provides a refund reference, transaction identifier or similar confirmation, AKBSTOCK may retain or provide that reference where appropriate.
The availability and format of such references may differ between payment providers.
85.17 Refund Status
An approved refund may pass through statuses such as initiated, submitted, processing, completed, failed, reversed or another status used by the applicable payment provider.
AKBSTOCK may rely on payment-provider information when determining the technical status of the refund.
85.18 Customer Receipt May Be Delayed
The Customer may not receive the refunded amount immediately after AKBSTOCK initiates the refund.
The time required for the refund to appear may depend on the Customer’s bank, card issuer, wallet provider, payment gateway or other financial institution.
85.19 AKBSTOCK Processing vs. Bank Processing
AKBSTOCK’s responsibility for initiating an approved refund should be distinguished from the internal processing time of the Customer’s bank or payment provider.
Once AKBSTOCK has validly submitted the refund, additional posting or settlement delays may occur outside AKBSTOCK’s direct control.
85.20 No Universal Bank Credit Time
AKBSTOCK does not guarantee one universal period within which every approved refund will appear in every Customer’s financial account.
Different payment methods, banks, countries, currencies and payment systems may apply different internal processing timelines, subject to mandatory law.
85.21 Refund Processing Failure
If an approved refund fails during payment processing, AKBSTOCK may review the reason for the failure and, where reasonably possible, attempt another appropriate processing step.
Additional Customer verification may be required where the original payment method is no longer available or a payment provider rejects the refund.
85.22 Closed or Expired Payment Method
If the Customer’s original payment card, account, wallet or other payment method has expired, closed or changed, the treatment of the refund may depend on the relevant financial institution’s procedures.
AKBSTOCK may require the Customer to work with the payment provider or may use another lawful method where permitted and reasonably necessary.
85.23 Changed Bank Account
The fact that a Customer has changed bank accounts after the original transaction does not automatically allow AKBSTOCK to redirect a refund without appropriate verification.
The applicable payment provider may have procedures for routing refunds associated with closed or replaced accounts.
85.24 Refund Destination Verification
Where an alternative refund destination must be used, AKBSTOCK may take reasonable steps to verify that the destination belongs to the Customer or another person legally entitled to receive the refund.
This verification is intended to reduce the risk of refund fraud or misdirection.
85.25 No Cash Refund Unless Expressly Appropriate
AKBSTOCK will not ordinarily provide a cash refund for an electronically paid transaction merely because the Customer requests cash.
The refund method will be determined by the original payment method, available payment systems, fraud-prevention considerations and applicable law.
85.26 No Unrelated Product Credit Unless Agreed
An approved monetary refund will not automatically be converted into AKBSTOCK store credit, Product credit or another non-cash benefit unless the Customer agrees where such agreement is legally valid or the applicable transaction terms provide otherwise.
AKBSTOCK will not substitute store credit for a legally required monetary refund where applicable law requires repayment.
85.27 Refund and Coupon Value
Where a Product was purchased using a discount or coupon, the refundable amount will ordinarily be based on the amount actually and validly paid for the eligible transaction rather than the undiscounted list price.
The future usability or reinstatement of a coupon may depend on the applicable promotional rules and circumstances.
85.28 Refund and Promotional Benefits
Where a refund affects a transaction that generated a promotional benefit, discount entitlement or other transaction-linked advantage, AKBSTOCK may adjust that benefit where reasonably necessary and legally permissible.
Any adjustment should be proportionate to the refunded transaction.
85.29 Refund and Taxes
Where applicable taxes were collected as part of the refunded transaction, the treatment of those taxes may depend on the refund amount, applicable tax law and the structure of the original transaction.
AKBSTOCK will seek to process refundable tax components consistently with applicable legal and accounting requirements.
85.30 Refund and Payment Fees
The treatment of payment-processing fees, bank charges or other transaction fees may depend on who imposed the fee, whether AKBSTOCK received the amount and whether applicable law requires reimbursement.
Charges imposed independently by a Customer’s bank or payment provider are not automatically refundable by AKBSTOCK.
85.31 Currency Conversion
If the original transaction involved currency conversion, the amount ultimately appearing in the Customer’s account after refund may differ because of exchange-rate movements or financial-provider conversion practices.
Currency-related issues are addressed further in Section 87 – Currency, Bank & Payment Provider Differences.
85.32 Refund After Chargeback
If a Customer has already received reimbursement through a chargeback or payment dispute, AKBSTOCK will not ordinarily issue an additional refund for the same amount.
AKBSTOCK may verify the final dispute status before processing an approved refund.
85.33 Chargeback After Refund
If AKBSTOCK has already validly refunded a transaction and the Customer subsequently initiates or continues a chargeback for the same amount, AKBSTOCK may provide evidence of the refund to the applicable payment provider.
The Customer should not seek duplicate reimbursement for the same transaction.
85.34 Duplicate Refund Prevention
AKBSTOCK may verify whether an amount has already been refunded, reversed, credited or otherwise returned before processing an approved refund.
This verification is intended to prevent accidental or fraudulent duplicate reimbursement.
85.35 Accidental Duplicate Refund
If a technical or administrative error results in more than one refund being issued for the same eligible amount, AKBSTOCK may take reasonable steps to reconcile the duplicate reimbursement where legally permissible.
Any correction should be limited to the amount that the Customer was not legitimately entitled to retain.
85.36 Product Access After Full Refund
Where a full refund terminates the underlying Product transaction, AKBSTOCK may remove or restrict future Product access where technically possible and legally appropriate.
The Customer’s continuing rights in any previously downloaded copy will be governed by Section 96 – Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights and the applicable License Agreement.
85.37 Product Access After Partial Refund
Where only part of a transaction is refunded, Product access may remain available for Products or portions of the transaction that remain valid.
The effect will depend on the structure of the transaction and applicable Product and License terms.
85.38 License Status Update
Where an approved refund affects the applicable Product License, AKBSTOCK may update relevant License, order or Account records to reflect the legal consequences of the refund.
A refund does not necessarily have the same licensing effect in every transaction, particularly where the refund is partial or relates only to a duplicate payment.
85.39 Order Status Update
AKBSTOCK may update the relevant order status after refund processing to accurately reflect that the transaction has been fully refunded, partially refunded, reversed or otherwise adjusted.
Accurate status records may support accounting, Customer support, licensing and dispute resolution.
85.40 Subscription Status Update
Where a Subscription refund affects an active Subscription, AKBSTOCK may update the Subscription status, billing arrangement, renewal setting or associated entitlements where required by the applicable Subscription rules.
The exact consequences will depend on the reason and scope of the refund.
85.41 Exclusive License Status Update
Where an approved refund affects an Exclusive License, AKBSTOCK may update the Product’s exclusivity and commercial-availability records in accordance with the applicable Exclusive License Agreement.
The Product should not remain incorrectly marked as exclusively licensed if the valid exclusive transaction has been fully reversed and exclusive rights have ended.
85.42 Refund Invoice or Accounting Records
AKBSTOCK may create, update or retain appropriate invoice, credit, refund or accounting records in connection with an approved refund.
Such records may be necessary for financial reporting, taxation, reconciliation, audit and legal compliance.
85.43 Refund Records
AKBSTOCK may maintain reasonable records of refund approval, refund initiation, payment-provider status, refunded amount, affected order and related Customer communications.
These records may be used for accounting, support, fraud prevention, chargeback defence, dispute resolution and legal compliance.
85.44 Privacy of Refund Information
Personal information processed during refund handling will be managed according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable law.
AKBSTOCK seeks to use only information reasonably necessary for refund processing, transaction administration, security, fraud prevention, accounting and legal purposes.
85.45 Refund Processing Security
AKBSTOCK may use reasonable verification and security controls before or during refund processing to reduce the risk of refund diversion, unauthorized refund requests or payment fraud.
Security controls should remain proportionate to the transaction and should not unnecessarily obstruct a valid approved refund.
85.46 Customer Cooperation
Where AKBSTOCK reasonably requires additional information to complete an approved refund, the Customer may be asked to cooperate with appropriate verification or payment-provider procedures.
AKBSTOCK will not require unnecessary sensitive credentials merely to process the refund.
85.47 Refund Not Received After Processing
If AKBSTOCK records indicate that an approved refund has been successfully processed but the Customer does not see the amount in the expected account, the Customer should contact AKBSTOCK and, where appropriate, the relevant bank or payment provider.
AKBSTOCK may provide available refund reference information or other reasonable assistance to help investigate the missing credit.
85.48 Payment Provider Investigation
Where a processed refund appears missing, delayed or rejected, AKBSTOCK may need to work with the applicable payment provider or request that the Customer contact their financial institution.
Resolution may depend on records and procedures controlled by the relevant payment system.
85.49 Refund Rejected by Payment Provider
If a payment provider rejects or fails to complete an approved refund, AKBSTOCK may investigate the reason and determine whether another lawful refund method or corrective process is available.
AKBSTOCK will not treat a provider-side refund failure as meaning that an otherwise valid approved refund has ceased to exist merely because the first processing attempt failed.
85.50 No Guaranteed Instant Refund
AKBSTOCK does not represent that every approved refund will be received instantly.
The payment method and external processing systems involved may require additional time after AKBSTOCK submits the refund.
85.51 Mandatory Refund Timelines
Where applicable law, regulation or payment-system rules require an approved refund or reimbursement to be processed within a particular mandatory period, AKBSTOCK will seek to comply with the applicable requirement to the extent legally required.
This Section does not reduce any mandatory refund-processing right available to the Customer.
85.52 Relationship With Refund Method & Processing Time
This Section explains the operational processing of an approved refund.
Additional rules concerning refund methods and processing time are addressed in Section 86 – Refund Method & Processing Time.
85.53 Relationship With Currency & Payment Providers
Where currency conversion, bank processing, card-provider procedures or other payment-provider differences affect an approved refund, Section 87 – Currency, Bank & Payment Provider Differences should also be considered.
85.54 Relationship With Product & License Rights
Processing a monetary refund may affect the Customer’s Product access or License rights depending on the nature of the refund.
The detailed legal consequences are addressed further in Section 96 – Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights.
85.55 Fair Processing Principle
AKBSTOCK seeks to process approved refunds accurately, securely and consistently with the approved decision.
The refund process is intended to return the amount properly due to the Customer while preventing payment diversion, duplicate reimbursement, inaccurate transaction records or unintended changes to valid Product and License rights.
85.56 Section Summary
Once a refund is approved, AKBSTOCK may initiate the applicable full or partial refund, payment reversal or monetary adjustment using the original payment method where reasonably practicable.
AKBSTOCK may update order, Subscription, Product-access, License and accounting records where necessary to reflect the approved refund and may take reasonable steps to prevent duplicate or misdirected reimbursement.
Actual receipt of the refunded amount may depend on the processing systems of banks, payment gateways, card networks, wallet providers or other financial institutions, while any mandatory refund-processing requirements under applicable law remain preserved.
86. Refund Method & Processing Time
86.1 General Refund Method Principle
Where AKBSTOCK approves a monetary refund, the refund will ordinarily be processed using the original payment method or payment channel used for the relevant transaction where reasonably practicable.
The exact refund method may depend on the original transaction, payment provider, payment status, currency, Customer location and applicable legal or payment-system requirements.
86.2 Original Payment Method Preferred
AKBSTOCK generally prefers to return an approved refund to the original payment method used for the purchase.
This approach helps preserve transaction traceability, reduce fraud risk and ensure that the refund is returned through the financial channel associated with the original Customer payment.
86.3 Card Payments
Where the original transaction was completed using a payment card, an approved refund may ordinarily be submitted through the applicable card-payment or payment-gateway process.
The time required for the refunded amount to appear on the Customer’s card account may depend on the card issuer, payment gateway, card network and banking procedures involved.
86.4 Bank-Based Payments
Where the original transaction was completed through an eligible bank-based payment method, the refund may be processed through the applicable payment provider or banking mechanism where supported.
The timing and method of credit may depend on the banking and payment infrastructure applicable to the transaction.
86.5 Wallet or Similar Payment Methods
Where the Customer paid using an eligible wallet or similar payment service, the refund may ordinarily be returned through the relevant provider where that provider supports merchant refunds.
The Customer’s ability to access or withdraw the refunded amount may remain subject to the payment provider’s own procedures and terms.
86.6 Alternative Refund Method
If the original payment method cannot reasonably receive the refund, AKBSTOCK may consider another lawful refund method where technically available, appropriate and permitted by applicable payment-provider rules and law.
AKBSTOCK may require reasonable verification before redirecting a refund away from the original payment method.
86.7 Refund to a Different Account
AKBSTOCK will not ordinarily refund a transaction to a different bank account, wallet, card or third-party payment destination solely because the Customer requests it.
Where an alternative refund destination is genuinely necessary, AKBSTOCK may require additional identity, ownership or authorization verification before processing the refund.
86.8 Closed or Replaced Payment Method
If the original payment card, bank account, wallet or other payment method has been closed, replaced or expired, the treatment of the refund may depend on the relevant financial institution’s procedures.
The Customer may need to contact the relevant payment provider or bank where that provider controls how refunds associated with closed or replaced accounts are handled.
86.9 No Automatic Cash Refund
An electronically paid transaction will not ordinarily be refunded in physical cash merely because the Customer requests cash.
The refund method will be determined by the original payment method, available financial systems, fraud-prevention requirements and applicable law.
86.10 Store Credit Is Not an Automatic Substitute
AKBSTOCK will not automatically replace an approved monetary refund with store credit, Product credit, coupon value or another internal benefit where the Customer is legally entitled to monetary repayment.
Store credit or another alternative may be used only where legally permissible and appropriately agreed or provided under applicable transaction terms.
86.11 Refund Processing Time Begins After Approval
For purposes of AKBSTOCK’s internal process, refund processing begins after the refund has been approved and any reasonably necessary payment or identity verification has been completed.
The period before approval, including investigation, technical support or refund verification, is separate from the payment-provider processing period that follows refund initiation.
86.12 AKBSTOCK Processing Time
AKBSTOCK seeks to initiate an approved refund within a reasonable period after the refund decision and completion of any necessary processing steps.
The appropriate internal processing period may depend on the payment method, transaction type, fraud or security review, payment-provider requirements and applicable law.
86.13 Payment Provider Processing Time
After AKBSTOCK submits an approved refund, the applicable payment gateway, bank, card network, wallet provider or other financial institution may require additional time to process and settle the refund.
That external processing period may be outside AKBSTOCK’s direct operational control.
86.14 Customer Bank Posting Time
Even after a refund has been successfully processed by the payment provider, the Customer’s bank or financial institution may require additional time to post the credit to the Customer’s account or statement.
The timing may vary according to the institution, account type and payment method.
86.15 No Universal Processing Period
AKBSTOCK does not represent that every refund will reach every Customer within one universal number of calendar days or business days.
Processing times may vary between payment methods, financial providers, countries, currencies and transaction types, subject to any mandatory timeline required by applicable law or payment-system rules.
86.16 Estimated Processing Information
AKBSTOCK may provide an estimated refund-processing period where reliable information is available for the applicable payment method.
Any estimate that depends on independent payment providers or banks should be understood as an estimate rather than an absolute guarantee unless applicable law requires otherwise.
86.17 Business Days & Banking Days
Where a payment provider describes refund processing in business or banking days, weekends, public holidays or banking closures may affect when the Customer receives the amount.
The interpretation of such periods may depend on the relevant financial provider and jurisdiction.
86.18 International Refunds
Refunds involving international Customers, cross-border transactions or foreign payment providers may require additional processing time because multiple banks, payment networks or currency systems may be involved.
AKBSTOCK cannot guarantee the internal processing speed of independent international financial institutions.
86.19 Currency Conversion
If a transaction or refund involves currency conversion, the amount ultimately displayed in the Customer’s account may be affected by exchange rates or conversion practices applied by the Customer’s payment provider or financial institution.
Such differences do not necessarily mean that AKBSTOCK refunded an incorrect transaction amount.
86.20 Refund Amount vs. Bank Credit Amount
The amount initiated by AKBSTOCK may differ from the final amount displayed in the Customer’s account where independent exchange-rate conversion, bank fees or other provider-side financial adjustments apply.
The circumstances of such differences are addressed further in Section 87 – Currency, Bank & Payment Provider Differences.
86.21 Full Refund Method
Where a full refund is approved, AKBSTOCK may submit the full eligible refund amount through the applicable refund channel.
The treatment of taxes, discounts, payment charges or other transaction components remains subject to the approved refund decision, applicable law and payment-provider processing.
86.22 Partial Refund Method
Where only part of a transaction qualifies for refund, AKBSTOCK may submit a partial refund through the applicable payment provider where that payment system supports partial refunds.
The unaffected part of the transaction may remain valid.
86.23 Multiple Partial Refunds
Where a payment provider technically permits multiple partial refunds, AKBSTOCK may use such processing where reasonably necessary to correct separate eligible portions of a transaction.
The total refunds issued should not exceed the amount properly refundable for the relevant payment unless applicable law requires another result.
86.24 Duplicate Charge Refund
A refund of a verified duplicate charge may be processed through the payment method associated with the duplicate transaction.
The valid original Product transaction does not ordinarily need to be refunded merely because the duplicate amount is being returned.
86.25 Refund vs. Reversal
Depending on the payment status, a transaction correction may technically be processed as a refund, reversal, void, cancellation, authorization release or another payment-system action.
These processes may have different timelines and may appear differently in the Customer’s financial account.
86.26 Automatic Reversal
Where a failed or incomplete transaction is automatically reversed by the payment system, AKBSTOCK may not need to initiate a separate merchant refund.
The Customer should consider the final transaction status before requesting an additional refund for the same amount.
86.27 Refund Confirmation
Where reasonably available, AKBSTOCK may provide confirmation that an approved refund has been initiated, submitted or processed.
Such confirmation does not necessarily mean that the Customer’s bank has already posted the amount to the final account.
86.28 Refund Transaction Reference
Where the payment provider supplies a refund reference, transaction identifier or other traceable refund information, AKBSTOCK may provide relevant information to the Customer where appropriate.
The type and availability of reference information may differ between payment providers.
86.29 Tracking a Refund
If the expected refund does not appear after a reasonable processing period, the Customer may contact AKBSTOCK and, where appropriate, the relevant bank or payment provider.
AKBSTOCK may provide available refund-status or transaction-reference information to assist in tracing the payment.
86.30 Delayed Refund
A delayed refund does not automatically mean that AKBSTOCK failed to initiate the approved refund.
The delay may arise at the payment gateway, acquiring bank, card network, issuing bank, wallet provider or another stage of the payment process.
86.31 Refund Not Received
If AKBSTOCK records show that the refund has been completed by the payment provider but the Customer does not see the credit, the Customer may need to contact the relevant financial institution for further tracing.
AKBSTOCK may provide reasonable assistance or available transaction information where appropriate.
86.32 Failed Refund
A refund may occasionally fail because of a payment-provider restriction, closed payment method, technical issue, incorrect routing or another financial-processing condition.
Where an approved refund fails, AKBSTOCK may investigate the failure and take another reasonable processing step where available.
86.33 Reattempting a Failed Refund
Where technically possible, AKBSTOCK may reattempt an approved refund that failed during processing.
If repeated processing through the original payment method is unsuccessful, an alternative lawful method may be considered where appropriate and adequately verified.
86.34 Additional Verification for Alternative Refunds
AKBSTOCK may require additional reasonable verification before processing an approved refund through an alternative payment destination.
This is intended to protect Customers against refund diversion and AKBSTOCK against fraudulent instructions.
86.35 Refund Processing Security
AKBSTOCK may use reasonable transaction, Account and payment verification controls to help ensure that an approved refund is processed to the proper Customer or financial channel.
Security requirements should remain proportionate and should not be used to unnecessarily delay a legitimate refund.
86.36 No Payment Passwords Required
AKBSTOCK will not legitimately require a Customer to provide a banking password, card PIN, card security code or one-time password through ordinary support communications in order to receive an approved refund.
Customers should not disclose such credentials in response to refund-related messages.
86.37 Existing Chargeback or Payment Dispute
Where the Customer has already opened a chargeback or payment dispute for the same transaction, AKBSTOCK may coordinate refund processing with the dispute process.
AKBSTOCK may delay or adjust duplicate merchant-side refund processing where necessary to avoid reimbursing the same amount twice.
86.38 Refund Already Received Through Another Process
If the Customer has already received the relevant amount through a payment-provider reversal, chargeback, bank adjustment or another valid reimbursement, AKBSTOCK will not ordinarily issue an additional refund for the same amount.
86.39 Payment Provider Limitations
Payment providers may impose technical, operational or regulatory limitations concerning refund amount, refund timing, refund destination, transaction age or other processing matters.
AKBSTOCK may need to use an alternative lawful process where the original provider cannot process an otherwise valid approved refund.
86.40 Bank Charges
Any bank charge, foreign transaction fee, intermediary fee or similar cost independently imposed by the Customer’s financial institution is not automatically controlled or refundable by AKBSTOCK.
The treatment of such charges may depend on applicable law and the relevant financial provider.
86.41 Refund Processing Records
AKBSTOCK may maintain reasonable records showing the date, amount, method and status of refund processing.
Such records may support accounting, Customer support, transaction reconciliation, fraud prevention, chargeback defence and legal compliance.
86.42 Privacy of Refund Information
Personal and transaction information processed in connection with refund methods and payment tracing will be handled according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable law.
AKBSTOCK seeks to process only information reasonably necessary for the refund, security, reconciliation, dispute or legal purpose involved.
86.43 Mandatory Refund Timelines
Where applicable law, regulation, payment-system rules or another legally binding requirement provides a mandatory timeframe for processing a refund, reversal or reimbursement, AKBSTOCK will seek to comply with that requirement to the extent applicable to the relevant transaction.
Nothing in this Section is intended to replace a mandatory refund timeline with a less protective internal standard.
86.44 Mandatory Payment Rights
Customers retain any mandatory rights available through applicable payment laws, banking regulations, card-network procedures or authorized payment providers.
AKBSTOCK’s refund-processing procedure will not be interpreted as eliminating a payment right that cannot lawfully be excluded.
86.45 Customer Responsibility to Provide Accurate Refund Information
Where AKBSTOCK legitimately requests information necessary to process an alternative or manually verified refund, the Customer should provide accurate information.
AKBSTOCK may not be responsible for avoidable delays caused by materially inaccurate refund information supplied by the Customer, subject to applicable law.
86.46 No Guarantee of Third-Party Performance
AKBSTOCK cannot guarantee the uninterrupted operation, response speed or internal processing of independent banks, card issuers, payment gateways, wallet providers or other financial institutions.
AKBSTOCK remains responsible for taking reasonable action within its own control concerning an approved refund.
86.47 Refund Completion
A refund may be treated as completed by AKBSTOCK when the applicable payment provider confirms that the approved refund has been successfully submitted or completed through the relevant refund process, subject to any further Customer-bank posting process.
The exact technical meaning of completion may depend on the payment system involved.
86.48 Customer Confirmation Is Not Always Required
AKBSTOCK does not necessarily require separate Customer confirmation that the refunded amount has appeared before treating payment-provider refund processing as operationally completed.
However, a Customer may contact AKBSTOCK if there is credible evidence that the expected refund has not been received.
86.49 Investigation of Missing Refund
Where a Customer credibly reports that an approved refund is missing, AKBSTOCK may review the refund status, transaction reference and available payment-provider information.
Further investigation may require cooperation from the Customer’s bank or payment provider.
86.50 No Second Refund Solely Because of Delay
A Customer is not automatically entitled to a second refund merely because the first approved refund is delayed within the financial system.
AKBSTOCK may first investigate the original refund status and determine whether the amount remains in processing, failed, was returned or has otherwise been accounted for.
86.51 Relationship With Processing Approved Refunds
This Section should be read together with Section 85 – Processing Approved Refunds, which explains the broader operational steps that may occur after refund approval.
This Section focuses more specifically on the refund destination, payment method and timing of the financial processing.
86.52 Relationship With Currency & Bank Differences
Differences caused by currency conversion, international banking, payment-provider processing or other financial-system factors are addressed further in Section 87 – Currency, Bank & Payment Provider Differences.
86.53 Fair Refund Timing Principle
AKBSTOCK seeks to initiate approved refunds without unreasonable delay while recognizing that completion may depend partly on independent payment and banking systems.
AKBSTOCK will not intentionally use third-party processing as a reason to delay taking refund action that is reasonably within AKBSTOCK’s own control.
86.54 Section Summary
Approved refunds will ordinarily be returned through the original payment method where reasonably practicable. An alternative refund method may be used where the original method cannot reasonably receive the refund and appropriate verification has been completed.
AKBSTOCK seeks to initiate approved refunds within a reasonable period, but the final time required for the amount to appear in the Customer’s account may depend on banks, payment gateways, card networks, wallet providers, currencies and other independent financial systems.
No single universal processing period applies to every payment method unless a mandatory legal or payment-system requirement provides otherwise, and AKBSTOCK will seek to comply with any such mandatory refund-processing requirement applicable to the transaction.
87. Currency, Bank & Payment Provider Differences
87.1 General Currency & Payment Principle
AKBSTOCK may serve Customers using different currencies, banks, card issuers, payment gateways, wallets and other payment services.
As a result, the amount displayed by AKBSTOCK, the amount processed through a payment provider and the final amount appearing in a Customer’s financial account may not always be identical where currency conversion, provider fees or other independent financial processes apply.
87.2 Website Display Currency
AKBSTOCK may display Product prices in one or more currencies depending on Website configuration, Customer location, selected currency or other available functionality.
A displayed currency does not necessarily mean that every Customer’s bank account, payment method or financial institution will process the transaction in that same currency.
87.3 Transaction Currency
The transaction currency is the currency in which the applicable payment is submitted or processed through the checkout or payment system.
Where reasonably available, the applicable transaction amount and currency should be presented to the Customer during the purchase process.
87.4 Customer Account Currency
A Customer’s bank, card, wallet or other financial account may operate in a currency different from the currency used for the AKBSTOCK transaction.
In such circumstances, the Customer’s financial institution or payment provider may convert the transaction into the account’s applicable currency.
87.5 Currency Conversion
Where currency conversion is required, the conversion may be performed by a bank, card network, payment gateway, wallet provider or another financial intermediary depending on the payment method.
The conversion rate applied by an independent provider may differ from publicly quoted, indicative, wholesale or market exchange rates.
87.6 Exchange Rates May Change
Currency exchange rates may fluctuate between the time of purchase, payment settlement, refund initiation and refund settlement.
Where an independent financial provider performs currency conversion, AKBSTOCK cannot guarantee that the same exchange rate will apply at each stage of the transaction.
87.7 Indicative Exchange Rates
Any currency conversion estimate displayed for convenience should be treated as indicative unless AKBSTOCK expressly states that the displayed converted amount is the final transaction amount charged through checkout.
The final amount charged may depend on the currency and conversion process actually used by the applicable payment provider.
87.8 Payment Provider Exchange Rate
A payment provider may apply its own exchange rate when converting a transaction between currencies.
Where that rate is determined independently by the payment provider and is not controlled by AKBSTOCK, differences resulting solely from that provider’s conversion methodology are generally outside AKBSTOCK’s direct control.
87.9 Bank Exchange Rate
A Customer’s bank or card issuer may independently apply its own currency conversion rate to an international or foreign-currency transaction.
The Customer may contact the relevant financial institution for information concerning the exchange rate applied by that institution.
87.10 Card Network Conversion
Where a card network participates in currency conversion, the conversion methodology and applicable rate may be determined according to that network’s rules and the Customer’s card-issuer arrangements.
AKBSTOCK does not independently control a card network’s exchange-rate calculation.
87.11 Foreign Transaction Fees
A Customer’s bank, card issuer or payment provider may impose a foreign transaction fee, international transaction fee, currency-conversion fee or similar charge.
Such independently imposed fees are not necessarily amounts charged or received by AKBSTOCK.
87.12 Bank Fees
A bank may impose charges relating to payment processing, international transactions, currency conversion, receiving funds or other banking services.
Where such charges are imposed independently by the Customer’s bank and are not collected by AKBSTOCK, AKBSTOCK does not ordinarily control or receive those charges.
87.13 Intermediary Bank Charges
Certain international payment methods may involve intermediary or correspondent financial institutions.
Where an intermediary independently deducts or charges an amount, the resulting difference may be outside AKBSTOCK’s direct control unless applicable law or the relevant payment arrangement provides otherwise.
87.14 Payment Gateway Fees
A payment gateway may impose fees or apply processing rules to a transaction according to its own arrangements.
Whether any such fee is visible to or payable by the Customer will depend on the transaction structure, applicable payment method and law.
87.15 Customer Should Review Final Checkout Amount
Before completing payment, the Customer should review the final amount and currency presented through the applicable checkout or payment interface.
If the payment provider separately displays conversion information or additional charges, the Customer should also review that information before authorizing payment where reasonably possible.
87.16 Difference Between Product Price and Bank Debit
The amount appearing on a Customer’s bank or card statement may differ from the Product price displayed by AKBSTOCK where the Customer’s financial institution performs currency conversion or adds an independent fee.
Such a difference does not automatically establish that AKBSTOCK charged an incorrect Product price.
87.17 Incorrect AKBSTOCK Charge
If AKBSTOCK or its checkout system materially charges an amount different from the amount the Customer validly authorized, the Customer may report the issue for review.
This provision distinguishes an AKBSTOCK-side pricing or payment error from an independent currency conversion or fee imposed by the Customer’s financial provider.
87.18 Payment Provider Records
AKBSTOCK may rely on transaction information supplied by an authorized payment provider when determining the currency, amount, status or processing details of a payment.
Credible evidence of an error may nevertheless be reviewed where the Customer believes the provider information does not accurately reflect the transaction.
87.19 Payment Authorization and Settlement
A payment may pass through authorization, processing and settlement stages before becoming final.
The amount or status temporarily displayed during authorization may not always represent the final settled transaction where the payment provider subsequently adjusts, releases or reverses the authorization.
87.20 Pending Bank Entries
A pending entry appearing in a Customer’s financial account does not necessarily mean that AKBSTOCK has received a completed payment.
The final status should ordinarily be determined after the applicable bank or payment provider completes or reverses the transaction.
87.21 Temporary Authorization Holds
Some payment methods may temporarily reserve or hold funds while a payment is being authorized or processed.
Where a temporary authorization is released rather than settled, the Customer may see the amount restored without AKBSTOCK issuing a separate refund.
87.22 Failed Payment Differences
A Customer may occasionally see a temporary debit or authorization even where the AKBSTOCK order is shown as failed or incomplete.
AKBSTOCK may review the transaction, but the Customer’s bank or payment provider may control the timing of any automatic release or reversal.
87.23 Refund Currency
An approved refund will ordinarily be submitted according to the currency and payment structure supported for the original transaction.
The currency ultimately displayed in the Customer’s account may differ where the Customer’s financial provider performs conversion.
87.24 Refund Exchange Rate
The exchange rate applicable when a refund reaches the Customer may differ from the exchange rate applied when the original purchase was made.
This may occur because exchange rates change over time or because the applicable financial provider uses a different conversion methodology for refunds.
87.25 Refund Amount in Original Transaction Currency
Where appropriate, AKBSTOCK may process the approved refund by reference to the eligible amount in the original transaction currency.
AKBSTOCK does not guarantee that an independent financial institution will convert that amount into exactly the same local-currency amount that appeared at the time of the original purchase.
87.26 Local-Currency Refund Difference
A Customer may receive more or less in local-currency terms than the local-currency amount originally debited where exchange rates have changed between purchase and refund.
A difference caused solely by independent currency conversion does not automatically mean that AKBSTOCK processed the refund incorrectly.
87.27 Refund Conversion Fees
A financial institution may apply currency-conversion rules or fees when processing a refund.
Where such charges are independently imposed and not received or controlled by AKBSTOCK, their treatment may depend on the provider’s terms and applicable law.
87.28 Original Bank Fees May Not Be Reversed
A bank or payment provider may not automatically return every independent fee that it charged in connection with the original transaction.
AKBSTOCK cannot guarantee reimbursement of a fee that AKBSTOCK did not charge, collect or control, except where applicable law requires otherwise.
87.29 Refund Processing Time Differences
Different banks, card issuers, wallets and payment providers may require different periods to process or display an approved refund.
A Customer using one payment method may therefore receive a refund sooner or later than another Customer using a different financial provider.
87.30 International Refund Processing
Cross-border refunds may require additional processing through international payment networks, intermediary institutions or currency-conversion systems.
AKBSTOCK cannot guarantee the internal processing time of independent institutions involved after AKBSTOCK has validly submitted the approved refund.
87.31 Country-Specific Payment Methods
Certain payment methods may be available only in particular countries, currencies or regions.
The availability of a payment method to one Customer does not guarantee that the same method will be available to every other Customer or for every transaction.
87.32 Payment Method Availability May Change
AKBSTOCK may add, remove, suspend or modify available payment methods where reasonably necessary because of payment-provider availability, technical changes, security requirements, commercial arrangements, legal requirements or geographic limitations.
Such changes do not affect payment obligations or refund rights that have already arisen under an existing transaction.
87.33 Payment Provider Terms
Use of a third-party payment method may also be subject to the applicable payment provider’s terms, privacy practices, security requirements and financial procedures.
Those third-party terms operate separately from AKBSTOCK’s own legal documents.
87.34 Payment Provider Availability
AKBSTOCK does not guarantee that every third-party payment provider will remain continuously available.
A payment method may temporarily become unavailable because of maintenance, technical failure, provider restrictions, regulatory requirements or other circumstances outside AKBSTOCK’s direct control.
87.35 Provider-Side Payment Failure
A transaction may fail because of a bank decline, payment-provider restriction, insufficient authorization, technical interruption, security control or another provider-side condition.
AKBSTOCK may not be able to override an independent provider’s decision to decline or restrict a payment.
87.36 Customer Bank Decline
If the Customer’s bank or card issuer declines a payment, the Customer may need to contact that institution for further information.
AKBSTOCK may not receive the specific confidential reason for every bank decline.
87.37 Security & Fraud Screening
Payment providers and financial institutions may use independent security, fraud-prevention, identity-verification or transaction-monitoring systems.
Such systems may approve, delay, reject or request additional verification for a transaction according to the provider’s own procedures and applicable law.
87.38 Payment Provider Verification
A payment provider may request verification directly from the Customer before completing certain payments or refunds.
The Customer should verify that any such request comes from a legitimate provider and should not disclose passwords, PINs or one-time passwords to AKBSTOCK through ordinary support communications.
87.39 Taxes & Currency Differences
Where taxes are calculated or displayed in connection with a transaction, currency conversion may affect how the amount appears in the Customer’s financial account.
The underlying tax treatment remains subject to applicable tax law and the transaction structure.
87.40 Discounts & Currency Conversion
Where a discount is applied to a Product, the discount may be calculated in the applicable Website or transaction currency before any independent conversion performed by the Customer’s payment provider.
The converted local-currency value of the discount may therefore vary according to the applicable exchange rate.
87.41 Payment Statement Description
The description appearing on a Customer’s bank, card or payment statement may be determined partly by the payment gateway, merchant account provider or financial institution.
The statement description may therefore differ from the exact Product name displayed on the AKBSTOCK Website.
87.42 Transaction Date Differences
The date shown on a Customer’s financial statement may differ from the AKBSTOCK order date because of authorization, settlement, time-zone or banking-processing differences.
A reasonable date difference does not by itself establish that the transaction is unrelated to the AKBSTOCK order.
87.43 Time-Zone Differences
International transactions may be recorded according to different time zones by AKBSTOCK, payment providers and Customer financial institutions.
This may cause the recorded transaction date or time to differ between systems.
87.44 Rounding Differences
Currency conversion may produce minor rounding differences because currencies and payment systems may use different decimal, rounding or settlement rules.
Minor provider-side rounding differences do not necessarily constitute an incorrect AKBSTOCK charge.
87.45 Customer Payment Provider Responsibility
Customers are responsible for maintaining an eligible payment method and for complying with the lawful requirements of their chosen bank, card issuer, wallet or other payment provider.
AKBSTOCK is not responsible for a Customer’s failure to satisfy independent provider requirements, except to the extent applicable law provides otherwise.
87.46 AKBSTOCK Responsibility
AKBSTOCK remains responsible for amounts that AKBSTOCK itself incorrectly charges, refunds or processes to the extent required under this Policy and applicable law.
Nothing in this Section transfers an AKBSTOCK-side error to a Customer merely because a third-party payment provider participated in the transaction.
87.47 Third-Party Responsibility
AKBSTOCK does not control independent exchange rates, bank fees, card-network conversion rules, payment-provider processing delays or other financial actions determined solely by third-party institutions.
This limitation applies only to matters genuinely outside AKBSTOCK’s control and does not exclude liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.
87.48 Customer Questions About Currency Differences
If the Customer believes that an amount charged or refunded differs from the expected amount, the Customer may contact AKBSTOCK with the relevant order and transaction information.
AKBSTOCK may review the amount submitted through its payment system and, where appropriate, the Customer may also need to contact the relevant bank or payment provider regarding independent conversion or fee information.
87.49 Evidence of Currency or Bank Difference
AKBSTOCK may request appropriately redacted payment information where reasonably necessary to investigate an alleged currency, refund or transaction discrepancy.
Customers should not disclose complete card numbers, banking passwords, PINs, one-time passwords or unrelated financial information.
87.50 Resolution of AKBSTOCK-Side Error
If review confirms that AKBSTOCK or its checkout configuration caused an incorrect charge for which AKBSTOCK is responsible, AKBSTOCK may provide an appropriate correction, refund or other remedy in accordance with this Policy and applicable law.
87.51 Provider-Side Dispute
If review indicates that a discrepancy results solely from a bank or payment provider’s exchange rate, fee or independent processing decision, the Customer may need to raise the matter directly with that provider.
AKBSTOCK may provide reasonable transaction information available to it where appropriate.
87.52 No Guarantee of a Particular Exchange Rate
Unless AKBSTOCK expressly guarantees a specific conversion rate as part of a transaction, AKBSTOCK does not guarantee that a Customer will receive any particular exchange rate from an independent bank, card network or payment provider.
87.53 No Guarantee of Identical Purchase & Refund Conversion
AKBSTOCK does not guarantee that the local-currency value of a refund will exactly equal the local-currency value originally debited where independent currency conversion occurred.
This provision does not permit AKBSTOCK to reduce the approved refund amount in the applicable transaction currency without a valid basis.
87.54 Mandatory Consumer & Payment Rights
Nothing in this Section is intended to remove, reduce or restrict any mandatory consumer, banking or payment right that cannot lawfully be excluded.
Where applicable law assigns responsibility for a particular currency, payment or refund issue differently from this general framework, the mandatory legal requirement will apply.
87.55 Payment Provider Rules
Where an authorized payment provider applies binding operational rules to a payment or refund, AKBSTOCK may process the transaction consistently with those rules where they are applicable and lawful.
Payment-provider rules do not override mandatory rights available to the Customer under applicable law.
87.56 Relationship With Refund Method & Processing Time
This Section should be read together with Section 86 – Refund Method & Processing Time.
Section 86 explains how approved refunds may be processed, while this Section explains financial differences that may arise because of currencies, banks and third-party payment providers.
87.57 Relationship With Payment Information
Payment-related personal information and transaction data will be handled in accordance with the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable privacy and data-protection requirements.
AKBSTOCK may use authorized payment providers to process transactions without requiring AKBSTOCK to directly receive or store every sensitive financial credential used by the Customer.
87.58 Fair Currency & Payment Principle
AKBSTOCK seeks to present and process transaction amounts accurately while recognizing that independent financial institutions may apply their own exchange rates, fees, settlement procedures and processing timelines.
AKBSTOCK will not treat a genuine AKBSTOCK-side payment error as a third-party issue merely to avoid an appropriate Customer remedy.
87.59 Section Summary
AKBSTOCK transactions may involve different Website currencies, transaction currencies, Customer account currencies, banks, payment gateways, card networks, wallets and international payment systems.
Exchange rates, foreign transaction fees, bank charges, settlement timing and refund conversion differences may therefore arise independently of AKBSTOCK. Such differences do not automatically indicate an incorrect AKBSTOCK charge or refund.
AKBSTOCK remains responsible for correcting verified errors within its own payment or checkout processes, while matters determined independently by a Customer’s bank or payment provider may require involvement from that institution. All mandatory consumer and payment rights remain preserved.
88. Cancellation of Digital Product Orders
88.1 General Cancellation Principle
AKBSTOCK provides digital Products that may be delivered, made accessible or become downloadable shortly after a valid transaction is completed.
Because digital delivery may occur quickly or automatically, the ability to cancel a Digital Product order may depend on the status of the payment, order, Product access, download and applicable License at the time the cancellation request is received.
88.2 Cancellation Is Different From Refund
Cancellation and refund are related but separate concepts.
Cancellation concerns whether an order or transaction can be stopped or terminated, while a refund concerns whether money already paid should be returned. Cancellation of an order does not automatically establish a right to a refund, and approval of a refund may sometimes occur even where an order could not technically be cancelled before digital delivery.
88.3 Digital Nature of Orders
AKBSTOCK Products may include downloadable digital textile designs, patterns, artwork, design files or other digitally supplied content.
Unlike physical goods, these Products generally do not require physical packing, shipment or return before the Customer can obtain access.
88.4 Immediate or Automated Digital Delivery
Where AKBSTOCK provides automated digital delivery, Product access may become available shortly after successful payment, order confirmation or completion of required transaction checks.
This may substantially reduce or eliminate the practical period during which an order can be stopped before Product access is provided.
88.5 Cancellation Before Payment Completion
If a Customer abandons or cancels the checkout process before payment is successfully completed, the transaction may remain unpaid, failed, abandoned or cancelled without creating a completed Digital Product purchase.
Where no payment has been finally collected, a monetary refund will ordinarily not be required.
88.6 Cancellation While Payment Is Pending
Where a payment remains pending, AKBSTOCK may need to wait for the payment provider to determine whether the transaction succeeds, fails or reverses before the final order status can be established.
A pending payment does not necessarily mean that AKBSTOCK has received settled funds or that a separate refund is immediately required.
88.7 Cancellation Before Digital Access
Where a valid cancellation request is received before Product access, download availability or digital delivery has occurred, AKBSTOCK may consider whether the order can reasonably be cancelled.
The outcome may depend on payment status, technical processing, Product type, transaction circumstances and applicable law.
88.8 No Guaranteed Pre-Delivery Cancellation Window
AKBSTOCK does not guarantee that every Digital Product order will have a manual cancellation window between payment completion and digital delivery.
Where delivery is automated, Product access may be activated before a cancellation request can reasonably be reviewed.
88.9 Cancellation After Product Access
Once the purchased Digital Product has been made available to the Customer, ordinary cancellation may no longer be available in the same manner as cancellation of an undelivered physical order.
Any request made after Product access will be assessed according to this Refund & Cancellation Policy, the applicable License terms and mandatory law.
88.10 Cancellation After Download
Where the Customer has downloaded the purchased Product, a cancellation request based solely on a change of mind, accidental preference change or decision not to use the Product will normally not create an automatic refund entitlement.
This does not affect a genuine claim concerning a defective Product, incorrect delivery, unauthorized transaction or another mandatory legal right.
88.11 Access Without Download
The fact that a Customer has not physically saved or downloaded a file does not necessarily mean that digital delivery has not occurred if the Product has already been validly supplied or made accessible through the Customer’s Account or another authorized delivery mechanism.
The actual delivery and access circumstances may therefore be considered when reviewing cancellation eligibility.
88.12 Change of Mind
A Digital Product order will normally not be cancellable for refund solely because the Customer changes their mind after valid digital delivery or access has occurred.
This rule remains subject to any mandatory cancellation, withdrawal or consumer right that applies to the relevant transaction.
88.13 Accidental Purchase
A Customer who believes that a Digital Product was purchased accidentally should contact AKBSTOCK as soon as reasonably possible.
An accidental purchase does not automatically guarantee cancellation or refund, particularly where the Product has already been delivered, accessed or downloaded, but AKBSTOCK may review the circumstances in accordance with this Policy and applicable law.
88.14 Wrong Product Selected by Customer
Where the Customer selected and purchased the wrong Product but AKBSTOCK correctly supplied the Product ordered, cancellation or refund will normally not be automatic after digital delivery.
The Customer is encouraged to review Product previews, descriptions, specifications and other available information before completing the purchase.
88.15 Incorrect Product Supplied by AKBSTOCK
If AKBSTOCK supplies a Product materially different from the Product actually purchased, the Customer may report the issue for correction, replacement, restored delivery, refund or another appropriate remedy.
Such a situation should not be treated merely as a Customer change-of-mind cancellation.
88.16 Defective or Corrupted Product
If the supplied Product is materially corrupted, defective or unusable as supplied, the Customer may request support or another appropriate remedy under this Policy.
AKBSTOCK may first attempt reasonable correction, replacement or restored access where appropriate before determining whether refund is required.
88.17 Cancellation Because Product Is No Longer Needed
A Customer’s decision that a correctly supplied Digital Product is no longer needed will normally not create an automatic cancellation or refund right after digital delivery.
This includes changes in the Customer’s project, production plan, client requirement or intended use unless another eligible refund basis exists.
88.18 Cancellation Because of Subjective Preference
Ordinary cancellation will normally not be available after delivery merely because the Customer later dislikes a Product’s style, composition, colour arrangement or another subjective characteristic that was reasonably represented before purchase.
This does not excuse a material misdescription or defect in the Product supplied.
88.19 Customer Software Compatibility
A cancellation request based solely on incompatibility with the Customer’s software, hardware or workflow may not qualify where AKBSTOCK accurately disclosed the relevant Product format or technical information before purchase.
A materially incorrect technical description provided by AKBSTOCK may be reviewed separately as a Product information issue.
88.20 Production Compatibility
A Digital Product order will not ordinarily become cancellable merely because a Customer’s printer, fabric, RIP software, colour-management workflow, production equipment or manufacturing process produces a result different from the Customer’s expectation where the supplied Product itself is valid.
A genuine technical defect in the Product remains subject to review.
88.21 Product Modification
Where the Customer modifies, edits, converts, resizes, recolours or otherwise alters a Digital Product, AKBSTOCK may consider whether a later problem resulted from the modification rather than the Product as originally supplied.
Modification does not remove a genuine defect that can reasonably be shown to have existed in the original Product.
88.22 Commercial Use Before Cancellation Request
Where legally permissible, AKBSTOCK may consider whether a Customer has already materially used the Product for commercial, production, client or other licensed purposes when evaluating a discretionary cancellation or refund request.
Commercial use does not remove a mandatory legal remedy for a genuine Product defect or other legally protected issue.
88.23 License Activation
A completed Digital Product purchase may create or activate applicable License rights according to the relevant AKBSTOCK License Agreement.
Cancellation or reversal of the underlying transaction may therefore require corresponding treatment of those License rights.
88.24 Effect of Approved Cancellation on License
Where a Digital Product order is validly cancelled and the underlying purchase is fully reversed, the associated License may terminate or cease to apply according to the applicable License Agreement and mandatory law.
The Customer should not assume that a cancelled and fully refunded transaction continues to provide unrestricted rights to use the Product.
88.25 Previously Downloaded Copies
If an order is validly cancelled after a Product copy has already been obtained, the Customer’s right to retain, use, reproduce, distribute or commercially exploit that copy will depend on the applicable License Agreement and the legal effect of the cancellation or refund.
The detailed effect of refund on Product access and License rights is addressed further in Section 96 – Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights.
88.26 Cancellation and Account Access
Where technically appropriate, AKBSTOCK may remove or restrict future access to a Digital Product after a valid full cancellation and refund.
Such access changes should correspond to the legal status of the underlying transaction and License.
88.27 Duplicate Orders
If a Customer unintentionally places duplicate orders for the same Product, the Customer may report the duplicate transaction to AKBSTOCK for review.
Where a genuine duplicate payment or duplicate order is verified, AKBSTOCK may cancel, reverse or refund the unnecessary duplicate transaction where appropriate while preserving the valid original purchase.
88.28 Duplicate Payment Without Duplicate Product Order
Where only the payment was duplicated but the Customer intended a single valid Product purchase, AKBSTOCK may correct the duplicate payment without cancelling the valid Product order.
The Customer’s valid Product access and License may therefore remain in effect.
88.29 Unauthorized Digital Product Order
A Customer who believes that a Digital Product order was placed without authorization should report the transaction promptly.
AKBSTOCK may review the transaction and coordinate with the applicable payment provider, bank or payment-dispute process where appropriate.
88.30 Suspected Fraudulent Order
AKBSTOCK may cancel, suspend or hold a Digital Product order where there is a reasonable basis to investigate suspected payment fraud, unauthorized use, identity misuse or another material security concern.
Any payment already collected will be handled according to the transaction outcome, applicable payment procedures and law.
88.31 AKBSTOCK-Initiated Cancellation
AKBSTOCK may cancel an order where the transaction cannot lawfully or technically be completed, where payment is invalid or reversed, where the Product cannot be supplied, or where another legitimate reason prevents fulfillment.
Where AKBSTOCK cancels a paid order without valid delivery, any amount properly due back to the Customer will be handled according to this Policy and applicable law.
88.32 Product Unavailable After Payment
If a Digital Product becomes genuinely unavailable after valid payment and AKBSTOCK cannot reasonably deliver the purchased Product or an appropriate agreed remedy, cancellation and refund may be appropriate.
AKBSTOCK will not intentionally retain payment for a Product that it is legally required to supply or refund but cannot provide.
88.33 Pricing or Technical Error
Where a material pricing, checkout or technical error affects an order, AKBSTOCK may review whether the transaction can validly be completed, corrected or must be cancelled.
The treatment of any payment already collected will depend on the circumstances and applicable law.
88.34 Illegal or Prohibited Transaction
AKBSTOCK may refuse or cancel a transaction where completing it would violate applicable law, a binding legal restriction, sanctions requirement, payment-provider restriction or another lawful prohibition.
Any funds associated with such a transaction will be handled according to applicable law and payment-provider requirements.
88.35 Cancellation Request Procedure
A Customer requesting cancellation should contact AKBSTOCK through the applicable official support or refund channel and provide sufficient information to identify the relevant order.
Where possible, the request should be submitted promptly because automated digital delivery may occur shortly after payment.
88.36 Information Required
AKBSTOCK may request reasonable information such as the order number, Account email address, Product identification, transaction reference, cancellation reason or other information necessary to locate and verify the order.
Customers should not provide unnecessary sensitive payment credentials.
88.37 Time of Cancellation Request
Where cancellation eligibility depends on whether digital delivery or access had already occurred, AKBSTOCK may consider the recorded time of payment, order completion, Product availability, download or access and the Customer’s cancellation request.
Relevant Website and payment-system records may be used to establish the transaction sequence.
88.38 Cancellation Request Does Not Automatically Stop Delivery
Submitting a cancellation request does not necessarily technically suspend an automated Product-delivery process immediately.
AKBSTOCK will consider the actual order and delivery status when reviewing the request.
88.39 Cancellation Review
AKBSTOCK may review the order status, payment status, Product access, download activity, applicable License, Customer explanation and other relevant information before determining a cancellation request.
The review should remain proportionate to the circumstances of the transaction.
88.40 Cancellation Approval
If cancellation is approved, AKBSTOCK may update the order status and take any reasonably necessary steps concerning Product access, License status and payment processing.
If a refund is also approved, the refund will be processed according to the applicable provisions of this Policy.
88.41 Cancellation Rejection
A cancellation request may be rejected where the order has already been validly fulfilled and no contractual, policy-based or mandatory legal cancellation right applies.
Rejection of ordinary cancellation does not prevent review of a separate genuine defect, incorrect delivery, unauthorized transaction or other eligible issue.
88.42 Cancellation Confirmation
Where reasonably appropriate, AKBSTOCK may communicate whether the cancellation request has been approved, rejected or requires additional information.
Where an approved cancellation also involves a refund, refund processing may occur separately through the applicable payment provider.
88.43 Cancellation Records
AKBSTOCK may maintain reasonable records of cancellation requests, order status, Product access, decisions, refunds and related communications.
Such records may be used for Customer support, licensing, accounting, fraud prevention, dispute resolution and legal compliance.
88.44 Privacy of Cancellation Information
Personal information processed in connection with cancellation requests will be handled according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable privacy law.
AKBSTOCK seeks to process only information reasonably necessary for order verification, cancellation, refund, security, accounting and legal purposes.
88.45 Single Product Orders
Where an order contains only one Digital Product, an approved full cancellation may result in cancellation of the entire order.
The associated Product access and License may be adjusted accordingly.
88.46 Multi-Product Orders
Where one order contains multiple Digital Products, cancellation eligibility may be assessed separately for affected Products where technically and legally appropriate.
Cancellation of one eligible Product does not automatically require cancellation of every unaffected Product in the same order.
88.47 Partial Order Cancellation
Where technically supported and appropriate, AKBSTOCK may approve cancellation or refund of an eligible part of an order while preserving the valid remainder.
Any continuing Product access and License rights will correspond to the portion of the transaction that remains valid.
88.48 Bundled Products
Where Products are sold together as a bundle or inseparable package, cancellation of an individual component may not always be technically or commercially separable from the complete transaction.
AKBSTOCK may consider the structure of the bundle, Product access, pricing and applicable law when determining the appropriate outcome.
88.49 Free Products
Where no monetary payment was made for a free Digital Product, ordinary monetary refund provisions do not apply.
AKBSTOCK may nevertheless remove, replace or correct access where appropriate.
88.50 Subscription Downloads Distinguished
A Product obtained through an active Subscription may be governed by both the Product-access rules and the applicable Subscription terms rather than being treated identically to a separately purchased single Digital Product.
Cancellation of the Subscription itself is addressed separately in Section 89 – Subscription Cancellations & Refunds.
88.51 Exclusive License Orders Distinguished
An Exclusive License transaction may have materially different cancellation consequences because exclusivity may affect the Product’s availability to other Customers and AKBSTOCK’s ability to license or sell the Product.
Exclusive License cancellations are addressed further in Section 90 – Exclusive License Transactions and the applicable Exclusive License Agreement.
88.52 Non-Exclusive License Orders
Where a Digital Product is supplied under a non-exclusive License, cancellation and refund eligibility will be determined according to the transaction status, Product delivery, applicable License terms, this Policy and mandatory law.
The fact that a License is non-exclusive does not by itself create an automatic cancellation right after valid digital delivery.
88.53 Cancellation Does Not Automatically Erase Transaction Records
Cancellation of an order does not necessarily require AKBSTOCK to delete all records associated with the transaction.
AKBSTOCK may retain records where reasonably necessary for accounting, taxation, licensing, fraud prevention, dispute resolution, legal compliance or other legitimate purposes in accordance with the Privacy Policy.
88.54 Cancellation and Invoice Records
Where required, AKBSTOCK may issue or retain appropriate cancellation, refund, credit or accounting documentation relating to a cancelled transaction.
The original transaction record may remain part of AKBSTOCK’s financial and legal records even after cancellation.
88.55 Cancellation Abuse
AKBSTOCK may review patterns of cancellation requests where there is a reasonable basis to suspect misuse intended to obtain digital Products, License benefits or commercial value without legitimate payment.
A genuine Customer who submits multiple legitimate cancellation or refund requests because of actual transaction problems will not be treated as abusive solely because more than one request was made.
88.56 False Cancellation Claims
AKBSTOCK may reject a discretionary cancellation request that materially relies on fabricated, falsified or intentionally misleading information.
Serious or repeated deceptive conduct may also be addressed under Section 94 – Fraudulent, Abusive & Repeated Refund Requests.
88.57 Mandatory Consumer Rights
Nothing in this Section is intended to exclude, restrict or reduce a mandatory cancellation, withdrawal, refund, replacement or other consumer remedy that cannot lawfully be excluded.
Where applicable law provides the Customer with a mandatory right that differs from AKBSTOCK’s ordinary Digital Product cancellation rules, the mandatory legal requirement will apply to the extent required.
88.58 International Customers
Customers in different countries may have different mandatory rights concerning digital content, cancellation, withdrawal or refunds.
AKBSTOCK’s general policy applies subject to any mandatory local consumer protection that lawfully applies to the relevant transaction.
88.59 No Waiver of Non-Excludable Rights
A Customer’s acceptance of AKBSTOCK’s terms will not be interpreted as a waiver of a statutory consumer right that applicable law does not permit the Customer to waive.
88.60 Relationship With General Refund Principle
This Section should be read together with Section 68 – General Refund Principle and the other refund eligibility provisions of this Policy.
Cancellation of a Digital Product order and eligibility for monetary reimbursement should be determined according to the complete transaction circumstances.
88.61 Relationship With Downloaded Products
Section 72 – Downloaded & Accessed Digital Products provides additional rules relevant where a Product has already been downloaded or accessed.
That Section should be considered together with this cancellation framework when digital delivery has already occurred.
88.62 Relationship With Refund Decision
Where cancellation also involves a request for monetary reimbursement, Sections 83 – Refund Review & Verification and 84 – Approval or Rejection of Refund Requests may apply.
An approved refund will then be processed according to Sections 85 – Processing Approved Refunds and 86 – Refund Method & Processing Time.
88.63 Relationship With License Rights
The legal effect of cancellation or refund on continued Product use, download access and License rights is addressed further in Section 96 – Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights and the applicable AKBSTOCK License Agreement.
88.64 Fair Cancellation Principle
AKBSTOCK seeks to distinguish fairly between orders that can reasonably be stopped before digital delivery, genuine problems requiring a remedy and requests made after a correctly supplied Digital Product has already been made available.
The purpose of this approach is to protect legitimate Customer rights while recognizing the immediate, reproducible and non-returnable practical nature of digital Products.
88.65 Section Summary
Digital Product orders may be delivered or made accessible shortly after successful payment, and AKBSTOCK therefore does not guarantee a cancellation window before delivery.
Cancellation may be considered where an order can reasonably be stopped before delivery, where AKBSTOCK cannot supply the purchased Product, where a duplicate or unauthorized transaction exists, or where another eligible or legally protected circumstance applies.
After valid digital delivery, access or download, ordinary cancellation based solely on change of mind, subjective preference or a Customer-side selection error will normally not create an automatic refund entitlement. Genuine defects, incorrect delivery, payment problems and all mandatory consumer rights remain subject to appropriate review and remedy.
89. Subscription Cancellations & Refunds
89.1 General Subscription Principle
AKBSTOCK may offer Subscription Plans that provide Customers with access to specified Subscription benefits, Product entitlements, download allowances or other features during an applicable billing period.
Subscription cancellation and Subscription refund are separate matters. Cancelling a Subscription generally concerns stopping future renewal or continuation, while a refund concerns whether an amount already charged should be returned.
89.2 Subscription Terms Apply
Subscription transactions are governed by this Refund & Cancellation Policy together with the applicable AKBSTOCK Subscription Agreement, Subscription License Agreement, pricing information, billing terms and other relevant legal documents.
Where a Subscription-specific document validly establishes a more detailed rule concerning billing, entitlements, renewal or cancellation, that Subscription-specific rule should be read together with this Policy.
89.3 Recurring Subscription Billing
A recurring AKBSTOCK Subscription may renew automatically at the end of each applicable billing period where the Customer has validly enrolled in recurring billing and the relevant payment method remains authorized.
The frequency and amount of recurring billing will depend on the Subscription Plan and billing arrangement selected by the Customer.
89.4 Customer Authorization
Recurring Subscription charges should be based on a valid Customer authorization or payment mandate applicable to the selected Subscription arrangement.
AKBSTOCK does not intend to create recurring charges without a valid transaction basis, subject to the technical procedures of the applicable payment provider.
89.5 Cancellation Stops Future Renewal
Where a Customer validly cancels an automatically renewing Subscription before the next applicable renewal is processed, cancellation will ordinarily prevent future Subscription renewal charges from being initiated by AKBSTOCK after the cancellation takes effect.
The exact effective time of cancellation may depend on the Subscription system, payment mandate status and applicable billing rules.
89.6 Cancellation Does Not Automatically Refund Past Charges
Cancelling a Subscription does not automatically create a right to refund Subscription charges that were validly processed before the cancellation became effective.
Refund eligibility for an already charged Subscription period will be determined separately under this Section, other applicable AKBSTOCK documents and mandatory law.
89.7 Current Billing Period
Where a Customer cancels a Subscription after a valid billing period has begun, the Customer may ordinarily retain the Subscription benefits available for the remainder of that paid period unless the applicable Subscription terms, refund outcome, Account action or mandatory law provides otherwise.
Cancellation of future renewal does not necessarily terminate the already-paid current period immediately.
89.8 Immediate Termination Where Appropriate
In certain circumstances, a Subscription may end immediately rather than at the conclusion of the current billing period, including where a refund reverses the current Subscription payment, the payment is invalid or reversed, the Account is terminated for a legally valid reason or the applicable Subscription terms provide for immediate termination.
The resulting Product and License consequences will depend on the applicable legal framework.
89.9 Cancellation Before First Renewal
A Customer may cancel a recurring Subscription before its first renewal in order to prevent the next billing cycle from renewing, subject to completion of the applicable cancellation process.
Cancellation before renewal does not automatically require refund of the initial Subscription payment where the initial Subscription period was validly purchased and made available.
89.10 Cancellation Before a Later Renewal
A Customer may cancel before a later recurring renewal to stop future billing, subject to the timing and procedures applicable to the Subscription and payment provider.
Customers are encouraged to complete cancellation sufficiently before the expected renewal where reasonably practicable so that the cancellation can take effect before the next charge is processed.
89.11 Cancellation After Renewal Charge
If a Customer cancels after a renewal charge has already been validly processed, the cancellation will ordinarily prevent later renewals but will not automatically reverse the completed renewal payment.
The Customer may submit a refund request if there is an eligible basis under this Policy or applicable law.
89.12 Failed Attempt to Cancel
If the Customer believes that a cancellation attempt failed because of an AKBSTOCK-side technical problem, the Customer should contact AKBSTOCK and provide reasonable information concerning the attempted cancellation.
AKBSTOCK may review Account, Subscription and system records to determine whether a genuine cancellation failure occurred.
89.13 Cancellation Confirmation
Where reasonably available, AKBSTOCK may provide confirmation that a Subscription cancellation has been recorded.
Customers should retain relevant cancellation confirmation where the timing of cancellation may later become relevant to a billing dispute.
89.14 Cancellation Through Account
Where AKBSTOCK provides a Subscription cancellation function within the Customer Account, the Customer may use that function to stop future renewal according to the applicable Subscription rules.
The exact Website interface or cancellation procedure may change as AKBSTOCK updates its Subscription systems.
89.15 Cancellation Through Support
Where Account-based cancellation is unavailable or does not function properly, the Customer may contact AKBSTOCK through the applicable official support channel for assistance.
AKBSTOCK may require reasonable verification before modifying a recurring Subscription on behalf of a Customer.
89.16 Payment Mandate Cancellation
A Customer may also have the ability to revoke or withdraw a recurring payment mandate through the relevant bank, card issuer, payment provider or financial institution.
Withdrawal of a payment mandate may prevent future payment collection but does not by itself determine whether previous Subscription charges are refundable or whether any already-paid Subscription period remains active.
89.17 Customer Should Verify Subscription Status
After cancelling a Subscription or withdrawing a payment mandate, the Customer is encouraged to verify the Subscription or billing status where reasonably possible.
If the status appears inconsistent with the requested cancellation, the Customer should contact AKBSTOCK promptly.
89.18 General Subscription Refund Principle
Subscription payments are not automatically refundable merely because the Customer later cancels the Subscription or no longer wishes to use the Subscription benefits.
A refund may nevertheless be considered where a genuine billing error, duplicate charge, unauthorized transaction, material service problem or another eligible circumstance exists, or where applicable law requires a refund.
89.19 Refund for Duplicate Subscription Charge
If AKBSTOCK verifies that the Customer was charged more than once for the same intended Subscription billing event because of a payment or system error, the duplicate amount may be eligible for refund or reversal.
The valid underlying Subscription payment may remain effective.
89.20 Refund for Incorrect Subscription Amount
If AKBSTOCK verifies that the Customer was charged an amount materially different from the amount properly payable for the selected Subscription because of an AKBSTOCK-side or payment-processing error, an appropriate adjustment or refund may be considered.
The remedy may be limited to the verified excess amount where the Subscription itself remains valid.
89.21 Refund for Unauthorized Subscription Transaction
A Subscription charge reported as unauthorized may be reviewed under Section 80 – Unauthorized or Suspected Fraudulent Transactions.
Any refund, reversal or other remedy may depend on reasonable verification, payment-provider procedures and applicable law.
89.22 Refund Where AKBSTOCK Cannot Provide Subscription Benefits
A refund or another proportionate remedy may be considered where AKBSTOCK is materially unable to provide the paid Subscription benefits for a significant part of the relevant billing period because of a verified issue attributable to AKBSTOCK.
The appropriate remedy may depend on the duration and materiality of the issue and whether the Subscription service can reasonably be restored.
89.23 Temporary Service Interruption
A temporary Website interruption, maintenance period or brief technical problem does not automatically entitle the Customer to a full Subscription refund where the Subscription remains substantially usable and the issue is reasonably resolved.
A materially prolonged or unresolved AKBSTOCK-side service failure may require separate review.
89.24 Subscription Benefits Already Used
Where a Customer has materially used the benefits of the applicable Subscription period, including by downloading Products or consuming Subscription entitlements, that use may be relevant when evaluating a discretionary refund request.
This does not remove any mandatory remedy or excuse a genuine AKBSTOCK-side billing or service problem.
89.25 Unused Subscription Does Not Automatically Require Refund
A Customer’s decision not to use an otherwise available Subscription does not automatically create refund eligibility for the relevant billing period.
This includes circumstances where the Customer purchased a Subscription but did not use some or all available benefits for personal, commercial or scheduling reasons.
89.26 Unused Download Credits
Unused Subscription download credits or entitlements do not automatically have a separate cash value and do not automatically qualify for monetary refund merely because the billing period ends or the Subscription is cancelled.
The treatment of unused credits remains subject to the applicable Subscription Plan and Subscription Agreement.
89.27 No Carry Forward Unless Expressly Provided
Where the applicable AKBSTOCK Subscription Plan states that unused download credits or entitlements do not carry forward to a later billing period, unused balances will expire according to that Subscription rule.
Expiration of unused benefits in accordance with a clearly stated Subscription rule does not by itself create refund eligibility.
89.28 Download Credits Are Not Currency
Subscription download credits or similar entitlements represent contractual access or usage benefits within the applicable Subscription and are not bank deposits, stored monetary value or cash-equivalent balances unless AKBSTOCK expressly states otherwise.
They cannot ordinarily be exchanged, withdrawn or redeemed for cash.
89.29 Downloads Already Made
Products already downloaded under a valid Subscription may remain subject to the applicable Subscription License Agreement even after the Subscription later ends, to the extent that the applicable License expressly permits continued use.
Cancellation of future Subscription billing does not automatically determine every licensing consequence of Products lawfully downloaded during the active Subscription period.
89.30 Refund of Current Subscription Period
Where the current Subscription payment is fully refunded and the relevant Subscription period is reversed, AKBSTOCK may terminate or adjust access to the Subscription and may address Product rights associated with that refunded period according to the applicable Subscription License Agreement.
The Customer should not assume that full refund of a billing period permits continued acquisition of new Subscription benefits from the refunded period.
89.31 Refund Does Not Automatically Affect Earlier Paid Periods
A refund concerning one Subscription billing period does not automatically reverse valid payments, Products or License rights associated with earlier unaffected billing periods.
The effect of a refund should correspond with the transaction or billing period actually being refunded.
89.32 Monthly Subscription Cancellation
Where AKBSTOCK offers a monthly recurring Subscription, cancellation will ordinarily prevent future monthly renewals after the cancellation takes effect.
The treatment of the current paid month and any refund request will depend on the applicable Subscription terms, usage and mandatory law.
89.33 Annual Subscription Cancellation
Where AKBSTOCK offers an annual Subscription, cancellation will ordinarily prevent the next annual renewal rather than automatically refunding the current annual period.
Any refund or partial refund concerning the current annual Subscription payment will require an eligible basis under this Policy, applicable Subscription terms or mandatory law.
89.34 Annual Discount or Promotional Pricing
Where an annual Subscription includes a discounted rate, promotional benefit or other price advantage in exchange for the annual billing arrangement, cancellation does not automatically convert the completed annual transaction into monthly billing.
Any refund calculation or adjustment will depend on the applicable Subscription terms and mandatory law.
89.35 Subscription Upgrade
Where AKBSTOCK permits Customers to upgrade from one Subscription Plan to another, any price adjustment, immediate charge, billing-cycle change or entitlement change will be governed by the applicable Subscription system and Plan terms.
An upgrade does not automatically create refund entitlement for benefits already used under the previous Plan.
89.36 Subscription Downgrade
Where AKBSTOCK permits a Subscription downgrade, the downgrade may take effect immediately or at a future billing period depending on the Subscription system and applicable terms.
A downgrade does not automatically generate a refund for the difference between Subscription Plans unless AKBSTOCK expressly provides such an adjustment or applicable law requires it.
89.37 Plan Changes
Where AKBSTOCK changes available Subscription Plans, pricing or features, the effect on existing Subscribers will be determined according to the applicable Subscription terms, notice requirements and mandatory law.
A change affecting a future billing period does not automatically alter the amount already validly paid for a completed earlier period.
89.38 Renewal Price
The Subscription renewal price may depend on the pricing terms applicable to the Customer’s Subscription at the time of renewal, subject to any legally required disclosure or notice.
AKBSTOCK will not intentionally charge a materially different renewal amount from the amount validly applicable to the Subscription without an appropriate transaction basis.
89.39 Promotional Subscription Period
Where a Subscription is purchased under a promotional or discounted offer, cancellation and refund eligibility remain subject to this Policy and any valid promotional terms.
The fact that a Subscription was discounted does not by itself eliminate a mandatory refund right or create an additional refund entitlement.
89.40 Trial Periods
If AKBSTOCK offers a free or discounted Subscription trial, the duration, conversion to paid Subscription, cancellation requirements and any applicable billing terms should be governed by the terms presented for that trial.
This Section does not independently create a free trial where AKBSTOCK has not expressly offered one.
89.41 Cancellation During a Free Trial
Where an applicable free trial permits cancellation before conversion to paid billing, a valid cancellation completed within the required period should prevent the subsequent paid renewal according to the trial terms and payment-provider processing.
No monetary refund is ordinarily required for the free portion where no payment was collected.
89.42 Failed Subscription Payment
If a recurring Subscription payment fails, AKBSTOCK may suspend, delay or terminate renewal or Subscription benefits according to the applicable Subscription rules.
A failed payment does not ordinarily create entitlement to a paid Subscription period where valid payment was not received.
89.43 Pending Subscription Payment
Where a Subscription payment remains pending, activation or renewal may remain incomplete until the payment status is resolved.
AKBSTOCK may rely on final payment-provider information when determining whether the Subscription period has been validly paid.
89.44 Reversed Subscription Payment
If a Subscription payment is later reversed, cancelled or invalidated after provisional access was provided, AKBSTOCK may adjust the Subscription status and affected entitlements according to the final payment status.
The resulting License consequences for Products obtained during the affected period will be governed by the applicable Subscription License Agreement and law.
89.45 Renewal Payment Error
A renewal charge affected by a verified payment-processing error may be corrected under Section 78 – Payment Processing Errors.
Where an excess or incorrect renewal amount was collected, AKBSTOCK may provide an appropriate refund or billing adjustment.
89.46 Duplicate Renewal Charge
A verified duplicate renewal charge may be corrected according to Section 77 – Duplicate Payments & Duplicate Charges.
Refund of the duplicate amount does not ordinarily cancel the valid Subscription renewal supported by the proper payment.
89.47 Cancellation After Subscription Downloads
A Customer may cancel future Subscription renewal even after downloading Products during the active Subscription period.
However, the existence of Subscription downloads may be relevant to any discretionary request seeking refund of the already-used Subscription period.
89.48 No New Downloads After Subscription Ends
After the Subscription period ends or the Subscription is terminated, the Customer may lose access to future Subscription downloads, unused benefits or other Subscription-only features according to the applicable Subscription terms.
Ending the Subscription does not automatically grant the Customer continued access to unused Subscription entitlements.
89.49 Previously Downloaded Products
The permitted continued use of Products validly downloaded during an active Subscription will be determined by the applicable Subscription License Agreement.
This Refund & Cancellation Policy does not independently expand or reduce the License rights granted for those Products.
89.50 Refund and Previously Downloaded Products
If a Subscription billing period is fully refunded, the effect of that refund on Products downloaded during the refunded period may differ from ordinary cancellation at the end of a paid period.
The Customer’s continued rights in such Products will be governed by the Subscription License Agreement, Section 96 – Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights and mandatory law.
89.51 Excluded Products
Certain AKBSTOCK Product categories may be excluded from Subscription Plans and may require separate purchase according to the applicable Product and Subscription terms.
A Subscription does not automatically create rights to Products expressly excluded from the applicable Plan.
89.52 Separate Product Purchases During Subscription
A Product purchased separately outside the Customer’s Subscription entitlement remains a separate transaction even where the Customer also has an active Subscription.
Cancellation of the Subscription does not automatically cancel or refund such separate Product purchases.
89.53 Exclusive License Purchases by Subscribers
An Exclusive License purchased separately by a Subscriber remains a separate Exclusive License transaction and does not become part of the ordinary Subscription refund merely because the Customer later cancels the Subscription.
Exclusive License matters are governed separately by Section 90 – Exclusive License Transactions and the applicable Exclusive License Agreement.
89.54 Subscription Cancellation Does Not Automatically Close Account
Cancelling a Subscription does not automatically require closure of the Customer’s AKBSTOCK Account.
The Customer may continue to use any Account functions or separately purchased Products that remain available under the applicable AKBSTOCK terms.
89.55 Account Closure Does Not Automatically Create Refund
A Customer’s decision to close an AKBSTOCK Account does not automatically create refund eligibility for an otherwise valid Subscription payment.
Account closure and data deletion are governed separately by applicable AKBSTOCK Account and Privacy rules.
89.56 AKBSTOCK-Initiated Subscription Cancellation
AKBSTOCK may cancel, suspend or decline renewal of a Subscription where valid reasons exist under the applicable Subscription Agreement, Terms & Conditions, payment rules or law.
The treatment of any unused paid period or refund will depend on the reason for cancellation, applicable terms and mandatory legal requirements.
89.57 Cancellation for Fraud or Abuse
AKBSTOCK may suspend or terminate a Subscription where reasonably verified fraud, payment abuse, unauthorized Account use, excessive automated downloading, License abuse or other material violation occurs.
Refund eligibility following such termination is not automatic and will depend on the circumstances, applicable agreements and mandatory law.
89.58 Legitimate Customer Complaints
A Customer will not be treated as abusing the Subscription merely because they submit a legitimate billing complaint, cancel future renewal or exercise a mandatory legal right.
Fraud or abuse findings should be based on reasonable evidence rather than the mere existence of a cancellation or refund request.
89.59 Subscription Refund Request Procedure
A Customer seeking refund of a Subscription charge should contact AKBSTOCK through an official support or refund channel and identify the relevant Subscription and billing transaction.
AKBSTOCK may request reasonable information necessary to verify the Subscription, payment, cancellation status and basis for the refund request.
89.60 Subscription Refund Review
AKBSTOCK may review the Subscription billing record, cancellation timing, renewal status, payment status, benefits used, Products downloaded, technical issues and other information reasonably relevant to the claim.
The review should remain proportionate and should not impose unreasonable barriers to a legitimate mandatory remedy.
89.61 Full Subscription Refund
A full refund may be approved where the entire relevant Subscription charge qualifies for refund under this Policy, the applicable Subscription terms or mandatory law.
A full refund may result in termination or adjustment of benefits associated with the refunded billing period.
89.62 Partial Subscription Refund
A partial Subscription refund may be provided where legally and technically appropriate and where only a separable part of the Subscription payment or period qualifies for monetary adjustment.
AKBSTOCK does not guarantee prorated refunds merely because a Customer cancels partway through a valid billing period unless the applicable Subscription terms or mandatory law provide otherwise.
89.63 No Automatic Prorated Refund
Cancellation during a current paid Subscription period does not automatically entitle the Customer to a prorated refund for the unused days, weeks, months, credits or other remaining benefits of that period.
A prorated refund may nevertheless be provided where AKBSTOCK expressly offers it, an eligible billing or service issue exists or applicable law requires it.
89.64 Refund Processing
Approved Subscription refunds will be processed according to Sections 85 – Processing Approved Refunds and 86 – Refund Method & Processing Time.
The amount may require additional processing time through the Customer’s bank, card issuer, payment gateway or other financial institution after AKBSTOCK initiates the refund.
89.65 Cancellation Records
AKBSTOCK may retain reasonable records of Subscription activation, renewal, cancellation, billing, downloads, entitlements and refund decisions for transaction administration, accounting, licensing, Customer support, fraud prevention and legal compliance.
Personal information contained in such records will be handled according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy.
89.66 Renewal Notifications & Payment Provider Requirements
Recurring Subscription transactions may be subject to pre-debit notifications, authentication, mandate controls, opt-out mechanisms or other requirements imposed by applicable payment providers, banks, card networks or payment regulations.
AKBSTOCK may structure recurring billing in accordance with the requirements that apply to the relevant payment method.
89.67 Withdrawal of Payment Mandate
Where the Customer validly withdraws a recurring payment mandate through the applicable financial provider, future transactions under that withdrawn mandate should be handled according to the relevant payment-system requirements.
The withdrawal does not automatically create a refund for prior valid Subscription charges.
89.68 Payment Provider Differences
The precise procedure for recurring billing, cancellation and mandate withdrawal may vary depending on the Customer’s bank, card issuer, payment gateway, wallet or other financial provider.
AKBSTOCK cannot guarantee that every payment provider will use identical Subscription-management interfaces or processing timelines.
89.69 International Subscribers
Subscription Customers located in different countries may have mandatory renewal, cancellation, withdrawal, disclosure or refund rights that differ from AKBSTOCK’s general Subscription rules.
AKBSTOCK’s general Subscription framework applies subject to any mandatory local law that validly applies to the relevant Customer and transaction.
89.70 Mandatory Consumer Rights
Nothing in this Section is intended to exclude, restrict or waive a mandatory right concerning Subscription cancellation, renewal, recurring billing, refund, withdrawal or consumer protection that applicable law does not permit AKBSTOCK to exclude.
Where applicable law provides greater protection than this general Subscription framework, the mandatory requirement will apply to the extent legally required.
89.71 Mandatory Payment Rights
Nothing in this Section prevents a Customer from exercising mandatory rights concerning payment mandates, unauthorized recurring transactions, bank disputes or other payment protections available through applicable law or financial providers.
AKBSTOCK may coordinate its Subscription billing records with such payment-provider processes where necessary.
89.72 Relationship With Subscription License Agreement
This Section primarily governs financial cancellation and refund consequences of a Subscription.
The Product usage rights associated with Products downloaded through the Subscription remain governed by the applicable Subscription License Agreement.
89.73 Relationship With General Digital Product Cancellation
Section 88 – Cancellation of Digital Product Orders primarily addresses separately purchased Digital Product orders.
This Section provides the more specific framework applicable to recurring Subscription billing and Subscription benefits.
89.74 Relationship With Chargebacks
Where a Subscription charge is disputed through a bank, card issuer or payment provider, Section 93 – Chargebacks & Payment Disputes may also apply.
A Subscription refund and a chargeback should not be used to obtain duplicate reimbursement for the same charge.
89.75 Relationship With Product Access & License Rights
Where a Subscription refund or termination affects Products already downloaded or Subscription access already provided, Section 96 – Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights should also be considered.
89.76 Fair Subscription Principle
AKBSTOCK seeks to allow Customers to stop future recurring Subscription billing through a reasonable cancellation process while distinguishing future cancellation from refund of an already validly billed Subscription period.
AKBSTOCK also seeks to correct genuine billing errors, duplicate charges, unauthorized transactions and material service failures without allowing misuse of Subscription downloads or benefits.
89.77 Section Summary
Customers may cancel a recurring AKBSTOCK Subscription to prevent future renewal according to the applicable Subscription and payment procedures. Cancellation does not automatically refund a Subscription charge that was validly processed before cancellation became effective.
Subscription refunds may be considered for verified duplicate or incorrect charges, unauthorized transactions, material AKBSTOCK-side service failures or other eligible circumstances, while unused Subscription credits, non-use or mid-period cancellation do not automatically create a cash or prorated refund entitlement.
Products already obtained through a valid Subscription remain subject to the applicable Subscription License Agreement, and any refund affecting a Subscription billing period may also affect Product access or License rights. All mandatory consumer, recurring-payment and payment-system protections remain preserved.
90. Exclusive License Transactions
90.1 General Exclusive License Principle
An Exclusive License transaction involves the grant of specified exclusive rights in relation to an eligible AKBSTOCK Product under the applicable Exclusive License Agreement.
Because an Exclusive License may affect AKBSTOCK’s ability to offer, sell or license the relevant Product to other Customers after exclusivity takes effect, cancellation and refund requests involving Exclusive Licenses require separate consideration from ordinary non-exclusive Digital Product purchases.
90.2 Exclusive License Agreement Applies
Every Exclusive License transaction is subject to the applicable AKBSTOCK Exclusive License Agreement together with the relevant Product page, order information, this Refund & Cancellation Policy and other applicable AKBSTOCK legal documents.
The Exclusive License Agreement determines the scope, permitted uses, restrictions, duration and other substantive rights associated with the exclusive grant.
90.3 Exclusive License Is Different From Copyright Ownership
Purchase of an Exclusive License does not automatically transfer copyright ownership, authorship or other intellectual property ownership in the Product unless AKBSTOCK expressly agrees to such a transfer in a separate legally valid written instrument.
The Customer receives only the exclusive rights expressly granted under the applicable Exclusive License Agreement.
90.4 Exclusivity Must Be Expressly Granted
A Product will not be treated as exclusively licensed merely because a Customer purchases an ordinary non-exclusive Product License, Subscription entitlement or other standard Product access.
Exclusive rights arise only where the applicable transaction expressly provides an Exclusive License and the requirements for that grant have been satisfied.
90.5 Exclusive License Transaction Status
An Exclusive License transaction may pass through payment, verification, approval, Product delivery and exclusivity activation stages depending on AKBSTOCK’s applicable process.
Cancellation or refund eligibility may therefore depend on the stage reached when the request is received.
90.6 Payment Does Not Override Verification
Where an Exclusive License transaction requires verification or confirmation before exclusivity becomes effective, successful payment alone does not override any legitimate verification requirement disclosed for the transaction.
AKBSTOCK should nevertheless process such verification without unreasonable delay.
90.7 Exclusivity Activation
Exclusivity becomes effective according to the activation conditions stated in the applicable Exclusive License Agreement or transaction terms.
AKBSTOCK may maintain records identifying when the Exclusive License was granted or activated.
90.8 Product Removal or Status Change
After an Exclusive License becomes effective, AKBSTOCK may remove the relevant Product from ordinary future licensing availability, mark it as unavailable or exclusive, disable applicable purchase options or otherwise update its Website status according to the Exclusive License Agreement.
Technical updates to Website listings may require a reasonable processing period after exclusivity is confirmed.
90.9 Effect on Future Customers
Once exclusivity becomes effective, AKBSTOCK will handle future licensing of the relevant Product according to the restrictions contained in the applicable Exclusive License Agreement.
The precise scope of exclusivity is determined by that Agreement rather than by assumptions based solely on the word “exclusive.”
90.10 Previously Granted Rights
Unless the applicable Exclusive License Agreement expressly provides otherwise, an Exclusive License does not automatically cancel or invalidate lawful non-exclusive licenses or other rights validly granted to third parties before the Exclusive License became effective.
The Customer should review the applicable Exclusive License terms for the precise treatment of prior licensing history.
90.11 Exclusivity Is Generally Prospective
Unless expressly agreed otherwise, exclusivity generally restricts licensing activity from the effective date of the Exclusive License forward and does not retroactively erase lawful transactions completed before that date.
90.12 Historical Downloads
Copies of a Product lawfully obtained by previous licensees before exclusivity became effective may continue to exist.
AKBSTOCK does not represent that granting an Exclusive License can technically retrieve or erase every copy lawfully delivered before the exclusive transaction.
90.13 Previous Licensee Rights
The continued rights of previous lawful licensees are determined by the licenses under which those Customers originally obtained the Product.
An Exclusive License Customer does not automatically acquire authority to terminate a third party’s previously valid License unless the applicable legal arrangements expressly provide otherwise.
90.14 Disclosure of Exclusivity Scope
AKBSTOCK seeks to describe the material scope of an Exclusive License through the applicable Exclusive License Agreement and relevant transaction information.
Customers should review those terms before purchasing because exclusivity may be subject to defined rights, limitations and previously granted licenses.
90.15 Customer Responsibility Before Purchase
Before completing an Exclusive License transaction, the Customer should review the Product preview, description, technical information, price, License scope and applicable Exclusive License Agreement.
The Customer should seek clarification before purchase where a material aspect of the Exclusive License is unclear.
90.16 Higher Transaction Significance
An Exclusive License may have greater commercial significance than an ordinary non-exclusive purchase because AKBSTOCK may surrender or restrict future licensing opportunities relating to the Product.
This commercial consequence may be relevant when reviewing a discretionary cancellation request after exclusivity has already taken effect.
90.17 Cancellation Before Exclusivity Activation
If a cancellation request is received before exclusivity has become effective, before the Product has been delivered and before AKBSTOCK has materially changed the Product’s licensing status, AKBSTOCK may consider whether the transaction can reasonably be cancelled.
Cancellation remains subject to the actual transaction status, payment processing, applicable terms and mandatory law.
90.18 Cancellation After Exclusivity Activation
Once exclusivity has been validly activated, ordinary change-of-mind cancellation will generally be more restricted because AKBSTOCK may already have removed the Product from future licensing availability or otherwise relied on the exclusive transaction.
This does not remove a refund or cancellation right arising from a genuine AKBSTOCK breach, material misdescription, invalid transaction or mandatory law.
90.19 Cancellation After Product Delivery
Where the exclusive Product has already been delivered or made accessible and the Exclusive License has taken effect, a cancellation request based solely on change of mind will normally not create an automatic refund entitlement.
Eligible defects, incorrect delivery and legally protected claims remain subject to review.
90.20 Cancellation After Download
Where the Customer has downloaded the Product under an activated Exclusive License, ordinary cancellation and refund based solely on preference, project cancellation or change of commercial plans will normally not be available automatically.
Any mandatory legal remedy remains preserved.
90.21 Change of Mind
A Customer’s change of mind after an Exclusive License has been validly granted does not ordinarily create an automatic right to cancel the exclusive transaction or receive a refund.
90.22 Customer Project Cancellation
An Exclusive License will not ordinarily become refundable merely because the Customer’s own client, collection, production project, marketing plan or commercial requirement is later cancelled or changed.
Such circumstances generally concern the Customer’s subsequent use of the Product rather than AKBSTOCK’s fulfillment of the exclusive transaction.
90.23 Customer No Longer Needs Exclusivity
A Customer’s later decision that exclusivity is no longer commercially necessary does not automatically create a cancellation or refund entitlement after the Exclusive License has validly taken effect.
90.24 Customer-Side Selection Error
If the Customer purchases an Exclusive License for the wrong Product despite AKBSTOCK accurately presenting and supplying the selected Product, refund or cancellation will not automatically be available after exclusivity and delivery have taken effect.
AKBSTOCK may nevertheless review exceptional circumstances where appropriate.
90.25 Incorrect Product Delivered
If AKBSTOCK materially delivers a different Product from the Product covered by the Exclusive License transaction, the Customer may report the issue for correction, replacement, proper delivery, refund or another appropriate remedy.
Such an AKBSTOCK-side fulfillment error will not be treated merely as Customer change of mind.
90.26 Corrupted or Defective Exclusive Product
If the supplied exclusive Product is materially corrupted, defective or unusable as supplied, AKBSTOCK may first attempt reasonable repair, replacement or restored access where appropriate.
If the issue cannot reasonably be resolved, refund or another remedy may be considered under this Policy and applicable law.
90.27 Material Misdescription
If the Exclusive License or Product was materially misdescribed by AKBSTOCK in a way that reasonably affected the Customer’s purchase decision, the Customer may submit the matter for review.
Any remedy will depend on the nature and materiality of the discrepancy and applicable law.
90.28 AKBSTOCK Unable to Grant Promised Exclusivity
If AKBSTOCK accepts payment for an Exclusive License but subsequently determines that it cannot lawfully or contractually grant the exclusivity materially promised for that transaction, AKBSTOCK will review the transaction for cancellation, refund or another appropriate agreed remedy.
AKBSTOCK will not intentionally retain payment for exclusive rights that it is legally required to grant but cannot provide.
90.29 Product Accidentally Remains Available
If a Product that should have been removed or restricted after activation of an Exclusive License accidentally remains technically visible or purchasable, AKBSTOCK should investigate and correct the listing status as reasonably practicable.
The legal effect of any transaction occurring during such an error will depend on the applicable Exclusive License Agreement, timing, circumstances and law.
90.30 Unauthorized Post-Exclusivity Sale by AKBSTOCK
If AKBSTOCK itself completes a new License transaction that materially violates an existing Exclusive License obligation, the affected Exclusive License Customer may report the matter for investigation and an appropriate contractual or legal remedy.
Nothing in this Policy is intended to excuse AKBSTOCK from its own valid exclusivity commitments.
90.31 Third-Party Unauthorized Use
Unauthorized copying, piracy or infringement by an independent third party does not automatically mean that AKBSTOCK itself granted a conflicting License.
Such matters may require separate copyright or infringement procedures rather than automatic cancellation of the Exclusive License transaction.
90.32 No Guarantee Against Piracy
Unless expressly stated otherwise, an Exclusive License does not constitute a guarantee that no third party will ever unlawfully copy, reproduce, imitate or misuse the Product.
AKBSTOCK’s obligations concern the rights and restrictions actually undertaken under the applicable Exclusive License Agreement.
90.33 Similar Independent Designs
Exclusivity in a particular Product does not automatically establish ownership of every general idea, style, theme, colour combination, motif category, artistic technique or independently created design that may share non-protectable or broadly similar characteristics.
The precise legal scope of the licensed Product remains subject to applicable intellectual property law and the Exclusive License Agreement.
90.34 Duplicate Exclusive Payment
If the Customer is charged more than once for the same intended Exclusive License transaction because of a verified duplicate payment, the unnecessary duplicate amount may be refunded or reversed.
Correction of the duplicate payment does not ordinarily cancel the valid Exclusive License supported by the proper payment.
90.35 Incorrect Exclusive License Amount
If AKBSTOCK verifies that an amount materially exceeding the valid Exclusive License price was charged because of an AKBSTOCK-side or payment-processing error, the excess amount may be corrected or refunded as appropriate.
90.36 Failed Exclusive License Payment
If payment for an Exclusive License fails, exclusivity should not ordinarily be treated as finally granted solely because the Customer attempted payment.
AKBSTOCK may keep the Product available or restore its availability according to the actual transaction status and applicable terms.
90.37 Pending Exclusive License Payment
Where payment remains pending, AKBSTOCK may temporarily hold or review the Product’s status where reasonably necessary to prevent conflicting transactions while the payment result is determined.
A pending payment does not automatically create permanent exclusive rights.
90.38 Reversed Exclusive License Payment
If payment supporting an Exclusive License is subsequently reversed, invalidated or lawfully refunded, AKBSTOCK may terminate or adjust the corresponding exclusive rights according to the Exclusive License Agreement and applicable law.
The Product may become eligible for future licensing again where the exclusive rights have validly ended.
90.39 Unauthorized Exclusive Transaction
A Customer who believes that an Exclusive License transaction was made without authorization should report the transaction promptly.
AKBSTOCK may investigate the payment, Account activity, Product access and relevant transaction records and may coordinate with the applicable payment provider.
90.40 Suspected Fraud
AKBSTOCK may temporarily suspend delivery or exclusivity activation where there is a reasonable basis to investigate suspected payment fraud, identity misuse, unauthorized Account activity or another material security concern.
Any hold should be proportionate and should not be used to unnecessarily delay a legitimate transaction.
90.41 Exclusive License Refund Request
A Customer requesting a refund for an Exclusive License transaction should contact AKBSTOCK through the applicable official support or refund channel and identify the relevant Product, order and transaction.
The Customer should explain the basis for the request and provide reasonable supporting information where necessary.
90.42 Additional Review May Be Required
Because an Exclusive License may alter the Product’s future licensing status, AKBSTOCK may conduct additional reasonable verification before approving cancellation or refund.
This may include reviewing payment status, Product delivery, License activation, prior licensing status and relevant Customer communications.
90.43 Review of Product Access
AKBSTOCK may consider whether the exclusive Product was delivered, accessed or downloaded when reviewing a discretionary refund request.
Product access does not remove a mandatory remedy for a genuine defect, misdescription or other legally protected issue.
90.44 Review of Exclusivity Actions
AKBSTOCK may consider whether the Product was removed from ordinary sale, marked exclusive, reserved for the Customer or otherwise subjected to material licensing restrictions as a result of the Exclusive License transaction.
These circumstances may be relevant to discretionary cancellation after exclusivity has already taken effect.
90.45 Review of Customer Use
Where legally permissible, AKBSTOCK may consider whether the Customer has already materially used, reproduced, manufactured from, supplied to a client or otherwise commercially exploited the exclusive Product when evaluating a discretionary refund request.
This does not eliminate any mandatory remedy available for a genuine AKBSTOCK-side breach.
90.46 Approval of Exclusive License Refund
If an Exclusive License refund is approved, AKBSTOCK may process the applicable refund and take corresponding steps concerning the Product’s exclusive status, Customer access and License rights.
The precise consequences will depend on whether the refund is full or partial and on the applicable Exclusive License Agreement.
90.47 Full Refund and Exclusive Rights
Where the entire Exclusive License transaction is validly refunded and reversed, the exclusive rights arising solely from that refunded transaction may terminate according to the applicable Exclusive License Agreement.
The Customer should not assume that full reimbursement permits continued exercise of the refunded Exclusive License.
90.48 Product Availability After Full Refund
Where an Exclusive License validly terminates following a full refund, AKBSTOCK may restore the Product to its appropriate licensing or sale status where legally and contractually permitted.
Restoration of availability will depend on the circumstances and any continuing obligations affecting the Product.
90.49 Continued Use After Full Refund
Where a full refund terminates the Exclusive License, continued use of the Product after termination may no longer be authorized except to the extent that another valid License, mandatory law or the Exclusive License Agreement expressly permits such continued use.
The Customer should review the applicable License consequences before continuing to use a refunded Product.
90.50 Existing Manufactured Goods
The treatment of physical goods, printed fabric, garments or other materials already lawfully manufactured under an Exclusive License before a refund or termination will depend on the applicable Exclusive License Agreement and the circumstances of termination.
This Policy does not independently grant continued commercialization rights beyond those provided by the applicable License.
90.51 Existing Client Deliveries
Where the Customer has already incorporated the Product into lawful client work before an Exclusive License is terminated, the legal treatment of that work will be determined by the applicable Exclusive License Agreement and any surviving rights stated in that Agreement.
90.52 Partial Refund
A partial refund of an Exclusive License transaction does not automatically terminate the entire Exclusive License unless the applicable refund decision or Exclusive License Agreement provides otherwise.
AKBSTOCK should clearly identify any material License adjustment associated with an approved partial refund.
90.53 Price Adjustment Without License Termination
Where a partial refund merely corrects an overcharge, duplicate amount or other separable payment error, the underlying Exclusive License may remain fully effective.
The financial correction should not automatically alter valid License rights where the Exclusive License itself remains paid and enforceable.
90.54 Refund Method
An approved Exclusive License refund will ordinarily be processed according to Sections 85 – Processing Approved Refunds and 86 – Refund Method & Processing Time.
Currency and financial-provider differences may also be governed by Section 87 – Currency, Bank & Payment Provider Differences.
90.55 Chargeback of Exclusive License Transaction
If an Exclusive License payment is disputed through a bank, card issuer or payment provider, AKBSTOCK may temporarily review or restrict the associated exclusive rights while the payment dispute is being resolved where reasonably necessary.
The final License status may depend on the outcome of the payment dispute and applicable law.
90.56 Successful Chargeback
If the Customer receives full reimbursement through a valid chargeback that effectively reverses the Exclusive License payment, AKBSTOCK may treat the transaction consistently with a reversed or unpaid Exclusive License to the extent permitted by the applicable Agreement and law.
The Customer may not retain both full reimbursement and exclusive rights arising solely from the reversed payment unless legally entitled to do so.
90.57 Duplicate Reimbursement
A Customer is not entitled to obtain both an AKBSTOCK refund and a chargeback reimbursement for the same amount where this would result in duplicate recovery.
AKBSTOCK may provide relevant transaction information to the applicable payment provider where reasonably necessary to prevent or resolve duplicate reimbursement.
90.58 Exclusive License Reservation
AKBSTOCK may temporarily reserve an eligible Product while a legitimate Exclusive License transaction is being completed where its systems or business process support such reservation.
A temporary reservation does not necessarily create permanent exclusive rights before the applicable Exclusive License requirements are satisfied.
90.59 Expired or Failed Reservation
If an Exclusive License transaction is abandoned, payment fails or an applicable reservation period expires without completion, AKBSTOCK may release the Product for licensing or sale to other Customers.
90.60 Simultaneous Purchase Attempts
If multiple Customers attempt to obtain exclusive rights to the same Product at approximately the same time, AKBSTOCK may determine the valid transaction according to confirmed payment, transaction completion, applicable system records and other legitimate processing criteria.
AKBSTOCK will not knowingly grant mutually conflicting exclusive rights where the applicable License terms prohibit doing so.
90.61 Unsuccessful Competing Transaction
Where a Customer’s payment is collected but AKBSTOCK cannot complete the Exclusive License because another valid exclusive transaction obtained priority under the applicable transaction process, AKBSTOCK should provide an appropriate refund, reversal or agreed alternative for the unsuccessful transaction.
90.62 Exclusive License Records
AKBSTOCK may maintain reasonable records relating to Exclusive License transactions, including Product identification, Customer information, payment status, License status, effective date, refund status and relevant transaction history.
Such records may support licensing administration, intellectual property management, accounting, Customer support, dispute resolution and legal compliance.
90.63 Historical Licensing Records
AKBSTOCK may retain reasonable historical records of previous lawful licensing activity even after a Product becomes exclusively licensed.
Such records may be necessary to distinguish previously granted rights from later prohibited licensing activity.
90.64 Refund Records
Where an Exclusive License transaction is refunded, AKBSTOCK may retain records showing the refund, License termination or adjustment and subsequent Product status.
Refund does not necessarily require deletion of transaction records that AKBSTOCK must or may lawfully retain.
90.65 Privacy of Exclusive Transaction Information
Personal and transaction information relating to Exclusive License purchases, cancellations and refunds will be handled according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable data-protection requirements.
90.66 Confidential Commercial Information
Where an Exclusive License transaction involves non-public commercial communications, AKBSTOCK may handle such information with reasonable care subject to applicable contractual obligations, legal requirements and legitimate business needs.
This provision does not independently create confidentiality obligations beyond those otherwise applicable to the transaction.
90.67 Transfer of Exclusive License
The Customer may not assume that an Exclusive License can be transferred, assigned, resold or sublicensed merely because it was purchased on an exclusive basis.
Any transfer, assignment or sublicensing rights are determined solely by the applicable Exclusive License Agreement.
90.68 Resale of Exclusive Product File
Exclusive licensing does not automatically authorize the Customer to resell, redistribute or make the original standalone Product file available to third parties.
Any such rights or restrictions are governed by the applicable Exclusive License Agreement.
90.69 Modification Does Not Automatically Change Refund Rules
Modification, recolouring, resizing or adaptation of the Product by the Customer does not automatically create a new refund entitlement for the original Exclusive License transaction.
A genuine defect existing in the original supplied Product may nevertheless remain reviewable.
90.70 Refund Abuse
AKBSTOCK may investigate a pattern in which a Customer obtains Exclusive Products, downloads or commercially uses them and then repeatedly seeks refunds without a legitimate basis.
Any finding of abuse should be based on reasonable evidence and should not interfere with legitimate Customer complaints or mandatory rights.
90.71 Fraudulent Exclusive License Claims
AKBSTOCK may reject discretionary refund requests based on materially fabricated, falsified or intentionally misleading claims concerning Product defects, exclusivity, payment status or transaction history.
Serious misconduct may also be addressed under Section 94 – Fraudulent, Abusive & Repeated Refund Requests.
90.72 AKBSTOCK Responsibility
AKBSTOCK remains responsible for honoring the exclusivity obligations it validly undertakes under the applicable Exclusive License Agreement.
Nothing in this Policy permits AKBSTOCK to rely on the special nature of an Exclusive License to avoid responsibility for its own material breach, incorrect delivery or other obligation that cannot lawfully be excluded.
90.73 Customer Responsibility
The Customer is responsible for reviewing the Exclusive License terms before purchase and for using the Product within the rights and restrictions actually granted.
Misunderstanding rights that were clearly and accurately disclosed does not automatically create a refund entitlement.
90.74 Mandatory Consumer Rights
Nothing in this Section excludes, restricts or waives any mandatory consumer remedy, digital-content right, refund right or other protection that applicable law does not permit AKBSTOCK to exclude.
Where mandatory law provides a different result from AKBSTOCK’s ordinary Exclusive License refund rules, that mandatory requirement will apply to the extent legally required.
90.75 Mandatory Intellectual Property Rights
Nothing in this Section changes copyright ownership, moral rights or other intellectual property rights in a manner prohibited by applicable law.
The Exclusive License Agreement must be interpreted consistently with mandatory intellectual property requirements.
90.76 International Customers
Exclusive License Customers may be located in different jurisdictions, and mandatory rules concerning digital content, licensing, contracts, refunds or consumer protection may vary.
AKBSTOCK’s general framework therefore applies subject to any mandatory law validly applicable to the relevant transaction.
90.77 Relationship With Exclusive License Agreement
This Section primarily addresses cancellation and refund consequences associated with Exclusive License transactions.
The substantive scope of exclusivity, permitted use, restrictions, intellectual property rights and termination consequences remains governed principally by the applicable AKBSTOCK Exclusive License Agreement.
90.78 Relationship With Digital Product Cancellation
Section 88 – Cancellation of Digital Product Orders provides the general framework for ordinary Digital Product cancellations.
This Section provides additional and more specific considerations for transactions involving exclusive licensing rights.
90.79 Relationship With Subscription Transactions
Section 89 – Subscription Cancellations & Refunds governs Subscription billing and Subscription benefits.
An Exclusive License separately purchased by a Subscriber remains an independent Exclusive License transaction unless AKBSTOCK expressly states otherwise.
90.80 Relationship With Chargebacks
Section 93 – Chargebacks & Payment Disputes may apply where payment for an Exclusive License is disputed through a bank, card issuer or payment provider.
The payment dispute and the continued status of the associated Exclusive License may need to be considered together.
90.81 Relationship With Refund Abuse
Section 94 – Fraudulent, Abusive & Repeated Refund Requests may apply where there is reasonable evidence that an Exclusive License refund process is being intentionally misused.
90.82 Relationship With Product Access & License Rights
Section 96 – Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights should be read together with this Section where an Exclusive License refund affects future access to the Product or continued License rights.
90.83 Fair Exclusive License Principle
AKBSTOCK seeks to protect the legitimate expectations of Customers who purchase Exclusive Licenses while recognizing that granting exclusivity may require AKBSTOCK to give up future licensing opportunities relating to the Product.
Accordingly, genuine AKBSTOCK-side errors, inability to provide promised exclusivity, defects and mandatory legal rights will be appropriately reviewed, while ordinary change-of-mind cancellation after valid exclusivity and delivery will generally be more restricted.
90.84 No Double Benefit Following Full Refund
Where a Customer receives a full refund that validly reverses the Exclusive License transaction, the Customer will not ordinarily be entitled both to retain the full refunded purchase amount and to continue exercising the exclusive rights that arose solely from that transaction.
This principle remains subject to the applicable Exclusive License Agreement and mandatory law.
90.85 Section Summary
Exclusive License transactions receive separate treatment because exclusivity may restrict AKBSTOCK’s future ability to license or sell the relevant Product. The scope and effective date of exclusivity are determined by the applicable Exclusive License Agreement, and previously granted lawful rights are not automatically erased unless expressly and legally provided otherwise.
Ordinary change-of-mind cancellation will generally be restricted after exclusivity has been activated and the Product has been delivered or downloaded. However, incorrect delivery, material defects, material misdescription, duplicate or incorrect charges, inability of AKBSTOCK to provide the promised exclusive rights and other legally protected circumstances remain eligible for appropriate review.
Where a full refund validly reverses the Exclusive License transaction, the corresponding exclusive rights may terminate and AKBSTOCK may restore the Product to an appropriate licensing status where legally permitted. All mandatory consumer, contractual and intellectual property rights remain preserved.
91. Free Products & Free Downloads
91.1 General Free Product Principle
AKBSTOCK may make certain Digital Products available to Customers without requiring payment of a separate monetary purchase price.
Such Products may be identified as free Products, free downloads, complimentary Products, promotional downloads or by another similar description on the Website.
91.2 Meaning of “Free”
For purposes of this Policy, “free” generally means that AKBSTOCK does not charge the Customer a separate monetary purchase price for the applicable Product at the time of the qualifying download or access.
The term “free” does not mean that the Product is free from copyright, License conditions, usage restrictions, intellectual property rights or other applicable legal terms.
91.3 No Monetary Refund Where No Payment Was Made
Where a Customer obtains a genuinely free Product without making any monetary payment for that Product, there is ordinarily no Product purchase amount available to refund.
Accordingly, the monetary refund provisions of this Policy generally do not apply to the Product price of a transaction where the Product price paid was zero.
91.4 Free Does Not Mean Public Domain
A free AKBSTOCK Product is not automatically placed in the public domain merely because it is offered without a monetary purchase price.
Copyright and other applicable intellectual property rights remain with their lawful owner unless those rights are expressly transferred or waived through a legally valid instrument.
91.5 Free Does Not Transfer Ownership
Downloading a free Product does not automatically transfer copyright ownership, authorship or ownership of the underlying intellectual property to the Customer.
The Customer receives only the rights expressly granted under the applicable AKBSTOCK License terms.
91.6 Applicable License
Free Products remain subject to the License terms identified by AKBSTOCK for the relevant Product or category.
The Customer must comply with the applicable License even though no separate monetary Product price was charged.
91.7 License Acceptance
Where AKBSTOCK requires acceptance of applicable legal or License terms before a free Product can be downloaded or used, the Customer must comply with those terms as a condition of the permitted use.
Free access does not eliminate contractual or licensing requirements that validly apply to the Product.
91.8 Permitted Use
The permitted use of a free Product is determined by the applicable License rather than by the fact that the Product was obtained without payment.
Customers should review the relevant License terms before using a free Product in commercial, production, client, promotional or other projects.
91.9 Commercial Use
A free Product may be used commercially only to the extent expressly permitted by the applicable AKBSTOCK License.
The designation of a Product as “free” does not independently grant unrestricted commercial use rights.
91.10 No Automatic Redistribution Right
Obtaining a free Product does not automatically authorize the Customer to redistribute, share, upload, publish, sell, sublicense or otherwise make the original standalone Product file available to other persons.
Any permitted distribution rights must arise from the applicable License.
91.11 No Automatic Resale Right
A Customer may not assume that a free Product can be resold as a standalone digital design merely because no purchase price was paid.
Standalone resale, sublicensing or redistribution remains subject to the applicable AKBSTOCK License restrictions.
91.12 No Automatic Exclusive Rights
A free download does not grant exclusive rights to the Customer unless AKBSTOCK expressly enters into a separate valid Exclusive License transaction concerning the Product.
AKBSTOCK may continue to make the same free Product available to other Customers subject to the applicable licensing framework.
91.13 Multiple Customers May Download Free Products
Unless expressly stated otherwise, the same free Product may be downloaded, licensed or used by multiple Customers.
A Customer should therefore not assume uniqueness or market exclusivity merely because they obtained the Product from AKBSTOCK.
91.14 Free Product Availability
AKBSTOCK may determine which eligible Products are offered for free and may add, remove or change free Product availability from time to time.
The continued availability of a particular Product as a free download is not guaranteed unless AKBSTOCK expressly states otherwise.
91.15 Free Product May Later Become Paid
AKBSTOCK may change an eligible Product from free availability to paid availability where legally and contractually permitted.
A Customer who lawfully obtained the Product while it was free will not ordinarily owe a retroactive Product purchase price solely because AKBSTOCK later changes the Product’s pricing status.
91.16 Paid Product May Later Become Free
AKBSTOCK may also make a previously paid Product available for free at a later date where legally and contractually permitted.
A later reduction of a Product’s price to zero does not automatically create a refund entitlement for Customers who previously purchased the Product at the valid price applicable at the time of their transaction.
91.17 Promotional Free Products
AKBSTOCK may offer Products free of charge as part of a promotion, campaign, launch, Customer benefit or other legitimate promotional activity.
Any additional eligibility conditions or time limits applicable to a promotion may be stated separately.
91.18 Limited-Time Free Downloads
A free Product may be available only during a specified promotional or availability period.
Expiration of the free availability period does not require AKBSTOCK to continue offering the Product for free indefinitely.
91.19 Account Requirement
AKBSTOCK may require a Customer to create or use an Account before downloading certain free Products.
An Account requirement may be used for licensing records, download management, security, fraud prevention, Customer support and other legitimate operational purposes.
91.20 Customer Information
Where Customer information is collected in connection with free downloads, AKBSTOCK will process such information according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable law.
Free access does not authorize unnecessary collection or unrestricted use of Customer personal information.
91.21 Free Download Limits
AKBSTOCK may apply reasonable daily, Account-based, Product-based or other download limits to free Products where such limits are disclosed or implemented as part of the Website’s free-download system.
Such limits may be used to manage Website resources, prevent abuse and maintain fair access to free Products.
91.22 Daily Download Limit
Where AKBSTOCK specifies a daily free-download allowance, the Customer may download free Products only up to the applicable allowance during the relevant period.
The exact allowance may be displayed on the Website, Account area, applicable Product page or other relevant AKBSTOCK interface and may be changed prospectively where reasonably necessary.
91.23 Download Limit Is Not a Monetary Balance
A free-download allowance does not constitute cash, stored monetary value, credit owed by AKBSTOCK or a financial balance belonging to the Customer.
Unused free-download allowances are not redeemable for cash or monetary refund.
91.24 Unused Free Downloads
If a Customer does not use all free downloads available during an applicable period, the unused allowance does not automatically carry forward unless AKBSTOCK expressly provides otherwise.
Expiration of an unused free allowance does not create monetary refund or compensation rights.
91.25 Free Downloads and Paid Subscription Credits
Where AKBSTOCK maintains separate free-download allowances and paid Subscription download entitlements, a qualifying free Product download may be treated separately from paid Subscription credits according to the applicable Website and Subscription rules.
The applicable system rules will determine which entitlement is used for a particular download.
91.26 Free Products Are Not Subscription Refund Credits
The availability or use of free Products does not create a monetary credit against a Subscription payment and does not independently increase or reduce Subscription refund eligibility.
91.27 Free Product Download Failure
If a Customer is unable to download a free Product because of a genuine technical issue, the Customer may contact AKBSTOCK for reasonable support where support is available.
Because no Product purchase price was paid, the usual remedy will ordinarily involve attempting to restore access, repair the download process or provide an appropriate replacement rather than issuing a monetary Product refund.
91.28 Corrupted Free Product
If a free Product supplied by AKBSTOCK is materially corrupted or unusable as supplied, AKBSTOCK may attempt to repair, replace or restore access to the Product where reasonably practicable.
No monetary Product refund will ordinarily arise where the Customer paid no monetary price for the Product.
91.29 Incorrect Free Product Delivered
If the Customer receives a materially different free Product from the free Product properly selected, AKBSTOCK may attempt to provide the correct Product or otherwise correct the access issue.
Such correction does not ordinarily involve monetary reimbursement where no Product price was paid.
91.30 Free Product Removal
AKBSTOCK may remove a free Product from future availability where there is a legitimate reason to do so, including licensing, copyright, technical, quality, security, legal or business considerations.
Removal from future availability does not necessarily invalidate a License lawfully granted before removal, unless the applicable License or law provides otherwise.
91.31 Previously Downloaded Free Products
The permitted continued use of a free Product lawfully downloaded before its removal from the Website will depend on the applicable License terms.
Removal of a Product from the Website does not by itself expand or reduce the License previously granted.
91.32 Product Withdrawal for Legal Reasons
AKBSTOCK may withdraw or restrict a free Product where reasonably necessary to respond to a copyright complaint, court order, legal requirement, intellectual property concern or other legitimate legal issue.
The effect on previously granted rights will depend on the applicable License, legal circumstances and mandatory law.
91.33 Product Withdrawal for Quality Reasons
AKBSTOCK may remove a free Product where a technical, production or quality issue is identified.
Where reasonably appropriate, AKBSTOCK may provide a corrected version or replacement without creating a monetary refund obligation for a zero-price Product.
91.34 Product Updates
AKBSTOCK may update, correct or replace a free Product from time to time.
Downloading an earlier version does not automatically guarantee perpetual access to every future version, update or variation unless AKBSTOCK expressly provides such access.
91.35 No Guarantee of Permanent Free Storage
Customers should not rely on AKBSTOCK as the sole permanent storage location for a free Product that they are lawfully entitled to retain.
AKBSTOCK does not guarantee that every previously available free Product will remain downloadable indefinitely.
91.36 Re-Download Availability
Where AKBSTOCK provides re-download functionality for free Products, such functionality may depend on Account status, Product availability, technical systems, License status and other applicable conditions.
Re-download access is not guaranteed indefinitely unless expressly stated otherwise.
91.37 Customer Backup Responsibility
Customers are encouraged to maintain reasonable backups of free Products that they lawfully download and are permitted to retain.
AKBSTOCK is not intended to operate as the Customer’s permanent personal file-backup service.
91.38 Free Product Preview
Customers should review available previews, descriptions, dimensions, file information and other relevant Product details before downloading and using a free Product.
The absence of a monetary Product price does not remove the Customer’s responsibility to determine whether the Product is appropriate for their intended use.
91.39 Software Compatibility
Customers remain responsible for determining whether their software, hardware or production workflow supports the disclosed file format and technical characteristics of a free Product.
AKBSTOCK may provide reasonable technical information but does not guarantee compatibility with every third-party system.
91.40 Production Results
Actual production results may depend on factors outside the digital Product itself, including fabric, printing method, inks, machinery, RIP software, colour management, calibration, production settings and other manufacturing conditions.
A free Product’s availability without charge does not create a guarantee of identical output across all production environments.
91.41 Modification of Free Products
A Customer may modify a free Product only to the extent permitted by the applicable License.
Modification does not transfer copyright ownership or remove License restrictions applicable to the underlying Product.
91.42 Customer Modifications and Technical Problems
Where a technical problem arises after the Customer modifies, converts, resizes, recolours or otherwise alters a free Product, AKBSTOCK may consider whether the problem resulted from the modification rather than the Product as originally supplied.
This does not excuse a genuine defect that existed in the original Product.
91.43 Free Product Support
AKBSTOCK may provide reasonable support for free Products but does not guarantee the same level, priority or scope of individualized support for every free download as may apply to certain paid services or transactions.
Any support distinction will remain subject to mandatory law and applicable AKBSTOCK commitments.
91.44 No Cash Alternative
A free Product, free-download entitlement or complimentary Product cannot ordinarily be exchanged for cash, account credit or another monetary benefit unless AKBSTOCK expressly offers such an option.
91.45 No Refund Based on Later Paid Purchase
If a Customer previously downloaded a free Product and later separately purchases another Product, Subscription or License, the earlier free download does not automatically create a refund or credit against the later transaction.
91.46 Duplicate Free Downloads
Downloading the same free Product more than once does not create any monetary refund entitlement and does not automatically grant additional License rights beyond those provided by the applicable License.
91.47 Free Download History
AKBSTOCK may maintain reasonable records of free Product downloads, including Product identification, Account information, download activity and applicable License information.
Such records may be used for licensing administration, security, support, abuse prevention, Website management and legal compliance.
91.48 Download Records and Licensing
Free-download records may help establish when a Customer obtained a Product and which License terms were applicable to the transaction.
AKBSTOCK may retain such records for legitimate licensing and legal purposes in accordance with its Privacy Policy.
91.49 Free Download Abuse
AKBSTOCK may take reasonable measures against intentional abuse of its free-download system, including attempts to circumvent applicable download limits, manipulate Accounts, exploit technical vulnerabilities or obtain access through prohibited automated methods.
Any response should be proportionate to the nature and seriousness of the conduct.
91.50 Multiple Accounts to Circumvent Limits
Where AKBSTOCK imposes a free-download limit, Customers may not intentionally create or control multiple Accounts primarily for the purpose of circumventing that limit where such conduct is prohibited by the applicable Website terms.
AKBSTOCK may investigate reasonable evidence of systematic circumvention.
91.51 Automated Downloading
Customers may not use bots, scripts, scraping systems, automated download tools or similar mechanisms to extract free Products in violation of applicable AKBSTOCK terms or technical restrictions.
Authorized functionality expressly provided by AKBSTOCK is not prohibited merely because it operates automatically.
91.52 Security Measures
AKBSTOCK may use reasonable technical measures to protect free-download functionality against excessive automated requests, abuse, unauthorized access or other security risks.
Such measures may include reasonable Account, session, rate, download or verification controls.
91.53 Temporary Restriction
AKBSTOCK may temporarily restrict free-download access where reasonably necessary to investigate suspected abuse, technical malfunction, security concerns or unusual automated activity.
Legitimate Customers should not be permanently penalized solely because of an isolated technical error or false security signal.
91.54 Account Suspension for Serious Abuse
Serious or repeated misuse of free-download functionality may result in Account restrictions or other action where permitted under the applicable AKBSTOCK Terms & Conditions.
Such action does not affect mandatory rights that applicable law provides to the Customer.
91.55 Free Product and Copyright Misuse
A free Product remains protected against unauthorized copying, redistribution, resale or other infringement to the same extent provided by applicable intellectual property law and the relevant License.
Offering a Product for free does not constitute permission for infringement.
91.56 False Ownership Claims
A Customer may not claim authorship or copyright ownership of an AKBSTOCK free Product solely because they downloaded, modified or used the Product.
Any ownership rights must arise independently under applicable law or an express legally valid transfer.
91.57 Uploading Free Products to Stock Libraries
A Customer may not assume that a free AKBSTOCK Product can be uploaded, resold, redistributed or sublicensed through another stock library, digital marketplace, download platform or similar service.
Such activity is permitted only where the applicable AKBSTOCK License expressly authorizes it.
91.58 Sharing Original Files
A Customer may not share the original standalone free Product file with another person merely because the Product was obtained without payment, except where the applicable License expressly permits such sharing.
Other persons who wish to obtain the Product should ordinarily obtain their own lawful access or License where required.
91.59 Free Products Used for Client Work
Where the applicable License permits use in client work, the Customer remains responsible for ensuring that the Product is used and delivered to the client within the permitted License scope.
The Customer should not provide broader rights in the underlying Product than the Customer is authorized to grant.
91.60 Free Products Used in Production
Where the applicable License permits production use, a free Product may be used for textile, apparel, home furnishing or other permitted production purposes within the applicable License restrictions.
The zero monetary Product price does not independently alter any production limits or restrictions contained in the License.
91.61 Free Products and Exclusive License Availability
AKBSTOCK may, where its licensing model permits, later offer exclusive rights in a Product that was previously available on a non-exclusive or free basis.
Any later Exclusive License remains subject to the treatment of previously granted lawful rights described in the applicable Exclusive License Agreement and Section 90 – Exclusive License Transactions.
91.62 Previous Free Downloads Before Exclusivity
Where a Product was lawfully downloaded under a valid non-exclusive free License before a later Exclusive License became effective, the later Exclusive License does not automatically erase the earlier lawful License unless the applicable legal terms expressly and validly provide otherwise.
Prospective Exclusive License Customers should therefore review the applicable exclusivity terms carefully.
91.63 No Retroactive Exclusivity
Unless expressly agreed otherwise, later exclusivity does not retroactively make earlier lawful free downloads unauthorized.
The continued rights of earlier Customers remain governed by the License under which the Product was originally obtained.
91.64 Free Product Availability and Future Licensing
AKBSTOCK may manage future licensing status of a free Product according to its applicable licensing model, including changing the Product to paid, unavailable or exclusive status where legally and contractually permitted.
Such changes should not be interpreted as automatically rewriting completed earlier transactions.
91.65 No Compensation for Removal of Future Free Access
A Customer is not ordinarily entitled to monetary compensation merely because AKBSTOCK removes a Product from future free availability or changes its future price.
This does not affect rights already validly granted or any mandatory legal remedy arising from a separate issue.
91.66 Taxes and Free Products
The tax treatment of a zero-price Product, promotional benefit or related transaction may depend on applicable law and the structure of the transaction.
This Section does not constitute tax advice and does not override any tax obligation that may legally apply.
91.67 Third-Party Charges
AKBSTOCK is not responsible for independent internet, data, banking, currency-conversion or other third-party costs that a Customer may incur while accessing a free Product unless applicable law or a specific AKBSTOCK commitment provides otherwise.
Such third-party costs do not convert the free Product itself into a paid AKBSTOCK Product.
91.68 Free Product Complaints
Customers may report legitimate technical, copyright, licensing or other concerns relating to free Products through the applicable AKBSTOCK support or complaint channel.
The absence of a Product purchase price does not prevent AKBSTOCK from reviewing a legitimate complaint.
91.69 Copyright Complaints
Where a free Product is alleged to infringe copyright or other intellectual property rights, the matter may be handled under the applicable AKBSTOCK Copyright, DMCA or Complaint procedures.
AKBSTOCK may restrict or remove the Product while a legitimate complaint is reviewed where appropriate.
91.70 Free Product Does Not Reduce Legal Protection
The fact that a Product is provided without charge does not by itself remove any mandatory legal protection that applicable law provides to a Customer.
Nothing in this Section is intended to exclude a non-excludable right or remedy.
91.71 International Users
Customers in different jurisdictions may have different mandatory rights concerning free digital content, privacy, consumer protection or licensing.
AKBSTOCK’s general free Product framework applies subject to any mandatory law validly applicable to the relevant Customer and transaction.
91.72 Relationship With General Refund Principle
Section 68 – General Refund Principle primarily addresses monetary payments and refund eligibility.
Where the amount paid for a free Product is zero, there is ordinarily no Product purchase amount to return, although other non-monetary remedies may remain appropriate.
91.73 Relationship With Technical Support Provisions
Sections 73 – Technical Problems & Support Before Refund, 74 – Corrupted, Defective or Unusable Files, 75 – Incorrect Product or File Delivered and 76 – Replacement, Repair or Restored Access Before Refund may be applied appropriately to free Products where relevant.
For a zero-price Product, correction, replacement or restored access will ordinarily be more relevant than monetary refund.
91.74 Relationship With Subscription Products
Free Products and Subscription Products may operate under separate download allowances, eligibility rules and licensing arrangements.
Section 89 – Subscription Cancellations & Refunds governs cancellation and refund matters relating to paid Subscription transactions.
91.75 Relationship With Exclusive License Transactions
Section 90 – Exclusive License Transactions applies where a Customer separately obtains an Exclusive License for an eligible Product.
A prior free or non-exclusive download should not be confused with the later grant of exclusive rights.
91.76 Relationship With Applicable License Agreement
This Section addresses refund, availability and operational matters concerning free Products.
The substantive rights to use, reproduce, modify, manufacture from, distribute or otherwise exploit a free Product remain governed by the applicable AKBSTOCK License Agreement.
91.77 Relationship With Privacy Policy
Account information, free-download records, security information and other personal data processed in connection with free Products are governed by the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable privacy law.
91.78 Relationship With Acceptable Use Rules
Use of AKBSTOCK’s Website, Accounts and free-download functionality remains subject to applicable acceptable-use, security and anti-abuse requirements.
Free access does not authorize interference with Website systems, circumvention of technical restrictions or unauthorized automated extraction of Products.
91.79 Fair Free Access Principle
AKBSTOCK may provide free Products so that Customers can explore selected designs, understand available Product quality or obtain other legitimate benefits offered through the Website.
AKBSTOCK seeks to keep such access useful and fair while protecting its intellectual property, Website infrastructure, licensing system and legitimate paid services against abuse.
91.80 No Automatic Promise of Future Free Products
The availability of free Products at one time does not create a contractual promise that AKBSTOCK will always maintain the same number, categories, quality, download limits or selection of free Products in the future unless AKBSTOCK expressly makes such a commitment.
AKBSTOCK may reasonably modify its future free Product program while respecting rights already validly granted.
91.81 Section Summary
AKBSTOCK may provide selected Digital Products without charging a separate monetary purchase price. Where the Product price paid is zero, there is ordinarily no monetary Product amount available for refund; however, legitimate technical, licensing, copyright or access concerns may still be reviewed and corrected where appropriate.
A free Product remains protected by copyright and applicable intellectual property rights and remains subject to the relevant AKBSTOCK License. “Free” does not mean public domain, copyright-free, ownership transfer, unrestricted commercial use, standalone resale, redistribution or exclusivity.
AKBSTOCK may apply reasonable free-download limits and may change future free Product availability, while previously granted lawful rights remain subject to the License applicable when the Product was obtained. Free Products, paid Subscription entitlements and Exclusive Licenses remain separate licensing and transaction categories unless AKBSTOCK expressly provides otherwise.
92. Promotional, Discounted & Coupon Purchases
92.1 General Promotional Purchase Principle
AKBSTOCK may from time to time offer Products, Licenses, Subscription Plans or other eligible services at promotional, discounted or specially reduced prices.
Such transactions remain subject to this Refund & Cancellation Policy, the applicable promotion or coupon terms, the relevant License Agreement and other applicable AKBSTOCK legal documents.
92.2 Meaning of Promotional Purchase
A promotional purchase may include a transaction completed using a coupon code, discount code, promotional price, introductory price, campaign offer, limited-time reduction, special customer offer or another legitimate pricing benefit provided by AKBSTOCK.
The specific terms displayed for an applicable promotion may form part of the transaction conditions.
92.3 Discount Does Not Remove Customer Rights
The fact that a Product or service was purchased at a discounted or promotional price does not by itself remove any refund, replacement, correction or other mandatory right that the Customer would otherwise have under applicable law.
Eligible AKBSTOCK-side errors or Product problems remain reviewable according to this Policy.
92.4 Discount Does Not Create Additional Refund Rights
A promotional or discounted purchase does not automatically provide broader cancellation or refund rights than an equivalent regular-price transaction.
Refund eligibility remains dependent on the applicable transaction circumstances, this Policy and mandatory law.
92.5 Refund Based on Amount Actually Paid
Where a refund is approved for a discounted transaction, the refundable amount will ordinarily be based on the amount actually and validly paid by the Customer for the affected Product or transaction, subject to applicable taxes, adjustments, payment corrections and mandatory law.
The Customer will not ordinarily receive a refund calculated from a higher undiscounted price that was not actually paid.
92.6 Original Price and Discounted Price
A displayed original, regular, list or reference price may be used to show the value of an applicable discount where legally permitted.
For refund purposes, the relevant starting point is ordinarily the actual amount paid for the affected transaction rather than a higher reference price.
92.7 Coupon Value Is Not Automatically Cash
Unless AKBSTOCK expressly states otherwise, a coupon, promotional code or discount entitlement represents a pricing benefit and does not constitute cash, a bank deposit, stored monetary value or a separately withdrawable financial balance.
A Customer may not ordinarily demand payment of the unused or discounted coupon value in cash.
92.8 Percentage-Based Coupons
Where a coupon provides a percentage discount, the discount will be calculated according to the applicable promotion terms and eligible transaction amount.
If a refund is later approved, the Customer will ordinarily receive only the amount actually paid for the affected refundable portion rather than the amount that would have been payable without the percentage discount.
92.9 Fixed-Amount Coupons
Where a coupon provides a fixed monetary discount, the discount may be allocated to eligible Products or the transaction according to AKBSTOCK’s checkout system and applicable promotion terms.
Any approved refund may take that allocation into account when determining the amount actually paid for the affected Product.
92.10 Product-Specific Coupons
A coupon may apply only to specified Products, Product categories, Licenses or other eligible purchases.
A Customer cannot assume that a Product-specific coupon applies to Products or transaction types outside the scope stated for that coupon.
92.11 Category-Specific Promotions
AKBSTOCK may limit promotional pricing to particular Product categories, collections, License types or other qualifying groups.
Products outside the qualifying category may remain payable at their otherwise applicable price.
92.12 Customer-Specific Promotions
AKBSTOCK may provide certain promotions only to eligible Customers, Account holders, Subscribers or other defined Customer groups where legally permitted.
A Customer-specific promotion does not automatically create an entitlement for every other Customer to receive the same price.
92.13 Limited-Time Promotions
Promotional prices or coupons may be available only for a specified period.
AKBSTOCK is not ordinarily required to continue a promotional price after the applicable promotion has validly expired.
92.14 Promotion Start and End Times
Where a promotion has specified start and end dates or times, eligibility may depend on when the qualifying order or payment is completed according to the applicable promotion terms.
Technical or payment-processing circumstances may be reviewed where there is a genuine dispute about whether a qualifying transaction was completed within the promotional period.
92.15 Expired Coupons
A coupon or promotional code may cease to be valid after its stated expiration date or applicable promotional period.
AKBSTOCK is not ordinarily required to reactivate or compensate for an expired coupon unless AKBSTOCK expressly agrees otherwise or applicable law requires a remedy.
92.16 Unused Coupons
An unused coupon does not ordinarily create a monetary refund, cash payment or Account credit merely because the Customer did not use it before expiration.
This principle applies unless the coupon itself represents a separately purchased financial entitlement subject to different legally applicable terms.
92.17 Single-Use Coupons
AKBSTOCK may designate certain coupons as single-use coupons.
Once validly redeemed, such a coupon may be treated as consumed according to its terms and may not automatically become available for reuse following cancellation or refund.
92.18 Multi-Use Coupons
Where AKBSTOCK expressly permits a coupon to be used multiple times, its use remains subject to any stated usage limit, eligibility requirement, expiration date and other applicable conditions.
The existence of a multi-use coupon does not guarantee indefinite future availability of the promotion.
92.19 Coupon Reinstatement After Refund
Where a transaction made using a coupon is refunded, the coupon will not automatically be reinstated or reissued unless AKBSTOCK’s applicable promotion terms, Website system or refund decision provides otherwise.
AKBSTOCK may consider reinstatement where appropriate, particularly where the transaction failed because of a verified AKBSTOCK-side or payment-processing error.
92.20 Coupon Reinstatement After Customer Cancellation
If a Customer voluntarily cancels an eligible transaction, any coupon used in that transaction does not automatically become reusable.
The treatment of the coupon will depend on the applicable promotion terms and technical capabilities of the AKBSTOCK system.
92.21 Minimum Purchase Requirements
A promotion or coupon may require a minimum qualifying purchase amount.
If the qualifying transaction does not satisfy that requirement, the promotional benefit may not apply.
92.22 Effect of Partial Refund on Minimum Purchase Requirement
Where a partial refund causes the remaining transaction to fall below a promotional minimum purchase threshold, AKBSTOCK may adjust the refund calculation where the applicable promotion terms clearly and lawfully provide for such an adjustment.
Any adjustment must remain consistent with applicable consumer law and the actual transaction structure.
92.23 Maximum Discount Limits
A percentage or other promotional discount may be subject to a maximum discount amount where disclosed in the applicable offer terms.
The Customer is entitled only to the promotional benefit validly applicable under those terms.
92.24 Coupon Combination
AKBSTOCK may restrict whether multiple coupons, promotional codes or discounts can be combined in the same transaction.
Where the Website does not permit stacking, the Customer may be required to select one applicable promotional benefit.
92.25 Discount Stacking
A Product already offered at a promotional price may or may not qualify for an additional coupon discount depending on the applicable promotion terms.
No additional discount is guaranteed merely because multiple promotions exist at the same time.
92.26 Automatic Discounts
AKBSTOCK may apply certain promotions automatically at checkout without requiring a coupon code.
An automatically applied discount remains subject to the same general refund principles applicable to other promotional purchases.
92.27 Coupon Code Entry
Where a promotion requires a coupon code, the Customer is responsible for entering a valid eligible code through the applicable checkout mechanism before completing the transaction unless AKBSTOCK expressly provides another method.
A Customer should review the final payable amount before confirming payment.
92.28 Forgotten Coupon Code
If a Customer completes a purchase without applying an available coupon, AKBSTOCK is not automatically required to retroactively apply the coupon or refund the difference after the transaction has been completed.
AKBSTOCK may nevertheless consider a reasonable adjustment at its discretion where appropriate and legally permitted.
92.29 Invalid Coupon Code
A coupon may be rejected where it is invalid, expired, incorrectly entered, already used, unavailable for the selected Product or otherwise outside its applicable terms.
The Customer should verify the final transaction price before completing payment.
92.30 Technical Coupon Failure
If a valid promotional code fails because of a verified AKBSTOCK-side technical error, the Customer may contact AKBSTOCK for review.
Where appropriate, AKBSTOCK may correct the price, refund a verified excess amount, reissue the promotional benefit or provide another reasonable remedy.
92.31 Incorrect Discount Calculation
If the Website or payment system incorrectly calculates an applicable discount and the Customer is charged more than the valid transaction amount, AKBSTOCK may correct or refund the verified excess amount.
The underlying purchase may remain valid where only the price calculation requires correction.
92.32 Accidental Excess Discount
If a technical error applies a materially incorrect discount, AKBSTOCK may review the affected transaction according to applicable law and the circumstances of the error.
AKBSTOCK will not rely on this provision to arbitrarily change a valid promotional price after a correctly completed transaction.
92.33 Obvious Pricing Errors
Where a promotional price results from an obvious material pricing or technical error, AKBSTOCK may review whether the transaction can lawfully be fulfilled at that price, corrected or cancelled.
Any payment collected for a transaction that cannot lawfully or validly be fulfilled will be handled according to this Policy and applicable law.
92.34 Promotional Product Refund
If a promotional Product qualifies for refund because of a genuine eligible issue, the promotional nature of the transaction does not prevent the refund merely because the Product was discounted.
The refundable amount will ordinarily correspond to the actual amount paid for the affected Product.
92.35 Change of Mind
A promotional price does not create an automatic refund entitlement where the Customer merely changes their mind after a correctly supplied Digital Product has been delivered or accessed.
The general Digital Product cancellation rules in Section 88 remain applicable.
92.36 Product Later Offered at Lower Price
If AKBSTOCK later reduces the price of a Product or offers a stronger promotion after the Customer’s valid purchase, the Customer is not automatically entitled to a refund of the price difference.
Prices and promotions may legitimately change over time.
92.37 Product Later Offered at Higher Price
If AKBSTOCK later increases the price of a Product, the Customer will not ordinarily owe an additional amount for a previously completed valid purchase solely because the price later increased.
92.38 Promotional Price Changes
AKBSTOCK may introduce, modify or end future promotional pricing where legally permitted.
Such future pricing changes do not automatically rewrite the financial terms of previously completed valid transactions.
92.39 Flash Sales
AKBSTOCK may conduct limited-duration or limited-availability promotional sales.
Purchases made during such promotions remain subject to the same general Product quality, payment, refund and mandatory consumer protection principles applicable to other AKBSTOCK transactions.
92.40 Seasonal Promotions
AKBSTOCK may provide seasonal, festival, launch, anniversary or other time-limited promotional offers.
The existence of one seasonal promotion does not create an obligation to repeat the same promotion, discount percentage or pricing structure in the future.
92.41 Introductory Offers
An introductory offer may apply only to qualifying first-time purchases, new Customers, new Subscribers or another defined eligibility group where stated in the applicable offer.
Customers who do not satisfy the eligibility conditions are not automatically entitled to the introductory price.
92.42 Subscriber Promotions
AKBSTOCK may offer promotional pricing or special purchase opportunities to eligible Subscribers.
A Subscriber-specific promotional purchase remains separate from the underlying Subscription unless AKBSTOCK expressly states that the transaction forms part of the Subscription entitlement.
92.43 Subscription Discounts
Where AKBSTOCK offers a discounted Subscription price, cancellation and refund matters remain governed principally by Section 89 – Subscription Cancellations & Refunds and the applicable Subscription terms.
The refund amount will ordinarily reflect the amount actually paid for the affected Subscription billing period rather than a higher undiscounted Subscription price.
92.44 Annual Billing Discounts
Where an annual Subscription is offered at a price advantage compared with shorter billing periods, that annual pricing structure does not automatically create a prorated refund right if the Customer later cancels during the annual period.
Any refund remains subject to Section 89, the applicable Subscription terms and mandatory law.
92.45 Exclusive License Promotions
Where AKBSTOCK permits promotional pricing on an Exclusive License, the transaction remains governed by Section 90 – Exclusive License Transactions and the applicable Exclusive License Agreement.
The discounted price does not reduce or expand the substantive scope of exclusivity unless the applicable offer expressly states otherwise.
92.46 Exclusive License Refund at Promotional Price
If a discounted Exclusive License transaction qualifies for a full refund, the monetary refund will ordinarily be limited to the amount actually paid for that Exclusive License transaction.
Refund of a promotional Exclusive License may also affect the associated exclusive rights according to Section 90 and the Exclusive License Agreement.
92.47 Free-With-Purchase Promotions
AKBSTOCK may offer a complimentary Product or benefit together with an eligible paid purchase.
The treatment of the complimentary item following cancellation or refund of the qualifying purchase may depend on the applicable promotion terms and License conditions.
92.48 Complimentary Promotional Products
A Product provided without a separate charge as a promotional benefit will ordinarily have no separately refundable monetary Product price.
Its use remains subject to the applicable License terms.
92.49 Bundled Promotional Purchases
Where multiple Products are sold together at a bundled promotional price, the total discount may be allocated across the bundle according to the transaction structure or AKBSTOCK’s applicable system.
A Customer should not assume that each Product in the bundle has the same individual refund value as its standalone regular price.
92.50 Partial Refund of Promotional Bundle
Where a partial refund of a promotional bundle is legally and technically appropriate, AKBSTOCK may calculate the refundable amount based on the actual discounted allocation attributable to the affected Product or portion.
The refund calculation will not ordinarily create a financial benefit greater than the amount actually paid for the affected portion.
92.51 Buy-One-Get-One or Similar Promotions
If AKBSTOCK offers a buy-one-get-one, bonus Product or similar promotion, the financial treatment of the qualifying and complimentary Products will depend on the applicable promotion terms.
A Product identified as having no separate promotional charge may not have an independent cash refund value.
92.52 Refund of Qualifying Purchase
Where refund of a qualifying purchase would otherwise leave the Customer with a promotional benefit that depended on that purchase, AKBSTOCK may address the promotional benefit according to the disclosed promotion terms, applicable License and mandatory law.
Any adjustment must remain reasonable and connected to the original promotional structure.
92.53 Referral or Partner Promotions
AKBSTOCK may offer promotions through referral arrangements, partners, affiliates or other authorized campaigns.
Eligibility and refund treatment remain subject to the applicable AKBSTOCK transaction terms even where the promotional code originated through an authorized third party.
92.54 Unauthorized Coupon Sources
AKBSTOCK does not guarantee the validity of coupon codes obtained from unauthorized third-party websites, social media posts, coupon aggregators or other unofficial sources.
A code is valid only where it is recognized by AKBSTOCK’s applicable promotion and satisfies its eligibility conditions.
92.55 Counterfeit or Fabricated Coupons
AKBSTOCK may reject counterfeit, fabricated, manipulated or otherwise unauthorized coupon codes.
No Customer acquires a legitimate pricing entitlement merely because an unauthorized code purports to offer an AKBSTOCK discount.
92.56 Coupon Abuse
AKBSTOCK may investigate reasonable evidence of systematic coupon abuse, including intentional circumvention of eligibility restrictions, manipulation of Account status or exploitation of technical vulnerabilities to obtain unauthorized discounts.
Any response should be proportionate and should not interfere with legitimate use of valid promotions.
92.57 Multiple Accounts to Obtain Restricted Promotions
Where a promotion is expressly limited to one use per Customer or otherwise restricts repeat eligibility, Customers may not intentionally create or control multiple Accounts primarily to circumvent that restriction.
AKBSTOCK may take reasonable action where systematic circumvention is supported by appropriate evidence.
92.58 Automated Promotional Abuse
Customers may not use bots, scripts or other prohibited automated methods to exploit promotional pricing, generate unauthorized coupon usage or circumvent legitimate transaction restrictions.
Authorized functionality expressly provided by AKBSTOCK is not prohibited merely because it operates automatically.
92.59 Promotional Fraud
AKBSTOCK may reject a discretionary refund, promotional benefit or coupon claim that materially depends on fabricated, falsified or intentionally misleading information.
Serious or repeated conduct may also be reviewed under Section 94 – Fraudulent, Abusive & Repeated Refund Requests.
92.60 Legitimate Coupon Use
A Customer who lawfully uses a valid coupon according to its stated terms will not be treated as abusive merely because the promotional price is substantially lower than the regular price.
AKBSTOCK remains responsible for honoring valid promotional transactions subject to applicable law and legitimate transaction conditions.
92.61 Discount and Product License
Unless AKBSTOCK expressly states otherwise, paying a discounted price does not reduce the License rights that normally accompany the purchased Product under the applicable License Agreement.
License scope is determined by the License purchased, not merely by whether a promotional price was used.
92.62 Discount Does Not Expand License Rights
A promotional purchase does not provide additional License rights beyond those expressly granted under the applicable License Agreement.
The Customer may not infer broader commercial, redistribution, sublicensing or ownership rights merely because a particular promotion was offered.
92.63 Promotional Upgrade Offers
AKBSTOCK may offer promotional upgrades between eligible Products, Plans or License types.
The financial and License consequences of an upgrade will depend on the applicable upgrade offer and the terms governing the resulting Product, Plan or License.
92.64 Taxes and Discounts
Applicable taxes may be calculated according to the taxable amount and tax rules relevant to the transaction.
The tax component of an approved refund will be handled according to applicable tax law and the actual transaction records.
92.65 Currency Conversion
Where a promotional transaction involves currency conversion, the Customer’s bank or payment provider may apply exchange rates, conversion charges or other financial adjustments independently of AKBSTOCK.
Section 87 – Currency, Bank & Payment Provider Differences may apply to an approved refund.
92.66 Payment Provider Promotions
A bank, card issuer, wallet, payment gateway or other third party may independently offer cashback, discounts or promotional benefits relating to an AKBSTOCK transaction.
Unless AKBSTOCK expressly administers that benefit, its eligibility, reversal and refund consequences may be governed by the third party’s own terms.
92.67 Cashback Distinguished From AKBSTOCK Discount
A third-party cashback benefit may operate separately from the price charged by AKBSTOCK.
An AKBSTOCK refund does not guarantee that an external cashback provider will preserve, reissue or reverse its separate promotional benefit in any particular manner.
92.68 Refund Cannot Exceed Eligible Transaction Amount
Except where applicable law requires otherwise, AKBSTOCK will not ordinarily issue a Product refund exceeding the amount actually received or properly attributable to the refundable portion of the affected transaction.
This prevents a promotional refund from producing an unintended monetary gain based solely on an undiscounted reference price.
92.69 No Duplicate Promotional Refund
A Customer may not obtain multiple refunds, credits or financial adjustments for the same promotional amount where this would result in duplicate reimbursement.
AKBSTOCK may reconcile prior adjustments when determining the final amount properly refundable.
92.70 Promotional Refund Request
A Customer requesting a refund involving a promotional purchase should identify the relevant order and, where reasonably necessary, the applicable coupon, promotion or pricing issue.
AKBSTOCK may review transaction records to determine the actual amount paid and promotional terms applied.
92.71 Promotional Transaction Records
AKBSTOCK may maintain reasonable records of promotional transactions, including coupon usage, discounts applied, Product identification, transaction amounts and refund adjustments.
Such records may be used for accounting, Customer support, promotion administration, fraud prevention and legal compliance.
92.72 Privacy of Promotional Information
Personal information processed in connection with promotional eligibility, coupon usage and related transactions will be handled according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable privacy law.
AKBSTOCK should not collect unnecessary personal information merely for the purpose of administering a promotion.
92.73 Promotion Modification
AKBSTOCK may modify or discontinue a future promotion where legally permitted, including where technical, commercial, security or legal circumstances reasonably require a change.
Such modification should not arbitrarily deprive Customers of benefits already validly earned under completed qualifying transactions.
92.74 Promotion Suspension
AKBSTOCK may temporarily suspend a promotion where there is a material technical error, security incident, fraud risk or other legitimate operational problem.
Transactions completed before suspension will be assessed according to their actual circumstances and applicable law.
92.75 Promotion Cancellation
AKBSTOCK may cancel a future or ongoing promotion where legally permitted, but cancellation of the promotion does not automatically cancel valid Customer purchases already completed under the promotion.
Any affected transaction will be handled according to its own valid terms and applicable law.
92.76 Mandatory Consumer Rights
Nothing in this Section is intended to exclude, restrict or reduce a mandatory refund, pricing, advertising, consumer protection or other right that applicable law does not permit AKBSTOCK to exclude.
Mandatory rights remain applicable regardless of whether the Customer paid a regular, promotional or discounted price.
92.77 Fair Pricing and Promotion Principle
AKBSTOCK seeks to present promotional prices and eligibility conditions in a reasonably clear manner and to honor legitimate promotions according to their applicable terms.
AKBSTOCK also reserves the right to protect its promotional systems against genuine fraud, unauthorized coupon use and technical exploitation.
92.78 International Customers
Promotional pricing, coupon practices and refund requirements may be subject to different mandatory rules in different jurisdictions.
AKBSTOCK’s general promotional framework applies subject to any mandatory law validly applicable to the relevant Customer and transaction.
92.79 Relationship With General Refund Rules
Promotional purchases remain subject to Sections 68 – General Refund Principle, 69 – When a Refund May Be Considered and 70 – When Refunds Are Normally Not Available.
A discount changes the transaction price but does not by itself replace the general refund eligibility framework.
92.80 Relationship With Digital Product Cancellation
Section 88 – Cancellation of Digital Product Orders applies where the promotional transaction involves a separately purchased Digital Product.
The promotional price does not independently change the digital-delivery considerations described in that Section.
92.81 Relationship With Subscription Refunds
Section 89 – Subscription Cancellations & Refunds applies where a promotion concerns an AKBSTOCK Subscription.
Cancellation of future renewal and refund of an already charged promotional Subscription period remain separate matters.
92.82 Relationship With Exclusive License Transactions
Section 90 – Exclusive License Transactions applies where a promotion concerns an Exclusive License.
The special commercial and licensing consequences of exclusivity continue to apply even where the Exclusive License was purchased at a promotional price.
92.83 Relationship With Free Products
Section 91 – Free Products & Free Downloads applies where a promotion reduces the Product’s separate purchase price to zero or provides a complimentary Product without a separate charge.
A zero-price promotional Product ordinarily has no separate monetary Product amount available for refund.
92.84 Relationship With Refund Processing
Where a promotional purchase qualifies for refund, Sections 85 – Processing Approved Refunds, 86 – Refund Method & Processing Time and 87 – Currency, Bank & Payment Provider Differences may apply.
92.85 Relationship With License Rights
A refund involving a promotional Product may affect Product access or License rights in the same manner as another refund of the corresponding Product or License type.
Section 96 – Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights and the applicable License Agreement should therefore be considered where relevant.
92.86 No Automatic Price-Matching Obligation
Unless AKBSTOCK expressly provides a price-matching or price-protection program, AKBSTOCK is not ordinarily required to refund a price difference because the same or another Product becomes available under a later promotion.
This provision does not affect correction of a genuine pricing error in the Customer’s own transaction.
92.87 No Retroactive Promotion Entitlement
A promotion introduced after a Customer completes a valid transaction does not ordinarily apply retroactively to that earlier purchase unless AKBSTOCK expressly states otherwise.
Likewise, expiration of a promotion after a valid qualifying transaction does not ordinarily remove the discount already properly applied to that completed purchase.
92.88 Section Summary
AKBSTOCK may offer Products, Licenses and eligible Subscription Plans at promotional or discounted prices and may provide coupons or other pricing benefits subject to applicable eligibility conditions.
Where a promotional transaction qualifies for refund, the refundable amount will ordinarily be based on the amount actually paid for the affected Product or transaction rather than a higher undiscounted price. Coupons and promotional discounts ordinarily have no separately withdrawable cash value, and unused or consumed coupons are not automatically refundable or reusable.
Promotional pricing does not remove genuine Product, billing or mandatory consumer rights, but it also does not create additional cancellation rights merely because a discount was used. Digital Product, Subscription, Exclusive License and free Product transactions continue to be governed by their respective provisions of this Policy and applicable AKBSTOCK License Agreements.
93. Chargebacks & Payment Disputes
93.1 General Chargeback Principle
A Customer may in certain circumstances dispute an AKBSTOCK payment through a bank, card issuer, payment gateway, wallet provider or other authorized payment provider.
Such disputes may be governed by the procedures, evidence requirements, timelines and rules of the applicable payment provider, card network, financial institution and mandatory law.
93.2 Meaning of a Chargeback
A chargeback generally refers to a payment dispute process through which a cardholder or other eligible payment user asks the applicable financial institution or payment provider to reverse or investigate a previously processed transaction.
The precise terminology and procedure may vary according to the payment method involved.
93.3 Other Payment Disputes
Not every payment dispute is technically a card chargeback.
Bank transfer complaints, wallet disputes, unauthorized-payment claims, payment gateway disputes, failed transaction complaints and other financial-provider procedures may operate under different rules while serving a similar dispute-resolution purpose.
93.4 Customer Payment Rights Remain Preserved
Nothing in this Policy prevents a Customer from exercising a legitimate mandatory payment-dispute, unauthorized-transaction or chargeback right available through applicable law or an authorized payment provider.
AKBSTOCK will not interpret acceptance of this Policy as a waiver of rights that cannot lawfully be waived.
93.5 AKBSTOCK Refund Process Is Separate
AKBSTOCK’s internal refund process and an external chargeback or payment dispute are separate mechanisms.
A Customer may therefore need to consider whether a matter can reasonably be resolved directly with AKBSTOCK before or while pursuing an external payment dispute, subject to the Customer’s mandatory rights and applicable deadlines.
93.6 Direct Resolution Where Practical
Where appropriate and without prejudicing any mandatory dispute deadline, Customers are encouraged to contact AKBSTOCK regarding a genuine Product, billing, refund or transaction problem so that AKBSTOCK has a reasonable opportunity to investigate and resolve the issue.
This provision does not require a Customer to surrender a legally protected payment-dispute right.
93.7 Customer Should Consider External Deadlines
Payment providers may impose time limits for initiating certain disputes or chargebacks.
A Customer should not allow an internal AKBSTOCK review to cause loss of a mandatory or provider-established dispute right where a relevant deadline applies.
93.8 Legitimate Grounds for Payment Disputes
A payment dispute may involve circumstances such as unauthorized transactions, duplicate charges, incorrect amounts, non-delivery, material transaction errors or other grounds recognized by the applicable payment provider or law.
AKBSTOCK does not determine the complete list of grounds available under every third-party payment system.
93.9 Chargeback Does Not Automatically Prove AKBSTOCK Fault
The filing of a chargeback or payment dispute does not by itself conclusively establish that AKBSTOCK acted incorrectly or that the Customer is entitled to reimbursement.
The payment provider may review evidence from the Customer, AKBSTOCK and other relevant sources before determining the outcome.
93.10 Chargeback Does Not Automatically Prove Customer Misconduct
AKBSTOCK will not automatically treat a Customer as fraudulent or abusive merely because the Customer files a legitimate payment dispute.
Any finding of abuse or deception should be based on reasonable evidence and transaction circumstances.
93.11 AKBSTOCK May Participate in the Dispute Process
Where permitted by the applicable payment provider, AKBSTOCK may respond to a chargeback or payment dispute and submit relevant transaction information or evidence concerning the disputed payment.
Such participation may be necessary to explain the transaction, confirm delivery or challenge a materially inaccurate claim.
93.12 Evidence AKBSTOCK May Provide
Depending on the dispute, AKBSTOCK may provide relevant information such as order records, payment confirmation, Product identification, delivery records, download or access records, Account information, applicable License terms, refund records or Customer communications.
Only information reasonably relevant and legally permissible for the dispute should be provided.
93.13 Product Delivery Evidence
Where a Customer disputes a transaction on the basis that a Product was not received, AKBSTOCK may provide evidence showing whether the Product was made available, delivered, accessed or downloaded where such records are technically available.
Delivery records remain subject to review where credible evidence indicates a technical error may have occurred.
93.14 Download Records
Download records may be relevant to determining whether a Digital Product was accessed following a transaction.
Such records do not automatically defeat a dispute involving an unauthorized transaction, defective Product, incorrect delivery or another legitimate issue.
93.15 Customer Communications
AKBSTOCK may provide relevant Customer support or transaction communications where they materially assist the payment provider in understanding the dispute.
Unrelated private communications should not be disclosed merely because a payment dispute exists.
93.16 Refund Records
If AKBSTOCK has already issued a refund, reversal or other payment correction concerning the disputed amount, AKBSTOCK may provide evidence of that reimbursement to the applicable payment provider.
This may help prevent duplicate reimbursement.
93.17 No Double Reimbursement
A Customer is not ordinarily entitled to receive both an AKBSTOCK refund and a chargeback or payment-provider reimbursement for the same payment amount where this would result in duplicate recovery.
AKBSTOCK may reconcile payment and refund records where multiple reimbursement processes concern the same transaction.
93.18 Refund Requested After Chargeback
If a Customer requests an AKBSTOCK refund after already initiating a chargeback or payment dispute concerning the same transaction, the Customer should disclose the existing dispute where reasonably practicable.
AKBSTOCK may coordinate or delay duplicate refund processing until the status of the external dispute is sufficiently clear.
93.19 Chargeback Filed After Refund
If AKBSTOCK has already validly refunded the eligible amount and a Customer subsequently files or continues a chargeback for the same amount, AKBSTOCK may provide the refund evidence to the payment provider.
The Customer should not knowingly seek duplicate recovery for an amount already returned.
93.20 Pending Refund and Chargeback
Where an approved AKBSTOCK refund is already processing and a chargeback is initiated for the same payment, the two processes may interact or produce conflicting payment statuses.
AKBSTOCK may review the transaction with the relevant payment provider before initiating any additional reimbursement.
93.21 Chargeback Does Not Automatically Cancel Every Related Transaction
A dispute concerning one payment does not automatically cancel unrelated AKBSTOCK orders, Products, Subscriptions or Licenses.
The effect should ordinarily be limited to the transaction or entitlement materially connected with the disputed payment.
93.22 Product Access During a Genuine Payment Dispute
Where a payment supporting Product access is formally disputed, AKBSTOCK may temporarily review or restrict future access associated with that disputed transaction where reasonably necessary to protect the integrity of the payment and licensing process.
Any restriction should remain proportionate and subject to applicable law.
93.23 Product Already Downloaded
If the disputed Product has already been downloaded, a payment dispute cannot technically remove every local copy from the Customer’s devices.
The Customer’s legal right to continue using the Product may nevertheless depend on the final payment and License status.
93.24 Successful Chargeback and Product License
If a chargeback or payment dispute results in full reimbursement that validly reverses the financial basis of the Product transaction, the associated License may terminate or otherwise be affected according to the applicable License Agreement and law.
The Customer should not assume that full reimbursement automatically permits continued use of a Product whose purchase has been reversed.
93.25 Unsuccessful Chargeback
If the payment provider resolves the dispute in AKBSTOCK’s favor and the original payment remains valid, the underlying Product, Subscription or License transaction may remain in effect according to its applicable terms.
The Customer may retain any separate legal rights that applicable law provides despite the payment-provider outcome.
93.26 Partial Chargeback
Where a payment dispute results in only part of the transaction amount being reversed, AKBSTOCK may review the effect on the corresponding Product, License, Subscription or transaction component.
A partial chargeback does not automatically terminate every right associated with unaffected portions of a transaction.
93.27 Duplicate Charge Chargebacks
Where a Customer disputes only a verified duplicate charge while one valid original payment remains, correction of the duplicate amount does not ordinarily affect the valid Product purchase or License supported by the original payment.
93.28 Unauthorized Transaction Chargebacks
Where a Customer disputes a transaction as unauthorized, AKBSTOCK may review and provide relevant evidence while recognizing that the payment provider or applicable law may determine the Customer’s liability and reimbursement rights.
Unauthorized transactions are addressed further in Section 80 – Unauthorized or Suspected Fraudulent Transactions.
93.29 Defective Product Disputes
If a Customer files a payment dispute because a Product is allegedly defective, AKBSTOCK may provide evidence concerning the Product, technical support offered, replacement or correction attempts and the relevant refund review.
A genuine Product defect remains subject to the Customer’s applicable contractual and mandatory rights.
93.30 Non-Delivery Disputes
Where the Customer alleges that the purchased Product was not delivered, AKBSTOCK may review and provide records showing the delivery mechanism, Account availability, download status or any technical problem associated with the transaction.
Where non-delivery is verified, AKBSTOCK may provide an appropriate remedy according to this Policy and applicable law.
93.31 Incorrect Product Disputes
Where the dispute concerns an allegedly incorrect Product or file, AKBSTOCK may compare the Product ordered with the file actually delivered and provide relevant evidence to the payment provider where necessary.
Incorrect delivery is addressed further in Section 75 – Incorrect Product or File Delivered.
93.32 Subscription Chargebacks
A chargeback concerning a Subscription payment may affect the applicable Subscription billing period, Subscription status and related entitlements.
AKBSTOCK may suspend or adjust the affected Subscription while the disputed payment is unresolved where reasonably appropriate.
93.33 Successful Subscription Chargeback
If a Subscription billing payment is fully reversed through a successful chargeback, AKBSTOCK may treat the affected billing period as unpaid or refunded to the extent permitted by the applicable Subscription documents and law.
The status of Products obtained during the affected period may be governed by the Subscription License Agreement and Section 96 – Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights.
93.34 Exclusive License Chargebacks
A payment dispute involving an Exclusive License may require immediate additional review because the payment supports exclusive commercial rights and may affect the Product’s availability to other Customers.
AKBSTOCK may temporarily preserve, suspend or review the Product’s exclusivity status while the dispute is pending where reasonably necessary.
93.35 Successful Exclusive License Chargeback
If a successful chargeback fully reverses the payment supporting an Exclusive License, AKBSTOCK may terminate or adjust the associated exclusive rights according to Section 90 – Exclusive License Transactions and the applicable Exclusive License Agreement.
Where legally permitted, the Product may thereafter become eligible for future licensing again if the Exclusive License has validly ended.
93.36 Promotional Purchase Chargebacks
A chargeback involving a promotional or discounted transaction should ordinarily concern the amount actually charged for that transaction rather than an undiscounted reference price.
Promotional purchases are addressed further in Section 92 – Promotional, Discounted & Coupon Purchases.
93.37 Chargeback Fees
A payment provider may impose chargeback, dispute, administrative or other fees on AKBSTOCK in connection with a disputed transaction.
AKBSTOCK will not automatically pass such fees to a Customer merely because a legitimate dispute was filed unless a legally valid basis exists.
93.38 Fraudulent Chargebacks
AKBSTOCK may challenge a chargeback where reasonable evidence indicates that the Customer knowingly authorized, received and materially benefited from a valid transaction but falsely disputes the payment in order to retain both the Product benefit and the purchase amount.
Such conduct may constitute payment or refund abuse where sufficiently verified.
93.39 Friendly Fraud or First-Party Misuse
Where legally recognized and supported by reasonable evidence, AKBSTOCK may treat intentional misrepresentation of a valid Customer-authorized transaction as abusive payment conduct.
AKBSTOCK will not presume such conduct merely because the Customer disputes a payment.
93.40 Genuine Dispute Is Not Abuse
A Customer will not be treated as engaging in chargeback abuse merely because the Customer genuinely disputes an unauthorized transaction, duplicate charge, non-delivery, material Product defect or other legitimate payment issue.
AKBSTOCK seeks to distinguish good-faith disputes from intentionally deceptive conduct.
93.41 False Evidence in a Chargeback
AKBSTOCK may challenge or investigate a dispute that materially relies on fabricated screenshots, false statements, manipulated documents or other intentionally misleading evidence.
Such conduct may also be considered under Section 94 – Fraudulent, Abusive & Repeated Refund Requests.
93.42 Repeated Chargebacks
AKBSTOCK may review repeated payment disputes associated with an Account where there is a reasonable basis to determine whether legitimate recurring transaction problems or abusive conduct is occurring.
The number of disputes alone will not automatically establish abuse.
93.43 Multiple Genuine Disputes
A Customer may experience more than one legitimate payment or Product problem over time.
AKBSTOCK will not treat multiple good-faith disputes as fraudulent solely because they involve the same Customer.
93.44 Account Review During Repeated Disputes
Where an Account shows repeated unusual payment disputes, AKBSTOCK may conduct reasonable security, payment or Account review to identify possible unauthorized access, fraud or misuse.
Any resulting restriction should be proportionate and based on the relevant circumstances.
93.45 Temporary Account Restrictions
AKBSTOCK may temporarily restrict new purchases, downloads or other Account functionality while investigating credible payment fraud, repeated chargeback abuse or Account compromise where reasonably necessary.
A legitimate isolated dispute does not automatically justify Account restriction.
93.46 Permanent Account Action
Where serious or repeated fraudulent payment conduct is reasonably verified, AKBSTOCK may suspend or terminate an Account according to applicable AKBSTOCK terms and law.
Detailed refund-abuse Account restrictions are addressed further in Section 95 – Account Restrictions Related to Refund Abuse.
93.47 Payment Provider Decision
The applicable payment provider may independently decide a chargeback or dispute according to its procedures.
AKBSTOCK may not have final control over the provider’s determination, even where AKBSTOCK submits evidence concerning the transaction.
93.48 Payment Provider Decision Is Not Always a Final Legal Judgment
A payment-provider determination concerns the payment dispute process and does not necessarily constitute a final judicial determination of every contractual, intellectual property or other legal issue between AKBSTOCK and the Customer.
Any remaining legal rights will depend on applicable law and agreements.
93.49 Reversal During Investigation
Some payment providers may provisionally reverse, hold or debit a disputed amount while a chargeback investigation is pending.
A provisional payment movement does not necessarily mean the dispute has been finally decided.
93.50 Final Dispute Outcome
Once a payment-provider dispute is finally resolved, AKBSTOCK may update its payment, Product access, Subscription, License and Account records to reflect the outcome where appropriate.
Any such update should remain consistent with the actual amount reversed or retained and the applicable legal documents.
93.51 Dispute Won by Customer
Where the Customer receives reimbursement through the final dispute outcome, AKBSTOCK may treat the affected transaction consistently with the financial reversal to the extent appropriate under the applicable Product, Subscription or License terms.
The precise consequences may depend on whether reimbursement was full or partial.
93.52 Dispute Won by AKBSTOCK
Where the final payment-provider decision leaves the original payment with AKBSTOCK, AKBSTOCK may treat the transaction as financially valid unless another contractual or mandatory legal remedy remains applicable.
93.53 Reopened or Appealed Disputes
Some payment providers may permit representment, appeal, pre-arbitration or other additional stages after an initial dispute decision.
AKBSTOCK may participate in such procedures where legally permitted and reasonably appropriate.
93.54 Dispute Resolution Records
AKBSTOCK may retain reasonable records concerning chargebacks and payment disputes, including disputed amounts, evidence submitted, provider communications, decisions, refunds and Product or License consequences.
Such records may be relevant to accounting, fraud prevention, chargeback defence, licensing, Customer support and legal compliance.
93.55 Privacy of Chargeback Information
Personal and transaction information processed in connection with chargebacks or payment disputes will be handled according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable law.
AKBSTOCK may disclose relevant information to authorized payment providers where reasonably necessary to respond to the dispute.
93.56 Sensitive Information
Customers should not send AKBSTOCK banking passwords, card PINs, complete card security codes, one-time passwords or other unnecessary authentication credentials in connection with a payment dispute.
AKBSTOCK does not require such credentials through ordinary support communications.
93.57 Payment Provider Information Sharing
AKBSTOCK may share relevant transaction, Account, Product delivery or refund information with an authorized payment provider where necessary for a legitimate chargeback, fraud investigation or payment dispute.
Such sharing should remain limited to information reasonably necessary and legally permissible for the relevant purpose.
93.58 Cooperation With Financial Institutions
AKBSTOCK may cooperate with banks, card issuers, payment gateways, wallets, card networks or other authorized financial institutions in resolving legitimate transaction disputes.
AKBSTOCK cannot guarantee the internal procedures or response times of independent providers.
93.59 Cooperation With Authorities
Where legally required or permitted, AKBSTOCK may provide relevant payment or transaction information to competent regulators, law-enforcement authorities, courts or other legally authorized bodies concerning suspected payment fraud or disputes.
Any disclosure will remain subject to applicable privacy and legal requirements.
93.60 Chargeback Does Not Transfer Copyright Ownership
Receiving reimbursement through a chargeback does not transfer copyright ownership, authorship or other intellectual property rights in an AKBSTOCK Product to the Customer.
Copyright ownership remains governed independently by applicable law and AKBSTOCK’s License documents.
93.61 Chargeback and Continuing Product Use
Where full reimbursement validly reverses the Product transaction and the associated License ends, continued reproduction, production, distribution or commercial use may become unauthorized under the applicable License terms.
Customers should review Section 96 – Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights before continuing use of a Product whose payment has been fully reversed.
93.62 Existing Commercial Use
The treatment of products, client work, printed materials or other output created before a payment dispute is finally resolved will depend on the applicable License Agreement and circumstances of the transaction.
This Policy does not independently create surviving commercial rights beyond those otherwise provided by the applicable License.
93.63 Customer Should Not Use Chargeback as a Substitute for Product Theft
A Customer should not knowingly obtain, retain and commercially exploit an AKBSTOCK Product and then falsely dispute the corresponding valid payment for the purpose of obtaining the Product without payment.
Reasonably verified conduct of this nature may be treated as fraud, refund abuse, License violation or other actionable misconduct.
93.64 Genuine Consumer Dispute Remains Protected
Section 93.63 does not apply to a Customer who honestly disputes a transaction because of a genuine unauthorized payment, duplicate charge, non-delivery, Product defect, misleading transaction or another legitimate issue.
AKBSTOCK will not characterize legitimate exercise of payment rights as theft or abuse merely because the Customer challenges the transaction.
93.65 Account Compromise
Where repeated payment disputes indicate possible Account compromise rather than Customer abuse, AKBSTOCK may take reasonable security steps such as requiring password reset, re-authentication or temporary Account restriction.
Security action should focus on protecting the legitimate Customer and AKBSTOCK systems.
93.66 Payment Method Restrictions
Where serious payment fraud or abuse is reasonably verified, AKBSTOCK may restrict use of a particular payment method or require additional verification for future transactions where legally and technically appropriate.
Such restrictions should not be imposed merely because of a legitimate isolated dispute.
93.67 Future Transactions
Resolution of one chargeback does not necessarily prevent the Customer from completing future legitimate AKBSTOCK transactions.
Future access may nevertheless be subject to reasonable security or payment controls where the Account presents a verified fraud or payment risk.
93.68 No Retaliation for Legitimate Chargebacks
AKBSTOCK will not retaliate against a Customer merely because the Customer exercises a legitimate mandatory chargeback or payment-dispute right.
Separate Account or legal action may still be taken where independently verified fraud, License abuse or other material misconduct exists.
93.69 Payment Provider Timelines
Chargeback and payment-dispute timelines may vary according to the payment method, provider, transaction type and jurisdiction.
AKBSTOCK does not establish or control every external provider’s deadline or dispute period.
93.70 AKBSTOCK Response Deadlines
Payment providers may also require AKBSTOCK to submit evidence or responses within specified periods.
AKBSTOCK may therefore process or respond to a dispute independently of the timing of ordinary Customer support correspondence where necessary to preserve its payment-provider rights.
93.71 Customer Withdrawal of a Dispute
A Customer may in some payment systems be able to withdraw or cancel a dispute after the issue has been resolved directly with AKBSTOCK.
The availability and effect of dispute withdrawal depend on the applicable payment provider’s procedures.
93.72 Refund After Dispute Withdrawal
If AKBSTOCK agrees to issue a refund after a Customer withdraws an external payment dispute, AKBSTOCK may first verify that the dispute no longer presents a risk of duplicate reimbursement before processing the merchant refund.
93.73 Provider-Side Administrative Error
If a payment dispute is opened or processed incorrectly because of a bank or payment-provider error, the affected parties may need to work with that provider to correct the dispute status.
AKBSTOCK may provide reasonable transaction information where appropriate.
93.74 Chargeback Currency Differences
Where an international payment dispute involves currency conversion, the amount credited, debited or reprocessed may be affected by exchange rates or financial-provider procedures.
Section 87 – Currency, Bank & Payment Provider Differences should also be considered.
93.75 Taxes and Chargebacks
A payment reversal may require AKBSTOCK to update associated tax, invoice, credit or accounting records according to applicable law and the financial outcome of the dispute.
The Customer’s reimbursement through a chargeback does not necessarily determine every tax consequence independently.
93.76 Accounting Records
AKBSTOCK may maintain accounting records reflecting disputed payments, provisional reversals, final chargeback decisions, provider fees and corresponding transaction adjustments.
Such records may be retained where reasonably necessary for accounting, audit, tax, fraud prevention and legal purposes.
93.77 Mandatory Payment-System Rules
Where a card network, bank, payment provider or applicable regulation imposes binding rules concerning payment disputes, chargebacks, unauthorized transactions or reimbursements, those requirements may apply to the relevant transaction.
This Policy does not attempt to replace mandatory external payment-system procedures.
93.78 Mandatory Consumer Rights
Nothing in this Section excludes, restricts or delays a mandatory consumer or payment remedy that applicable law does not permit AKBSTOCK to exclude.
Where mandatory law provides greater protection than this general framework, the mandatory requirement will apply to the extent legally required.
93.79 International Customers
Customers located in different jurisdictions may have different chargeback, unauthorized-payment and financial-dispute rights.
AKBSTOCK’s general payment-dispute framework applies subject to mandatory laws and payment-provider procedures validly applicable to the relevant transaction.
93.80 Relationship With Unauthorized Transactions
Section 80 – Unauthorized or Suspected Fraudulent Transactions should be read together with this Section where a chargeback or payment dispute is based on alleged unauthorized payment activity.
93.81 Relationship With Refund Procedure
Sections 81 – Refund Request Procedure, 82 – Information & Evidence Required for Refund Requests, 83 – Refund Review & Verification and 84 – Approval or Rejection of Refund Requests govern AKBSTOCK’s internal refund process.
An external payment dispute may operate alongside or separately from that internal process.
93.82 Relationship With Refund Processing
Sections 85 – Processing Approved Refunds and 86 – Refund Method & Processing Time should be considered where AKBSTOCK has separately approved a merchant refund while a payment dispute exists.
AKBSTOCK may coordinate both processes to avoid duplicate reimbursement.
93.83 Relationship With Subscription Transactions
Section 89 – Subscription Cancellations & Refunds applies to the Subscription consequences of a disputed recurring or Subscription payment.
93.84 Relationship With Exclusive License Transactions
Section 90 – Exclusive License Transactions applies where a disputed payment supports an Exclusive License.
Exclusive rights may require specific treatment if the underlying payment is reversed.
93.85 Relationship With Refund Abuse
Section 94 – Fraudulent, Abusive & Repeated Refund Requests may apply where reasonable evidence shows that the payment-dispute process is being intentionally manipulated to obtain Products or commercial benefits without valid payment.
93.86 Relationship With Account Restrictions
Section 95 – Account Restrictions Related to Refund Abuse may apply where serious or repeated abusive payment conduct is reasonably verified.
A legitimate chargeback or payment dispute alone will not automatically justify Account restriction.
93.87 Relationship With Product Access & License Rights
Section 96 – Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights should be considered where a successful chargeback or payment reversal affects the legal basis on which a Product was obtained.
93.88 Fair Payment Dispute Principle
AKBSTOCK seeks to respect legitimate Customer payment-dispute rights while protecting its Products, Licenses and payment systems against knowingly false or abusive chargebacks.
The filing of a dispute will therefore be assessed according to the relevant evidence and provider procedures rather than automatically being treated as either valid or fraudulent.
93.89 No Double Benefit Principle
Where a Customer receives full reimbursement through a refund, reversal or successful chargeback that removes the financial basis of a Product or License transaction, the Customer will not ordinarily be entitled both to retain the refunded purchase amount and to continue exercising rights that depended solely on that payment.
The precise effect remains governed by the applicable License Agreement and mandatory law.
93.90 Section Summary
Customers may have legitimate rights to dispute AKBSTOCK payments through banks, card issuers, payment gateways or other authorized payment providers. AKBSTOCK may participate in such disputes by providing relevant transaction, Product delivery, refund and Account evidence where legally permissible.
A chargeback does not automatically prove that AKBSTOCK acted incorrectly, nor does filing a legitimate dispute automatically make a Customer abusive. Where the same amount is already refunded or reimbursed through another process, AKBSTOCK may take reasonable steps to prevent duplicate recovery.
A successful chargeback or payment reversal may affect Product access, Subscription status or License rights where the payment supporting those rights has been fully reversed. Fraudulent or intentionally abusive disputes may be challenged, while all genuine Customer, payment-provider and mandatory consumer rights remain preserved.
94. Fraudulent, Abusive & Repeated Refund Requests
94.1 General Anti-Abuse Principle
AKBSTOCK may investigate refund, cancellation, chargeback or related requests where there is a reasonable basis to suspect fraud, intentional misuse, deceptive conduct or systematic abuse of AKBSTOCK Products, Accounts, payment systems or refund procedures.
Any action taken under this Section should be based on relevant evidence and the circumstances of the Customer’s activity rather than on the mere existence of a refund request.
94.2 Meaning of Fraudulent Refund Request
A fraudulent refund request may include a request made using knowingly false statements, fabricated evidence, manipulated transaction information, unauthorized identity use or another intentional deception designed to obtain a refund or other financial benefit without a legitimate basis.
94.3 Meaning of Abusive Refund Conduct
Abusive refund conduct may include intentional use of AKBSTOCK’s refund, cancellation or payment-dispute processes in a manner designed to obtain Products, downloads, License benefits or financial reimbursement beyond what the Customer is legitimately entitled to receive.
Abuse may involve a pattern of conduct rather than a single isolated request.
94.4 Repeated Requests Are Not Automatically Abuse
A Customer will not be treated as fraudulent or abusive merely because the Customer submits more than one refund request over time.
Multiple legitimate Product defects, billing errors, duplicate charges, unauthorized transactions or other genuine issues may reasonably result in multiple refund requests.
94.5 Good-Faith Customer Complaints
A Customer who genuinely believes that an AKBSTOCK transaction, Product, payment or delivery is defective or incorrect may submit a complaint or refund request in good faith.
A good-faith request will not be treated as abusive merely because AKBSTOCK ultimately determines that the refund is not available.
94.6 Indicators of Possible Abuse
AKBSTOCK may consider relevant indicators such as repeated unsupported refund claims, inconsistent explanations, repeated Product acquisition followed by refund demands, fabricated evidence, manipulation of Accounts, repeated chargebacks without legitimate basis or other suspicious transaction patterns.
No single indicator is necessarily conclusive by itself.
94.7 Evidence-Based Assessment
AKBSTOCK seeks to assess suspected refund abuse using reasonably available evidence, transaction records, Product-access information, payment-provider information, support communications and other relevant facts.
Suspicion should not be treated as proof where credible contrary evidence exists.
94.8 False Product Defect Claims
Knowingly reporting a valid Product as corrupted, defective or unusable in order to obtain reimbursement may constitute refund abuse where the claim is reasonably verified as intentionally false.
A genuine disagreement concerning Product quality or technical performance does not automatically constitute deception.
94.9 False Incorrect-Delivery Claims
Knowingly claiming that AKBSTOCK supplied the wrong Product when records and reliable evidence establish that the correct Product was supplied may constitute abusive conduct where the false claim was intentionally made to obtain an improper refund.
94.10 Fabricated Payment Claims
Submitting materially fabricated, altered or falsified payment information to create the appearance of a duplicate charge, overpayment, failed transaction or unauthorized payment may constitute fraud or refund abuse.
94.11 Altered Screenshots
Material manipulation of screenshots, statements, transaction records or technical evidence for the purpose of misleading AKBSTOCK may be treated as abusive or fraudulent conduct.
Ordinary redaction of unrelated sensitive information is not improper manipulation where the remaining information accurately represents the underlying evidence.
94.12 False Unauthorized-Transaction Claims
Knowingly reporting an authorized transaction as unauthorized in order to obtain reimbursement may constitute payment and refund abuse.
AKBSTOCK will not presume that an unauthorized-transaction report is false merely because the transaction was completed through the Customer’s Account or device.
94.13 False Chargeback Claims
Knowingly disputing a valid payment through a bank or payment provider after intentionally receiving and retaining the purchased Product or benefit may constitute abusive payment conduct where supported by reasonable evidence.
Legitimate chargebacks remain protected under Section 93 – Chargebacks & Payment Disputes.
94.14 Product Use Followed by False Refund Claim
Where a Customer knowingly uses, reproduces, supplies, manufactures from or otherwise commercially exploits a valid Product and then falsely claims that the Product was never received or was unusable, the conduct may constitute refund or License abuse.
Commercial use alone does not prove abuse where a genuine Product defect or legal issue exists.
94.15 Download-and-Refund Abuse
A pattern in which a Customer repeatedly downloads Digital Products, retains or uses them and then seeks refunds without a legitimate basis may be investigated as potential refund abuse.
The investigation should consider whether genuine defects, billing issues or other legitimate circumstances explain the pattern.
94.16 Repeated Change-of-Mind Refund Requests
Repeated requests for refunds based solely on change of mind after valid digital delivery may be considered when evaluating potential misuse of the refund system.
Such requests are not automatically fraudulent, but they may be rejected where this Policy does not provide a refund basis.
94.17 Repeated Customer Selection Errors
A pattern of repeatedly purchasing the wrong Product and then seeking refunds may be relevant to refund review where AKBSTOCK accurately presented and delivered each Product.
AKBSTOCK may encourage the Customer to review previews, descriptions and Product identifiers more carefully before future purchases.
94.18 Multiple Accounts Used for Refund Abuse
Creating or controlling multiple Accounts for the primary purpose of circumventing refund limits, Account restrictions, promotional rules, download limits or fraud controls may constitute abusive conduct where reasonably verified.
94.19 Identity Manipulation
Using false identities, another person’s Account, unauthorized payment credentials or materially misleading Customer information to obtain refunds or avoid Account restrictions may constitute fraud or abuse.
94.20 Collusive Refund Abuse
AKBSTOCK may investigate situations where multiple persons or Accounts appear to coordinate transactions, refunds, downloads, payment disputes or License use for the purpose of obtaining unauthorized financial or Product benefits.
Any finding of collusion should be based on reasonable evidence rather than mere similarity of activity.
94.21 Refund and Product Sharing
A Customer should not obtain a Product, share or distribute the Product file in violation of the applicable License and then seek a refund while continuing to benefit from the unauthorized distribution.
Such conduct may involve both refund abuse and License infringement.
94.22 Refund and Resale Abuse
Reselling, sublicensing or redistributing an AKBSTOCK Product without authorization and then seeking reimbursement of the purchase price may be treated as abusive where the conduct is reasonably verified.
94.23 Subscription Download Abuse
AKBSTOCK may investigate a pattern in which a Customer obtains substantial Subscription benefits or downloads and then repeatedly seeks reimbursement of the same billing periods without a legitimate basis.
Subscription usage alone does not defeat a genuine billing, unauthorized-payment or service-related refund claim.
94.24 Subscription Credit Manipulation
Attempts to manipulate Subscription download credits, refund status, Account balances or entitlement records in order to obtain more benefits than the applicable Subscription permits may constitute abuse.
94.25 Exclusive License Refund Abuse
AKBSTOCK may investigate circumstances where a Customer obtains an Exclusive License, uses or exploits the exclusive Product and then seeks to reverse the payment through fabricated or knowingly unsupported claims.
Because an Exclusive License may also cause AKBSTOCK to restrict future licensing opportunities, such conduct may create additional commercial and licensing consequences.
94.26 Promotional Refund Abuse
Manipulating coupon, promotional or discounted transactions in order to generate improper refunds, credits or financial gains may constitute abusive conduct.
Legitimate use of a valid promotion according to its stated terms is not abuse.
94.27 Free Product Abuse Distinguished
Where no payment was made for a free Product, ordinary monetary refund abuse may not arise, but misuse of free downloads, multiple Accounts, automation, redistribution or other prohibited conduct may still be addressed under applicable AKBSTOCK terms.
94.28 Repeated Duplicate-Payment Claims
Repeated duplicate-payment claims may be reviewed where AKBSTOCK records consistently show that the claimed duplicate charges did not occur.
However, genuine repeated payment-provider errors remain legitimate issues and should not be treated as abuse merely because they occur more than once.
94.29 Repeated Unauthorized-Payment Claims
Multiple unauthorized-payment reports may justify additional Account security review, but they do not automatically prove Customer fraud.
Repeated unauthorized transactions may instead indicate Account compromise, stolen payment credentials or another genuine security problem.
94.30 Account Compromise Must Be Considered
Before treating unusual repeated refund or payment activity as abuse, AKBSTOCK may consider whether the Customer’s Account has been compromised or used without authorization.
Reasonable security measures may be more appropriate than punitive action where compromise is credible.
94.31 Technical Problems Must Be Distinguished From Abuse
Repeated technical issues, download failures or corrupted files may generate multiple support or refund requests without any Customer misconduct.
AKBSTOCK should consider Product and system evidence before attributing such a pattern to abuse.
94.32 AKBSTOCK Errors Must Be Distinguished From Abuse
A Customer will not be treated as abusive merely because the Customer repeatedly seeks correction of genuine AKBSTOCK-side billing, delivery or Product errors.
AKBSTOCK remains responsible for correcting its own verified errors according to this Policy and applicable law.
94.33 Customer History May Be Considered
Where reasonably relevant, AKBSTOCK may consider a Customer’s broader transaction and refund history when reviewing suspected abuse.
Customer history should not override credible evidence supporting a legitimate current refund claim.
94.34 Pattern-Based Review
AKBSTOCK may review whether a pattern of transactions, downloads, refunds, payment disputes and Account activity reasonably indicates intentional exploitation of the refund system.
Pattern analysis should be used cautiously and should not treat ordinary Customer behavior as fraudulent without a reasonable basis.
94.35 Frequency Alone Is Not Conclusive
The frequency or number of refund requests alone is not sufficient to prove fraud or abuse.
AKBSTOCK should consider the legitimacy, evidence and circumstances of each relevant request.
94.36 Transaction Value May Be Considered
The value of transactions or refunds may be relevant to the level of verification reasonably required.
Higher-value transactions may justify additional review, but they do not create a presumption that the Customer is acting improperly.
94.37 Evidence Requests
Where refund abuse is reasonably suspected, AKBSTOCK may request additional relevant evidence or verification necessary to evaluate the claim.
Evidence requests should remain proportionate and should not be used to obstruct legitimate mandatory refund rights.
94.38 Verification of Identity
AKBSTOCK may require reasonable identity or Account verification where necessary to investigate suspected fraud, multiple Accounts, unauthorized activity or conflicting refund instructions.
Highly sensitive information should not be requested where less intrusive verification is sufficient.
94.39 Payment Provider Verification
AKBSTOCK may consult or rely on relevant information from authorized payment providers, banks, card issuers or other financial institutions when investigating suspected payment or refund abuse.
Such information should be handled according to applicable privacy and legal requirements.
94.40 Review of Download Records
AKBSTOCK may review available download or Product-access records where relevant to determining whether a claimed non-delivery, inability-to-access or similar refund basis is credible.
Download records alone do not prove fraud where a genuine defect or unauthorized transaction remains possible.
94.41 Review of License Use
Where legally permissible and reasonably relevant, AKBSTOCK may consider credible evidence that a Customer continued to use a Product commercially while simultaneously claiming that the Product was unusable or never received.
The Customer may provide clarification where the circumstances have a legitimate explanation.
94.42 Customer Opportunity to Clarify
Where reasonably appropriate, AKBSTOCK may provide the Customer an opportunity to clarify inconsistent or suspicious refund information before reaching a final adverse conclusion.
This may help distinguish genuine misunderstanding or Account compromise from intentional abuse.
94.43 Additional Verification Does Not Equal Rejection
The fact that AKBSTOCK conducts enhanced verification does not mean that the Customer’s refund request has already been rejected.
The purpose of verification is to determine the legitimate outcome based on the available evidence.
94.44 Legitimate Refund Must Still Be Considered
Even where a Customer has previously submitted unsupported or abusive requests, a new refund claim involving a genuine mandatory or independently verifiable issue should still be assessed according to applicable law and the circumstances of that transaction.
94.45 Rejection of Fraudulent Refund Request
AKBSTOCK may reject a discretionary refund request where reasonable evidence establishes that the request is materially fraudulent, fabricated or intentionally abusive.
Rejection should be limited to a legally valid basis and should not eliminate mandatory rights that apply independently of the Customer’s misconduct claim.
94.46 Partial Legitimate Claim Within an Abusive Request
Where a refund request contains both unsupported assertions and a separately verifiable legitimate payment or Product issue, AKBSTOCK may distinguish between the different parts of the claim.
A valid portion should not necessarily be rejected solely because another part of the request is unsupported.
94.47 Refund Processing May Be Paused
Where credible evidence of fraud or duplicate reimbursement exists, AKBSTOCK may temporarily pause a discretionary refund while necessary verification is completed.
Such a pause should not exceed a mandatory refund timeline where applicable law requires a different result.
94.48 No Double Recovery
Knowingly attempting to obtain both a merchant refund and a chargeback, bank reversal or other reimbursement for the same amount may constitute abusive conduct where the Customer would receive duplicate recovery.
A genuine overlapping process caused by timing or payment-provider procedures should be distinguished from intentional double recovery.
94.49 Accidental Duplicate Reimbursement
If duplicate reimbursement occurs accidentally rather than through Customer misconduct, AKBSTOCK may seek reasonable reconciliation of the excess amount without automatically treating the Customer as fraudulent.
94.50 Recovery of Improper Refund
Where legally permitted and reasonably established, AKBSTOCK may seek correction or recovery of a refund obtained through material fraud, false information or duplicate reimbursement.
Any recovery action should be limited to amounts or benefits the Customer was not legitimately entitled to retain.
94.51 License Consequences of Fraudulent Refund
Where a refund obtained through fraud or a payment reversal removes the valid financial basis of a Product transaction, the Customer’s License rights may be suspended, terminated or otherwise affected according to the applicable License Agreement and law.
94.52 Continued Use After Invalid Refund
If the Customer no longer holds a valid License because the underlying transaction has been lawfully reversed or terminated, continued use, reproduction, distribution or commercial exploitation of the Product may violate the applicable License or intellectual property rights.
94.53 Account Restrictions
Where serious or repeated refund abuse is reasonably verified, AKBSTOCK may restrict certain Account functions, payment methods, downloads or future transactions where proportionate and legally permitted.
Detailed Account restriction rules are addressed in Section 95 – Account Restrictions Related to Refund Abuse.
94.54 Temporary Restrictions
AKBSTOCK may impose temporary restrictions while investigating credible refund abuse, fraud, Account compromise or related security concerns.
Temporary restrictions should be reviewed and lifted where the relevant concern is resolved or shown to be unfounded.
94.55 Permanent Restrictions
Serious, intentional or repeated abusive conduct may justify longer-term or permanent Account restrictions where permitted by the applicable AKBSTOCK Terms & Conditions and law.
Permanent action should be proportionate to the seriousness of the verified conduct.
94.56 Payment Method Restrictions
AKBSTOCK may restrict a payment method associated with verified fraud or repeated abusive disputes where reasonably necessary to protect its payment systems.
A legitimate isolated payment dispute will not automatically justify such restriction.
94.57 Enhanced Verification for Future Transactions
Where reasonably justified by verified fraud risk, AKBSTOCK may require additional verification before accepting certain future transactions from the affected Customer or Account.
Verification should remain proportionate and legally permissible.
94.58 Order Cancellation for Verified Fraud
AKBSTOCK may cancel or refuse completion of an order where there is reasonable evidence that the transaction is fraudulent, unauthorized or part of an abusive refund scheme.
Any valid payment associated with a cancelled transaction will be handled according to applicable law and payment-provider requirements.
94.59 Subscription Termination
Where serious Subscription-related refund abuse, payment fraud or License misuse is verified, AKBSTOCK may suspend or terminate the applicable Subscription according to the Subscription Agreement and other AKBSTOCK legal documents.
Refund entitlement following such termination is not automatic.
94.60 Exclusive License Consequences
Fraud or abusive payment reversal involving an Exclusive License may affect the validity of exclusive rights and the Product’s future licensing status.
Section 90 – Exclusive License Transactions should be applied to such circumstances.
94.61 Preservation of Evidence
AKBSTOCK may preserve records reasonably relevant to suspected refund fraud or abuse, including transaction records, Account activity, payment status, downloads, support communications and refund history.
Such records may be retained for fraud prevention, dispute resolution, accounting, chargeback defence and legal compliance.
94.62 Privacy of Fraud Investigation
Personal information processed during an investigation of suspected refund abuse will be handled according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable law.
AKBSTOCK seeks to limit investigation data to what is reasonably relevant to the suspected conduct.
94.63 Cooperation With Payment Providers
AKBSTOCK may share relevant transaction or fraud-related information with authorized payment providers, banks, card networks or financial institutions where reasonably necessary and legally permissible to investigate or respond to suspected payment abuse.
94.64 Cooperation With Authorities
Where required or permitted by applicable law, AKBSTOCK may cooperate with competent law-enforcement, regulatory, judicial or other authorities concerning reasonably suspected fraud, identity misuse or payment abuse.
94.65 No Public Accusation Without Basis
AKBSTOCK will not intentionally characterize a Customer publicly as fraudulent or abusive merely because a refund dispute exists.
Fraud-related information should be handled with appropriate confidentiality and only disclosed where reasonably necessary and legally permissible.
94.66 Internal Fraud Classification
AKBSTOCK may internally classify transaction or Account activity for fraud-prevention and risk-management purposes where reasonably necessary.
Internal classifications should not automatically override credible evidence establishing a legitimate Customer claim.
94.67 Automated Fraud Detection
AKBSTOCK may use automated or technical systems to identify unusual refund, payment, Account or download activity.
Automated signals should not be treated as conclusive proof of fraud where human review or additional verification is reasonably appropriate.
94.68 False Positive Review
Where a legitimate Customer is incorrectly flagged by fraud-prevention systems, AKBSTOCK may review and correct the resulting restriction or classification after appropriate verification.
94.69 Customer May Provide Clarification
A Customer who reasonably believes that a refund or Account restriction was based on incorrect fraud information may contact AKBSTOCK and provide relevant clarification or evidence.
AKBSTOCK may reconsider the matter where credible new information materially changes the assessment.
94.70 No Endless Reconsideration
AKBSTOCK is not required to repeatedly reconsider the same refund-abuse determination where no material new evidence is provided, except where applicable law, a payment provider or a competent authority requires additional review.
94.71 Legitimate Future Transactions
A prior refund dispute or even a previously rejected refund request does not automatically prevent a Customer from completing future legitimate AKBSTOCK transactions.
Reasonable security measures may nevertheless apply where verified fraud or payment risk remains relevant.
94.72 No Retaliation for Legitimate Complaints
AKBSTOCK will not impose Account restrictions, deny Products or otherwise retaliate merely because a Customer makes a legitimate complaint, requests a refund in good faith or exercises a mandatory consumer or payment right.
94.73 Mandatory Consumer Rights
Nothing in this Section permits AKBSTOCK to reject, delay or restrict a mandatory consumer remedy solely by labeling a Customer or request as abusive without a legally sufficient basis.
Any mandatory right that cannot lawfully be excluded will continue to apply.
94.74 Mandatory Payment Rights
Nothing in this Section prevents a Customer from exercising mandatory rights concerning unauthorized transactions, chargebacks, payment reversals or financial disputes.
AKBSTOCK may challenge only those claims for which it has a legitimate factual and legal basis.
94.75 International Customers
Fraud, refund-abuse and payment-dispute rules may be subject to different legal standards in different jurisdictions.
AKBSTOCK’s general anti-abuse framework applies subject to mandatory law validly applicable to the relevant Customer and transaction.
94.76 Relationship With Refund Evidence
Section 82 – Information & Evidence Required for Refund Requests provides the general framework for evidence that may be requested to verify a refund claim.
Evidence requirements should remain proportionate even where refund abuse is suspected.
94.77 Relationship With Refund Review
Section 83 – Refund Review & Verification should be read together with this Section when AKBSTOCK assesses whether a refund request is legitimate, unsupported or potentially abusive.
94.78 Relationship With Refund Rejection
Section 84 – Approval or Rejection of Refund Requests applies where reasonable evidence supports rejection of a fraudulent or abusive discretionary refund request.
The rejection should remain limited to the circumstances actually established.
94.79 Relationship With Chargebacks
Section 93 – Chargebacks & Payment Disputes applies where suspected refund abuse involves a bank, card issuer or payment-provider dispute.
Legitimate chargebacks are not treated as abuse solely because AKBSTOCK disagrees with the Customer’s position.
94.80 Relationship With Account Restrictions
Where refund abuse is sufficiently serious or repeated to justify Account-level action, Section 95 – Account Restrictions Related to Refund Abuse should be applied.
This Section primarily determines when conduct may reasonably be considered fraudulent or abusive; Section 95 addresses the resulting Account controls.
94.81 Relationship With Product Access & License Rights
Where fraudulent reimbursement, payment reversal or refund abuse affects the validity of a Product transaction, Section 96 – Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights and the applicable License Agreement may apply.
94.82 Fair Anti-Abuse Principle
AKBSTOCK seeks to protect its Customers, Products, Licenses and payment systems from genuine fraud and systematic refund abuse without discouraging legitimate complaints or creating unfair barriers to genuine refunds.
The anti-abuse framework should therefore be applied carefully, proportionately and on the basis of relevant evidence.
94.83 Proportionality Principle
The response to verified refund abuse should be proportionate to the seriousness, frequency, financial impact, intent and surrounding circumstances of the conduct.
An isolated minor issue should not automatically receive the same response as deliberate, repeated or large-scale fraud.
94.84 No Automatic Lifetime Ban
A rejected refund request or isolated policy violation does not automatically result in permanent exclusion from AKBSTOCK.
Permanent restrictions should be reserved for circumstances where they are reasonably justified under Section 95, applicable AKBSTOCK terms and law.
94.85 Section Summary
AKBSTOCK may investigate refund, cancellation and payment-dispute activity where reasonable evidence indicates fraud, intentional deception or systematic abuse. Examples may include fabricated evidence, false unauthorized-transaction claims, misuse of chargebacks, repeated acquisition and exploitation of Products followed by unsupported refund demands, multiple-Account circumvention or deliberate attempts to obtain duplicate reimbursement.
Repeated refund requests do not automatically constitute abuse. Genuine Product defects, billing errors, Account compromise, unauthorized transactions and other legitimate Customer problems must be distinguished from intentional misuse.
Where abuse is reasonably verified, AKBSTOCK may reject unsupported discretionary refunds, reconcile improperly obtained reimbursements, adjust affected License rights and apply proportionate Account or payment restrictions. Genuine Customer complaints and all mandatory consumer and payment rights remain protected.
95. Account Restrictions Related to Refund Abuse
95.1 General Account Restriction Principle
AKBSTOCK may apply reasonable and proportionate restrictions to a Customer Account where credible evidence indicates serious or repeated refund abuse, payment fraud, chargeback abuse, Account manipulation or related misuse of AKBSTOCK’s Products, Licenses, payment systems or refund procedures.
Account restrictions are intended to protect AKBSTOCK, legitimate Customers, payment systems and intellectual property and should not be used merely to discourage genuine refund requests or complaints.
95.2 Restrictions Require a Reasonable Basis
AKBSTOCK should have a reasonable factual, security, contractual or legal basis before imposing an Account restriction related to suspected refund abuse.
A mere suspicion unsupported by relevant circumstances should not automatically result in permanent Account action.
95.3 Refund Request Alone Is Not Grounds for Restriction
A Customer will not have their Account restricted merely because they request a refund, cancellation, replacement, correction or other remedy in good faith.
AKBSTOCK recognizes that legitimate Product, technical and payment problems may require Customers to seek assistance or reimbursement.
95.4 Rejected Refund Alone Is Not Grounds for Restriction
The rejection of a Customer’s refund request does not by itself establish fraud, abuse or grounds for Account suspension.
A Customer may make a genuine request that does not ultimately satisfy the applicable refund conditions.
95.5 Multiple Refund Requests Are Not Automatically Grounds for Restriction
Submitting multiple refund requests over time does not automatically justify Account restrictions.
AKBSTOCK should consider whether the requests arise from genuine Product defects, duplicate charges, unauthorized transactions, Account compromise, technical problems or other legitimate circumstances.
95.6 Legitimate Chargeback Is Not Grounds for Retaliation
AKBSTOCK will not restrict an Account merely because a Customer exercises a legitimate chargeback or payment-dispute right available through an authorized payment provider or applicable law.
Separate action may be taken where independently verified fraud, License abuse or other material misconduct exists.
95.7 Circumstances That May Justify Review
Account-level review may be appropriate where there is credible evidence of repeated unsupported refund claims, fabricated evidence, intentional duplicate reimbursement attempts, false chargebacks, multiple-Account circumvention, unauthorized payment activity, License abuse or another significant pattern of suspicious conduct.
No single indicator is necessarily conclusive.
95.8 Temporary Account Review
AKBSTOCK may place an Account under temporary review where reasonably necessary to investigate suspected refund abuse, fraud, Account compromise or unusual payment activity.
A temporary review does not itself constitute a final finding that the Customer engaged in misconduct.
95.9 Limited Restrictions During Review
During a legitimate Account review, AKBSTOCK may temporarily restrict only those functions reasonably connected to the identified risk, including new purchases, downloads, refund processing, Subscription activity or certain payment methods where appropriate.
Restrictions should not be broader than reasonably necessary for the investigation.
95.10 Download Restrictions
AKBSTOCK may temporarily restrict additional Product downloads where credible evidence indicates that the Account is being used to obtain Products through fraudulent transactions, abusive refunds or unauthorized payment methods.
Existing lawful rights should be considered separately from prevention of additional potentially abusive downloads.
95.11 Purchase Restrictions
AKBSTOCK may temporarily prevent an Account from completing new purchases where credible fraud, chargeback or payment risk exists.
The restriction may be removed after satisfactory verification or resolution of the relevant risk.
95.12 Payment Method Restrictions
Where a particular payment method is reasonably associated with verified fraud, repeated abusive disputes or unauthorized activity, AKBSTOCK may restrict that payment method for future transactions where legally and technically appropriate.
Alternative legitimate payment methods may remain available where appropriate.
95.13 Refund Processing Restrictions
Where credible evidence indicates attempted duplicate reimbursement or refund fraud, AKBSTOCK may subject additional discretionary refund requests to enhanced verification before processing.
Mandatory refund or payment rights will not be eliminated merely because enhanced verification applies.
95.14 Enhanced Verification
AKBSTOCK may require additional reasonable verification before permitting certain Account transactions where previous activity establishes a credible fraud, payment or security risk.
Verification requirements should remain proportionate to the identified risk.
95.15 Identity Verification
Where reasonably necessary to investigate conflicting ownership, unauthorized payment claims, multiple Accounts or Account compromise, AKBSTOCK may request appropriate identity or Account verification.
AKBSTOCK should avoid requesting unnecessary highly sensitive information where less intrusive verification is sufficient.
95.16 Account Security Verification
Where suspicious refund activity may result from Account compromise, AKBSTOCK may require password reset, email verification, re-authentication or another reasonable security step before restoring full Account functionality.
95.17 Account Compromise Distinguished From Abuse
AKBSTOCK should distinguish intentional Customer misconduct from unauthorized activity caused by compromised credentials, stolen payment information or other security incidents.
Where Account compromise is credible, protective security measures may be more appropriate than punitive restrictions.
95.18 Multiple Account Restrictions
Where a Customer is reasonably verified as controlling multiple Accounts primarily to circumvent refund restrictions, download limits, promotional conditions, payment controls or Account sanctions, AKBSTOCK may apply appropriate restrictions across related Accounts.
Accounts should not be treated as related merely because Customers share a household, workplace, internet connection or similar technical characteristic without additional supporting evidence.
95.19 Circumvention of Existing Restrictions
Creating or using another Account to intentionally evade a valid Account restriction may result in additional restrictions where the circumvention is reasonably verified.
This provision does not prohibit a separate legitimate Customer from independently maintaining their own Account.
95.20 Automated Account Abuse
AKBSTOCK may restrict Accounts that use prohibited bots, scripts, automation or other technical methods to exploit refunds, downloads, promotions, payment systems or Account controls.
Authorized automation expressly provided by AKBSTOCK is not prohibited merely because it operates automatically.
95.21 Subscription Restrictions
Where verified refund abuse materially affects a Subscription, AKBSTOCK may restrict, suspend or terminate the affected Subscription according to the Subscription Agreement and applicable law.
Subscription action should be connected to the verified conduct and should not automatically affect unrelated lawful transactions.
95.22 Subscription Download Access
AKBSTOCK may temporarily restrict further Subscription downloads where the underlying Subscription payment is disputed, reversed or reasonably suspected to be fraudulent.
The final status of the entitlement may depend on the payment-dispute outcome and applicable Subscription License terms.
95.23 Exclusive License Account Review
Where suspected refund or payment abuse involves an Exclusive License, AKBSTOCK may conduct enhanced Account and transaction review because the transaction may affect Product availability and exclusive commercial rights.
Any action affecting the Exclusive License itself remains subject to the applicable Exclusive License Agreement and Section 90 – Exclusive License Transactions.
95.24 Free Download Restrictions
AKBSTOCK may restrict free-download functionality where an Account is reasonably verified as abusing free-download limits, creating multiple Accounts to circumvent restrictions or using prohibited automated extraction methods.
Legitimate use of free Products remains governed by Section 91 – Free Products & Free Downloads.
95.25 Promotional Restrictions
Where a Customer is reasonably verified as abusing coupons, promotional pricing or eligibility conditions, AKBSTOCK may restrict future promotional eligibility or require additional verification.
Legitimate use of a valid promotion according to its stated terms will not justify Account restrictions.
95.26 Restriction of Re-Downloads
Where the payment supporting a Product has been reversed or the associated License has validly terminated, AKBSTOCK may disable future re-download access to that Product through the Customer Account.
The Customer’s rights concerning previously downloaded copies remain governed by the applicable License and Section 96 – Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights.
95.27 Existing Unrelated Purchases
An Account restriction arising from one transaction does not automatically invalidate all unrelated Products previously purchased and validly licensed by the Customer.
The legal status of each affected Product or License should be determined according to its own transaction and applicable terms.
95.28 Existing Valid Licenses
Account suspension or restriction does not by itself automatically terminate every valid License previously granted to the Customer unless the applicable License Agreement, relevant transaction circumstances or law provides a valid basis for termination.
95.29 Access and License Are Distinct
Technical access to an AKBSTOCK Account and the legal License to use a previously acquired Product are related but distinct matters.
Loss of Account access does not automatically determine the legal status of every previously granted Product License.
95.30 Temporary Suspension
AKBSTOCK may temporarily suspend an Account where reasonably necessary to investigate serious suspected fraud, refund abuse, Account compromise, payment manipulation or other material misuse.
Temporary suspension should be reviewed once the relevant investigation or payment dispute is sufficiently resolved.
95.31 Duration of Temporary Restriction
A temporary restriction may remain in effect for the period reasonably necessary to investigate and resolve the relevant security, refund, payment or Account issue.
AKBSTOCK should avoid maintaining temporary restrictions indefinitely without a continuing legitimate basis.
95.32 Restoration After Verification
Where an investigation determines that the suspected abuse was unfounded or the relevant security issue has been satisfactorily resolved, AKBSTOCK may restore affected Account functionality as reasonably appropriate.
95.33 Partial Restoration
Where some risk remains but complete Account suspension is no longer necessary, AKBSTOCK may restore certain Account functions while retaining proportionate controls on higher-risk activities.
95.34 Permanent Account Restrictions
AKBSTOCK may impose longer-term or permanent Account restrictions where serious, intentional or repeated refund abuse, payment fraud, License misuse or circumvention is reasonably verified and such action is permitted by applicable AKBSTOCK terms and law.
Permanent restrictions should be reserved for circumstances where less restrictive measures are not reasonably sufficient.
95.35 Account Termination
In serious cases, AKBSTOCK may terminate an Account where verified fraudulent or abusive conduct materially violates applicable AKBSTOCK Terms & Conditions, License Agreements or law.
Account termination does not create an automatic entitlement to a refund of valid completed transactions.
95.36 Termination Does Not Eliminate Mandatory Rights
Termination or restriction of an Account does not eliminate any mandatory refund, payment, privacy or other legal right that applicable law does not permit AKBSTOCK to exclude.
95.37 Proportionality of Restrictions
AKBSTOCK seeks to apply Account restrictions proportionately to the seriousness, frequency, intent, financial impact and security implications of the verified conduct.
A minor isolated issue should not automatically result in the same Account action as deliberate or repeated fraud.
95.38 Least Restrictive Reasonable Measure
Where practical, AKBSTOCK may use a narrower restriction that adequately addresses the identified risk rather than unnecessarily disabling the entire Account.
For example, a payment-method restriction may be sufficient where the concern relates only to a particular payment method.
95.39 Serious Fraud Exception
Where credible evidence indicates serious fraud, stolen payment credentials, deliberate Account manipulation or substantial ongoing harm, immediate broader restrictions may be appropriate while the matter is investigated.
Any continuing restriction should subsequently be reviewed against the available evidence.
95.40 No Automatic Lifetime Ban
A single rejected refund request, Customer mistake or isolated minor policy issue does not automatically result in a lifetime Account ban.
Permanent exclusion should require a sufficiently serious and legally supportable basis.
95.41 Customer Notification
Where reasonably practicable and legally appropriate, AKBSTOCK may inform the Customer that their Account or specified Account functionality has been restricted.
The communication may identify the general nature of the restriction without disclosing information that would compromise fraud-prevention systems, security measures or third-party rights.
95.42 Security Exceptions to Detailed Notice
AKBSTOCK may limit, delay or omit detailed information concerning an Account restriction where disclosure would reasonably compromise a fraud investigation, security system, payment-provider process, legal obligation or the rights of another person.
Any limitation on notice remains subject to applicable law.
95.43 Customer Clarification
A Customer who believes that an Account restriction resulted from an error, Account compromise or incorrect information may contact AKBSTOCK and provide relevant clarification or evidence.
AKBSTOCK may review credible new information that materially affects the basis for the restriction.
95.44 Review of Restriction
AKBSTOCK may reconsider an Account restriction where material new evidence is provided, the relevant payment dispute is resolved, the Account is secured or another significant circumstance changes.
95.45 No Requirement for Endless Reconsideration
AKBSTOCK is not required to repeatedly reconsider the same Account restriction where the Customer provides no material new information, except where applicable law, a payment provider or a competent authority requires further review.
95.46 False Positive Correction
Where AKBSTOCK determines that an Account was incorrectly restricted because of a technical error, false fraud signal or mistaken association with another Account, AKBSTOCK may correct the restriction and restore appropriate Account functionality.
95.47 Automated Risk Systems
AKBSTOCK may use automated systems, security tools or payment-provider signals to identify potentially suspicious Account, refund or payment activity.
Automated signals should not automatically be treated as conclusive proof of misconduct where further review is reasonably appropriate.
95.48 Human Review Where Appropriate
Where a significant Account restriction materially affects legitimate Customer access and the circumstances reasonably permit, AKBSTOCK may conduct additional review of relevant information before maintaining a long-term restriction.
95.49 Account Restriction Records
AKBSTOCK may maintain reasonable records concerning Account restrictions, suspected abuse, verification steps, payment disputes, refund history and restriction outcomes.
Such records may be used for security, fraud prevention, Customer support, accounting, dispute resolution and legal compliance.
95.50 Privacy of Restriction Records
Personal information processed in connection with Account restrictions and fraud investigations will be handled according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable law.
AKBSTOCK seeks to limit such processing to information reasonably relevant to legitimate security, payment, legal and fraud-prevention purposes.
95.51 Information Sharing With Payment Providers
AKBSTOCK may share relevant transaction, Account, refund or fraud information with authorized banks, payment gateways, card issuers, card networks or other payment providers where reasonably necessary and legally permissible.
95.52 Information Sharing With Authorities
Where legally required or permitted, AKBSTOCK may cooperate with competent courts, regulators, law-enforcement agencies or other legally authorized authorities concerning serious suspected fraud, payment abuse, identity misuse or related misconduct.
95.53 No Public Disclosure Without Legitimate Basis
AKBSTOCK will not intentionally publish allegations that a Customer committed refund abuse merely because the Customer’s Account was restricted.
Relevant information should be handled with appropriate confidentiality except where disclosure is legally required or reasonably necessary for a legitimate purpose.
95.54 Existing Orders During Restriction
Where an Account becomes restricted while an order is pending, AKBSTOCK may review whether the pending transaction should be completed, held, verified, cancelled or refunded according to the reason for the restriction and applicable law.
95.55 Completed Orders During Restriction
Completed valid orders are not automatically cancelled merely because the Customer’s Account is later restricted.
Any effect on a completed Product or License must have an independent contractual, payment, legal or licensing basis.
95.56 Pending Refunds During Restriction
A pending refund may continue, be verified or be temporarily paused depending on the reason for the Account restriction and whether duplicate reimbursement, payment fraud or another legitimate concern exists.
Mandatory refund timelines remain applicable where required by law.
95.57 Approved Refunds
An Account restriction does not automatically cancel a refund that AKBSTOCK has validly approved.
AKBSTOCK may nevertheless verify that the approved refund has not already been satisfied through a chargeback, payment reversal or another reimbursement process.
95.58 Unused Subscription Entitlements
Account restriction does not automatically convert unused Subscription downloads, credits or other entitlements into cash or a refundable monetary balance.
Any Subscription refund or cancellation remains governed by Section 89 – Subscription Cancellations & Refunds and the applicable Subscription Agreement.
95.59 Promotional Benefits During Restriction
Promotional coupons, discounts or special benefits may be restricted where they are directly connected to verified promotional abuse or Account manipulation.
Account restriction does not automatically create a cash value for unused promotional benefits.
95.60 Free Downloads During Restriction
AKBSTOCK may temporarily or permanently restrict free-download functionality where serious or repeated abuse of the free-download system is reasonably verified.
Such restriction does not by itself create a monetary compensation obligation for future free downloads that were never purchased.
95.61 Account Closure by Customer During Review
A Customer’s request to close an Account does not necessarily require AKBSTOCK to immediately erase transaction, payment, licensing, fraud-prevention or dispute records that AKBSTOCK is legally entitled or required to retain.
Account closure and personal data deletion remain subject to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable law.
95.62 Restriction Does Not Erase Payment Obligations
Where a valid amount remains lawfully payable to AKBSTOCK, Account restriction does not automatically cancel that obligation.
Likewise, Account restriction does not create a payment obligation where none otherwise exists.
95.63 Restriction Does Not Transfer Intellectual Property
Suspension, restriction or termination of an Account does not transfer copyright ownership, authorship or other intellectual property rights in AKBSTOCK Products to the Customer.
95.64 Continued Unauthorized Use
If a Product License has validly terminated because of a refunded, reversed or fraudulent transaction, continued unauthorized use of that Product may be addressed independently of the Account restriction itself.
The applicable License Agreement and Section 96 determine the relevant License consequences.
95.65 Customer Data Access
Account restriction does not automatically eliminate privacy or data-access rights that applicable law provides to the Customer.
Such rights remain governed by the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable privacy law, subject to lawful exceptions.
95.66 Mandatory Consumer Rights
Nothing in this Section permits AKBSTOCK to use an Account restriction to avoid a mandatory refund, replacement, correction or other consumer remedy that applicable law requires.
Mandatory rights remain applicable regardless of Account status.
95.67 Mandatory Payment Rights
Account restrictions do not prevent Customers from exercising legally protected rights concerning unauthorized transactions, chargebacks or payment disputes.
AKBSTOCK may respond to such disputes according to Section 93 – Chargebacks & Payment Disputes.
95.68 International Customers
Account restrictions, fraud controls and Customer remedies may be subject to different mandatory legal requirements in different jurisdictions.
AKBSTOCK’s general Account restriction framework applies subject to any mandatory law validly applicable to the Customer and transaction.
95.69 No Discriminatory Application
AKBSTOCK seeks to apply refund-abuse Account restrictions according to legitimate transaction, security, payment and conduct-related considerations rather than arbitrary or unlawfully discriminatory factors.
95.70 Consistent Application
Where reasonably practicable, similar verified forms of refund abuse should be treated consistently while allowing appropriate differences based on transaction value, severity, intent, repetition, Account security and other relevant circumstances.
95.71 Relationship With Fraudulent Refund Requests
Section 94 – Fraudulent, Abusive & Repeated Refund Requests establishes the general framework for determining when refund-related activity may reasonably be considered fraudulent or abusive.
This Section addresses the Account-level controls that may follow where such concerns are sufficiently established.
95.72 Relationship With Chargebacks
Section 93 – Chargebacks & Payment Disputes applies where an Account restriction concerns chargeback or external payment-dispute activity.
A legitimate chargeback does not automatically constitute refund abuse.
95.73 Relationship With Unauthorized Transactions
Section 80 – Unauthorized or Suspected Fraudulent Transactions should be considered where Account restrictions arise from suspected unauthorized payments, stolen payment credentials or Account compromise.
95.74 Relationship With Subscription Cancellations
Where an Account restriction affects a Subscription, Section 89 – Subscription Cancellations & Refunds and the applicable Subscription Agreement continue to govern the financial and contractual consequences of the Subscription.
95.75 Relationship With Exclusive Licenses
Where Account restrictions concern an Exclusive License transaction, Section 90 – Exclusive License Transactions and the applicable Exclusive License Agreement remain controlling for the status of exclusive rights.
95.76 Relationship With Free Products
Section 91 – Free Products & Free Downloads applies to restrictions concerning free Product access and free-download functionality.
95.77 Relationship With Promotional Purchases
Section 92 – Promotional, Discounted & Coupon Purchases applies where Account restrictions concern coupon manipulation, promotional abuse or related discounted transactions.
95.78 Relationship With Privacy Policy
Collection, use, retention and disclosure of personal information for Account security, fraud prevention, payment investigation and restriction management remain subject to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable privacy law.
95.79 Relationship With Terms & Conditions
Account suspension, termination, security controls and Website access may also be governed by the applicable AKBSTOCK Terms & Conditions.
This Section should be read together with those provisions rather than as an independent replacement for them.
95.80 Relationship With License Agreements
Account restrictions do not independently determine every Product License consequence.
The applicable Commercial License Agreement, Subscription License Agreement, Exclusive License Agreement or other relevant License terms remain controlling for the Customer’s substantive Product-use rights.
95.81 Relationship With Product Access & License Rights
Section 96 – Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights should be applied where an Account restriction occurs together with a refund, payment reversal, chargeback or termination of the financial basis supporting a Product License.
95.82 Protection of Legitimate Customers
Account controls are intended not only to protect AKBSTOCK but also to reduce fraudulent use of payment credentials, compromised Accounts and other conduct that may harm legitimate Customers.
Where a legitimate Customer is affected by unauthorized activity, AKBSTOCK may prioritize securing the Account and restoring appropriate access after verification.
95.83 Fair Restriction Principle
AKBSTOCK seeks to balance effective protection against refund and payment abuse with fair treatment of legitimate Customers.
Restrictions should therefore be evidence-based, proportionate to the identified risk, appropriately reviewed and removed or reduced when their legitimate basis no longer exists.
95.84 No Waiver of Customer Rights
Nothing in this Section should be interpreted as requiring a Customer to waive a legitimate complaint, refund request, chargeback, privacy right or other mandatory legal remedy in order to avoid Account restriction.
AKBSTOCK may act against verified abuse, but legitimate exercise of Customer rights remains protected.
95.85 Section Summary
AKBSTOCK may apply temporary, limited or permanent Account restrictions where credible evidence establishes serious or repeated refund abuse, payment fraud, chargeback misuse, Account manipulation or related misconduct. Available measures may include enhanced verification, restrictions on new purchases or downloads, payment-method controls, temporary suspension or, in serious cases, Account termination.
Restrictions should be proportionate to the verified risk. A refund request, rejected refund, repeated good-faith complaint or legitimate chargeback does not by itself justify Account suspension or termination. AKBSTOCK should also distinguish Customer misconduct from Account compromise, technical errors and genuine payment problems.
Account restriction does not automatically invalidate unrelated completed purchases or every previously granted License. Product access and legal License rights are distinct matters and must be determined under the applicable transaction, License Agreement and Section 96 – Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights. Mandatory consumer, payment and privacy rights remain protected regardless of Account status.
96. Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights
96.1 General Principle
A refund, payment reversal, chargeback or other transaction reversal may affect the Customer’s access to an AKBSTOCK Product and the License rights associated with that transaction.
The exact effect depends on whether the refund is full or partial, the reason for the refund, the Product or License type involved, the portion of the transaction that remains valid and the terms of the applicable AKBSTOCK License Agreement.
96.2 Product Access and License Rights Are Distinct
Technical access to a Product through the AKBSTOCK Website and the legal License to use that Product are related but distinct matters.
A Customer may possess a local copy even after Website access is removed, but possession of the file does not by itself establish a continuing legal right to use it.
96.3 Full Refund of Product Purchase
Where a full refund validly reverses the entire financial basis of a Product purchase, the License arising solely from that refunded transaction may terminate according to the applicable License Agreement.
The Customer should not assume that receiving the entire purchase price back allows continued unrestricted use of the refunded Product.
96.4 No Double Benefit
Except where applicable law or the relevant License Agreement provides otherwise, a Customer will not ordinarily be entitled both to receive full reimbursement of a Product transaction and to continue enjoying the License rights that arose solely because that transaction was paid.
This principle is intended to prevent the Customer from retaining both the full monetary consideration and the corresponding paid License benefit.
96.5 Removal of Future Download Access
Where a full refund terminates the underlying Product transaction, AKBSTOCK may remove or disable future download or re-download access to the refunded Product through the Customer’s Account where technically possible.
Removal of Website access does not necessarily delete copies already stored on the Customer’s devices.
96.6 Previously Downloaded Copies
If the Customer downloaded the Product before the refund, the digital file may remain technically present on the Customer’s computer, storage device, cloud storage or other system.
The continued legal use of such copies depends on the status of the applicable License after the refund rather than on the Customer’s technical ability to retain the file.
96.7 Customer Should Stop Unauthorized Future Use
Where a full refund validly terminates the License, the Customer should cease future use, reproduction, modification, production, distribution, sublicensing or other exploitation of the Product except to the extent that continuing use is expressly permitted by the applicable License Agreement or mandatory law.
96.8 Deletion of Refunded Product Copies
Where the applicable License terminates following a full refund, AKBSTOCK may require the Customer to delete or discontinue use of copies of the refunded Product where such requirement is provided by the applicable License Agreement and legally enforceable.
AKBSTOCK does not represent that it can technically erase files stored on Customer-controlled systems.
96.9 Backup Copies
Backup, archive or cloud copies of a refunded Product remain subject to the same License status as other copies of the Product.
A backup copy does not independently preserve commercial usage rights where the underlying License has validly terminated.
96.10 Full Refund Does Not Transfer Ownership
Receiving a refund does not transfer copyright ownership, authorship or other intellectual property rights in the Product to the Customer.
Any copyright or intellectual property ownership remains governed by the applicable AKBSTOCK legal documents and applicable law.
96.11 Partial Refund
A partial refund does not automatically terminate all Product or License rights associated with the transaction.
The effect of a partial refund will depend on which portion of the transaction was refunded and which portion remains valid.
96.12 Price Adjustment Without License Termination
Where a partial refund merely corrects an overcharge, pricing error, excess tax amount or another separable payment discrepancy while the Product remains validly purchased, the Product License may remain fully effective.
A financial correction does not automatically cancel an otherwise valid License.
96.13 Duplicate Payment Refund
Where one of multiple duplicate payments is refunded while one valid payment remains for the Product, the valid Product purchase and corresponding License ordinarily remain in effect.
Refunding the duplicate payment does not itself terminate the legitimate underlying Product transaction.
96.14 Incorrect Excess Charge Refund
Where AKBSTOCK refunds only an amount incorrectly charged in excess of the valid Product price, the Customer’s Product access and License rights may remain unaffected.
96.15 Multi-Product Orders
Where an order contains multiple Products and only one Product is refunded, the refund does not automatically terminate the Licenses associated with unaffected Products in the same order.
Each Product should be treated according to the financial and licensing status applicable to that Product.
96.16 Partial Order Refund
Where only a separable portion of a multi-Product transaction is refunded, AKBSTOCK may remove access to the refunded portion while preserving access and License rights for the properly paid remainder.
96.17 Bundled Products
Where Products were purchased as an inseparable bundle, the effect of a refund may depend on whether the entire bundle or only a separable component has been validly reversed.
The applicable bundle terms and License Agreement will determine whether rights can continue independently for remaining components.
96.18 Commercial License Transactions
Where a Product was purchased under an AKBSTOCK Commercial License and the entire Product transaction is fully refunded, the corresponding Commercial License may terminate according to the applicable Commercial License Agreement.
The Customer’s ability to continue using the Product commercially after the refund will depend on any surviving rights expressly stated in that Agreement.
96.19 Future Commercial Production
Where the Commercial License has validly terminated following a full refund, the Customer should not commence new production, reproduction, printing, manufacturing or commercial use of the refunded Product unless another valid License or legal basis permits that use.
96.20 New Client Work
Where a Product License has terminated following a full refund, the Customer should not begin new client projects using the refunded Product unless continued use is otherwise validly authorized.
96.21 Existing Client Work
The treatment of client work lawfully created or delivered before a refund will depend on the applicable License Agreement and the circumstances of the refund or termination.
This Policy does not independently create permanent surviving rights for existing client work where the relevant License Agreement provides otherwise.
96.22 Completed Physical Products
The legal treatment of physical goods that were lawfully produced before the underlying License terminated may depend on the applicable License Agreement, the nature of the termination and applicable law.
Such physical goods may include fabric, garments, home furnishing products, printed materials or other manufactured items incorporating the Product.
96.23 Unsold Inventory
The right to sell, distribute or otherwise dispose of unsold inventory created before a License termination will depend on any sell-off, transition or surviving-right provisions contained in the applicable License Agreement.
This Refund & Cancellation Policy does not independently grant a sell-off period.
96.24 Production Already in Progress
Where production using the Product was already underway when a refund or License termination occurs, the Customer should refer to the applicable License Agreement to determine whether completion of existing production is permitted.
96.25 Digital End Products
The continued distribution or use of digital end products incorporating a refunded AKBSTOCK Product will depend on the rights granted under the applicable License Agreement and any surviving rights following termination.
96.26 Modified Versions
Editing, recolouring, resizing, rearranging, combining or otherwise modifying an AKBSTOCK Product does not automatically create an independent right to continue using the modified version where the License to the underlying Product has validly terminated.
96.27 Derivative or Adapted Files
Where the applicable License restricts continued use after termination, Customer-created adaptations or derivative working files that incorporate substantial protected elements of the refunded Product may remain subject to those restrictions.
The legal treatment of derivative works also remains subject to applicable intellectual property law.
96.28 Source and Working Files
Working files containing a refunded Product do not independently preserve usage rights where the underlying Product License has validly ended.
Customers should manage such files consistently with the applicable License termination requirements.
96.29 Subscription Cancellation Without Refund
Cancellation of future Subscription renewal does not automatically terminate Licenses for Products that were lawfully downloaded during a valid paid Subscription period.
The continued use of such Products is governed by the AKBSTOCK Subscription License Agreement.
96.30 Subscription Expiration
Where a Subscription naturally expires after a valid paid period without refunding that period, Products lawfully obtained during the active Subscription may continue to be governed by any post-expiration rights expressly provided in the Subscription License Agreement.
96.31 Refund of Subscription Billing Period
Where the entire payment for a Subscription billing period is refunded and that period is financially reversed, the License status of Products obtained during that refunded period may be affected according to the Subscription License Agreement.
Such a refund is different from ordinary cancellation of future renewal after a fully paid Subscription period.
96.32 Downloads From Earlier Subscription Periods
A refund affecting one Subscription billing period does not automatically affect Products lawfully downloaded under earlier unaffected paid periods.
Those earlier downloads remain subject to the License applicable to their own valid Subscription periods.
96.33 Subscription Credits After Refund
Where a Subscription billing period is fully refunded, unused credits or entitlements associated with that refunded period may be cancelled or removed according to the applicable Subscription terms.
Unused credits do not ordinarily retain an independent cash or License value after the underlying paid period has been reversed.
96.34 No New Subscription Downloads After Refunded Period Ends
Where a Subscription period has been fully refunded and terminated, the Customer will not ordinarily be entitled to continue making new downloads using benefits associated with that refunded period.
96.35 Exclusive License Transactions
Where an Exclusive License transaction is fully refunded and validly reversed, the exclusive rights arising solely from that transaction may terminate according to the Exclusive License Agreement.
The special consequences of Exclusive License refunds are addressed further in Section 90 – Exclusive License Transactions.
96.36 Exclusive Status After Full Refund
Where a full refund validly terminates the Exclusive License, AKBSTOCK may remove the Product’s exclusive status and restore the Product to an appropriate licensing or availability status where legally and contractually permitted.
96.37 No Continued Exclusive Control After Full Reversal
A Customer whose Exclusive License transaction has been fully refunded and validly terminated will not ordinarily retain the right to prevent AKBSTOCK from licensing or otherwise making the Product available in accordance with the Product’s restored legal status.
96.38 Partial Exclusive License Refund
A partial refund relating only to an excess charge, duplicate payment or another separable financial correction does not automatically terminate the Exclusive License where the required valid consideration for that License remains paid.
96.39 Exclusive License Termination Must Follow Applicable Agreement
The substantive legal consequences of termination of an Exclusive License, including any surviving manufacturing, distribution or client rights, are governed principally by the applicable Exclusive License Agreement.
96.40 Free Products
Where a Product was genuinely obtained for free and no monetary Product payment exists, ordinary monetary refund provisions do not apply to that Product price.
The continued License rights for a free Product remain governed by the applicable License terms rather than by a nonexistent monetary refund.
96.41 Promotional Purchases
Where a discounted or promotional Product transaction is fully refunded, the License consequences are generally determined in the same manner as for another full refund of that Product type.
The fact that the Product was purchased at a promotional price does not by itself preserve the License after the entire transaction has been reversed.
96.42 Coupon-Related Adjustment Only
If AKBSTOCK merely adjusts or refunds an incorrectly calculated promotional amount while the Customer remains properly charged for the Product, the underlying Product License may remain valid.
96.43 Chargeback and License Rights
A successful chargeback or payment dispute that fully reverses the financial basis of a Product transaction may affect the associated License in substantially the same way as a full refund, subject to the applicable License Agreement and law.
96.44 Provisional Chargeback
A provisional chargeback or temporary payment hold does not necessarily constitute final termination of the Product License before the underlying dispute is resolved.
AKBSTOCK may temporarily restrict further access while the dispute remains pending where reasonably necessary.
96.45 Chargeback Resolved in AKBSTOCK’s Favor
Where a payment dispute is resolved in AKBSTOCK’s favor and the original payment remains valid, the corresponding Product License may continue according to its applicable terms.
96.46 Unauthorized Transactions
Where a transaction is determined to have been unauthorized and is fully refunded or reversed, a person who obtained the Product through the unauthorized transaction does not automatically retain valid Product-use rights merely because the file was downloaded.
96.47 Fraudulently Obtained Products
A Product obtained through fraud, stolen payment credentials, unauthorized Account access or another invalid transaction does not create valid License rights merely because the Product was technically delivered.
AKBSTOCK may take appropriate action concerning access and License status where fraud is reasonably verified.
96.48 Fraudulent Refunds
Where a Customer obtains a refund through material fraud, fabricated evidence or intentionally deceptive payment conduct, AKBSTOCK may treat the corresponding License and Product access according to the actual valid financial status of the transaction and applicable law.
96.49 Account Restriction Does Not Automatically Terminate All Licenses
Suspension, restriction or termination of a Customer Account does not automatically terminate every Product License previously and validly granted to that Customer.
The status of each License depends on the applicable transaction, License Agreement and reason for the Account action.
96.50 Account Access May Still Be Restricted
Even where a previously granted License survives an Account restriction, technical access to re-download the Product through AKBSTOCK may be unavailable if the Account has been validly suspended or terminated.
Customer License rights and Website Account access should therefore not be assumed to be identical.
96.51 Product Access Restoration
If a refund, chargeback or Account restriction is later reversed or determined to have occurred in error, AKBSTOCK may restore appropriate Product access and update the relevant License or transaction records where the underlying purchase remains valid.
96.52 Refund Reversal or Repayment
Where a refund is reversed, repaid or otherwise corrected so that the original transaction becomes valid again, the associated License status may be restored where appropriate and permitted under the applicable License Agreement.
Restoration is not automatic where another independent reason for License termination exists.
96.53 Replacement Instead of Refund
Where AKBSTOCK resolves a Product issue through replacement, correction or restored access without reversing the underlying valid payment, the applicable Product License ordinarily remains in effect.
96.54 Corrected Product Files
Where AKBSTOCK supplies a corrected version of the same validly purchased Product, the corrected file may be treated as part of the original Product transaction according to the applicable License terms.
96.55 Replacement With Different Product
If AKBSTOCK and the Customer agree to replace the original Product with a different Product rather than provide a refund, the applicable License rights may be adjusted to reflect the agreed replacement transaction.
96.56 Refund Because of Copyright or Legal Issue
Where a Product transaction is refunded because of a copyright complaint, intellectual property concern, court order or another legal issue, Product access and License rights may be suspended or terminated as required by the applicable circumstances and law.
Such legal restrictions may apply independently of ordinary refund rules.
96.57 Product Withdrawal
AKBSTOCK may remove a refunded Product from future Website availability where necessary for legal, copyright, technical or licensing reasons.
The removal of the Product from AKBSTOCK does not automatically determine every right relating to copies lawfully obtained through separate unaffected transactions.
96.58 Refund Requested Because Product Is No Longer Needed
If a correctly supplied Product is refunded only where AKBSTOCK voluntarily grants a discretionary accommodation despite the Customer no longer needing the Product, AKBSTOCK may condition that discretionary full refund on termination of the associated Product License where legally permissible.
96.59 Refund Does Not Grant Continued Evaluation Rights
After a full refund and valid License termination, the Customer should not continue using the Product merely for indefinite evaluation, testing, future reference or potential commercial use unless such retention or evaluation is permitted by the applicable License terms.
96.60 No Standalone Resale After Refund
Where the License has terminated following a full refund, the Customer may not continue reselling, redistributing, sublicensing or offering the original Product file through marketplaces, stock libraries or other channels.
96.61 No New Distribution After License Termination
Where the applicable License no longer permits continued use, the Customer should not begin new distribution of files or products incorporating the refunded Product after the License termination becomes effective.
96.62 No New Sublicensing After Refund
Where a refund terminates the underlying License, the Customer may not grant new sublicenses or other Product-use rights to third parties after termination unless independently authorized.
96.63 Existing Third-Party Rights
The effect of License termination on rights lawfully granted to clients, contractors or other permitted third parties before termination will depend on the applicable License Agreement.
This Policy does not independently revoke or preserve such third-party rights.
96.64 Contractors and Production Partners
Where a Customer previously supplied the Product to an authorized printer, manufacturer, contractor or production partner under the applicable License, the Customer should ensure that post-refund use by those parties remains consistent with any surviving rights or termination obligations.
96.65 Client Files
The Customer should not provide new copies of a refunded Product to clients after the relevant License has terminated unless another valid legal basis permits the transfer.
96.66 Marketplace Listings
Where the License terminates and continuing commercialization is not permitted, the Customer may need to discontinue new marketplace listings or future sales that rely on the refunded Product according to the applicable License Agreement.
96.67 Existing Online Listings
The treatment of existing online listings, advertisements or catalogues containing products created before License termination depends on the applicable License Agreement and any surviving or transition rights.
96.68 Refund Records
AKBSTOCK may retain records showing that a Product transaction was refunded, reversed or partially adjusted and may record the resulting Product-access or License status.
Such records may support Customer support, licensing administration, accounting, fraud prevention and dispute resolution.
96.69 License Status Records
AKBSTOCK may maintain reasonable records of active, terminated, refunded, reversed or otherwise adjusted License transactions where necessary to administer Product rights and resolve future licensing questions.
96.70 Historical Transaction Records
A refunded transaction may remain visible in historical AKBSTOCK accounting, licensing or Account records even where future Product access has been removed.
Refund does not require deletion of records that AKBSTOCK is legally entitled or required to retain.
96.71 Customer Responsibility to Review License Consequences
Customers receiving a refund should review any notification provided by AKBSTOCK and the applicable License Agreement to understand whether Product-use rights have ended, changed or remained unaffected.
96.72 AKBSTOCK May Communicate License Termination
Where a full refund or payment reversal terminates the applicable Product License, AKBSTOCK may notify the Customer of that consequence through email, Account communication or another appropriate channel.
96.73 Lack of Technical Deletion Does Not Preserve License
The fact that AKBSTOCK cannot technically remove a Product file from a Customer’s device does not itself preserve the Customer’s License after the License has validly terminated.
Technical possession and legal authorization are separate matters.
96.74 Lack of Website Access Does Not Automatically Terminate License
Conversely, loss of Website or Account access does not automatically terminate a Product License that remains independently valid under its applicable License Agreement.
96.75 Refund Due to AKBSTOCK Error
Where AKBSTOCK provides a refund because of its own verified Product or transaction error, the License consequences should reflect the remedy actually granted and the applicable License terms.
AKBSTOCK should not unnecessarily terminate unrelated valid Product rights merely because another part of the transaction required correction.
96.76 Refund of Wrong Product
If the Customer received an incorrect Product and the incorrect Product transaction is reversed, the Customer should not assume that the incorrectly supplied Product becomes permanently licensed merely because the file was received.
Where AKBSTOCK supplies the correct Product as a replacement, the Customer’s valid License should correspond to the Product actually purchased and properly supplied.
96.77 Correct Product Supplied After Error
Where AKBSTOCK corrects an incorrect delivery without refunding the valid underlying purchase, the Customer’s License may continue in relation to the correct Product supplied under the original transaction.
96.78 Refund Because Product Cannot Be Supplied
If AKBSTOCK fully refunds a transaction because the purchased Product cannot be supplied, no License to that unavailable Product should ordinarily be treated as continuing solely from the refunded transaction.
96.79 Mandatory Consumer Rights
Nothing in this Section is intended to reduce or remove a mandatory consumer right concerning digital content, refunds, conformity, cancellation or remedies that applicable law does not permit AKBSTOCK to exclude.
Where mandatory law requires continued rights, termination consequences or another remedy different from this general framework, the mandatory legal requirement will apply.
96.80 Mandatory Intellectual Property Rights
Nothing in this Section changes copyright ownership, moral rights or other intellectual property rights in a manner prohibited by applicable law.
The legal consequences of refund and License termination must remain consistent with mandatory intellectual property requirements.
96.81 International Customers
Customers in different jurisdictions may have different mandatory rules concerning digital-content access, License termination, refunds and post-termination rights.
AKBSTOCK’s general framework therefore applies subject to mandatory law validly applicable to the relevant Customer and transaction.
96.82 Relationship With Commercial License Agreement
Where the refunded Product was obtained under a Commercial License, the Commercial License Agreement remains the primary document governing the substantive consequences of License termination, surviving rights, production rights and other commercial-use issues.
96.83 Relationship With Subscription License Agreement
Where the affected Product was downloaded through a Subscription, the Subscription License Agreement determines the Customer’s rights during and after the Subscription period and after any refund affecting that period.
96.84 Relationship With Exclusive License Agreement
Where the affected transaction concerns an Exclusive License, the Exclusive License Agreement determines the scope of termination, surviving rights, exclusivity status and any continued rights relating to previously produced or distributed materials.
96.85 Relationship With Account Restrictions
Section 95 – Account Restrictions Related to Refund Abuse should be considered where Product access changes occur together with Account suspension, fraud review or other Account controls.
96.86 Relationship With Chargebacks
Section 93 – Chargebacks & Payment Disputes should be considered where a payment reversal rather than a direct AKBSTOCK refund affects the financial basis of the Product transaction.
96.87 Relationship With Refund Processing
Sections 84 – Approval or Rejection of Refund Requests, 85 – Processing Approved Refunds and 86 – Refund Method & Processing Time determine the monetary treatment of an approved refund.
This Section addresses the separate consequences for Product access and License rights after that financial treatment occurs.
96.88 Applicable License Agreement Controls Detailed Usage Rights
This Section provides the general refund-related framework but does not replace the applicable AKBSTOCK License Agreement.
Where questions arise concerning manufacturing, client projects, distribution, sublicensing, surviving rights or other detailed Product-use matters, the specific License applicable to the transaction should be reviewed.
96.89 Fair License Consequence Principle
AKBSTOCK seeks to ensure that refund consequences correspond reasonably with the financial transaction actually reversed.
A full refund may terminate rights arising solely from that refunded payment, while a duplicate-payment correction, partial financial adjustment or unrelated Account restriction should not unnecessarily terminate valid Product rights that remain properly paid and licensed.
96.90 Section Summary
A full refund, successful chargeback or other complete payment reversal may terminate Product or License rights arising solely from the reversed transaction, depending on the applicable AKBSTOCK License Agreement and mandatory law. AKBSTOCK may also remove future Website download access to a Product whose purchase has been fully reversed.
Possession of a previously downloaded file does not by itself preserve legal usage rights after a License has validly terminated. Customers should not begin new commercial use, production, redistribution or sublicensing of a refunded Product where the applicable License no longer permits such activity.
Partial refunds, duplicate-payment corrections and excess-charge adjustments do not automatically terminate a valid Product License where the legitimate Product purchase remains fully supported by payment. Similarly, Account access restrictions do not automatically terminate every unrelated valid License.
The detailed treatment of previously manufactured goods, client work, Subscription downloads, Exclusive License rights, surviving rights and post-termination use is governed principally by the applicable Commercial License Agreement, Subscription License Agreement or Exclusive License Agreement. All mandatory consumer and intellectual property rights remain preserved.
97. Refund Records & Transaction Records
97.1 General Recordkeeping Principle
AKBSTOCK may create, maintain and retain reasonable records relating to Product purchases, payments, refunds, cancellations, chargebacks, Subscription transactions, Exclusive License transactions and other relevant commercial activity.
Such records may be necessary for transaction administration, accounting, taxation, licensing, Customer support, fraud prevention, payment reconciliation, dispute resolution and legal compliance.
97.2 Transaction Records
Transaction records may include information identifying the relevant order, Product, Customer Account, payment amount, currency, transaction date, payment status, License type and other information reasonably necessary to administer the transaction.
97.3 Refund Records
Refund records may include the relevant order, refund request, refund reason, evidence reviewed, amount approved, amount processed, refund method, refund status and related Customer communications.
The exact information retained may depend on the nature and complexity of the refund.
97.4 Cancellation Records
AKBSTOCK may retain records showing when a Customer requested cancellation, the transaction status at that time, whether cancellation was approved and any resulting payment, Product-access or License consequences.
97.5 Payment Records
AKBSTOCK may retain payment-related records reasonably necessary to identify and reconcile transactions.
AKBSTOCK does not need to directly store every sensitive financial credential where payment processing is handled through authorized third-party payment providers.
97.6 Payment Provider References
Transaction identifiers, payment references, refund references or similar information supplied by payment providers may be retained where reasonably necessary for reconciliation, refund tracing, dispute response or accounting.
97.7 Order Records
AKBSTOCK may retain order records showing Products purchased, quantities, prices, discounts, applicable taxes, payment status and other relevant order information.
Order records may remain part of AKBSTOCK’s historical transaction records even after a refund or cancellation occurs.
97.8 Product Records
AKBSTOCK may retain information identifying which Product was associated with a transaction, including Product names, identifiers, SKUs or other internal references where applicable.
This information may be relevant to refunds, License administration and dispute resolution.
97.9 Product Delivery Records
Where technically available, AKBSTOCK may retain records relating to Product delivery, access or download activity where such information is reasonably relevant to transaction administration, support, licensing or refund review.
97.10 Download Records
Download records may include information indicating whether or when a Product was downloaded or accessed through the AKBSTOCK system.
Such records may be used for licensing administration, support, fraud prevention and dispute resolution where appropriate.
97.11 License Records
AKBSTOCK may retain records identifying the License type associated with a Product transaction, including Commercial, Subscription, Exclusive or other applicable License status.
License records may also reflect whether a License remains active, has been refunded, terminated, reversed or otherwise adjusted.
97.12 Commercial License Records
AKBSTOCK may retain Commercial License transaction records where necessary to establish the Product, Customer, transaction date, payment status and License basis applicable to the purchase.
97.13 Subscription Records
Subscription records may include Subscription Plan, billing period, activation, renewal, cancellation, payment, credits or entitlements, downloads and refund information where relevant.
Such records may be necessary to determine Subscription status and the License basis for Products downloaded during particular billing periods.
97.14 Exclusive License Records
AKBSTOCK may maintain detailed records concerning Exclusive License transactions, including Product identity, Customer, payment status, effective date, exclusivity status, refund status and relevant historical licensing information.
These records may be particularly important for determining the Product’s future licensing status.
97.15 Free Download Records
AKBSTOCK may maintain reasonable records of free Product downloads where needed for licensing administration, download limits, security, abuse prevention or Customer support.
A zero-price Product may still require transaction or License records even though no monetary refund amount exists.
97.16 Promotional Transaction Records
AKBSTOCK may retain records of discounts, coupons, promotional codes, promotional prices and related transaction adjustments where reasonably necessary.
Such records may help establish the amount actually paid and the proper refund amount for an affected promotional transaction.
97.17 Refund Request Records
AKBSTOCK may retain the substance of refund requests, supporting evidence, Customer explanations and relevant communications necessary to understand and document the request.
Unnecessary sensitive information should not be retained merely because it was included in a Customer submission.
97.18 Evidence Records
Evidence relevant to a refund review may be retained where necessary to support the decision, investigate fraud, respond to a chargeback, resolve a dispute or comply with legal obligations.
The type and duration of retention may depend on the nature of the evidence and the legitimate purpose for which it is needed.
97.19 Support Communications
AKBSTOCK may retain Customer support communications relating to Product issues, refund requests, technical support, cancellations, payments or License questions where reasonably necessary.
Such communications may help establish the history and resolution of a transaction issue.
97.20 Refund Decision Records
AKBSTOCK may retain records showing whether a refund was approved, partially approved, rejected, resolved through another remedy or withdrawn.
The basis for the decision may also be documented where reasonably appropriate.
97.21 Refund Processing Records
After approval, AKBSTOCK may maintain records showing when a refund was initiated, the payment method used, amount processed, transaction reference and payment-provider status.
97.22 Partial Refund Records
Where only part of a transaction is refunded, AKBSTOCK may retain records identifying the affected portion and the amount that remains valid.
This may be necessary to determine continuing Product or License rights.
97.23 Duplicate Payment Records
AKBSTOCK may retain records showing that a duplicate payment was identified and refunded while the valid original payment remained effective.
This may prevent a later misunderstanding concerning the status of the underlying Product License.
97.24 Chargeback Records
AKBSTOCK may retain reasonable information concerning chargebacks and payment disputes, including disputed amounts, provider communications, evidence submitted, provisional reversals and final outcomes.
97.25 Fraud and Abuse Records
AKBSTOCK may maintain records reasonably necessary to investigate or prevent fraudulent, abusive or repeated refund activity.
Such records should be limited to information reasonably relevant to legitimate security, fraud-prevention, payment or legal purposes.
97.26 Account Restriction Records
Where refund or payment abuse results in Account restrictions, AKBSTOCK may retain information showing the reason, scope, duration, review and outcome of those restrictions.
Such records may help prevent improper repeated restrictions and support later review.
97.27 Accounting Purpose
Transaction and refund records may be retained for financial reconciliation, bookkeeping, revenue recognition, refund accounting and other legitimate accounting purposes.
97.28 Tax Purpose
AKBSTOCK may retain records necessary to calculate, report, verify or audit applicable taxes associated with transactions, refunds, cancellations or other financial adjustments.
Tax-related retention may be required independently of whether the Customer continues to maintain an active Account.
97.29 Invoice Records
AKBSTOCK may retain invoices, receipts, credit notes, refund records or other financial documents created in connection with a transaction.
Refunding a transaction does not necessarily require deletion of the original invoice or transaction history where the law or accounting system requires preservation of the complete financial record.
97.30 Audit Purpose
Transaction and refund records may be retained where reasonably necessary to support internal or external audits, financial reviews or compliance checks.
97.31 Licensing Administration Purpose
AKBSTOCK may use transaction records to determine whether a Customer obtained a Product under a valid License and what License type applied at the relevant time.
Historical records may be particularly important where a Product later changes licensing status.
97.32 Historical License Evidence
AKBSTOCK may retain records showing that a License was validly granted before a later refund, Exclusive License, Product withdrawal or other change in status.
Such records may help distinguish earlier lawful rights from later transaction restrictions.
97.33 Customer Support Purpose
Transaction and refund history may be used to assist Customers with questions concerning orders, downloads, payment status, refunds, Licenses or Account access.
97.34 Dispute Resolution Purpose
AKBSTOCK may retain relevant transaction records to investigate, defend, resolve or document Customer complaints, payment disputes, License disputes, chargebacks or other legal disagreements.
97.35 Fraud Prevention Purpose
Relevant transaction, refund and Account records may be used to identify duplicate reimbursement, payment fraud, unauthorized Account use or other abusive activity.
Fraud-prevention use should remain proportionate and consistent with applicable privacy law.
97.36 Security Purpose
AKBSTOCK may use relevant historical records to investigate Account compromise, unauthorized transactions, suspicious payment activity or other security incidents.
97.37 Legal Compliance Purpose
AKBSTOCK may retain transaction or refund records where required to comply with applicable laws, regulations, court orders, lawful governmental requests or other binding legal obligations.
97.38 Legal Claims
Records may be retained where reasonably necessary to establish, exercise or defend legal claims concerning payments, Products, Licenses, intellectual property, contracts or other matters.
97.39 Record Retention Is Not Unlimited by Default
AKBSTOCK does not intend to retain every refund or transaction record indefinitely merely because retention is technically possible.
Records should be retained for periods reasonably connected to legitimate business, legal, accounting, tax, licensing, fraud-prevention or dispute purposes.
97.40 Different Records May Have Different Retention Periods
Different categories of transaction and refund information may need to be retained for different periods depending on the purpose of the record and applicable legal requirements.
AKBSTOCK therefore does not necessarily apply one universal retention period to every type of record.
97.41 Legal Retention Requirements
Where applicable law requires AKBSTOCK to retain particular transaction, accounting, tax or other records for a specified period, AKBSTOCK may retain those records for the legally required period.
Such retention may continue even after a Customer requests Account closure or deletion of other personal information.
97.42 Dispute-Related Retention
Where a transaction remains subject to an unresolved dispute, chargeback, complaint, investigation or legal claim, relevant records may be retained for the period reasonably necessary to resolve the matter and address related legal obligations.
97.43 Fraud-Prevention Retention
AKBSTOCK may retain limited information concerning verified fraud or abuse where reasonably necessary to prevent repeated misconduct or protect payment and Account systems.
Such retention should remain proportionate to the legitimate risk and applicable law.
97.44 Data Minimization
AKBSTOCK seeks to retain only information reasonably necessary for the legitimate purpose for which a refund or transaction record is maintained.
Unrelated or unnecessary personal information should not be retained merely because it was incidentally supplied during a transaction or refund request.
97.45 Sensitive Payment Information
AKBSTOCK does not require retention of complete card numbers, card security codes, banking passwords, PINs or one-time passwords as ordinary refund or transaction records.
Customers should not submit such sensitive credentials through ordinary support communications.
97.46 Third-Party Payment Provider Records
Some transaction information may be retained independently by banks, payment gateways, card networks, wallets or other financial providers according to their own legal obligations and privacy practices.
AKBSTOCK does not control every independent third party’s retention period.
97.47 Access to Third-Party Records
AKBSTOCK may have access only to limited payment information provided by an authorized payment provider rather than to all underlying financial credentials or records held by that provider.
97.48 Record Accuracy
AKBSTOCK seeks to maintain reasonably accurate transaction and refund records.
Where a material record error is identified, AKBSTOCK may correct or annotate the record as reasonably appropriate while preserving legally required historical information.
97.49 Historical Records May Not Be Deleted When Corrected
Correcting a transaction record does not necessarily require complete deletion of the earlier record where maintaining an audit trail, accounting history or legal record is reasonably necessary.
AKBSTOCK may instead preserve both the original entry and the later correction where appropriate.
97.50 Refund Does Not Erase Transaction History
A refund does not automatically erase the fact that the original transaction occurred.
AKBSTOCK may retain a historical record showing both the original purchase and the subsequent refund, cancellation or reversal.
97.51 Account Closure Does Not Automatically Delete Transaction Records
Closing an AKBSTOCK Account does not necessarily require immediate deletion of all historical transaction, refund, tax, accounting, fraud-prevention or licensing records.
AKBSTOCK may retain information that it is legally required or otherwise lawfully entitled to preserve.
97.52 Data Deletion Requests
Where a Customer exercises a valid privacy deletion right, AKBSTOCK will assess the request according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable law.
Certain transaction records may be exempt from deletion where continued retention is necessary for legal obligations, accounting, taxation, fraud prevention, dispute resolution or other lawful purposes.
97.53 Data Access Requests
Customers may have rights under applicable privacy law to request access to certain personal information associated with transaction or refund records.
Such requests will be handled according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable legal requirements.
97.54 Data Correction Requests
A Customer who believes that personal information in an AKBSTOCK transaction record is materially inaccurate may request appropriate correction where applicable law provides such a right.
AKBSTOCK may preserve historical financial entries where necessary while recording the corrected information separately.
97.55 Privacy Policy Controls Personal Data Handling
The collection, use, retention, security, disclosure and deletion of personal information contained in refund and transaction records are governed by the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable privacy law.
This Section provides transaction-specific context and does not replace the Privacy Policy.
97.56 Security of Records
AKBSTOCK seeks to use reasonable technical, administrative and organizational measures to protect refund and transaction records against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration or loss.
No electronic storage system can be represented as absolutely secure in every circumstance.
97.57 Access Controls
Access to transaction and refund information may be limited to persons, systems or service providers that reasonably require such access for legitimate business, legal, security, accounting or support purposes.
97.58 Service Providers
AKBSTOCK may use authorized service providers for payment processing, hosting, accounting, Customer support, fraud prevention or other operational functions involving transaction records.
Such providers may process relevant information according to their role, applicable contractual arrangements and law.
97.59 Disclosure to Payment Providers
AKBSTOCK may disclose relevant transaction, refund or Account information to authorized payment providers where necessary to process payments, refunds, chargebacks, fraud investigations or transaction reconciliation.
97.60 Disclosure to Authorities
AKBSTOCK may disclose transaction or refund records to competent courts, regulators, tax authorities, law-enforcement agencies or other legally authorized bodies where required or permitted by applicable law.
97.61 Disclosure for Legal Claims
Relevant records may be disclosed to legal advisers, insurers, auditors or other appropriate parties where reasonably necessary to establish, exercise or defend legal rights or claims and where legally permissible.
97.62 No Public Transaction Disclosure
AKBSTOCK does not intend to publicly disclose a Customer’s private transaction or refund history merely because the Customer requested or received a refund.
Disclosure should have a legitimate business, contractual or legal basis.
97.63 Internal Analytics
AKBSTOCK may use appropriately limited or aggregated transaction and refund information to understand Product quality, payment performance, refund patterns, technical issues or operational trends.
Such analysis should remain consistent with the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable law.
97.64 Product Quality Review
Refund and support records may be used to identify recurring Product defects, file issues or delivery problems so that AKBSTOCK can improve Product quality and Customer support.
97.65 Payment Performance Review
AKBSTOCK may use transaction records to identify recurring payment failures, duplicate charges, refund delays or provider-side issues and to improve payment operations where reasonably possible.
97.66 Fraud Pattern Review
AKBSTOCK may analyze refund and transaction patterns to identify suspected fraud, Account compromise or systematic abuse.
Pattern analysis should not automatically classify legitimate Customers as fraudulent without reasonable supporting evidence.
97.67 Record of Customer Cooperation
Where relevant to a refund or fraud review, AKBSTOCK may document reasonable Customer verification or troubleshooting steps completed during the process.
Such records should not be used to penalize Customers who legitimately decline unnecessary or excessive information requests.
97.68 Record of Alternative Remedies
AKBSTOCK may retain records showing whether a Product was replaced, corrected, re-delivered or had access restored instead of receiving a monetary refund.
This may help establish whether a reported issue was resolved.
97.69 Record of License Termination
Where a refund or payment reversal validly terminates a Product License, AKBSTOCK may record the date and status of that termination.
This information may be relevant to future licensing, Product access and dispute resolution.
97.70 Record of License Continuation
Where a partial refund, duplicate-payment correction or other financial adjustment does not terminate the underlying Product License, AKBSTOCK may preserve records showing that the License remains valid.
97.71 Exclusive Product Historical Records
AKBSTOCK may retain historical records concerning when an Exclusive License became effective, prior lawful License activity and any later termination or refund.
Such records may be necessary to determine the lawful rights of different Customers at different times.
97.72 Record Preservation During Legal Hold
AKBSTOCK may preserve otherwise eligible records for a longer period where a legal hold, investigation, litigation, regulatory inquiry or other binding legal requirement requires continued retention.
97.73 Record Destruction
When refund or transaction records are no longer reasonably required for the purposes for which they are retained and no legal obligation requires further retention, AKBSTOCK may delete, anonymize, aggregate or otherwise dispose of the records according to applicable data-retention practices.
97.74 Anonymized Records
AKBSTOCK may retain information in anonymized or aggregated form where the information no longer reasonably identifies an individual and remains useful for analytics, security, operational or statistical purposes.
97.75 Backups
Deleted transaction information may temporarily remain in secure backup systems until the relevant backup cycle expires or the information is otherwise removed according to AKBSTOCK’s technical processes.
Backup retention remains subject to applicable legal and security requirements.
97.76 System Migration
Where AKBSTOCK changes hosting, payment, accounting, e-commerce or other technical systems, transaction records may be migrated where necessary to preserve legitimate financial, licensing and Customer history.
97.77 Business Transfers
Where AKBSTOCK undergoes a lawful business transfer, merger, restructuring, acquisition or similar organizational change, relevant transaction records may be transferred where permitted and necessary, subject to applicable privacy and legal requirements.
97.78 Customer Copies of Records
Where available through the AKBSTOCK Account or where required by applicable law, Customers may be able to access copies of certain order, invoice, payment or refund information.
AKBSTOCK does not guarantee that every internal administrative or fraud-prevention record will be directly visible to the Customer.
97.79 Internal Notes
AKBSTOCK may maintain internal administrative notes relating to refund review, support, fraud prevention or transaction management where reasonably necessary.
Access to or disclosure of such notes may be subject to applicable privacy, privilege, security and legal requirements.
97.80 Record Integrity
AKBSTOCK seeks to protect the integrity of refund and transaction records and may use reasonable controls designed to reduce unauthorized alteration, deletion or manipulation.
97.81 Customer-Submitted False Records
If a Customer submits materially false, fabricated or manipulated transaction evidence, AKBSTOCK may retain relevant information concerning the submission where reasonably necessary to investigate fraud, defend a dispute or comply with legal obligations.
97.82 Recordkeeping Does Not Prove Liability
The existence of a refund, complaint or dispute record does not by itself establish that AKBSTOCK or the Customer was legally at fault.
Records document transaction history and may be considered together with other relevant evidence.
97.83 Customer Record Does Not Automatically Control Outcome
A Customer’s statement, screenshot or personal transaction record may constitute relevant evidence but does not automatically override reliable conflicting payment or system records.
AKBSTOCK may consider the available evidence as a whole.
97.84 AKBSTOCK Records Are Not Automatically Infallible
AKBSTOCK’s own transaction records may contain technical or administrative errors in exceptional circumstances.
Credible evidence of such an error may be reviewed and the relevant record corrected or annotated where appropriate.
97.85 Mandatory Privacy Rights
Nothing in this Section removes any mandatory privacy or data-protection right available to a Customer under applicable law.
Where applicable law requires access, correction, restriction, deletion or another treatment of personal information, AKBSTOCK will apply the mandatory requirement to the extent legally required.
97.86 Mandatory Financial Recordkeeping
Nothing in this Section requires AKBSTOCK to delete or alter records that applicable financial, accounting, tax or other law requires AKBSTOCK to preserve.
97.87 International Customers
Transaction recordkeeping, retention and privacy requirements may differ between jurisdictions.
AKBSTOCK’s general framework applies subject to mandatory legal requirements validly applicable to the relevant records and Customer.
97.88 Relationship With Privacy Policy
This Section should be read together with the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy, including its provisions concerning data collection, security, retention, Customer rights and legal disclosures.
Where personal information is involved, the Privacy Policy provides the broader data-protection framework.
97.89 Relationship With Refund Review
Sections 81 – Refund Request Procedure, 82 – Information & Evidence Required for Refund Requests and 83 – Refund Review & Verification explain how transaction and refund information may be collected and assessed during a refund request.
97.90 Relationship With Chargebacks
Section 93 – Chargebacks & Payment Disputes applies where transaction records are used to respond to an external payment dispute or chargeback.
97.91 Relationship With Fraud Prevention
Sections 94 – Fraudulent, Abusive & Repeated Refund Requests and 95 – Account Restrictions Related to Refund Abuse apply where transaction records are used to investigate or prevent refund or payment abuse.
97.92 Relationship With License Rights
Section 96 – Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights applies where transaction and refund records are used to determine whether a Product License remains valid, has been adjusted or has terminated.
97.93 Fair Recordkeeping Principle
AKBSTOCK seeks to maintain transaction and refund records for legitimate operational, financial, licensing, security and legal purposes without retaining unnecessary personal information merely because it is technically possible to do so.
Recordkeeping should therefore remain proportionate to the purpose for which the information is needed and consistent with applicable privacy and legal requirements.
97.94 Historical Accuracy Principle
Where a transaction is later refunded, cancelled, reversed or corrected, AKBSTOCK may preserve the historical sequence rather than replacing the original record as though the transaction never occurred.
This helps maintain accurate accounting, licensing and dispute history while allowing the later transaction outcome to be clearly recorded.
97.95 Section Summary
AKBSTOCK may maintain reasonable records of orders, payments, Product delivery, downloads, Licenses, refund requests, refund decisions, refund processing, cancellations, chargebacks, Subscription activity, Exclusive License transactions and other relevant commercial events.
These records may be used for transaction administration, accounting, tax, licensing, Customer support, fraud prevention, payment reconciliation, dispute resolution and legal compliance. A refund or Account closure does not automatically erase the historical transaction, and some records may need to remain available for lawful financial, licensing or legal purposes.
AKBSTOCK seeks to retain only information reasonably necessary for legitimate purposes, protect transaction records through appropriate safeguards and process personal information according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable law. Mandatory privacy rights and legally required financial recordkeeping obligations remain preserved.
98. Mandatory Consumer Rights
98.1 General Principle
This Refund & Cancellation Policy is intended to operate subject to any mandatory consumer protection rights that apply to a particular Customer, transaction or jurisdiction.
Nothing in this Policy is intended to exclude, restrict or waive a consumer right that applicable law does not permit AKBSTOCK to exclude, restrict or waive.
98.2 Contractual Policy and Mandatory Law
This Policy establishes AKBSTOCK’s contractual refund and cancellation framework. However, where a mandatory provision of applicable consumer law gives an eligible Customer a greater or different right, the mandatory legal requirement will apply to the extent required by law.
The remaining provisions of this Policy will continue to apply to the extent they are legally enforceable.
98.3 Consumer Status May Depend on the Transaction
Whether a Customer qualifies as a “consumer” may depend on applicable law, the purpose of the purchase and the circumstances of the transaction.
A person purchasing primarily for personal purposes may have different statutory rights from a business, professional buyer, reseller, manufacturer or person purchasing primarily for commercial purposes.
98.4 Business Customers
Customers purchasing AKBSTOCK Products primarily for business, professional, manufacturing, resale or other commercial purposes may not qualify for every consumer protection right available to individual consumers.
The availability of statutory rights will depend on the law applicable to the particular Customer and transaction.
98.5 Digital Products
AKBSTOCK primarily supplies digital Products and digital License rights. Consumer laws applicable to digital content, digital services or electronically supplied products may therefore apply differently from laws governing physical goods.
The availability and scope of cancellation, refund, repair, replacement or other remedies may depend on the applicable digital-content rules.
98.6 Immediate Digital Supply
AKBSTOCK Products may be made available for download or digital access shortly after successful payment or completion of the applicable transaction.
Where applicable law permits consumer cancellation or withdrawal rights to be affected after digital supply begins, AKBSTOCK may rely on legally valid consent, acknowledgement or other requirements necessary under that law.
98.7 No Automatic Waiver Merely Because a Product Is Digital
The fact that a Product is supplied digitally does not by itself eliminate any mandatory consumer right that applicable law grants to the Customer.
Any limitation or loss of a statutory cancellation or withdrawal right must have a valid legal basis under the law applicable to the transaction.
98.8 Download Does Not Override Mandatory Rights
Downloading or accessing a Product does not automatically remove every statutory remedy that may otherwise apply to defective, incorrectly supplied, misdescribed or legally non-conforming digital content.
AKBSTOCK’s downloaded-product rules apply subject to mandatory law.
98.9 Change of Mind
AKBSTOCK’s general restrictions concerning refunds for change-of-mind purchases remain subject to any mandatory cancellation or withdrawal right that applicable law grants to an eligible Customer.
Where no such mandatory right applies or where it has been validly lost or exhausted, AKBSTOCK’s ordinary Refund & Cancellation Policy will apply.
98.10 Defective Digital Products
If an AKBSTOCK Product is materially defective, corrupted or unusable, the Customer may have mandatory rights under applicable law in addition to the remedies provided voluntarily under this Policy.
AKBSTOCK may first attempt an appropriate repair, replacement, correction or restored access where such remedy is permitted by applicable law.
98.11 Incorrect Product Delivery
Where the Product delivered materially differs from the Product validly purchased, applicable consumer law may provide rights concerning correction, replacement, refund or another remedy.
AKBSTOCK will apply its incorrect-delivery procedures subject to those mandatory rights.
98.12 Products Not as Described
Where mandatory law requires digital content to correspond with its description, AKBSTOCK will not rely on this Policy to exclude a statutory remedy for a material failure to meet that legal requirement.
Customer expectations that were not stated, promised or legally required should be distinguished from an actual failure of the Product to conform to its applicable description.
98.13 Product Quality and Conformity
Where applicable law establishes mandatory standards concerning quality, functionality, compatibility, conformity or fitness of digital content, AKBSTOCK will apply those requirements to the extent legally applicable to the relevant transaction.
98.14 Compatibility Information
Customers remain responsible for reviewing Product information and reasonably disclosed technical requirements before purchase.
However, this responsibility does not eliminate any mandatory legal obligation that requires AKBSTOCK to provide particular compatibility, functionality or interoperability information.
98.15 Product Preview
Product previews, descriptions and available specifications are intended to help Customers make informed purchasing decisions.
A Customer’s responsibility to review such information does not override mandatory rights relating to materially inaccurate descriptions, defective Products or legally required disclosures.
98.16 Repair or Correction
Where applicable law permits or requires AKBSTOCK to correct a defective or non-conforming Product before providing another remedy, AKBSTOCK may attempt such correction within a reasonable period and without imposing an unlawful burden on the Customer.
98.17 Replacement
Where legally appropriate, AKBSTOCK may provide a corrected or replacement file as a remedy for a Product that cannot be used as properly supplied.
Replacement will not be used to deny a refund where applicable mandatory law requires a refund instead.
98.18 Restored Access
Where the underlying Product is valid and the problem concerns delivery or Account access, AKBSTOCK may restore access or re-deliver the Product where appropriate.
This remedy remains subject to any mandatory legal right that requires a different result.
98.19 Refund Where Required by Law
Where applicable mandatory law requires AKBSTOCK to provide a refund, AKBSTOCK will not deny that refund solely because this Policy would otherwise classify the transaction as non-refundable.
98.20 Full and Partial Refunds
Mandatory law may determine whether a Customer is entitled to a full refund, partial refund, price reduction or another financial remedy.
Where such law applies, AKBSTOCK’s contractual refund calculation will be adjusted to the extent necessary to comply with the mandatory requirement.
98.21 Refund Timing
Where applicable law imposes a mandatory deadline for issuing an approved statutory refund, that legally required deadline will apply notwithstanding any longer general processing estimate stated elsewhere in this Policy.
Additional time taken by banks or payment providers after AKBSTOCK properly initiates the refund may remain outside AKBSTOCK’s direct control.
98.22 Refund Method
Where applicable law requires a refund to be made through a particular method or prohibits unreasonable refund conditions, AKBSTOCK will comply with those mandatory requirements.
Otherwise, the refund method provisions stated elsewhere in this Policy will apply.
98.23 No Unlawful Refund Fees
AKBSTOCK will not impose a refund fee, penalty or deduction where applicable mandatory law prohibits such a charge.
Legitimate differences caused by currency conversion, banking systems or third-party payment processing remain subject to applicable law and Section 87 – Currency, Bank & Payment Provider Differences.
98.24 Evidence Requirements
AKBSTOCK may request reasonable information necessary to identify and verify a refund claim.
Evidence requirements will not be intentionally used to make the exercise of a mandatory consumer right unreasonably difficult or practically impossible.
98.25 Reasonable Verification
AKBSTOCK may reasonably verify the Customer, transaction, Product issue and requested remedy before processing a claim, particularly where fraud, duplicate reimbursement or unauthorized payment concerns exist.
Verification requirements remain subject to applicable consumer and privacy law.
98.26 Technical Troubleshooting
AKBSTOCK may request reasonable troubleshooting where necessary to determine whether an apparent Product defect can be corrected.
Troubleshooting will not be required merely to delay or obstruct a statutory remedy where the relevant legal requirements for that remedy have already been satisfied.
98.27 Customer Cooperation
Customers may be required to provide reasonable cooperation necessary to investigate a Product or transaction issue.
Any cooperation requirement will remain subject to mandatory consumer, privacy and procedural protections.
98.28 No Unnecessary Sensitive Information
Customers should not be required to provide unnecessary passwords, PINs, card security codes, one-time passwords or similar sensitive credentials in order to exercise ordinary refund rights.
AKBSTOCK may instead use reasonable and proportionate verification methods.
98.29 Unauthorized Transactions
Rights concerning unauthorized card, bank, wallet or other payment transactions may arise under financial or payment laws independently of this Refund & Cancellation Policy.
Nothing in this Policy is intended to remove such mandatory payment rights.
98.30 Chargeback Rights
Nothing in this Policy prevents a Customer from exercising a legitimate chargeback or payment-dispute right that applicable law or an authorized payment provider validly makes available.
AKBSTOCK may nevertheless contest inaccurate, fraudulent or unsupported chargebacks through the appropriate payment-dispute process.
98.31 No Retaliation for Legitimate Consumer Claims
AKBSTOCK will not restrict a Customer Account merely because the Customer makes a legitimate consumer complaint, requests a legally available remedy or exercises a valid payment-dispute right.
Separate action may be taken where independently verified fraud, abuse or material violation of AKBSTOCK’s terms exists.
98.32 Fraud Remains Distinct From Consumer Rights
Mandatory consumer protection does not require AKBSTOCK to accept fabricated evidence, intentional misrepresentation, duplicate reimbursement attempts or other fraudulent conduct.
AKBSTOCK may investigate and respond to suspected fraud while continuing to respect legitimate statutory rights.
98.33 Subscription Rights
Mandatory consumer rights applicable to Subscription cancellation, recurring billing, renewal, digital services or refunds will apply where legally relevant to an AKBSTOCK Subscription.
Otherwise, Subscription cancellations and refunds remain governed by Section 89 – Subscription Cancellations & Refunds and the applicable Subscription Agreement.
98.34 Future Subscription Cancellation
Where applicable law grants a Customer a mandatory right to stop future recurring charges or cancel future renewal, AKBSTOCK will not interpret a contractual provision in a manner that unlawfully prevents exercise of that right.
98.35 Subscription Refunds
Where applicable law requires a refund or price adjustment for a Subscription period, AKBSTOCK’s ordinary Subscription refund restrictions will apply only to the extent legally permissible.
98.36 Exclusive License Transactions
Exclusive License transactions may involve substantial commercial and intellectual property considerations and may often be entered into for business purposes.
Whether mandatory consumer rights apply to a particular Exclusive License Customer will depend on that Customer’s legal status, transaction purpose and applicable law.
98.37 Commercial License Transactions
The purchase of a Commercial License does not automatically determine whether the Customer is or is not legally a consumer.
Consumer status must be determined according to applicable law and the actual circumstances and purpose of the transaction.
98.38 Professional and Trade Purchases
Where a Product is acquired wholly or predominantly for the Customer’s trade, profession, manufacturing activity or business operations, consumer-specific statutory remedies may be limited or unavailable depending on applicable law.
Other contractual or statutory rights may nevertheless remain available.
98.39 Free Products
Free Products generally do not involve a monetary Product price capable of being refunded.
However, nothing in this Policy excludes any mandatory legal right that may independently apply to free digital content or related personal-data arrangements in a particular jurisdiction.
98.40 Promotional Products
Purchasing a Product through a lawful discount, coupon or promotion does not by itself eliminate mandatory consumer rights that would otherwise apply to the transaction.
Any monetary remedy may nevertheless be based on the amount actually paid, subject to applicable law.
98.41 Sale and Discount Labels
A Product being described as discounted, promotional or on sale does not automatically make the Product exempt from mandatory consumer protections concerning defects, misdescription or other legally protected issues.
98.42 No Contractual Exclusion of Non-Excludable Rights
Any statement such as “no refund,” “final sale,” “non-refundable” or similar wording used by AKBSTOCK must be interpreted subject to mandatory law.
Such wording describes AKBSTOCK’s contractual policy only to the extent that applicable law permits the relevant restriction.
98.43 Policy Cannot Override Applicable Statute
If a provision of this Policy conflicts with a mandatory statutory consumer protection applicable to a particular transaction, the mandatory statutory requirement will prevail to the extent of the conflict.
This does not automatically invalidate provisions of this Policy that remain compatible with applicable law.
98.44 Minimum Legal Rights
This Policy should not be interpreted as providing Customers with less than the minimum rights that applicable mandatory law requires.
AKBSTOCK may voluntarily provide remedies that exceed those minimum requirements where it considers such action appropriate.
98.45 Voluntary Remedies
Where AKBSTOCK voluntarily grants a refund, replacement, correction, credit or other accommodation beyond what mandatory law requires, that action does not necessarily create a permanent obligation to provide the same discretionary remedy in every future case.
98.46 Case-Specific Assessment
Mandatory consumer rights may require consideration of the Customer’s location, legal status, transaction purpose, Product type, date of purchase, method of supply and other legally relevant circumstances.
AKBSTOCK may therefore assess statutory refund claims on a case-specific basis where appropriate.
98.47 Customer Location
A Customer’s physical location may be relevant to determining which mandatory consumer laws apply, but location alone does not necessarily determine the governing legal framework.
Other legally relevant factors may also need to be considered.
98.48 International Transactions
AKBSTOCK may supply digital Products to Customers in multiple jurisdictions. Consumer rights and digital-content rules may therefore differ between Customers.
This Policy is intended to provide a consistent general framework while preserving mandatory rights that validly apply to particular international transactions.
98.49 No Representation That Every Foreign Law Applies
The availability of AKBSTOCK Products in a country does not by itself constitute a representation that every consumer law of that country necessarily applies to every AKBSTOCK transaction.
The applicable legal framework must be determined according to relevant conflict-of-law rules and other applicable legal principles.
98.50 Governing Law Clauses
Any governing-law provision contained in AKBSTOCK’s Terms & Conditions or License Agreements will apply only to the extent legally enforceable.
Such a provision is not intended to deprive an eligible consumer of mandatory protections that applicable law does not permit to be contractually excluded.
98.51 Jurisdiction Clauses
Any contractual provision concerning courts, dispute forums or jurisdiction will operate subject to mandatory procedural or consumer rights that applicable law may provide.
98.52 Statutory Limitation Periods
Nothing in this Policy is intended to unlawfully shorten a mandatory statutory period within which an eligible Customer may exercise a consumer right or legal remedy.
AKBSTOCK’s internal refund-request timelines apply only to the extent they are legally enforceable.
98.53 Policy Deadlines
A contractual deadline stated elsewhere in this Policy does not eliminate a mandatory statutory claim that applicable law permits the Customer to make after that contractual deadline.
98.54 License Rights Following Mandatory Refund
Where a mandatory refund results in termination of the underlying Product transaction, the effect on Product access and License rights will be determined according to applicable law, Section 96 – Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights and the relevant AKBSTOCK License Agreement.
98.55 No Automatic Continued License After Full Refund
A statutory entitlement to a full refund does not necessarily mean that the Customer also retains indefinite future commercial use rights in the refunded Product.
The post-refund License position must be determined under applicable law and the relevant License Agreement.
98.56 No Automatic Loss of Unrelated Licenses
A mandatory refund relating to one Product or transaction does not automatically terminate separate valid Licenses arising from unrelated properly paid transactions.
98.57 Account Restrictions and Consumer Rights
Account restrictions applied for legitimate fraud, security or abuse-prevention purposes do not eliminate mandatory consumer rights relating to valid transactions.
AKBSTOCK will not use Account status solely as a basis to avoid a legally required remedy.
98.58 Account Closure
Closing an AKBSTOCK Account does not automatically extinguish a mandatory consumer claim that applicable law permits the Customer to pursue after Account closure.
AKBSTOCK may retain transaction records reasonably necessary to process or defend such claims.
98.59 Privacy Rights Remain Separate
Consumer refund rights and privacy rights are related in some circumstances but remain legally distinct.
Refund processing does not eliminate rights concerning personal information that may separately arise under applicable privacy law.
98.60 Transaction Records
AKBSTOCK may retain transaction, refund, License and related records where legally required or otherwise lawfully permitted even after a statutory refund has been completed.
Recordkeeping is governed further by Section 97 – Refund Records & Transaction Records and the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy.
98.61 Customer Communications
Where reasonably practicable, AKBSTOCK may communicate the outcome of a statutory refund or remedy request and any relevant consequences for Product access or License rights.
98.62 Statutory Remedy Requests
A Customer who believes that a mandatory consumer right applies may contact AKBSTOCK with sufficient information to identify the transaction and explain the requested remedy.
AKBSTOCK may review the request according to the relevant facts and applicable legal requirements.
98.63 Customer Should Identify Relevant Circumstances
Where relevant, a Customer may be asked to provide reasonable information concerning the Product, transaction, issue encountered and jurisdiction or legal basis relied upon.
This does not shift to the Customer any legal burden that applicable law places on AKBSTOCK.
98.64 AKBSTOCK Review
AKBSTOCK may review whether the Customer qualifies for the claimed statutory remedy, whether the relevant law applies and whether the legal conditions for that remedy have been satisfied.
AKBSTOCK may seek professional legal advice where necessary.
98.65 Good-Faith Resolution
AKBSTOCK seeks to address legitimate consumer claims in good faith and in a manner consistent with applicable mandatory law.
Where an issue can reasonably be resolved through correction, replacement, restored access or another legally appropriate remedy, AKBSTOCK may offer that remedy.
98.66 No Admission of Universal Legal Applicability
AKBSTOCK’s decision to provide a refund, replacement or other remedy in a particular case does not necessarily constitute an admission that the same consumer law, legal classification or remedy applies to every other Customer or transaction.
98.67 Voluntary Resolution Without Admission
AKBSTOCK may resolve a Customer issue voluntarily without admitting legal liability where doing so provides a reasonable and efficient resolution.
Any such resolution remains subject to mandatory law.
98.68 Severability
If any provision of this Refund & Cancellation Policy is found to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable under mandatory consumer law, that provision should be interpreted or limited to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable where legally possible.
The remaining provisions will continue to apply to the extent permitted by law.
98.69 No Waiver Through Acceptance of Terms
A Customer’s acceptance of AKBSTOCK’s Terms & Conditions, Refund & Cancellation Policy or License Agreement does not constitute a waiver of any mandatory consumer right that applicable law prohibits the Customer from waiving.
98.70 No Waiver Through Download
Downloading a Product does not by itself constitute a waiver of a mandatory legal remedy unless applicable law permits the relevant right to be waived or lost and all legally required conditions for that result have been satisfied.
98.71 No Waiver Through Commercial Use
Commercial use of a Product does not automatically eliminate every mandatory statutory right that may apply to the transaction, although the Customer’s commercial purpose may be relevant to determining whether the Customer legally qualifies as a consumer.
98.72 No Waiver Through Delay Where Law Protects the Claim
Failure to contact AKBSTOCK within an internal support period does not extinguish a statutory claim where applicable mandatory law provides the Customer with a longer legally protected period.
98.73 Relationship With General Refund Principle
Section 68 – General Refund Principle applies subject to this Section. Where the general AKBSTOCK refund rule conflicts with a non-excludable statutory consumer remedy, the mandatory legal remedy will prevail to the extent required.
98.74 Relationship With Non-Refundable Circumstances
Section 70 – When Refunds Are Normally Not Available describes AKBSTOCK’s ordinary contractual restrictions and should not be interpreted as excluding refunds that mandatory law requires.
98.75 Relationship With Downloaded Products
Section 72 – Downloaded & Accessed Digital Products applies subject to any mandatory statutory remedy available for downloaded digital content.
98.76 Relationship With Technical Remedies
Sections 73 – Technical Problems & Support Before Refund, 74 – Corrupted, Defective or Unusable Files, 75 – Incorrect Product or File Delivered and 76 – Replacement, Repair or Restored Access Before Refund apply subject to mandatory consumer-remedy requirements.
98.77 Relationship With Refund Procedure
Sections 81 – Refund Request Procedure, 82 – Information & Evidence Required for Refund Requests, 83 – Refund Review & Verification and 84 – Approval or Rejection of Refund Requests apply to statutory claims only to the extent that their procedural requirements are reasonable and legally permissible.
98.78 Relationship With Refund Processing
Sections 85 – Processing Approved Refunds, 86 – Refund Method & Processing Time and 87 – Currency, Bank & Payment Provider Differences apply subject to any mandatory legal requirements concerning refund timing, method, amount or fees.
98.79 Relationship With Subscriptions
Section 89 – Subscription Cancellations & Refunds and the applicable Subscription Agreement operate subject to mandatory Subscription and consumer rights that validly apply to the Customer.
98.80 Relationship With Exclusive Licenses
Section 90 – Exclusive License Transactions and the applicable Exclusive License Agreement operate subject to mandatory rights that cannot legally be excluded, while recognizing that many Exclusive License transactions may be commercial rather than consumer transactions.
98.81 Relationship With Chargebacks
Section 93 – Chargebacks & Payment Disputes does not restrict legitimate statutory payment-dispute rights available to Customers.
98.82 Relationship With Account Restrictions
Sections 94 – Fraudulent, Abusive & Repeated Refund Requests and 95 – Account Restrictions Related to Refund Abuse should not be applied merely because a Customer exercises a legitimate mandatory consumer right.
98.83 Relationship With Product Access & License Rights
Section 96 – Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights governs the general License consequences of refunds, subject to mandatory law and the applicable Commercial, Subscription or Exclusive License Agreement.
98.84 Relationship With Transaction Records
Section 97 – Refund Records & Transaction Records governs AKBSTOCK’s general transaction recordkeeping framework. Mandatory privacy, accounting, tax and consumer requirements remain applicable to those records.
98.85 Relationship With Privacy Policy
Any personal information processed in connection with a consumer complaint, refund request or statutory remedy will be handled according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable privacy law.
98.86 Relationship With Terms & Conditions
AKBSTOCK’s Terms & Conditions should be read together with this Policy. Neither document is intended to exclude a mandatory consumer protection that applicable law does not permit AKBSTOCK to exclude.
98.87 Relationship With License Agreements
The applicable AKBSTOCK License Agreement governs the Customer’s Product-use rights, but License terms remain subject to any mandatory legal protections that cannot validly be excluded by contract.
98.88 Consumer Protection Savings Clause
To the maximum extent permitted by law, this Policy should be interpreted consistently with applicable mandatory consumer protection requirements rather than in a manner that unlawfully removes or restricts them.
If applicable mandatory law provides an eligible Customer with a remedy that cannot legally be excluded, that remedy remains available notwithstanding contrary general wording elsewhere in this Policy.
98.89 Fair Consumer Treatment Principle
AKBSTOCK seeks to maintain a fair balance between protecting the integrity of digital Product transactions and respecting legitimate Customer rights.
AKBSTOCK’s digital nature, refund restrictions and fraud-prevention measures should not be used to avoid genuine mandatory consumer obligations, while mandatory consumer protections should not be interpreted as authorizing fraudulent, abusive or duplicative refund claims.
98.90 Section Summary
AKBSTOCK’s Refund & Cancellation Policy provides the general contractual framework for refunds, cancellations and digital Product remedies. However, nothing in this Policy is intended to exclude, restrict or waive a mandatory consumer right that applicable law does not permit AKBSTOCK to exclude.
Where an eligible Customer has mandatory rights concerning defective, corrupted, incorrectly supplied, misdescribed or otherwise legally non-conforming digital content, AKBSTOCK will apply the legally required remedy. Mandatory requirements concerning cancellation, refund timing, refund method, recurring billing, payment disputes and other consumer protections will also prevail to the extent legally applicable.
Not every AKBSTOCK Customer or transaction will necessarily qualify for consumer protection. Business, professional, manufacturing and commercial purchases may be treated differently under applicable law. The applicable rights therefore depend on the Customer’s legal status, transaction purpose, jurisdiction and other legally relevant circumstances.
AKBSTOCK’s contractual restrictions, including provisions concerning downloaded Products, non-refundable transactions, Subscriptions, Exclusive Licenses, Account restrictions and License termination, must be read subject to non-excludable statutory rights. At the same time, mandatory consumer protection does not require AKBSTOCK to accept fraudulent, abusive or duplicate refund claims.
99. International Customers & Local Consumer Laws
99.1 International Availability
AKBSTOCK operates as an online digital textile design platform and may make Products, Licenses, Subscriptions and related services available to Customers located in multiple countries and jurisdictions.
Because Customers may access AKBSTOCK internationally, different legal, consumer, payment, tax and digital-content requirements may potentially apply to different transactions.
99.2 General International Principle
This Refund & Cancellation Policy establishes a general framework intended to apply consistently to AKBSTOCK transactions while remaining subject to mandatory local laws that validly apply to a particular Customer or transaction.
Where applicable mandatory law provides a right that cannot legally be excluded or restricted by contract, that right will apply to the extent required by law.
99.3 Laws Differ Between Countries
Consumer protection, digital-content, cancellation, refund, payment and e-commerce laws may differ substantially between countries and regions.
A right available to a Customer in one jurisdiction may not necessarily exist, or may operate differently, for a Customer in another jurisdiction.
99.4 No Universal Consumer Law
There is no single consumer protection framework that automatically applies in the same manner to every AKBSTOCK Customer worldwide.
The applicable legal position may depend on the Customer’s location, legal status, transaction purpose, AKBSTOCK’s activities relating to the relevant jurisdiction and other legally relevant circumstances.
99.5 Availability Does Not Automatically Establish Legal Applicability
The fact that the AKBSTOCK Website can technically be accessed from a particular country does not by itself mean that every law of that country necessarily applies to AKBSTOCK or to every transaction completed from that country.
The applicable legal framework must be determined according to relevant legal principles and the circumstances of the transaction.
99.6 Customer Location
A Customer’s country or place of residence may be relevant when determining applicable mandatory consumer rights.
However, Customer location may be only one of several factors relevant to determining the law applicable to a particular transaction.
99.7 Transaction Location
The location from which a Customer accesses the Website, submits an order or completes payment does not necessarily determine by itself which country’s laws govern the transaction.
Other contractual, commercial and legal factors may also be relevant.
99.8 Temporary Travel
A Customer’s temporary physical presence in a country while accessing or purchasing from AKBSTOCK does not necessarily mean that all consumer laws of that temporary location apply to the transaction.
The applicable legal position depends on the relevant facts and law.
99.9 VPNs and Technical Location Signals
Technical location indicators, including IP addresses or similar signals, may not always accurately establish a Customer’s legal residence or location.
AKBSTOCK may therefore consider other reasonably available information where location is legally relevant to a refund or consumer-rights assessment.
99.10 Customer-Provided Country Information
Customers should provide accurate country, billing and Account information where such information is requested for legitimate transaction, payment, tax, licensing or legal purposes.
Materially inaccurate location information may affect AKBSTOCK’s ability to correctly administer applicable transaction requirements.
99.11 Consumer Status
Whether a Customer qualifies as a consumer under local law may depend on the legal definition applicable in the relevant jurisdiction and the purpose for which the Product was purchased.
AKBSTOCK does not assume that every international Customer automatically qualifies as a consumer.
99.12 Business and Professional Customers
Customers purchasing AKBSTOCK Products primarily for textile production, professional design work, manufacturing, resale, client work or other business purposes may be treated as business or professional Customers under applicable law.
Such Customers may have different rights from individual consumers.
99.13 Mixed-Purpose Transactions
Where a Product is purchased partly for personal purposes and partly for business or professional purposes, the Customer’s legal status may depend on the rules applicable in the relevant jurisdiction and the predominant purpose of the transaction where legally relevant.
99.14 Digital Nature of Products
AKBSTOCK Products are generally supplied digitally rather than as physical goods.
Local laws may classify such Products as digital content, digital services, electronically supplied content, licensed intellectual property or another legal category, and the applicable rights may vary accordingly.
99.15 Digital Content Rules
Some jurisdictions provide specific legal rules concerning digital content, including requirements relating to conformity, functionality, compatibility, remedies, withdrawal or cancellation.
AKBSTOCK will respect such requirements where they are mandatory and legally applicable to the relevant transaction.
99.16 Immediate Digital Delivery
AKBSTOCK Products may become available for download or access shortly after a successful transaction.
Where local law permits cancellation or withdrawal rights to change after digital supply begins, AKBSTOCK may implement legally appropriate consent, acknowledgement or other checkout mechanisms required for that jurisdiction.
99.17 Local Withdrawal Rights
Some jurisdictions may provide eligible consumers with statutory withdrawal or cancellation rights for certain online transactions.
The existence, duration, exceptions and effect of such rights depend on applicable local law and the nature of the digital Product or service.
99.18 Loss or Limitation of Withdrawal Rights
Where applicable law permits a statutory withdrawal right for digital content to expire, be lost or become limited after digital performance begins with legally valid Customer consent or acknowledgement, AKBSTOCK may rely on that legal framework.
AKBSTOCK will not treat the right as waived where the legally required conditions for waiver or loss have not been satisfied.
99.19 Downloaded Products
AKBSTOCK’s general restrictions concerning refunds after Product download or access apply subject to mandatory local consumer laws.
A download does not automatically eliminate a legally protected remedy for defective, materially misdescribed, incorrectly supplied or otherwise legally non-conforming digital content.
99.20 Change-of-Mind Purchases
AKBSTOCK does not generally provide refunds merely because a Customer changes their mind after purchasing and accessing a correctly supplied digital Product, except where this Policy provides otherwise.
This general rule remains subject to any mandatory local cancellation or withdrawal right that validly applies.
99.21 Defective Products
Where local law provides mandatory remedies for defective or non-conforming digital Products, AKBSTOCK will apply those remedies to the extent legally required.
Depending on applicable law and circumstances, the appropriate remedy may include correction, replacement, restored access, price adjustment or refund.
99.22 Incorrectly Supplied Products
Local consumer law may provide remedies where a Customer receives a materially different Product from the Product purchased.
AKBSTOCK’s replacement and refund procedures apply subject to any mandatory local requirements.
99.23 Product Description Requirements
Where local law requires digital Products to correspond materially with descriptions, specifications or other legally required representations, AKBSTOCK will apply such mandatory requirements where legally applicable.
99.24 Compatibility and Functionality Requirements
Some jurisdictions may impose mandatory requirements concerning information about digital Product functionality, compatibility or interoperability.
Where such requirements legally apply, AKBSTOCK’s Product information and refund procedures will be interpreted consistently with those requirements.
99.25 Local Refund Rights
Where an eligible Customer has a mandatory local right to a refund that cannot lawfully be excluded, AKBSTOCK will provide the legally required remedy notwithstanding a contrary general contractual restriction in this Policy.
99.26 Local Refund Deadlines
Where applicable law requires a statutory refund to be issued within a particular period, that legally required period will apply to the extent mandatory.
Payment-provider or banking settlement time after AKBSTOCK has properly initiated the refund may remain outside AKBSTOCK’s direct control.
99.27 Local Refund Method Requirements
Where applicable law requires a refund to be returned through the original payment method or otherwise prescribes the permitted refund method, AKBSTOCK will comply to the extent legally required and technically possible.
99.28 Currency Differences
International transactions may involve currency conversion, exchange-rate movements or payment-provider conversion practices.
The Customer’s final credited amount may therefore differ from the originally displayed or debited amount where permitted by applicable law and caused by independent currency or financial-provider processes.
99.29 Bank Charges
International banks, card issuers, wallets or other payment providers may impose charges that AKBSTOCK does not directly control.
Responsibility for such charges will be determined according to the relevant transaction, provider terms and applicable law.
99.30 Taxes and Duties
International digital transactions may be subject to taxes, levies, withholding requirements or similar charges depending on the Customer’s jurisdiction and applicable law.
The refund treatment of such amounts may depend on whether AKBSTOCK collected the amount, whether it has been remitted and the applicable tax rules.
99.31 Payment Methods Differ by Country
Not every payment method may be available in every country, currency or jurisdiction.
AKBSTOCK may offer different payment options depending on technical availability, payment-provider support, regulatory requirements and commercial considerations.
99.32 Payment Provider Rules
International payment providers may apply their own processing, verification, dispute and refund rules in addition to AKBSTOCK’s policies.
Such third-party rules do not override mandatory legal rights that validly apply to the Customer.
99.33 Chargebacks and International Payments
Chargeback and payment-dispute rights may differ by payment method, card network, provider and jurisdiction.
Nothing in this Policy is intended to prevent a Customer from exercising a legitimate payment-dispute right legally available to them.
99.34 Fraudulent Chargebacks
The existence of local consumer or payment rights does not authorize fraudulent chargebacks, fabricated disputes or duplicate reimbursement attempts.
AKBSTOCK may respond to suspected abuse through appropriate payment-provider, contractual or legal procedures.
99.35 Subscription Laws
Some jurisdictions regulate recurring billing, automatic renewal, Subscription cancellation, renewal notices or related disclosures.
Where such rules are mandatory and legally applicable to an AKBSTOCK Subscription, AKBSTOCK will apply the relevant requirements.
99.36 Subscription Cancellation Rights
Local law may provide eligible Customers with rights concerning cancellation of future Subscription renewals or recurring charges.
AKBSTOCK’s Subscription terms will operate subject to such mandatory rights where applicable.
99.37 Subscription Refund Rights
Where applicable local law requires a refund, price reduction or other remedy relating to an AKBSTOCK Subscription, the mandatory requirement will apply to the extent legally required.
Otherwise, Section 89 – Subscription Cancellations & Refunds and the applicable Subscription Agreement will govern.
99.38 Commercial License Customers
Many AKBSTOCK Products may be purchased for commercial textile design, printing, manufacturing, merchandising or client work.
The commercial nature of a transaction may affect whether consumer-specific local laws apply, but it does not automatically eliminate other contractual or statutory rights.
99.39 Exclusive License Customers
Exclusive License transactions may involve substantial business and intellectual property rights and may be treated differently from ordinary consumer digital-content purchases under applicable law.
The Customer’s legal status and transaction purpose should therefore be considered when determining whether local consumer protections apply.
99.40 Free Products
Local law may treat free digital Products differently from paid digital Products.
Although no monetary Product price exists to refund, other mandatory rights may still apply where legally relevant.
99.41 Promotional Purchases
A discount, coupon or promotional price does not automatically eliminate local mandatory consumer protections.
Where a refund is legally required, the refundable amount may generally reflect the amount actually paid, subject to applicable law.
99.42 Local Language Requirements
Some jurisdictions may require particular consumer information, disclosures or contractual terms to be provided in a specified language or form.
Where such requirements are mandatory and legally applicable to AKBSTOCK, AKBSTOCK may provide additional localized information or disclosures as necessary.
99.43 Local Checkout Disclosures
AKBSTOCK may display country-specific or transaction-specific disclosures, consent mechanisms, notices or checkout terms where reasonably necessary to comply with applicable legal requirements.
Such localized disclosures should be read together with this Policy.
99.44 Local Supplemental Terms
AKBSTOCK may introduce supplemental terms or notices for particular countries, regions, Products, payment methods or services where legal or operational requirements make such terms appropriate.
Where applicable, those supplemental terms will operate together with this Policy.
99.45 Conflict With Local Supplemental Terms
If legally applicable supplemental terms expressly provide a different rule for a particular jurisdiction or transaction, those supplemental terms may control that specific matter to the extent stated and legally permissible.
The remainder of this Policy will continue to apply where not inconsistent.
99.46 Mandatory Law Prevails Where Required
If a provision of this Policy conflicts with a mandatory local consumer law that validly applies and cannot legally be excluded by contract, the mandatory legal requirement will prevail to the extent of that conflict.
This does not automatically invalidate the remainder of the Policy.
99.47 No Automatic Application of Most Favorable Law
A Customer is not automatically entitled to select whichever country’s consumer law provides the most favorable remedy merely because AKBSTOCK is accessible internationally.
The applicable law must have a valid legal connection to the Customer, transaction or AKBSTOCK under relevant legal principles.
99.48 Governing Law
Any governing-law provision contained in AKBSTOCK’s Terms & Conditions or applicable License Agreement will apply to the extent legally enforceable.
Such a provision is not intended to deprive an eligible consumer of mandatory protections that applicable law does not permit to be contractually excluded.
99.49 Jurisdiction and Courts
Any contractual provision concerning jurisdiction, courts or dispute forums will operate subject to mandatory procedural or consumer rights that applicable law may provide.
99.50 Conflict-of-Law Principles
Questions concerning which country’s law applies to an international transaction may be determined by applicable conflict-of-law rules, mandatory statutes, contractual provisions and other legally relevant factors.
This Policy does not attempt to replace those legal rules with a universal contractual assumption.
99.51 Local Statutory Limitation Periods
AKBSTOCK’s internal refund-request periods do not unlawfully shorten a mandatory statutory limitation or claim period that applicable local law preserves for an eligible Customer.
99.52 Internal Refund Deadlines
Any internal deadline stated in this Policy applies as a contractual procedure only to the extent legally enforceable.
Where mandatory local law gives an eligible Customer a longer protected period, the mandatory period will apply to the extent required.
99.53 Local Complaint Rights
Customers may have rights under applicable local law to submit complaints to consumer protection bodies, payment providers, regulators, courts or other competent authorities.
Nothing in this Policy is intended to unlawfully prevent exercise of such rights.
99.54 Alternative Dispute Resolution
Some jurisdictions may provide or require access to mediation, conciliation, alternative dispute resolution or similar consumer dispute mechanisms.
AKBSTOCK will participate where legally required and may voluntarily participate where appropriate.
99.55 Regulatory Authorities
Nothing in this Policy prevents a Customer from contacting a competent regulatory or consumer authority where the Customer has a legally protected right to do so.
99.56 Local Court Rights
Nothing in this Policy is intended to unlawfully remove a Customer’s mandatory right to bring a claim before a competent court where applicable law preserves such a right.
99.57 No Retaliation for Legitimate Local Rights
AKBSTOCK will not restrict a Customer Account merely because the Customer legitimately exercises a mandatory consumer, payment, complaint or regulatory right available under applicable law.
Independent action may still be taken where verified fraud, abuse or another material violation exists.
99.58 Fraud Is Not Protected by Local Consumer Rights
Nothing in this Section requires AKBSTOCK to accept fabricated claims, false evidence, fraudulent chargebacks, duplicate reimbursements or other abusive conduct merely because a Customer refers to consumer protection law.
AKBSTOCK may reasonably verify legitimate claims and respond to verified abuse.
99.59 Local Privacy Laws
International Customers may also have rights under privacy and data-protection laws applicable to their personal information.
Such rights are governed principally by the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable privacy law rather than by this Refund & Cancellation Policy.
99.60 Cross-Border Data Processing
Information relating to international transactions may be processed or stored across jurisdictions through hosting, payment, support, security or other authorized service providers.
Such processing will be governed by the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable data-protection requirements.
99.61 International Payment Records
AKBSTOCK may retain reasonable records of international payments, refunds, currency, payment-provider references and related transaction information for accounting, tax, licensing, fraud-prevention, dispute and legal purposes.
99.62 Local Recordkeeping Requirements
Transaction and refund records may be subject to different retention requirements under applicable tax, accounting, payment or other laws.
AKBSTOCK may retain records for the period legally required or otherwise lawfully justified.
99.63 Account Closure and Local Rights
Closing an AKBSTOCK Account does not automatically extinguish a valid mandatory consumer claim that applicable law allows the Customer to pursue after Account closure.
Relevant records may be retained where legally required or otherwise lawfully necessary.
99.64 Refund and License Consequences
Where a mandatory local refund fully reverses a Product transaction, the resulting effect on Product access and License rights will be determined according to applicable law, Section 96 – Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights and the relevant AKBSTOCK License Agreement.
99.65 Mandatory Refund Does Not Necessarily Preserve License
A Customer’s statutory entitlement to recover the full purchase price does not automatically mean that the Customer also retains unlimited future commercial rights in the refunded digital Product.
Post-refund License rights must be determined under applicable law and the relevant License Agreement.
99.66 Unrelated Licenses
A refund or mandatory remedy affecting one transaction does not automatically invalidate unrelated Products or Licenses obtained through separate valid transactions.
99.67 Existing Commercial Use
The effect of an international refund on Products already used in client work, manufacturing, printing or other commercial activity will depend on applicable law and the relevant AKBSTOCK License Agreement.
This Section does not independently create or remove surviving commercial rights.
99.68 Existing Physical Inventory
The treatment of physical inventory lawfully produced before a License terminates may depend on the applicable License Agreement and any mandatory local law.
No universal international sell-off right is created by this Policy.
99.69 Customer Responsibility for Local Business Requirements
Business and professional Customers remain responsible for determining whether their own use, manufacture, resale, import, export, labeling or distribution of products incorporating AKBSTOCK designs complies with laws applicable to their business activities.
A Product License does not constitute general legal approval of the Customer’s downstream commercial operations.
99.70 Export and Trade Restrictions
AKBSTOCK Products and services may be subject to applicable export, sanctions, trade or other legal restrictions in certain circumstances.
AKBSTOCK may restrict transactions or access where reasonably necessary to comply with legally binding requirements.
99.71 Restricted Jurisdictions
AKBSTOCK does not guarantee that Products, payment methods or services will be available in every country or territory.
Availability may be limited by legal requirements, payment-provider restrictions, technical limitations or legitimate business considerations.
99.72 Changes in Local Law
Consumer, digital-commerce, payment and related laws may change over time.
AKBSTOCK may update its policies, checkout processes or jurisdiction-specific disclosures where reasonably necessary to reflect legal or operational developments.
99.73 No Guarantee of Permanent Country-Specific Rules
A country-specific process or disclosure available at one time may be modified where applicable law, payment systems, regulatory requirements or AKBSTOCK’s operations change.
Any mandatory rights existing at the time of the relevant transaction remain subject to applicable law.
99.74 Local Legal Advice
Information in this Policy is intended to explain AKBSTOCK’s contractual refund framework and is not individualized legal advice to Customers concerning the laws of their jurisdiction.
Customers may obtain independent professional advice where they require guidance concerning their particular legal rights or obligations.
99.75 AKBSTOCK Legal Review
Where an international refund request raises a material question concerning mandatory local law, AKBSTOCK may obtain professional legal, accounting, tax or payment advice before determining the appropriate response.
99.76 Customer May Identify Applicable Local Right
A Customer who believes that a mandatory local consumer right applies may provide reasonable information identifying the transaction, jurisdiction and requested remedy.
AKBSTOCK may review the claim based on the relevant facts and applicable law.
99.77 No Improper Burden on Customer
AKBSTOCK will not intentionally impose unreasonable procedural requirements solely to prevent an eligible Customer from exercising a mandatory local consumer right.
Reasonable verification may nevertheless be required to identify the Customer, transaction and legal basis of the claim.
99.78 Good-Faith International Resolution
AKBSTOCK seeks to address legitimate international Customer complaints and legally applicable consumer claims in good faith.
Where appropriate, a matter may be resolved through correction, replacement, restored access, refund or another legally permissible remedy.
99.79 Voluntary International Accommodation
AKBSTOCK may voluntarily provide a refund, replacement or other accommodation to an international Customer even where the availability of a mandatory legal remedy is uncertain.
Such voluntary action does not necessarily establish that the same legal obligation applies to every Customer or jurisdiction.
99.80 No Admission Through Voluntary Resolution
A voluntary resolution of an international Customer issue does not necessarily constitute an admission of legal liability, jurisdiction or the applicability of a particular foreign law.
99.81 No Waiver of Non-Excludable Rights
A Customer’s acceptance of this Policy, the AKBSTOCK Terms & Conditions or an applicable License Agreement does not waive any mandatory local consumer right that applicable law does not permit the Customer to waive.
99.82 No Waiver Merely Through Download
A Customer’s download or access of a digital Product does not automatically waive a mandatory local remedy unless applicable law permits that result and all legally required conditions have been satisfied.
99.83 No Waiver Through Acceptance of “Non-Refundable” Term
Any “non-refundable,” “no refund,” “final sale” or similar wording used by AKBSTOCK must be interpreted subject to applicable mandatory local law.
Such wording cannot lawfully remove a right that applicable law makes non-excludable.
99.84 Severability in International Transactions
If a provision of this Policy is invalid or unenforceable under mandatory law applicable to a particular international transaction, that provision should be limited or interpreted to the minimum extent necessary where legally possible.
The remaining provisions will continue to operate to the extent permitted by law.
99.85 No Automatic Worldwide Invalidity
A provision being unenforceable in relation to one jurisdiction or Customer does not automatically make that provision unenforceable in every other jurisdiction or transaction.
Enforceability may depend on the law applicable to the particular circumstances.
99.86 Relationship With Mandatory Consumer Rights
This Section should be read together with Section 98 – Mandatory Consumer Rights.
Section 98 establishes the general protection of non-excludable consumer rights, while this Section explains how those principles may operate in international and cross-border transactions.
99.87 Relationship With Currency and Payment Differences
Section 87 – Currency, Bank & Payment Provider Differences applies to international refund amounts, exchange-rate effects, payment-provider processing and related financial differences, subject to mandatory local law.
99.88 Relationship With Subscriptions
Section 89 – Subscription Cancellations & Refunds and the applicable Subscription Agreement govern AKBSTOCK Subscription transactions subject to mandatory recurring-billing, cancellation and consumer requirements validly applicable in the relevant jurisdiction.
99.89 Relationship With Exclusive Licenses
Section 90 – Exclusive License Transactions and the applicable Exclusive License Agreement govern Exclusive License refunds and related rights, subject to any mandatory law validly applicable to the particular Customer and transaction.
99.90 Relationship With Chargebacks
Section 93 – Chargebacks & Payment Disputes applies to international payment disputes, subject to mandatory rights provided by applicable payment or consumer law.
99.91 Relationship With Product Access and License Rights
Section 96 – Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights determines the general consequences of refunds for Product access and licensing, subject to applicable local law and the relevant License Agreement.
99.92 Relationship With Transaction Records
Section 97 – Refund Records & Transaction Records applies to international transaction and refund records subject to applicable privacy, accounting, tax, payment and recordkeeping requirements.
99.93 Relationship With Privacy Policy
International processing of personal information, cross-border data transfers, privacy rights and related matters are governed principally by the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable data-protection law.
99.94 Relationship With Terms & Conditions
The AKBSTOCK Terms & Conditions establish the broader contractual framework governing Website and service use.
Any governing-law, jurisdiction, dispute or international-use provisions contained in those Terms should be read together with this Section and subject to applicable mandatory law.
99.95 Relationship With License Agreements
Commercial, Subscription and Exclusive License Agreements determine the substantive Product-use rights associated with AKBSTOCK Products.
Those Agreements remain subject to mandatory legal requirements that cannot validly be excluded in the circumstances of a particular international transaction.
99.96 International Fairness Principle
AKBSTOCK seeks to apply its Refund & Cancellation Policy consistently across international Customers while recognizing that legally mandatory rights may differ between jurisdictions.
Consistency does not require AKBSTOCK to ignore valid local legal requirements, and local legal differences do not automatically entitle every Customer to the most favorable rule available anywhere in the world.
99.97 Local Law Savings Clause
Nothing in this Policy is intended to exclude, restrict or waive a mandatory local consumer protection, digital-content remedy, payment right or other statutory protection that applicable law does not permit AKBSTOCK to exclude, restrict or waive.
Where such a mandatory requirement validly applies, this Policy will be interpreted consistently with that requirement to the extent legally necessary.
99.98 No Expansion Beyond Applicable Law
Nothing in this Section should be interpreted as voluntarily making every foreign consumer law applicable to AKBSTOCK where that law would not otherwise legally apply.
This Section preserves legally applicable mandatory rights without creating additional jurisdiction, obligations or remedies solely by contractual wording.
99.99 Case-Specific Application
Where an international Customer relies on a particular local consumer right, the applicable legal position may need to be determined according to the Customer’s status, location, transaction purpose, Product type, method of supply and other legally relevant circumstances.
AKBSTOCK may therefore assess international statutory claims individually where necessary rather than assuming that one jurisdiction’s rules govern every transaction.
99.100 Section Summary
AKBSTOCK may provide digital Products, Licenses and Subscriptions to Customers located in multiple countries. Consumer protection, digital-content, payment, cancellation and refund laws may differ between those jurisdictions, and no single foreign consumer law automatically applies to every AKBSTOCK transaction merely because the Website is internationally accessible.
Where a mandatory local law validly applies to an eligible Customer and provides a right that cannot legally be excluded, AKBSTOCK’s Refund & Cancellation Policy will operate subject to that right. This may include legally applicable rights concerning defective or non-conforming digital Products, statutory cancellation, refund timing, payment disputes, recurring billing or other protected matters.
At the same time, this Policy does not voluntarily make every country’s consumer laws applicable to AKBSTOCK. The applicable legal framework may depend on the Customer’s legal status, location, transaction purpose, Product type and other relevant circumstances. Business and professional Customers may also be treated differently from individual consumers under applicable law.
International Customers remain subject to AKBSTOCK’s general refund, payment and licensing framework except where mandatory applicable law requires a different result. Any governing-law, jurisdiction, License, Subscription, Account or refund provisions must therefore be read together with this Section, Section 98 – Mandatory Consumer Rights and the applicable AKBSTOCK legal documents.
100. Third-Party Payment Providers
100.1 General Payment Provider Principle
AKBSTOCK may use banks, payment gateways, payment aggregators, card networks, wallet providers and other authorized third-party payment service providers to facilitate payments, refunds, recurring transactions and related financial services.
Such providers operate independently or in coordination with AKBSTOCK according to their respective roles, technical systems, contractual arrangements and applicable law.
100.2 Role of Third-Party Payment Providers
Third-party payment providers may assist with payment authorization, transaction processing, settlement, currency conversion, refund processing, fraud screening, payment verification, recurring billing or dispute management.
The exact role of each provider may differ depending on the payment method used by the Customer.
100.3 AKBSTOCK Does Not Operate Every Financial System
AKBSTOCK does not independently operate or control every bank, card network, wallet, payment gateway or financial infrastructure involved in a transaction.
Certain aspects of payment processing may therefore be controlled by independent financial institutions or payment service providers.
100.4 Payment Method Availability
Available payment methods may depend on the Customer’s country, currency, device, payment provider, transaction amount, technical availability and other legitimate factors.
AKBSTOCK does not guarantee that every payment method will be available for every Customer or transaction.
100.5 Payment Provider Selection
Customers may be offered one or more eligible payment methods during checkout.
Where multiple methods are available, the Customer may choose an available payment option subject to the applicable provider’s requirements.
100.6 Provider Terms May Apply
Use of a third-party payment method may also be subject to the payment provider’s own terms, privacy policies, security procedures, dispute processes and other applicable rules.
Those third-party terms operate separately from AKBSTOCK’s own legal documents.
100.7 Customer Agreement With Payment Provider
A Customer may have an independent contractual relationship with their bank, card issuer, wallet provider or other financial service provider.
AKBSTOCK is not a party to every separate agreement between the Customer and those independent institutions.
100.8 Payment Authorization
A payment may require authorization from the Customer’s bank, card issuer, wallet provider or another applicable financial institution before the transaction can be completed.
AKBSTOCK may not be able to override a legitimate provider decision to approve, decline, delay or require additional verification for a transaction.
100.9 Payment Declines
A payment provider may decline a transaction because of security controls, insufficient authorization, payment-method restrictions, account limitations or other provider-side reasons.
AKBSTOCK may not always receive the complete confidential reason for a provider’s decline.
100.10 Customer Bank Declines
If the Customer’s bank or card issuer declines a payment, the Customer may need to contact that financial institution directly for additional information.
AKBSTOCK may provide available transaction information but cannot require the Customer’s bank to approve a transaction.
100.11 Payment Verification
Payment providers may require authentication, verification or additional security steps before completing certain transactions.
Customers may need to complete those provider-controlled steps in order for the payment to succeed.
100.12 Fraud Screening
Third-party payment providers may use fraud-detection, risk-management or transaction-monitoring systems independently of AKBSTOCK.
Such systems may temporarily delay, decline, review or restrict a transaction according to the provider’s rules and applicable law.
100.13 AKBSTOCK Fraud Controls
AKBSTOCK may also apply its own reasonable security and fraud-prevention measures in addition to those used by third-party payment providers.
A transaction may therefore be subject to both AKBSTOCK and provider-side verification.
100.14 Payment Processing Status
AKBSTOCK may rely on payment-provider status information when determining whether a payment is successful, pending, failed, reversed, refunded or disputed.
Credible evidence of a provider or system error may nevertheless be reviewed where appropriate.
100.15 Pending Transactions
A payment may remain pending while a payment provider completes authorization, settlement, verification or another processing step.
A pending transaction does not necessarily mean that AKBSTOCK has received final settled funds.
100.16 Failed Transactions
Where a payment fails, Product access or order completion may remain unavailable until a valid payment is successfully processed.
A failed transaction may also be automatically reversed by the applicable payment provider without requiring a separate AKBSTOCK refund.
100.17 Payment Reversals
A payment provider may reverse, void or release a transaction where the payment does not complete or where another valid financial-processing reason exists.
Such a reversal may appear differently from a merchant-initiated refund in the Customer’s financial account.
100.18 Temporary Authorization Holds
Some payment methods may temporarily reserve funds during authorization before final settlement.
If the transaction does not complete, the financial institution may release the hold according to its own processing procedures.
100.19 Settlement
Payment settlement may occur after the Customer’s payment is authorized and may involve one or more financial institutions.
AKBSTOCK may rely on the final payment-provider settlement status when determining whether the transaction has been financially completed.
100.20 Settlement Delays
Settlement may occasionally be delayed because of payment-provider processing, banking systems, regulatory checks, technical issues or other financial circumstances.
AKBSTOCK cannot guarantee the processing speed of independent financial institutions.
100.21 Refund Processing Through Providers
Approved refunds may be submitted through the payment provider or financial channel associated with the original transaction.
After AKBSTOCK initiates the refund, additional processing may be required by the relevant bank, card network, payment gateway or other financial provider.
100.22 Refund Availability Depends on Payment Method
The technical process available for a refund may differ according to the payment method used for the original purchase.
Certain providers may support full refunds, partial refunds or other forms of transaction reversal differently.
100.23 Full Refunds
Where an approved full refund is technically supported, AKBSTOCK may submit the full eligible amount through the applicable payment provider.
The refund remains subject to any mandatory legal or provider requirements applicable to the transaction.
100.24 Partial Refunds
Where technically supported, AKBSTOCK may issue a partial refund through the applicable payment provider where only part of the transaction qualifies for reimbursement.
The unaffected portion of the transaction may remain valid.
100.25 Multiple Partial Refunds
Some payment systems may permit multiple partial refunds up to the amount properly refundable for the original transaction.
AKBSTOCK may use such functionality where reasonably necessary to correct separate eligible amounts.
100.26 Refund Destination
An approved refund will ordinarily be returned through the original payment method where reasonably practicable and supported by the applicable provider.
Alternative refund arrangements may require additional verification and must remain consistent with applicable law and payment-provider rules.
100.27 Closed Payment Method
If the Customer’s original payment method has been closed, expired or replaced, the provider or financial institution may determine how the refund is routed or credited.
The Customer may need to contact their bank or payment provider where the treatment of a closed account is controlled by that institution.
100.28 Refund Processing Time
Different payment providers may require different periods to process and display refunds.
AKBSTOCK does not guarantee one universal provider-side refund completion period for every payment method.
100.29 Provider Processing Begins After AKBSTOCK Action
Where AKBSTOCK has validly initiated an approved refund, the remaining time before the Customer sees the refund may depend on the applicable provider, card network, bank or other financial institution.
100.30 Refund Tracking
Where available, AKBSTOCK may provide a refund transaction reference, payment-provider reference or other relevant information to assist the Customer in tracing an approved refund.
100.31 Missing Refund
If an approved refund does not appear after a reasonable provider-processing period, the Customer may contact AKBSTOCK and, where appropriate, their bank or payment provider.
AKBSTOCK may review available refund status information and provide reasonable assistance.
100.32 Failed Refund
A refund may fail because of a provider restriction, closed financial account, technical issue or another processing condition.
Where an approved refund fails, AKBSTOCK may investigate and reattempt or use another lawful method where reasonably available.
100.33 Provider-Side Fees
Payment providers, banks or card issuers may impose transaction, conversion, international or other financial charges according to their own terms.
Where such charges are independently imposed and are not received by AKBSTOCK, they are not automatically treated as AKBSTOCK charges.
100.34 Merchant Processing Fees
AKBSTOCK may incur payment-processing or transaction fees charged by its payment providers.
The existence of such merchant-side processing costs does not by itself reduce a Customer refund where applicable law or AKBSTOCK’s approved refund decision requires the eligible amount to be returned.
100.35 Refund Provider Fees
The financial treatment of payment-processing fees after a refund may depend on the applicable payment provider’s commercial terms.
AKBSTOCK will not automatically deduct provider-side merchant costs from a Customer refund without an appropriate contractual and legal basis.
100.36 Currency Conversion
A payment provider or Customer financial institution may perform currency conversion when the Customer’s account currency differs from the AKBSTOCK transaction currency.
The conversion rate may be determined independently by the provider or financial institution.
100.37 Refund Currency Conversion
Currency conversion may also occur when a refund is processed.
The local-currency amount ultimately received by the Customer may differ from the original local-currency debit because exchange rates or provider conversion practices may change between purchase and refund.
100.38 International Payment Providers
Cross-border transactions may involve international payment networks, correspondent institutions or payment providers operating across multiple jurisdictions.
This may affect transaction processing, currency conversion, settlement and refund timing.
100.39 Provider Availability by Country
AKBSTOCK may add, remove or limit a payment provider in a particular country where necessary because of legal requirements, technical limitations, provider availability, commercial arrangements or other legitimate considerations.
100.40 Payment Provider Outages
A third-party payment provider may experience maintenance, outage, network interruption or other technical problems.
AKBSTOCK cannot guarantee uninterrupted operation of independent payment-provider systems.
100.41 Temporary Payment Unavailability
If a payment provider is temporarily unavailable, AKBSTOCK may disable the affected payment option or offer another available method where practical.
Temporary provider unavailability does not automatically create a right to obtain a Product without valid payment.
100.42 Provider Replacement
AKBSTOCK may replace, add or discontinue payment providers as its payment infrastructure develops.
Changing a payment provider does not automatically alter the validity of transactions properly completed through an earlier provider.
100.43 Existing Refunds After Provider Change
Where a transaction was processed through a provider that AKBSTOCK later stops using, AKBSTOCK may still use the original provider or another lawful mechanism to process an eligible refund where technically possible.
100.44 Recurring Payments
AKBSTOCK may use third-party payment providers to facilitate recurring Subscription payments where the Customer validly enrolls in an applicable recurring billing arrangement.
Recurring payment processing may be subject to provider, banking, card-network and regulatory requirements.
100.45 Payment Mandates
Recurring payments may require an authorization, mandate or other Customer consent maintained through the relevant payment provider or financial institution.
The method of creating, managing or withdrawing such authorization may differ between payment systems.
100.46 Withdrawal of Recurring Authorization
Where supported or required, Customers may be able to withdraw recurring payment authorization through AKBSTOCK, their payment provider or their financial institution.
Withdrawal generally affects future payment authorization and does not automatically create a refund for earlier valid charges.
100.47 Failed Subscription Payments
A recurring Subscription payment may fail because of provider decline, expired payment credentials, insufficient authorization or another financial reason.
Subscription status may be adjusted according to Section 89 – Subscription Cancellations & Refunds and the applicable Subscription terms.
100.48 Payment Disputes
Third-party payment providers may administer disputes, chargebacks or payment complaints independently of AKBSTOCK’s internal refund process.
The provider may request evidence from AKBSTOCK and the Customer before determining the dispute according to its applicable procedures.
100.49 Provider Dispute Decisions
AKBSTOCK may not have final control over an independent payment provider’s decision concerning a chargeback or payment dispute.
AKBSTOCK may nevertheless submit relevant evidence or challenge an unsupported dispute where the provider’s process permits.
100.50 Provider Dispute Outcome
Where a provider reverses all or part of a payment through a dispute process, AKBSTOCK may update the associated transaction, Product access, Subscription or License status according to the final financial outcome and applicable law.
100.51 No Duplicate Reimbursement
AKBSTOCK may coordinate refunds and provider-side disputes to prevent the Customer from receiving duplicate reimbursement for the same transaction amount.
An accidental overlap caused by processing timing should be distinguished from intentional duplicate recovery.
100.52 Payment Provider Evidence
AKBSTOCK may provide relevant order, delivery, download, Account, refund or License information to an authorized payment provider where reasonably necessary to respond to a legitimate payment dispute.
Such disclosure should remain limited to information reasonably relevant and legally permissible for the dispute.
100.53 Customer Payment Evidence
A Customer may provide transaction information from their financial institution where reasonably necessary to establish an alleged duplicate charge, incorrect payment, refund failure or other legitimate discrepancy.
Customers should appropriately redact unrelated sensitive information.
100.54 Sensitive Payment Credentials
Customers should not send AKBSTOCK banking passwords, card PINs, complete security codes, one-time passwords or other unnecessary authentication credentials through ordinary Customer support communications.
AKBSTOCK does not require such credentials to process a normal refund request.
100.55 Card Information
Payment card information may be collected and processed through authorized payment infrastructure rather than being directly handled by AKBSTOCK in every transaction.
The specific payment information available to AKBSTOCK may therefore be limited according to the payment provider’s system and applicable security requirements.
100.56 Payment Tokenization and Security
Payment providers may use tokenization, encryption or other security technologies to reduce exposure of sensitive payment credentials.
The particular security methods used may depend on the applicable provider and payment method.
100.57 Payment Data Privacy
Personal information processed by AKBSTOCK in connection with payments will be handled according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable privacy law.
Payment providers may separately process Customer information according to their own privacy notices and legal obligations.
100.58 Third-Party Privacy Policies
AKBSTOCK does not control every aspect of an independent payment provider’s privacy practices.
Customers may review the applicable provider’s privacy information where they require details concerning the provider’s separate processing activities.
100.59 Payment Data Sharing
AKBSTOCK may share information reasonably necessary to process a payment, refund, fraud review or dispute with authorized payment providers.
Such sharing will remain subject to applicable privacy, contractual and legal requirements.
100.60 Provider Transaction Records
Payment providers may independently retain transaction, refund, verification or dispute records according to their own legal, operational and regulatory obligations.
AKBSTOCK does not control every third-party record-retention period.
100.61 AKBSTOCK Transaction Records
AKBSTOCK may maintain its own transaction and refund records separately from records maintained by the payment provider.
Such records are governed by Section 97 – Refund Records & Transaction Records and the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy.
100.62 Differences Between AKBSTOCK and Provider Records
Minor timing, currency, settlement or status differences may occasionally appear between AKBSTOCK records and a payment provider’s records.
Where a material inconsistency affects a Customer transaction, AKBSTOCK may review the available evidence to determine the correct status.
100.63 Provider Reference Numbers
A transaction may have both an AKBSTOCK order identifier and a separate payment-provider transaction or refund reference.
Customers may be asked for either identifier when AKBSTOCK investigates a payment issue.
100.64 Merchant Descriptor
The description appearing on a Customer’s bank, card or wallet statement may be determined partly by AKBSTOCK’s payment provider or acquiring infrastructure.
The statement descriptor may therefore differ from the exact Product name shown in the AKBSTOCK order.
100.65 Transaction Date Differences
The transaction date shown by a payment provider or bank may differ slightly from the AKBSTOCK order date because of processing times, settlement stages or time-zone differences.
100.66 Taxes and Payment Providers
A payment provider’s role in processing the financial transaction does not by itself determine the applicable tax treatment of the AKBSTOCK Product.
Taxes remain subject to the transaction structure and applicable tax law.
100.67 Payment Provider Does Not Grant Product License
A bank, card network, wallet or payment gateway processing the payment does not itself grant the Customer an AKBSTOCK Product License.
Product-use rights arise under the applicable AKBSTOCK License Agreement and valid underlying transaction.
100.68 Provider Refund Does Not Transfer Copyright
A refund or chargeback administered through a payment provider does not transfer copyright ownership or authorship of an AKBSTOCK Product to the Customer.
Intellectual property rights remain governed independently by the applicable License Agreement and law.
100.69 Provider Payment Reversal and License Rights
Where a payment provider fully reverses the financial basis of a Product transaction, the associated Product access or License rights may be affected according to Section 96 – Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights and the applicable License Agreement.
100.70 Partial Provider Reversal
A partial provider-side reversal does not automatically terminate every Product or License right associated with unaffected portions of the transaction.
The legal consequence should correspond to the portion of the transaction actually reversed.
100.71 Payment Provider Errors
A payment provider may occasionally experience a technical, processing or administrative error.
AKBSTOCK may cooperate with the provider and Customer to investigate a credible provider-side error affecting an AKBSTOCK transaction.
100.72 AKBSTOCK Errors Distinguished
AKBSTOCK will not characterize a verified AKBSTOCK-side pricing, checkout or refund error as solely a payment-provider problem merely because a third-party provider participated in the transaction.
AKBSTOCK remains responsible for matters within its own legal and operational responsibility.
100.73 Provider Responsibility Distinguished
AKBSTOCK does not control independent provider decisions, exchange rates, banking delays, financial-account restrictions or other matters determined solely by a third-party financial institution.
This distinction applies only to matters genuinely outside AKBSTOCK’s control and does not remove any responsibility that applicable law places on AKBSTOCK.
100.74 Customer Responsibility
Customers are responsible for maintaining a valid and authorized payment method and for satisfying reasonable requirements imposed by their chosen bank, card issuer, wallet or other financial provider.
AKBSTOCK is not responsible for Customer failure to comply with independent provider requirements except to the extent applicable law provides otherwise.
100.75 Unauthorized Payment Methods
Customers must not knowingly use stolen, unauthorized or otherwise unlawfully obtained payment credentials to complete an AKBSTOCK transaction.
Transactions reasonably suspected of unauthorized payment activity may be held, cancelled, reversed or investigated as appropriate.
100.76 Provider Security Requirements
Customers may be required to complete security procedures implemented by their payment provider, including authentication or transaction verification.
AKBSTOCK may not be able to complete the order if the required provider authorization is not successfully obtained.
100.77 Provider Account Restrictions
A Customer’s payment-provider account may be limited, frozen, suspended or otherwise restricted independently of AKBSTOCK.
AKBSTOCK does not ordinarily control such provider-account decisions.
100.78 Customer Contact With Provider
Where an issue concerns matters controlled solely by the Customer’s bank, card issuer, wallet or other payment provider, AKBSTOCK may reasonably ask the Customer to contact that institution directly.
AKBSTOCK may provide available transaction references where helpful.
100.79 AKBSTOCK Support Remains Available
Referring a Customer to their payment provider does not prevent AKBSTOCK from assisting with aspects of the transaction that remain within AKBSTOCK’s control.
AKBSTOCK may continue to investigate order, Product, refund or Account information where relevant.
100.80 Provider Customer Support
Third-party payment providers may maintain their own Customer support, complaint or dispute channels.
The availability, procedure and response time of those channels are determined by the relevant provider and applicable regulatory requirements.
100.81 Complaint and Dispute Coordination
Where appropriate, AKBSTOCK may coordinate with a payment provider concerning failed payments, refunds, disputes, unauthorized transactions or reconciliation issues.
The respective roles of AKBSTOCK and the provider may differ according to the transaction and applicable payment arrangement.
100.82 Legal and Regulatory Requirements
Third-party payment providers may be subject to banking, payment, anti-fraud, anti-money-laundering, security or other regulatory requirements that affect transaction processing.
AKBSTOCK may cooperate with such legitimate requirements where applicable to its use of the provider.
100.83 Compliance Holds
A payment or refund may occasionally require additional processing where a legitimate legal, regulatory, security or provider compliance review applies.
Any such hold should be handled according to applicable law and the provider’s legally valid procedures.
100.84 Cooperation With Regulators
AKBSTOCK may cooperate with competent payment regulators, financial institutions or other legally authorized bodies where required or permitted by applicable law.
100.85 Payment Provider Changes
AKBSTOCK may modify its payment infrastructure as new providers, payment methods, legal requirements or technical options become available.
This Policy is intended to remain provider-neutral unless AKBSTOCK expressly states otherwise.
100.86 No Guarantee of Particular Provider
Availability of a particular payment provider at one time does not create a permanent contractual promise that AKBSTOCK will continue offering that provider indefinitely.
100.87 Existing Transactions Remain Recorded
If AKBSTOCK changes payment providers, valid historical transactions processed by previous providers may remain part of AKBSTOCK’s transaction, accounting and License records.
100.88 Provider Insolvency or Service Discontinuation
If a payment provider becomes unavailable, ceases operations or otherwise cannot process a transaction or refund, AKBSTOCK may consider another lawful payment or refund mechanism where reasonably available.
The appropriate response will depend on the transaction circumstances, available financial channels and applicable law.
100.89 No Absolute Guarantee of Provider Performance
AKBSTOCK cannot guarantee uninterrupted, error-free or permanent operation of independent payment-provider infrastructure.
AKBSTOCK remains responsible for taking reasonable action concerning matters within its own control when a provider issue affects an AKBSTOCK transaction.
100.90 Mandatory Payment Rights
Nothing in this Section excludes or restricts a mandatory Customer right relating to unauthorized transactions, refunds, payment disputes, recurring payments or other financial protections that applicable law does not permit AKBSTOCK to exclude.
100.91 Mandatory Consumer Rights
Use of a third-party payment provider does not allow AKBSTOCK to avoid a mandatory consumer remedy for which AKBSTOCK remains legally responsible.
Section 98 – Mandatory Consumer Rights continues to apply.
100.92 International Customers
Payment-provider rights, processing practices and regulatory requirements may differ between countries.
Section 99 – International Customers & Local Consumer Laws should be considered for cross-border transactions.
100.93 Relationship With Payment Information
The AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy provisions concerning payment information apply to personal and transaction data handled by AKBSTOCK in connection with third-party payment providers.
100.94 Relationship With Payment Processing Errors
Section 78 – Payment Processing Errors applies where a transaction is affected by an error involving AKBSTOCK, a payment provider or another part of the financial processing chain.
100.95 Relationship With Failed and Pending Payments
Section 79 – Failed, Pending & Reversed Payments should be read together with this Section where the applicable payment provider has not completed the original transaction normally.
100.96 Relationship With Unauthorized Transactions
Section 80 – Unauthorized or Suspected Fraudulent Transactions applies where a Customer or payment provider reports suspected unauthorized payment activity.
100.97 Relationship With Refund Processing
Sections 85 – Processing Approved Refunds and 86 – Refund Method & Processing Time govern AKBSTOCK’s general refund process, including refunds submitted through third-party payment providers.
100.98 Relationship With Currency Differences
Section 87 – Currency, Bank & Payment Provider Differences provides additional rules concerning exchange rates, foreign transaction charges, bank processing and other provider-side financial differences.
100.99 Relationship With Subscription Payments
Section 89 – Subscription Cancellations & Refunds applies where third-party payment providers process recurring AKBSTOCK Subscription payments or Subscription refunds.
100.100 Relationship With Chargebacks
Section 93 – Chargebacks & Payment Disputes governs disputes or chargebacks administered through banks, card issuers or other payment providers.
100.101 Relationship With Product Access & License Rights
Section 96 – Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights applies where a payment-provider refund, reversal or dispute changes the financial basis of a Product transaction.
100.102 Relationship With Transaction Records
Section 97 – Refund Records & Transaction Records applies to AKBSTOCK’s retention and use of transaction information received from or associated with payment providers.
100.103 Fair Allocation of Responsibility
AKBSTOCK seeks to distinguish fairly between responsibilities arising from its own Website, checkout, Product and refund processes and matters controlled independently by banks or third-party payment providers.
AKBSTOCK will not use third-party involvement as a reason to avoid a responsibility that applicable law or AKBSTOCK’s own contractual commitments properly place on AKBSTOCK.
100.104 Provider-Neutral Interpretation
References in this Policy to payment providers, payment gateways, banks, card issuers, card networks, wallets or similar financial services are intended to apply generally to the relevant payment infrastructure used for a transaction.
This Policy does not depend on AKBSTOCK permanently using any particular named provider unless expressly stated otherwise.
100.105 Section Summary
AKBSTOCK may use third-party banks, payment gateways, payment aggregators, card networks, wallets and other financial service providers to process payments, refunds, recurring transactions, currency conversion, fraud screening and payment disputes.
These providers may operate their own authorization, verification, settlement, refund, dispute and security systems, and AKBSTOCK does not control every independent financial decision or processing timeline. Customers may therefore occasionally need to work directly with their bank or payment provider concerning provider-controlled issues.
AKBSTOCK remains responsible for matters within its own legal and operational responsibility and will not characterize an AKBSTOCK-side error as solely a third-party issue merely because a payment provider participated in the transaction. Approved refunds may be processed through the relevant provider, while differences in processing time, currency conversion and provider-side financial treatment may occur according to the applicable payment method.
Use of third-party payment providers does not remove mandatory consumer, payment or refund rights. Payment-provider involvement also does not itself grant or transfer AKBSTOCK Product Licenses or intellectual property rights, and any refund or payment reversal affecting the financial basis of a Product remains subject to the applicable AKBSTOCK License Agreement and this Policy.
101. Changes to This Refund & Cancellation Policy
101.1 General Policy Update Principle
AKBSTOCK may review, revise, update, replace or otherwise modify this Refund & Cancellation Policy from time to time where reasonably necessary.
Changes may be made to reflect developments in AKBSTOCK’s Products, Licenses, Subscription structure, payment systems, Website functionality, business operations, legal requirements or other legitimate circumstances.
101.2 Reasons for Policy Changes
AKBSTOCK may update this Policy for reasons including changes in Products, pricing structures, payment providers, Subscription arrangements, Exclusive License processes, refund procedures, technical systems, Customer support practices, fraud-prevention measures or applicable law.
101.3 Legal and Regulatory Changes
AKBSTOCK may revise this Policy where laws, regulations, regulatory guidance, payment requirements or other legally relevant standards affecting its transactions change.
Any such revision will remain subject to mandatory rights that applicable law does not permit AKBSTOCK to exclude.
101.4 Business and Operational Changes
AKBSTOCK may modify this Policy where its business model, Website functionality, Product delivery systems, licensing arrangements or Customer-support processes materially change.
101.5 Payment System Changes
Changes to payment gateways, payment providers, recurring billing systems, refund processing methods or supported payment options may require corresponding updates to this Policy.
AKBSTOCK may update provider-neutral language or transaction procedures to reflect such changes.
101.6 Subscription Changes
AKBSTOCK may update this Policy where Subscription Plans, billing periods, credit systems, renewal procedures, cancellation processes or related Subscription functionality changes.
Any applicable Subscription-specific agreement or mandatory recurring-billing requirement will continue to apply according to its terms and applicable law.
101.7 License Structure Changes
AKBSTOCK may revise refund-related provisions where its Commercial, Subscription, Exclusive or other License arrangements change.
Substantive Product-use rights remain governed by the applicable License Agreement associated with the relevant transaction.
101.8 Technical Changes
AKBSTOCK may update this Policy to reflect changes in Account functionality, digital Product delivery, download systems, transaction records, security controls or other technical infrastructure.
101.9 Fraud-Prevention Changes
AKBSTOCK may revise fraud-prevention, verification, chargeback or Account-restriction provisions where new forms of payment abuse, security risk or technical misuse reasonably require updated procedures.
Such updates will not remove legitimate Customer rights solely for the purpose of making refund or payment claims more difficult.
101.10 Clarifying Changes
AKBSTOCK may make changes intended primarily to clarify existing wording, correct typographical errors, improve organization, remove ambiguity or make this Policy easier to understand.
A clarification does not necessarily represent a substantive change in Customer rights or obligations.
101.11 Administrative Changes
AKBSTOCK may make administrative updates such as changes to headings, numbering, formatting, internal references, contact information or Website links without altering the substantive meaning of the Policy.
101.12 Material Changes
A material change is a modification that significantly affects the contractual refund, cancellation, payment or related rights or obligations applicable to Customers.
AKBSTOCK may distinguish material changes from routine administrative or clarifying updates when determining whether additional notice is appropriate.
101.13 Publication of Updated Policy
The current version of this Refund & Cancellation Policy may be published on the AKBSTOCK Website.
Customers are encouraged to review the version available on the Website when completing relevant transactions.
101.14 Effective Date
An updated Policy may identify an effective date indicating when the revised version begins to apply.
Where no separate effective date is stated, the applicable timing will be determined according to the publication, transaction circumstances, applicable AKBSTOCK terms and mandatory law.
101.15 Last Updated Date
AKBSTOCK may display a “Last Updated,” “Effective Date” or similar date to help Customers identify the current version of this Policy.
Such a date may be changed when a revised version is published.
101.16 Policy Version Records
AKBSTOCK may maintain historical copies or records of previous Policy versions where reasonably necessary for transaction administration, legal compliance, dispute resolution or determining which terms applied to an earlier transaction.
101.17 Earlier Transactions
A later change to this Policy does not automatically rewrite the contractual circumstances of every transaction completed before the revised Policy became applicable.
The terms relevant to an earlier transaction may depend on the Policy, License Agreement and other legally applicable terms in effect when that transaction was completed.
101.18 No Automatic Retroactive Application
AKBSTOCK will not ordinarily apply a later material Policy change retroactively to remove a contractual or mandatory right that had already validly arisen under a completed earlier transaction, unless applicable law or the relevant contractual framework legally permits that result.
101.19 Mandatory Rights Cannot Be Retroactively Removed
No Policy update is intended to retroactively extinguish a mandatory consumer, payment or other legal right that applicable law does not permit AKBSTOCK to remove.
101.20 Existing Refund Requests
Where a refund request was submitted before a Policy update, the applicable rules may depend on the transaction date, request date, nature of the update, applicable law and the terms validly governing that transaction.
AKBSTOCK will not automatically use a later adverse change solely to defeat a legitimate refund claim that had already validly arisen.
101.21 Existing Approved Refunds
A Policy update does not ordinarily cancel an approved refund that AKBSTOCK has already validly committed to process unless a material error, duplicate reimbursement, fraud or other legally valid reason requires correction.
101.22 Pending Transactions
Where a transaction is still pending when a Policy update takes effect, the applicable Policy may depend on when the transaction becomes contractually complete, any terms presented at checkout and applicable law.
101.23 Future Transactions
Unless otherwise stated or legally required, updated Policy provisions may apply to transactions completed after the revised version becomes effective.
Customers should review current terms before completing future purchases.
101.24 Existing Customer Accounts
A Policy update may apply to future transactions conducted through an existing Customer Account even where the Account was created before the update.
This does not automatically alter unrelated earlier completed transactions.
101.25 Existing Product Licenses
A change to this Refund & Cancellation Policy does not by itself automatically modify or terminate a Product License validly granted under an earlier transaction.
The applicable License Agreement remains controlling for substantive Product-use rights.
101.26 Commercial Licenses
Existing Commercial Licenses will not automatically be rewritten merely because this Refund & Cancellation Policy is later updated.
The Commercial License Agreement applicable to the relevant Product transaction will determine the Customer’s substantive License rights.
101.27 Subscription Licenses
Changes affecting future Subscription billing, cancellation or refund procedures may apply prospectively according to the applicable Subscription terms and law.
Products lawfully downloaded under earlier Subscription periods remain subject to the Subscription License Agreement applicable to those rights.
101.28 Exclusive Licenses
An existing Exclusive License will not automatically lose its validly granted exclusivity solely because this Refund & Cancellation Policy is later amended.
Exclusive rights remain governed by the applicable Exclusive License Agreement and transaction terms.
101.29 Existing Subscription Period
Where a material Policy change affects Subscription cancellation or refund treatment, AKBSTOCK may distinguish between the Customer’s current already-paid billing period and future renewals where legally appropriate.
101.30 Future Subscription Renewals
Updated terms may apply to future Subscription renewals where the changes have been validly introduced, appropriate notice has been provided where required and the Customer continues or renews the Subscription according to the applicable process.
101.31 Subscription Cancellation Before New Terms Apply
Where applicable law or the Subscription arrangement permits, a Customer may cancel future renewal before materially changed Subscription terms take effect.
Cancellation and refund consequences remain governed by the applicable Subscription Agreement and mandatory law.
101.32 Notice of Material Changes
Where reasonably appropriate or legally required, AKBSTOCK may provide notice of material changes through the Website, Account interface, email, checkout process or another appropriate communication method.
The method of notice may depend on the nature and significance of the change.
101.33 Website Notice
AKBSTOCK may display a notice on the Website indicating that this Policy has been materially updated.
Such notice may remain available for a reasonable period where appropriate.
101.34 Email Notice
Where AKBSTOCK considers direct notice appropriate or where applicable law requires it, AKBSTOCK may send information concerning a material Policy change to the email address associated with the Customer’s Account.
101.35 Customer Contact Information
Customers are responsible for maintaining reasonably accurate Account contact information where such information is required for AKBSTOCK communications.
AKBSTOCK cannot guarantee receipt of a notice where the Customer provides an invalid or inaccessible email address.
101.36 Account Notice
AKBSTOCK may present material Policy notices within the Customer Account, dashboard or other authenticated Website area where appropriate.
101.37 Checkout Notice
AKBSTOCK may present updated refund, cancellation or related terms during checkout where the revised terms are relevant to future Product purchases.
Customers may be required to acknowledge updated terms where legally or operationally appropriate.
101.38 Additional Consent Where Required
If applicable law requires express consent, acknowledgement or another affirmative action before a particular material change can validly apply, AKBSTOCK may obtain the legally required consent through an appropriate process.
101.39 Continued Website Use
Continued use of the AKBSTOCK Website after a Policy update may indicate acceptance of updated Website terms only to the extent permitted by applicable law and the relevant contractual circumstances.
Continued Website use will not be treated as overriding a mandatory right or consent requirement that applicable law requires to be satisfied separately.
101.40 Continued Purchases
Completing a future transaction after updated terms have been properly presented may result in the updated Policy applying to that future transaction, subject to applicable law.
101.41 No Deemed Waiver of Mandatory Rights
No continued use, purchase, Account activity or acceptance of updated terms will be interpreted as a waiver of a mandatory right that applicable law does not permit the Customer to waive.
101.42 No Hidden Retroactive Change
AKBSTOCK does not intend to use an undisclosed Policy update to retroactively alter the refund outcome of an earlier completed transaction where doing so would be legally impermissible or materially unfair.
101.43 Material Adverse Changes
Where a Policy change materially reduces future contractual refund or cancellation benefits, AKBSTOCK may provide appropriate notice or other treatment where required by applicable law or the relevant contractual arrangement.
101.44 Customer-Favorable Changes
AKBSTOCK may choose to apply a revised provision that provides a more favorable refund or cancellation remedy to earlier transactions where legally permissible.
Doing so voluntarily does not necessarily create an obligation to apply every future favorable change retroactively.
101.45 Emergency Changes
AKBSTOCK may make urgent Policy or procedure changes where reasonably necessary to address fraud, security incidents, payment-system failures, legal requirements or other urgent risks.
Any emergency change remains subject to mandatory law and should be limited to what is reasonably necessary.
101.46 Temporary Measures
AKBSTOCK may implement temporary refund, payment or support procedures during a major technical, security or provider disruption.
Temporary operational measures do not necessarily permanently amend this Policy unless AKBSTOCK subsequently incorporates them into an updated version.
101.47 Payment Provider Changes
AKBSTOCK may revise operational refund wording when payment-provider capabilities, processing requirements or settlement systems change.
Such changes should not unlawfully reduce a Customer’s mandatory refund rights.
101.48 Country-Specific Changes
AKBSTOCK may introduce jurisdiction-specific refund or cancellation provisions where local mandatory law or operational requirements make such treatment appropriate.
Country-specific provisions may supplement this general Policy without automatically applying to Customers outside the relevant jurisdiction.
101.49 Local Supplemental Terms
Where AKBSTOCK publishes legally applicable supplemental terms for a particular jurisdiction, Product or transaction type, those terms should be read together with this Policy.
Any conflict will be resolved according to the applicable terms and mandatory law.
101.50 International Policy Updates
AKBSTOCK may update this Policy to respond to developments in international digital-commerce, consumer, payment or licensing requirements.
Such updates do not voluntarily make every foreign law applicable to AKBSTOCK where that law would not otherwise legally apply.
101.51 Mandatory Consumer Rights
No update to this Policy will be interpreted as excluding, restricting or waiving a mandatory consumer right that applicable law does not permit AKBSTOCK to exclude, restrict or waive.
101.52 Payment Rights
A Policy update does not remove mandatory rights concerning unauthorized transactions, chargebacks, recurring payment mandates or other legally protected payment matters.
101.53 Privacy Rights
Changes to this Refund & Cancellation Policy do not independently alter the Customer’s privacy rights.
Personal information remains governed principally by the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable data-protection law.
101.54 Intellectual Property Rights
A change to this Policy does not by itself transfer copyright ownership, authorship or other intellectual property rights in any AKBSTOCK Product.
101.55 Existing Product Access
A Policy update does not automatically remove access to a Product previously purchased and validly accessible unless another applicable transaction, Account, refund, legal or licensing basis permits such removal.
101.56 Existing Refund Records
Updating this Policy does not require deletion of earlier transaction, refund, cancellation or payment records.
Such records may continue to be retained according to Section 97 – Refund Records & Transaction Records and the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy.
101.57 Historical Interpretation
AKBSTOCK may refer to an earlier Policy version when determining the contractual treatment of a historical transaction where that version is materially relevant.
101.58 Evidence of Applicable Version
Relevant Website records, transaction dates, archived Policy copies or other reliable information may be considered when determining which version of this Policy applied to a particular transaction.
101.59 Customer Copy of Policy
Customers may save or retain a copy of the Policy applicable at the time of a transaction for their own records.
Where available, AKBSTOCK may also retain historical Policy versions for legitimate administrative and legal purposes.
101.60 Policy Interpretation After Update
A revised Policy should be interpreted according to its wording, effective date, applicable transaction circumstances and mandatory law.
A later version should not automatically be used to interpret an earlier transaction where doing so would materially change the rights validly applicable to that earlier transaction.
101.61 Typographical Corrections
AKBSTOCK may correct obvious typographical, formatting, numbering or cross-reference errors without treating each correction as a material Policy change.
101.62 Broken Links and References
AKBSTOCK may update broken Website links, outdated section references or document names where necessary to maintain accurate navigation between its legal documents.
101.63 Renamed Legal Documents
If an AKBSTOCK legal document is renamed, reorganized or replaced, references in this Policy may be updated to identify the corresponding current document without automatically changing the substantive rights involved.
101.64 Section Renumbering
AKBSTOCK may renumber or reorganize sections of this Policy for clarity or future expansion.
Section renumbering alone does not change the substantive meaning of a provision.
101.65 Removal of Obsolete Provisions
AKBSTOCK may remove provisions that become obsolete because a Product, payment method, service, technical process or business practice is no longer offered.
Removal from the current Policy does not automatically erase historical rights or obligations associated with earlier completed transactions.
101.66 Addition of New Product Categories
If AKBSTOCK introduces new Product categories, License types, Subscription benefits or transaction models, this Policy may be expanded to address cancellation and refund rules relevant to those offerings.
101.67 New Payment Methods
AKBSTOCK may add provisions relating to new payment methods as those methods become available.
The introduction of a new payment method does not automatically modify the treatment of completed transactions made through older methods.
101.68 New Refund Functionality
If AKBSTOCK introduces additional automated refund, cancellation or self-service functionality, this Policy may be updated to explain the relevant procedures.
101.69 More Favorable Operational Process
AKBSTOCK may implement operational practices that are more favorable to Customers than the minimum contractual rights stated in this Policy.
Such voluntary practices do not necessarily permanently amend this Policy unless incorporated into a revised version.
101.70 No Permanent Right From Temporary Exception
A temporary exception, goodwill refund or discretionary accommodation does not automatically require AKBSTOCK to amend this Policy or provide the same exception in every future transaction.
101.71 Individual Agreements
Where AKBSTOCK and a Customer enter into a separate written agreement containing valid transaction-specific refund or cancellation terms, that agreement may govern the relevant transaction to the extent stated and legally enforceable.
101.72 No Oral Modification Unless Authorized
An informal statement or ordinary Customer-support communication does not automatically amend this entire Refund & Cancellation Policy unless AKBSTOCK clearly and validly authorizes a transaction-specific exception or legally binding modification.
101.73 Authorized Refund Exceptions
AKBSTOCK may approve an individual refund or cancellation exception without changing the general Policy applicable to other Customers.
The exception will ordinarily be limited to the transaction for which it was granted.
101.74 Customer Questions About Changes
Customers may contact AKBSTOCK through an appropriate official support channel if they have questions concerning a material Policy update or how it applies to a particular transaction.
101.75 Transaction-Specific Review
Where a Customer reasonably disputes which Policy version applies to a transaction, AKBSTOCK may review the transaction date, Policy history, checkout information and other relevant records.
101.76 Disputes Concerning Policy Changes
A dispute concerning an update to this Policy may be handled according to the applicable AKBSTOCK Terms & Conditions, payment-dispute provisions and mandatory law.
101.77 Governing Law
Any governing-law provision applicable to this Policy will operate only to the extent legally enforceable and subject to mandatory rights that applicable law does not permit AKBSTOCK to exclude.
101.78 Severability of Updated Terms
If a revised provision is found to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable, that provision should be limited or interpreted to the minimum extent necessary where legally possible.
The remaining valid provisions of the updated Policy will continue to apply to the extent permitted by law.
101.79 Earlier Valid Provisions
The invalidity of a newly revised provision does not automatically invalidate every earlier or unrelated provision of this Policy.
101.80 No Automatic Waiver
AKBSTOCK’s failure to immediately update or enforce a particular Policy provision does not automatically constitute a permanent waiver of that provision or of AKBSTOCK’s legally available rights.
This principle remains subject to applicable law and the circumstances of the relevant transaction.
101.81 Customer Reliance on Published Terms
AKBSTOCK seeks to maintain the current Policy in a reasonably accessible form so Customers can review material refund and cancellation terms relevant to their transactions.
AKBSTOCK should avoid materially misleading Customers concerning the refund terms actually applicable to a purchase.
101.82 Transparent Update Principle
AKBSTOCK seeks to make material Policy changes in a reasonably transparent manner and to distinguish substantive changes from routine formatting, administrative or clarification updates where appropriate.
101.83 Fair Prospective Application
Where reasonably possible, material changes affecting future purchases should operate prospectively rather than unexpectedly altering the financial or licensing consequences of earlier completed transactions.
101.84 No Policy Change to Legitimize Past Misconduct
AKBSTOCK will not treat a later Policy amendment as automatically making lawful an earlier act that violated mandatory law or a valid contractual obligation when it occurred.
101.85 No Policy Change to Create Retroactive Customer Misconduct
AKBSTOCK will not ordinarily characterize conduct as a Policy violation solely because a later version introduced a restriction that did not validly apply when the Customer engaged in the earlier conduct.
101.86 Relationship With Mandatory Consumer Rights
Section 98 – Mandatory Consumer Rights applies to every update of this Policy.
No revision will override non-excludable consumer protections that validly apply to a particular transaction.
101.87 Relationship With International Customers
Section 99 – International Customers & Local Consumer Laws applies where a Policy update affects Customers in multiple jurisdictions.
AKBSTOCK may introduce appropriate local supplemental terms where required without automatically applying those local terms worldwide.
101.88 Relationship With Third-Party Payment Providers
Section 100 – Third-Party Payment Providers may require future updates where AKBSTOCK changes its payment infrastructure or provider relationships.
Provider changes do not remove mandatory payment or refund rights for which AKBSTOCK remains legally responsible.
101.89 Relationship With Refund Records
Section 97 – Refund Records & Transaction Records permits AKBSTOCK to maintain reasonable records necessary to identify historical Policy and transaction circumstances.
101.90 Relationship With Product Access & License Rights
A Policy change does not automatically alter Product-access or License consequences for previously completed transactions.
Section 96 – Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights and the applicable License Agreement remain controlling where a refund affects Product-use rights.
101.91 Relationship With Terms & Conditions
This Policy should be read together with the AKBSTOCK Terms & Conditions, including any provisions concerning modification of terms, Website use, governing law, dispute resolution and legal enforceability.
101.92 Relationship With Privacy Policy
Changes to this Refund & Cancellation Policy do not replace the separate update provisions contained in the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy.
Privacy-related changes will remain governed by the Privacy Policy and applicable data-protection law.
101.93 Relationship With License Agreements
Commercial License, Subscription License and Exclusive License Agreements may contain their own amendment, termination or version provisions.
A revision of this Refund & Cancellation Policy does not automatically amend those agreements except where the applicable contractual framework expressly and validly provides otherwise.
101.94 Most Specific Applicable Terms
Where a valid Product-specific, Subscription-specific or License-specific term addresses a matter more specifically than this general Policy, the relevant documents should be interpreted together according to their applicable hierarchy and mandatory law.
101.95 Customer Responsibility to Review Current Policy
Customers are encouraged to review the current Refund & Cancellation Policy before making new purchases, renewing Subscriptions or entering into new License transactions.
Customers should not assume that a Policy version reviewed substantially earlier remains unchanged for all future transactions.
101.96 AKBSTOCK Responsibility for Clear Publication
AKBSTOCK seeks to keep the currently applicable version of this Policy reasonably accessible through its Website and to present material transaction terms in an appropriate manner.
This responsibility operates together with the Customer’s responsibility to review relevant terms before completing a transaction.
101.97 No Unilateral Power Beyond Law
Nothing in this Section grants AKBSTOCK an unrestricted right to alter completed contracts, remove accrued mandatory rights or impose legally unenforceable changes merely by publishing a new Policy version.
AKBSTOCK’s amendment rights remain subject to applicable contractual principles and mandatory law.
101.98 Balanced Amendment Principle
AKBSTOCK seeks to preserve sufficient flexibility to update its refund framework as its Website, payment systems, Products, Licenses and legal obligations evolve, while maintaining fair treatment of Customers whose earlier transactions were completed under previously applicable terms.
101.99 Current Version Controls Future Transactions
Subject to applicable law and any transaction-specific terms, the version of this Policy validly applicable when a future transaction is completed will ordinarily govern the refund and cancellation treatment of that transaction.
101.100 Section Summary
AKBSTOCK may update this Refund & Cancellation Policy as its Products, Licenses, Subscriptions, payment infrastructure, Website functionality, operational practices and legal requirements evolve. Updated versions may be published on the Website and may identify a revised effective or “Last Updated” date.
Material changes will generally be applied prospectively to future transactions where appropriate. A later Policy version does not automatically rewrite earlier completed transactions, terminate previously valid Product Licenses or remove mandatory rights that had already arisen. AKBSTOCK may retain historical Policy versions and transaction records where necessary to determine which terms applied to an earlier purchase.
AKBSTOCK may provide Website, Account, email, checkout or other notice of material changes where appropriate or legally required. Where applicable law requires express Customer consent or another specific process before a change becomes effective, AKBSTOCK will apply the legally required procedure.
No Policy update gives AKBSTOCK unrestricted authority to remove non-excludable consumer, payment or other statutory protections. Updated provisions must be read together with the AKBSTOCK Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, applicable License Agreements, Section 98 – Mandatory Consumer Rights and Section 99 – International Customers & Local Consumer Laws.
102. Relationship With Other AKBSTOCK Legal Documents
102.1 Integrated Legal Framework
This Refund & Cancellation Policy forms part of the broader legal framework governing access to and use of AKBSTOCK, its Website, digital Products, Accounts, purchases, Subscriptions, Licenses, downloads, payments and related services.
This Policy should therefore be read together with the other AKBSTOCK legal documents applicable to the relevant Customer, Product, transaction or License.
102.2 Documents Operate Together
AKBSTOCK’s legal documents are intended to operate together as a coordinated legal framework rather than as completely isolated documents.
Different documents may govern different aspects of the same transaction, including payment, Product access, refunds, cancellation, intellectual property rights, permitted use, privacy and Account activity.
102.3 Terms & Conditions
The AKBSTOCK Terms & Conditions establish the general contractual rules governing use of the Website, Customer Accounts, transactions, Products and related services.
This Refund & Cancellation Policy supplements those Terms & Conditions specifically in relation to refunds, cancellations, payment corrections, transaction reversals and related matters.
102.4 Refund Policy Does Not Replace Terms & Conditions
This Policy does not replace the AKBSTOCK Terms & Conditions.
General matters not specifically addressed by this Policy may continue to be governed by the Terms & Conditions and other applicable AKBSTOCK legal documents.
102.5 Privacy Policy
The AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy governs the collection, use, storage, disclosure and other processing of personal information associated with Customers, Accounts, transactions, payments, refund requests and Customer-support communications.
This Refund & Cancellation Policy does not replace or independently redefine AKBSTOCK’s privacy obligations.
102.6 Refund Information and Privacy
Information submitted or generated in connection with a refund request may be processed according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable law.
This may include order information, transaction references, Account details, communications, technical records and evidence reasonably necessary to review the request.
102.7 Copyright Policy
The AKBSTOCK Copyright Policy governs copyright-related principles concerning AKBSTOCK Products, Website content and intellectual property.
A refund, cancellation, payment reversal or chargeback does not by itself transfer copyright ownership or authorship of any AKBSTOCK Product to the Customer.
102.8 Intellectual Property Rights Remain Separate
Financial treatment of a transaction and ownership of intellectual property are legally distinct matters.
Refunding a payment does not create copyright ownership, authorship, trademark rights or any other intellectual property rights in favor of the Customer.
102.9 Acceptable Use Policy
The AKBSTOCK Acceptable Use Policy may govern prohibited, abusive, fraudulent or otherwise unauthorized use of the Website, Products, Accounts or related services.
Nothing in this Refund & Cancellation Policy authorizes conduct prohibited under the applicable Acceptable Use Policy.
102.10 Refund Does Not Excuse Earlier Misuse
A refund, cancellation or payment reversal does not automatically erase responsibility for Product misuse, unauthorized distribution, copyright infringement, fraud or other conduct occurring before the refund or cancellation.
Any consequences of such conduct remain subject to applicable AKBSTOCK legal documents and law.
102.11 DMCA or Copyright Complaint Procedures
Copyright complaints, infringement reports and related intellectual property notices are governed by the applicable AKBSTOCK copyright complaint or takedown procedures.
A refund request is not automatically treated as a copyright complaint, and a copyright complaint is not automatically treated as a refund request.
102.12 Separate Legal Processes
AKBSTOCK may separately investigate a refund request, copyright complaint, Account-security issue, fraud report or payment dispute where more than one legal or operational process applies to the same underlying circumstances.
102.13 Commercial License Agreement
Where a Product is purchased under an AKBSTOCK Commercial License, the applicable Commercial License Agreement governs the Customer’s permitted Product use, restrictions, intellectual property rights and other License-specific matters.
This Refund & Cancellation Policy governs the refund and cancellation aspects of the transaction to the extent applicable.
102.14 Commercial License and Refund Relationship
If a Commercial License transaction is fully refunded or validly reversed, the resulting effect on Product access and License rights will be determined according to this Policy and the applicable Commercial License Agreement.
102.15 Subscription License Agreement
Where Products are accessed or downloaded through an AKBSTOCK Subscription, the Subscription License Agreement governs the License rights associated with eligible Subscription downloads.
Subscription cancellation, billing and refund matters are additionally governed by this Policy and the applicable Subscription terms.
102.16 Subscription Cancellation Does Not Automatically Equal Refund
Cancellation of a Subscription and refund of a Subscription payment are separate matters.
A Customer may be able to cancel future renewal without becoming entitled to a refund of an earlier valid Subscription payment, subject to Section 89 – Subscription Cancellations & Refunds, the applicable Subscription terms and mandatory law.
102.17 Subscription License Rights
The effect of Subscription cancellation or refund on Products previously downloaded under the Subscription will be determined by the applicable Subscription License Agreement, this Policy and the circumstances of the transaction.
102.18 Exclusive License Agreement
Where a Product is acquired under an AKBSTOCK Exclusive License, the Exclusive License Agreement governs the scope, exclusivity, permitted use, restrictions and other License-specific rights associated with that transaction.
102.19 Exclusive Transactions Require Special Treatment
Because an Exclusive License may affect the future availability, licensing status or commercial treatment of a Product, refunds or cancellations involving Exclusive License transactions may require additional review.
Section 90 – Exclusive License Transactions and the applicable Exclusive License Agreement should be read together for such transactions.
102.20 Refund of Exclusive License Transaction
Where an Exclusive License transaction is validly refunded or reversed, the resulting effect on exclusivity, Product availability and License rights will be determined according to the Exclusive License Agreement, this Policy and applicable law.
102.21 Product-Specific Terms
Certain AKBSTOCK Products or Product categories may be subject to additional terms that reflect their particular format, delivery method, License type or commercial structure.
Such Product-specific terms should be read together with this Policy where applicable.
102.22 Transaction-Specific Terms
A particular transaction may include additional terms presented through the Product page, checkout, order confirmation, License documentation or another valid transaction record.
Those terms may supplement this Policy where they are properly disclosed and legally enforceable.
102.23 Product Page Information
Product descriptions, previews, dimensions, formats, technical information, License indicators and other material Product information displayed before purchase may be relevant when evaluating a refund request.
Section 71 – Product Preview, Description & Customer Responsibility applies to such information.
102.24 Checkout Information
Terms, prices, Product selections, License selections, Subscription information, discounts and payment information presented during checkout may form part of the transaction record relevant to a refund or cancellation request.
102.25 Order Confirmation
An AKBSTOCK order confirmation, receipt or similar transaction record may provide evidence concerning the Product purchased, amount paid, transaction date, payment status and applicable License or Subscription arrangement.
102.26 Account Records
Account records relating to purchases, downloads, Product access, Subscription activity, refunds and payment status may be considered together with the applicable legal documents when evaluating a transaction.
102.27 Download Records
Where relevant and lawfully maintained, Product download or access records may assist in determining whether a digital Product was delivered or accessed.
The legal significance of those records remains subject to this Policy, the applicable License Agreement and mandatory law.
102.28 Payment Provider Terms
Third-party payment providers may impose separate terms governing payment authorization, settlement, refunds, recurring billing, chargebacks, currency conversion and payment disputes.
Those provider terms operate separately from AKBSTOCK’s own contractual obligations.
102.29 Provider Terms Do Not Replace AKBSTOCK Obligations
A payment provider’s terms do not automatically replace or eliminate obligations that applicable law or AKBSTOCK’s own contractual documents validly place on AKBSTOCK.
Section 100 – Third-Party Payment Providers should be read together with this Section.
102.30 Chargeback Procedures
A chargeback or payment-provider dispute may operate under separate banking or payment-network procedures.
Section 93 – Chargebacks & Payment Disputes governs the AKBSTOCK-side treatment of such matters.
102.31 Refund and Chargeback Are Not Identical
An AKBSTOCK-approved refund and a payment-provider chargeback are different financial processes.
The existence of one does not automatically create an entitlement to duplicate reimbursement through the other.
102.32 Free Products
Free Products and free downloads may be governed by separate access, Account, License or usage conditions even where no purchase payment exists.
Section 91 – Free Products & Free Downloads applies to such Products.
102.33 Promotional Terms
Discounts, coupons, promotional offers and similar arrangements may be subject to additional promotional conditions.
Section 92 – Promotional, Discounted & Coupon Purchases applies when determining the refund treatment of qualifying promotional transactions.
102.34 Security and Fraud Rules
AKBSTOCK’s fraud-prevention, Account-security and payment-verification rules may operate together with this Policy where a refund request involves suspected unauthorized activity, payment misuse or other security concerns.
102.35 Fraud Does Not Create Refund Rights
Nothing in any AKBSTOCK legal document should be interpreted as granting a person a contractual right to benefit from fraud, unauthorized payment activity, deliberate misrepresentation or abusive refund conduct.
This principle remains subject to legitimate protections available to victims of unauthorized transactions and mandatory law.
102.36 Account Restrictions
Where refund abuse, fraud, chargeback abuse or another serious violation results in an Account restriction, the restriction may be governed by Section 95 – Account Restrictions Related to Refund Abuse and other applicable AKBSTOCK Account terms.
102.37 Account Closure
Closing an AKBSTOCK Account does not automatically cancel completed transactions, erase transaction records, create refund rights or terminate legal obligations that survive Account closure.
Any applicable Account closure and data-deletion rules should be read together with the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and other relevant terms.
102.38 Refund Effect on Product Access
Where a transaction is fully refunded or validly reversed, Product access may be removed, disabled or otherwise adjusted where permitted by the applicable License Agreement, this Policy and law.
Section 96 – Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights applies.
102.39 Refund Effect on License Rights
A Customer should not assume that License rights automatically continue after the financial basis of the relevant License transaction has been fully refunded or validly reversed.
The applicable License Agreement and Section 96 determine the resulting License consequences.
102.40 Partial Refunds
A partial refund does not automatically terminate every right associated with unaffected portions of a transaction.
The legal effect of a partial refund should correspond to the Product, amount, Subscription period, License or other portion of the transaction actually affected.
102.41 Replacement Instead of Refund
Where AKBSTOCK provides a valid replacement, repaired file or restored access instead of a refund, the Customer’s License may continue in relation to the corrected or replacement Product according to the applicable License terms.
Section 76 – Replacement, Repair or Restored Access Before Refund applies.
102.42 Duplicate Payments
Where a duplicate payment is refunded while the underlying valid purchase remains in effect, the refund of the duplicate amount does not automatically cancel the valid Product purchase or License.
Section 77 – Duplicate Payments & Duplicate Charges applies.
102.43 Failed Payments
A failed payment generally does not create a valid paid Product or License transaction merely because an order attempt was initiated.
Section 79 – Failed, Pending & Reversed Payments applies to such circumstances.
102.44 Pending Payments
Where a payment remains pending, the resulting Product access, License status or order completion may depend on final payment confirmation and the applicable transaction terms.
102.45 Reversed Payments
Where a payment is validly reversed after Product access or License rights were provisionally provided, AKBSTOCK may adjust those rights according to this Policy, the applicable License Agreement and mandatory law.
102.46 Mandatory Consumer Rights
All AKBSTOCK legal documents, including this Refund & Cancellation Policy, remain subject to mandatory consumer rights that applicable law does not permit AKBSTOCK to exclude, restrict or waive.
Section 98 – Mandatory Consumer Rights applies across the AKBSTOCK legal framework.
102.47 Mandatory Law Prevails
If any provision of this Policy or another AKBSTOCK legal document conflicts with a mandatory legal requirement that validly applies to a particular Customer or transaction, the mandatory legal requirement will prevail to the extent of that conflict.
102.48 International Customers
International Customers may have mandatory local consumer, payment or digital-commerce rights that affect the interpretation of AKBSTOCK legal documents.
Section 99 – International Customers & Local Consumer Laws applies where relevant.
102.49 No Automatic Worldwide Application of Foreign Law
The existence of consumer protection laws in another jurisdiction does not automatically make every such law applicable to every AKBSTOCK transaction.
The applicable legal framework depends on the Customer, transaction, jurisdiction and other legally relevant circumstances.
102.50 Specific Terms and General Terms
Where a valid transaction-specific, Product-specific, Subscription-specific or License-specific provision addresses a matter more precisely than a general AKBSTOCK provision, the more specific provision may govern that particular matter to the extent legally enforceable.
102.51 No Automatic Override
The existence of a more specific document does not automatically invalidate every provision of a more general AKBSTOCK document.
The documents should be interpreted together wherever they can reasonably and lawfully operate consistently.
102.52 Conflict Between Documents
If two AKBSTOCK legal provisions appear inconsistent, they should first be interpreted, where reasonably possible, in a manner that allows both provisions to operate consistently.
Only a genuine and unavoidable conflict requires determining which provision controls the specific issue.
102.53 Order of Interpretation
Where a genuine conflict cannot reasonably be reconciled, the applicable interpretation should consider mandatory law, any valid transaction-specific agreement, the relevant License or Subscription Agreement, this Refund & Cancellation Policy for refund-specific matters, and the general AKBSTOCK Terms & Conditions.
This order is intended as an interpretive framework and does not override any hierarchy expressly established by a legally applicable agreement or mandatory law.
102.54 Mandatory Law Has Highest Priority
No contractual hierarchy within AKBSTOCK’s legal documents can override a mandatory legal requirement that applicable law does not permit the parties to exclude or modify.
102.55 Transaction-Specific Written Agreement
A valid written agreement expressly entered into between AKBSTOCK and a Customer for a particular transaction may supplement or modify general AKBSTOCK terms for that transaction to the extent clearly stated and legally enforceable.
102.56 License Agreement Priority for License Matters
Where a genuine conflict concerns the scope of permitted Product use, License restrictions, exclusivity, sublicensing, redistribution or other License-specific rights, the applicable AKBSTOCK License Agreement will ordinarily control that License-specific issue, subject to mandatory law.
102.57 Refund Policy Priority for Refund Matters
Where a genuine conflict concerns AKBSTOCK’s general refund-request procedure, refund eligibility, refund processing or cancellation treatment, this Refund & Cancellation Policy will ordinarily control that refund-specific issue, subject to more specific valid transaction terms and mandatory law.
102.58 Privacy Policy Priority for Privacy Matters
Where a genuine conflict concerns the collection, use, retention, disclosure or deletion of personal information, the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy will ordinarily control that privacy-specific issue, subject to applicable data-protection law.
102.59 Copyright Policy Priority for Copyright Matters
Where a genuine conflict concerns copyright ownership, infringement reporting or copyright-related enforcement, the applicable AKBSTOCK Copyright Policy or License Agreement will ordinarily govern the copyright-specific issue, subject to applicable law.
102.60 Acceptable Use Priority for Conduct Rules
Where a genuine conflict concerns prohibited Website, Account or Product conduct, the applicable AKBSTOCK Acceptable Use Policy may govern the conduct-specific issue, subject to the Terms & Conditions, License Agreement and mandatory law.
102.61 Definitions Across Documents
Defined terms used in this Policy may have corresponding meanings in other AKBSTOCK legal documents.
Where a term is specifically defined for purposes of this Policy, that definition applies to this Policy unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
102.62 Different Definitions for Different Purposes
A term may be defined differently in another AKBSTOCK legal document where the different definition is reasonably necessary for that document’s particular legal purpose.
Such differences should not automatically be treated as a conflict.
102.63 Capitalized Terms
Capitalized terms used in this Policy may refer to defined AKBSTOCK concepts including Product, Customer, Account, Subscription, License, Commercial License and Exclusive License.
The applicable definitions should be interpreted according to this Policy and the relevant AKBSTOCK legal framework.
102.64 Document References
References to another AKBSTOCK legal document include the applicable version of that document relevant to the transaction, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
102.65 Section References
References to numbered Sections within this Policy are intended to assist navigation and interpretation.
If sections are later renumbered, the corresponding substantive provision should be used where its identity can reasonably be determined.
102.66 Updated Documents
AKBSTOCK may update individual legal documents from time to time according to the amendment provisions applicable to those documents.
An update to one document does not automatically amend every other AKBSTOCK legal document.
102.67 Historical Transactions
Where necessary, AKBSTOCK may consider the versions of the relevant legal documents that validly applied when a historical transaction occurred.
A later update does not automatically rewrite the legal terms of an earlier completed transaction.
102.68 Changes to This Policy
Section 101 – Changes to This Refund & Cancellation Policy governs amendments to this Policy.
Changes to this Policy do not automatically amend the Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, Copyright Policy or License Agreements unless those documents are separately and validly updated or expressly provide otherwise.
102.69 Existing License Agreements
An existing License Agreement validly associated with an earlier Product transaction will not automatically be replaced merely because this Refund & Cancellation Policy is later updated.
102.70 Existing Subscription Terms
Subscription terms applicable to an existing billing period may differ from terms applicable to a future renewal where AKBSTOCK has validly updated its Subscription framework.
The relevant Subscription Agreement and Section 89 should be considered when determining the applicable treatment.
102.71 Existing Exclusive License Terms
A validly completed Exclusive License transaction remains governed by the applicable Exclusive License Agreement notwithstanding later general Policy updates, except to the extent a valid amendment or mandatory law requires otherwise.
102.72 No Double Recovery
No combination of AKBSTOCK legal documents should be interpreted as granting a Customer the right to recover the same financial loss more than once.
This does not prevent a Customer from pursuing alternative lawful remedies where necessary, provided duplicate reimbursement is not ultimately retained.
102.73 No Double Obligation
Where AKBSTOCK has fully satisfied a valid refund obligation through one authorized process, another AKBSTOCK legal document does not automatically create a second obligation to refund the same amount for the same underlying reason.
102.74 No Expansion Beyond Express Rights
Reading AKBSTOCK’s legal documents together does not automatically expand a Customer’s License, refund or Product-use rights beyond those expressly granted by the applicable documents or mandatory law.
102.75 No Reduction of Mandatory Rights
Likewise, reading AKBSTOCK’s legal documents together cannot reduce a mandatory Customer right that applicable law does not permit AKBSTOCK to exclude or restrict.
102.76 Customer Responsibility to Review Applicable Documents
Customers are encouraged to review the legal documents relevant to their intended transaction, particularly the applicable License Agreement, Subscription terms, Product information and this Refund & Cancellation Policy.
102.77 AKBSTOCK Responsibility for Accessibility
AKBSTOCK seeks to make its principal Customer-facing legal documents reasonably accessible through the Website so Customers can review applicable terms before or in connection with relevant transactions.
102.78 Legal Document Links
AKBSTOCK may provide links between related legal documents to help Customers navigate the legal framework applicable to Products, Licenses, payments, refunds, privacy and Website use.
102.79 Broken or Updated Links
If a link to another AKBSTOCK legal document becomes outdated or changes location, the underlying legal document does not automatically cease to apply solely because the Website link has changed.
AKBSTOCK may update such links as part of ordinary Website maintenance.
102.80 Language and Interpretation
AKBSTOCK legal documents should be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning, defined terms, context, applicable contractual framework and mandatory law.
No isolated sentence should be interpreted in a manner that defeats a clearly applicable mandatory legal protection.
102.81 Headings
Headings and section titles are primarily provided for organization and navigation.
They should be read together with the substantive wording of the relevant provision.
102.82 Examples and Explanations
Examples, summaries or explanatory wording provided in AKBSTOCK legal documents are intended to assist understanding and should not be interpreted as overriding the complete substantive provisions applicable to the transaction.
102.83 Summary Sections
A summary section does not replace the detailed provisions of the applicable AKBSTOCK legal document.
If a summary and detailed provision appear inconsistent, the detailed provision should ordinarily be used to understand the intended rule, subject to applicable law.
102.84 Severability Across Documents
If a provision of one AKBSTOCK legal document is found invalid, unlawful or unenforceable, that determination does not automatically invalidate unrelated provisions contained in this Policy or another AKBSTOCK legal document.
102.85 Limited Invalidity
An invalid or unenforceable provision should, where legally possible, be limited to the minimum extent necessary while preserving the remaining valid provisions and the overall legal framework.
102.86 No Waiver Through Document Inconsistency
An accidental inconsistency, outdated cross-reference or administrative error between AKBSTOCK legal documents does not automatically constitute a permanent waiver of otherwise valid rights or obligations.
Any genuine inconsistency should be resolved according to this Section and applicable law.
102.87 Customer-Specific Written Commitments
Where AKBSTOCK has made a clear, authorized and legally binding written commitment concerning a specific Customer transaction, that commitment may be relevant when interpreting the applicable general legal documents.
102.88 Informal Communications
Informal conversations, general support guidance or non-authorized statements do not automatically amend AKBSTOCK’s complete legal framework.
However, AKBSTOCK will not knowingly rely on this provision to disregard a valid legally binding commitment made by an authorized representative.
102.89 Customer Support Interpretation
Customer support may explain AKBSTOCK policies and assist with transaction-specific issues but does not ordinarily have unrestricted authority to rewrite License Agreements, statutory rights or the entire AKBSTOCK legal framework.
102.90 Goodwill Refunds
A discretionary or goodwill refund granted under this Policy does not automatically modify the Customer’s rights under unrelated AKBSTOCK legal documents or establish a permanent interpretation applicable to all future transactions.
102.91 Refund Approval Does Not Admit Legal Liability
Where legally permissible, AKBSTOCK’s decision to provide a discretionary refund, replacement or other Customer accommodation does not by itself constitute an admission of copyright infringement, contractual breach, negligence or other legal liability.
This provision does not affect any admission or responsibility that applicable law independently establishes.
102.92 Refund Rejection Does Not Eliminate Other Rights
Rejection of a refund request under this Policy does not automatically eliminate another mandatory legal remedy that may independently apply to the Customer.
Section 98 – Mandatory Consumer Rights remains applicable.
102.93 Separate Remedies
Different AKBSTOCK legal documents may provide different contractual remedies for different types of issues.
The availability of one remedy does not automatically exclude another remedy unless the applicable terms or law validly provide otherwise.
102.94 No Circumvention of License Restrictions
A Customer may not use the refund process to circumvent License restrictions, obtain unauthorized Product rights or retain benefits that depend on a transaction that has been fully refunded or validly reversed.
102.95 No Circumvention of Refund Rights
AKBSTOCK will not use another legal document merely to circumvent a mandatory refund or consumer remedy that applicable law validly requires AKBSTOCK to provide.
102.96 Balanced Interpretation
AKBSTOCK’s legal documents should be interpreted in a manner that reasonably protects legitimate Customer rights while also protecting AKBSTOCK against unauthorized Product use, payment abuse, fraud, duplicate recovery and misuse of its intellectual property.
102.97 Consistency Principle
AKBSTOCK seeks to maintain reasonable consistency among its Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, Copyright Policy, Acceptable Use Policy, Refund & Cancellation Policy and applicable License Agreements.
Where future updates create an unintended inconsistency, AKBSTOCK may revise the relevant documents to restore clarity and consistency.
102.98 No Single Document Governs Every Issue
No single AKBSTOCK legal document should be assumed to govern every aspect of every Customer relationship.
The documents applicable to a particular issue depend on the nature of the Product, transaction, License, Subscription, payment, Account activity and legal question involved.
102.99 Overall Interpretation Principle
This Refund & Cancellation Policy should be interpreted as part of AKBSTOCK’s complete legal framework, with refund-specific provisions operating together with Product, License, Subscription, privacy, copyright, Account and payment rules.
Where the documents can reasonably operate consistently, they should be interpreted together rather than one document unnecessarily overriding another.
102.100 Section Summary
This Refund & Cancellation Policy forms part of AKBSTOCK’s broader legal framework and should be read together with the AKBSTOCK Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, Copyright Policy, Acceptable Use Policy, applicable copyright complaint procedures, Commercial License Agreement, Subscription License Agreement, Exclusive License Agreement and any valid Product-specific or transaction-specific terms.
Different documents govern different aspects of the Customer relationship. This Policy principally governs refund and cancellation matters; License Agreements govern Product-use rights; the Privacy Policy governs personal information; copyright-related documents govern intellectual property matters; and the Terms & Conditions provide the general contractual framework.
Where provisions appear inconsistent, AKBSTOCK will first seek to interpret them consistently. Where a genuine conflict remains, mandatory applicable law takes priority, followed by any valid transaction-specific terms and the legal document most specifically governing the particular issue, subject to the applicable contractual framework.
A refund, cancellation, payment reversal or chargeback does not automatically transfer copyright ownership, preserve License rights, erase earlier misuse or create duplicate reimbursement rights. Likewise, no other AKBSTOCK legal document may be used to remove mandatory consumer or refund protections that applicable law does not permit AKBSTOCK to exclude.
103. Fairness & Customer Support Commitment
103.1 General Fairness Commitment
AKBSTOCK seeks to administer refunds, cancellations, payment issues, Product concerns and related Customer requests in a fair, reasonable and consistent manner.
The purpose of this Refund & Cancellation Policy is not only to protect AKBSTOCK against misuse but also to provide Customers with a clear framework for resolving genuine transaction and Product problems.
103.2 Good-Faith Customer Support
AKBSTOCK seeks to handle legitimate Customer support requests in good faith and to consider the relevant facts of each matter before reaching an appropriate outcome.
Customers should receive reasonable assistance where a genuine Product, payment, download, Account or License issue requires investigation.
103.3 Fair Treatment of Customers
AKBSTOCK seeks to treat Customers fairly without making arbitrary refund, cancellation or support decisions.
Differences in outcomes may nevertheless occur where transactions, Products, License types, Customer circumstances or applicable legal requirements are materially different.
103.4 Consistency and Individual Circumstances
AKBSTOCK seeks to apply this Policy consistently while recognizing that legitimate differences between individual cases may require different outcomes.
Consistency does not require AKBSTOCK to ignore material transaction-specific facts.
103.5 Clear Communication
AKBSTOCK seeks to communicate refund, cancellation and support information in a reasonably clear and understandable manner.
Where a Customer request cannot be approved, AKBSTOCK may provide an appropriate explanation of the relevant reason where reasonably practicable and legally permissible.
103.6 Accurate Product Information
AKBSTOCK seeks to provide reasonably accurate Product descriptions, previews, technical information and License information so Customers can make informed purchasing decisions.
If a material Product description or delivery error is identified, AKBSTOCK may review and correct the issue according to this Policy and applicable law.
103.7 Transparent Refund Framework
AKBSTOCK seeks to make its general refund and cancellation conditions reasonably accessible to Customers before or in connection with relevant transactions.
Customers are encouraged to review this Policy before purchasing Digital Products, entering into License transactions or subscribing to an AKBSTOCK Plan.
103.8 Digital Product Transparency
Because AKBSTOCK primarily supplies Digital Products, Customers should be able to understand that download and access transactions may operate differently from physical-goods purchases.
AKBSTOCK seeks to explain those differences without using the digital nature of its Products to avoid mandatory rights that legally apply.
103.9 Customer Responsibility and AKBSTOCK Responsibility
AKBSTOCK seeks to maintain a fair division of responsibility between the Customer and AKBSTOCK.
Customers are responsible for reviewing relevant Product and transaction information, while AKBSTOCK remains responsible for accurately supplying Products and addressing verified errors within its responsibility.
103.10 No Automatic Assumption Against the Customer
A Customer will not automatically be treated as dishonest, abusive or fraudulent merely because they report a Product problem, request a refund, dispute a payment or contact Customer support.
Suspected abuse should be assessed according to relevant evidence and circumstances.
103.11 No Automatic Assumption Against AKBSTOCK
The existence of a Customer complaint does not automatically establish that AKBSTOCK made an error or that a refund is required.
The matter may need to be reviewed according to the Product, payment records, technical evidence, applicable License terms and other relevant circumstances.
103.12 Evidence-Based Resolution
Where a dispute or uncertainty exists, AKBSTOCK seeks to make decisions using reasonably available evidence rather than assumptions alone.
Relevant evidence may include transaction records, Product files, download status, communications, screenshots, payment-provider information and other appropriate documentation.
103.13 Proportionate Evidence Requests
AKBSTOCK seeks to request only information reasonably necessary to investigate the issue presented.
Customers should not be required to provide excessive or unrelated personal information merely to obtain ordinary Customer support or exercise a legitimate refund right.
103.14 Sensitive Information
AKBSTOCK does not require Customers to provide banking passwords, card PINs, complete card security codes, one-time passwords or similarly sensitive authentication credentials through ordinary Customer support channels.
Customers should not send such information when requesting assistance.
103.15 Customer Opportunity to Explain
Where information concerning a refund or transaction appears incomplete, inconsistent or unusual, AKBSTOCK may give the Customer a reasonable opportunity to provide additional explanation or clarification before reaching a final adverse conclusion where appropriate.
103.16 Genuine Customer Mistakes
AKBSTOCK recognizes that Customers may occasionally make genuine mistakes when selecting Products, submitting information or explaining a transaction issue.
A genuine mistake does not automatically constitute fraud, although ordinary refund restrictions may still apply to the transaction.
103.17 AKBSTOCK Errors
Where AKBSTOCK identifies a genuine error within its own Product, delivery, payment, pricing or refund process, AKBSTOCK seeks to correct the issue through an appropriate remedy.
Depending on the circumstances, the remedy may include correction, replacement, restored access, payment adjustment or refund.
103.18 Technical Problems
AKBSTOCK seeks to provide reasonable assistance where a Customer encounters a genuine technical problem accessing or using a Product as supplied.
Where reasonably possible, AKBSTOCK may first attempt troubleshooting, repair, replacement or restored access before considering a monetary refund.
103.19 Corrupted Files
If an AKBSTOCK Product is materially corrupted or unusable as supplied, AKBSTOCK seeks to verify the issue and provide an appropriate correction or remedy according to this Policy and applicable law.
103.20 Incorrect Product Delivery
Where AKBSTOCK supplies a materially different Product from the Product properly purchased, AKBSTOCK seeks to correct the delivery and provide the correct Product or another appropriate remedy.
103.21 Duplicate Charges
AKBSTOCK seeks to investigate credible reports of duplicate charges and correct verified duplicate payments without unnecessarily affecting the valid underlying Product or License transaction.
103.22 Payment Errors
Where a Customer reports a genuine payment discrepancy, AKBSTOCK may review its own transaction records and, where appropriate, coordinate with the relevant payment provider.
AKBSTOCK seeks to distinguish its own processing responsibilities from matters controlled independently by banks or payment providers.
103.23 Approved Refunds
Where AKBSTOCK approves a refund, AKBSTOCK seeks to initiate the refund through the applicable process without unreasonable internal delay.
Additional time required by banks, card networks or payment providers after proper initiation may remain outside AKBSTOCK’s direct control.
103.24 Refund Status Assistance
Where reasonably available, AKBSTOCK may assist Customers in understanding the status of an approved refund and may provide relevant transaction or refund references needed to trace the payment.
103.25 Refund Rejections
Where a refund request does not satisfy this Policy or applicable legal requirements, AKBSTOCK may reject the request.
Where reasonably practicable, AKBSTOCK may communicate the principal basis for the rejection so the Customer can understand the decision.
103.26 Alternative Remedies
Where a monetary refund is not appropriate but a genuine Customer issue can reasonably be resolved through another method, AKBSTOCK may offer correction, replacement, restored access or another suitable remedy.
103.27 Customer Acceptance of Alternative Remedy
Where an alternative remedy requires Customer agreement, AKBSTOCK may explain the proposed resolution before completing it.
An alternative remedy will not be used to override a mandatory refund right where applicable law requires a different remedy.
103.28 Goodwill Solutions
AKBSTOCK may, in appropriate circumstances, provide a goodwill solution beyond the minimum remedy required under this Policy.
Such discretionary assistance does not automatically establish a permanent entitlement to the same treatment in future cases.
103.29 Customer Support Does Not Replace Legal Rights
Customer support assistance is intended to help resolve practical and transaction-related issues but does not replace mandatory legal rights available to the Customer.
Likewise, informal Customer support discussions do not automatically amend the complete AKBSTOCK legal framework.
103.30 Respectful Communication
AKBSTOCK seeks to communicate with Customers professionally and respectfully during refund, cancellation and support interactions.
Customers are likewise expected to communicate in a manner that does not involve threats, harassment, abusive conduct or intentional misrepresentation.
103.31 Customer Disagreement
A Customer may disagree with an AKBSTOCK refund or support decision without that disagreement automatically being treated as misconduct.
Where appropriate, the Customer may provide relevant additional information supporting their position.
103.32 Review of Material New Information
Where a Customer provides credible material information that was not available during the original review, AKBSTOCK may reconsider the relevant decision where appropriate.
AKBSTOCK is not required to repeatedly reconsider the same request where no material new information is provided, except where applicable law requires otherwise.
103.33 No Retaliation for Legitimate Complaints
AKBSTOCK will not restrict, suspend or terminate a Customer Account merely because the Customer makes a legitimate complaint, requests a refund in good faith or exercises a mandatory consumer or payment right.
Independent action may still be taken where verified fraud, abuse, security risk or another material violation exists.
103.34 Legitimate Chargebacks
A Customer will not automatically be treated as abusive merely because they exercise a legitimate chargeback or payment-dispute right.
AKBSTOCK may nevertheless respond to the dispute and provide relevant evidence through the applicable payment-provider procedure.
103.35 Fraudulent Claims Distinguished
Fair Customer treatment does not require AKBSTOCK to approve claims based on fabricated evidence, intentional deception, duplicate reimbursement attempts, fraudulent chargebacks or other verified abuse.
AKBSTOCK seeks to distinguish such conduct from legitimate Customer complaints.
103.36 Proportionate Anti-Abuse Measures
Where refund or payment abuse is reasonably verified, AKBSTOCK seeks to apply proportionate measures based on the seriousness, frequency, intent and impact of the conduct.
An isolated minor issue should not automatically result in the same response as serious or repeated fraud.
103.37 Account Security
If unusual refund or payment activity appears to result from Account compromise rather than Customer misconduct, AKBSTOCK may prioritize securing the Account and protecting the legitimate Customer.
103.38 False Fraud Signals
Where a legitimate Customer is incorrectly affected by an automated fraud or security signal, AKBSTOCK may review the matter and correct an inappropriate restriction following reasonable verification.
103.39 Human Review Where Appropriate
AKBSTOCK may use automated security, fraud or payment systems, but significant Customer-impacting decisions may receive additional review where reasonably appropriate and technically available.
103.40 Customer Privacy During Support
Personal information submitted during Customer support, refund or payment investigations will be handled according to the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable law.
AKBSTOCK seeks to avoid collecting unrelated personal information merely because a Customer requires support.
103.41 Confidentiality of Customer Issues
AKBSTOCK does not intend to publicly disclose a Customer’s private refund, payment or support history merely because a dispute or complaint exists.
Relevant information may nevertheless be shared where reasonably necessary and legally permitted for payment processing, fraud investigation, legal compliance or dispute resolution.
103.42 Protection of Transaction Information
AKBSTOCK seeks to use reasonable security and access controls for transaction, refund and Customer-support information maintained within systems under its responsibility.
103.43 Support Records
AKBSTOCK may retain reasonable records of Customer-support interactions where necessary for issue resolution, transaction administration, quality improvement, fraud prevention, accounting, licensing or legal compliance.
103.44 Customer Support Quality Review
AKBSTOCK may review support and refund patterns to identify recurring Product, payment, download or communication problems and improve future Customer experience.
103.45 Product Quality Improvement
Legitimate refund requests and Customer feedback may help AKBSTOCK identify Product defects, technical issues or areas requiring clearer Product information.
AKBSTOCK may use such information to improve its Product review and publishing processes.
103.46 Payment Process Improvement
AKBSTOCK may use recurring payment and refund issues to identify opportunities to improve checkout, payment-provider integration, transaction communications and refund processing.
103.47 Policy Clarity Improvement
Customer questions and recurring areas of misunderstanding may help AKBSTOCK identify provisions of this Policy or other legal documents that require clearer explanation.
AKBSTOCK may update its policies accordingly under the applicable amendment provisions.
103.48 Reasonable Response Efforts
AKBSTOCK seeks to respond to legitimate Customer support and refund communications within a reasonable period considering the complexity, evidence required, payment-provider involvement and other relevant circumstances.
Where mandatory law establishes a specific response requirement, that requirement will apply to the extent legally applicable.
103.49 Complex Cases
Some matters may require additional time because they involve payment-provider investigations, Account security, copyright concerns, Exclusive License rights, international legal issues or substantial technical review.
Additional review does not automatically mean that the Customer’s request will be rejected.
103.50 Customer Updates
Where a support or refund review materially requires additional time, AKBSTOCK may provide reasonable status information where practicable.
AKBSTOCK does not guarantee continuous real-time updates for every investigation.
103.51 Support Channels
AKBSTOCK may provide one or more official Customer support channels for questions relating to Products, Accounts, payments, refunds, Licenses or Website use.
Customers should use official AKBSTOCK communication channels where reasonably possible so that requests can be properly identified and recorded.
103.52 Official Communications
AKBSTOCK may communicate support or refund decisions through email, Customer Account messages or another appropriate official channel.
Customers should maintain reasonably accurate contact information where such information is necessary to receive transaction-related communications.
103.53 Unofficial Communication Channels
Statements made through unofficial third-party accounts, impersonation profiles or unauthorized persons should not be relied upon as binding AKBSTOCK support decisions.
Customers should verify suspicious communications through official AKBSTOCK channels.
103.54 Customer Support Security
AKBSTOCK may request reasonable verification before discussing sensitive Account, order, refund or payment information with a person claiming to be the Customer.
Verification is intended to protect Customer information and should remain proportionate to the sensitivity of the request.
103.55 Unauthorized Representatives
AKBSTOCK may decline to disclose sensitive Account or transaction information to a third party who cannot establish appropriate authority to act for the Customer.
103.56 Authorized Representatives
Where legally and operationally appropriate, AKBSTOCK may communicate with a properly authorized representative acting on behalf of a Customer after suitable verification of that authority.
103.57 Language of Support
AKBSTOCK may provide Customer support in the languages operationally available to it.
Where applicable law requires particular consumer information or support to be provided in a specified form or language, AKBSTOCK will apply such mandatory requirements to the extent legally applicable.
103.58 International Customers
AKBSTOCK seeks to apply its general support principles fairly to international Customers while recognizing that local legal requirements, payment systems and operational circumstances may differ between jurisdictions.
103.59 Time-Zone Differences
International Customers may experience differences in communication or processing times because of time zones, banking days, payment-provider operations or other cross-border factors.
AKBSTOCK seeks to address legitimate requests reasonably despite such differences.
103.60 Mandatory Consumer Rights
AKBSTOCK’s commitment to fairness operates subject to mandatory consumer rights that applicable law does not permit AKBSTOCK to exclude or restrict.
Section 98 – Mandatory Consumer Rights remains applicable to all Customer-support and refund decisions.
103.61 International Consumer Rights
Section 99 – International Customers & Local Consumer Laws should be considered where a Customer relies on a mandatory local consumer right or legally applicable cross-border protection.
103.62 No Reduction of Legal Rights
This Customer Support Commitment does not reduce any mandatory legal remedy that an eligible Customer may independently have under applicable law.
103.63 No Automatic Expansion of Refund Rights
AKBSTOCK’s commitment to fair and helpful Customer support does not automatically make every Product or transaction refundable.
Refund eligibility remains governed by this Policy, the applicable transaction terms, relevant License Agreements and mandatory law.
103.64 Fairness Does Not Require Duplicate Compensation
Fair Customer treatment does not require AKBSTOCK to provide duplicate refunds, credits, replacements or financial compensation for the same loss where an appropriate remedy has already been provided.
103.65 Refund and License Balance
Where a full refund validly reverses the financial basis of a Product or License transaction, AKBSTOCK seeks to apply the resulting License consequences fairly and consistently according to Section 96 – Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights and the applicable License Agreement.
103.66 Existing Lawful Rights
A Customer-support or Account decision should not unnecessarily interfere with unrelated Product Licenses that remain valid under separate properly paid transactions.
103.67 Commercial Customers
AKBSTOCK seeks to provide reasonable support to business, professional and commercial Customers as well as individual consumers.
The legal rights and contractual remedies available to those Customer categories may differ according to the nature and purpose of the transaction.
103.68 Subscription Customers
AKBSTOCK seeks to provide reasonable support concerning Subscription activation, downloads, billing, cancellation and other Subscription issues.
Subscription-specific financial and License rules remain governed by the applicable Subscription documents and Section 89 – Subscription Cancellations & Refunds.
103.69 Exclusive License Customers
Exclusive License transactions may require additional review because of their commercial value and effect on Product availability.
AKBSTOCK seeks to handle legitimate Exclusive License support issues carefully and according to the applicable Exclusive License Agreement and Section 90 – Exclusive License Transactions.
103.70 Free Product Users
Customers using free Products may contact AKBSTOCK concerning legitimate technical, copyright or access issues where support is available.
The absence of a monetary Product price does not prevent AKBSTOCK from considering a genuine Product concern.
103.71 Promotional Customers
Customers purchasing through valid discounts or promotions are entitled to the same fair review of genuine Product and payment issues as Customers purchasing at ordinary prices.
The monetary value of any approved refund may nevertheless reflect the amount actually paid.
103.72 Payment Provider Cooperation
Where a support issue requires payment-provider involvement, AKBSTOCK may cooperate with the applicable provider and provide relevant transaction information where legally permissible.
103.73 Provider Limitations
AKBSTOCK cannot guarantee that an independent bank, card issuer, payment gateway or other provider will resolve a matter within AKBSTOCK’s preferred timeframe.
AKBSTOCK may nevertheless provide reasonable assistance concerning information within its possession or control.
103.74 Customer Feedback
AKBSTOCK may consider constructive Customer feedback relating to Products, Website functionality, support processes or transaction experience as part of its ongoing quality improvement.
Submitting feedback does not itself create a refund entitlement.
103.75 Complaints and Feedback Distinguished
A general suggestion or preference should be distinguished from a complaint alleging a material Product, transaction or legal issue.
AKBSTOCK may handle those communications differently according to their nature.
103.76 Professional Customer Support
AKBSTOCK seeks to provide support in a professional manner consistent with the seriousness of the issue presented and the information reasonably available to it.
103.77 No Guarantee of Desired Outcome
AKBSTOCK’s commitment to Customer support does not guarantee that every Customer request will receive the outcome requested by the Customer.
AKBSTOCK must consider this Policy, Product and payment facts, License terms and applicable law when determining the appropriate resolution.
103.78 Customer Support Discretion
Where this Policy expressly provides AKBSTOCK with discretion to offer a goodwill remedy or other voluntary accommodation, AKBSTOCK may consider the circumstances of the individual request.
Discretion does not permit AKBSTOCK to disregard mandatory legal rights.
103.79 No Preferential Treatment Based Solely on Pressure
AKBSTOCK seeks to determine support outcomes according to legitimate transaction circumstances rather than merely according to the volume, persistence or aggressiveness of a Customer’s communications.
Customers with legitimate urgent concerns may nevertheless explain the relevant circumstances for appropriate consideration.
103.80 No Unfair Penalty for Asking Questions
Customers will not be penalized merely because they ask questions about Product quality, License rights, refund eligibility, payment status or this Policy.
103.81 Customer Education
Where reasonably practical, AKBSTOCK may provide guidance explaining Product formats, download procedures, License categories, Subscription rules or other information that may help Customers avoid preventable transaction problems.
103.82 Prevention Before Dispute
AKBSTOCK seeks to reduce refund and support disputes by providing clearer Product information, suitable previews, accessible legal documents and accurate transaction records before problems arise.
103.83 Trust and Transaction Integrity
AKBSTOCK seeks to maintain Customer trust through clear transaction practices, appropriate Product quality review and fair handling of legitimate post-purchase issues.
Customer trust does not require AKBSTOCK to disregard fraud, License misuse or other verified abuse.
103.84 Long-Term Customer Relationship
AKBSTOCK seeks to resolve legitimate issues in a manner that supports a trustworthy long-term relationship with Customers rather than treating every support interaction solely as an adversarial dispute.
This commitment remains subject to AKBSTOCK’s need to protect its Products, intellectual property, payment systems and other Customers from misuse.
103.85 No Promise of Error-Free Service
AKBSTOCK does not represent that every Product, Website feature, payment system or support interaction will be free from every possible technical or human error.
Where a genuine error occurs, AKBSTOCK seeks to address the resulting issue reasonably according to this Policy and applicable law.
103.86 Continuous Improvement
AKBSTOCK may improve its Product review, Website systems, payment processes, legal documents and Customer-support procedures over time based on operational experience, Customer feedback, technical developments and legal requirements.
103.87 Policy Improvement
Where experience shows that a refund or support rule causes unnecessary confusion or does not adequately address legitimate transaction scenarios, AKBSTOCK may revise the relevant Policy provisions in accordance with Section 101 – Changes to This Refund & Cancellation Policy.
103.88 Relationship With Refund Procedure
Sections 81 – Refund Request Procedure, 82 – Information & Evidence Required for Refund Requests, 83 – Refund Review & Verification and 84 – Approval or Rejection of Refund Requests provide the detailed procedural framework supporting this fairness commitment.
103.89 Relationship With Technical Support
Sections 73 – Technical Problems & Support Before Refund, 74 – Corrupted, Defective or Unusable Files, 75 – Incorrect Product or File Delivered and 76 – Replacement, Repair or Restored Access Before Refund support AKBSTOCK’s commitment to resolving genuine Product issues before or instead of refund where appropriate.
103.90 Relationship With Fraud Protection
Sections 94 – Fraudulent, Abusive & Repeated Refund Requests and 95 – Account Restrictions Related to Refund Abuse establish protections against misuse while requiring genuine Customer complaints and payment issues to be distinguished from abuse.
103.91 Relationship With Product Access & License Rights
Section 96 – Effect of Refund on Product Access & License Rights provides the framework for balancing Customer reimbursement with the legal status of Product-use rights after a transaction has been refunded or reversed.
103.92 Relationship With Refund Records
Section 97 – Refund Records & Transaction Records supports fair decision-making by allowing relevant historical transaction and refund information to be maintained where reasonably and legally necessary.
103.93 Relationship With Mandatory Rights
Section 98 – Mandatory Consumer Rights ensures that AKBSTOCK’s contractual refund framework does not unlawfully reduce non-excludable Customer protections.
103.94 Relationship With International Customers
Section 99 – International Customers & Local Consumer Laws ensures that AKBSTOCK’s general Customer-support framework remains subject to legally applicable mandatory international requirements without automatically applying every jurisdiction’s rules to every transaction.
103.95 Relationship With Payment Providers
Section 100 – Third-Party Payment Providers applies where resolution of a Customer issue depends partly on independent banking, card-network or payment-provider processes.
103.96 Relationship With Other Legal Documents
Section 102 – Relationship With Other AKBSTOCK Legal Documents explains how this fairness and support commitment operates together with the AKBSTOCK Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, Copyright Policy, Acceptable Use Policy and applicable License Agreements.
103.97 Customer Trust Principle
AKBSTOCK seeks to build Customer trust through accurate Product information, transparent transaction rules, reasonable support, appropriate Product-quality standards and fair handling of genuine Customer concerns.
Trust is intended to operate in both directions: Customers should be able to rely on AKBSTOCK’s legitimate commitments, while AKBSTOCK should be able to rely on truthful Customer information and lawful use of its Products.
103.98 Balanced Customer Protection Principle
AKBSTOCK seeks to maintain a balance between meaningful Customer protection and protection of its digital Products, intellectual property, Licenses and payment systems.
Neither Customer protection nor anti-abuse rules should be applied in a manner that unfairly defeats the legitimate rights of the other party.
103.99 Commitment to Reasonable Resolution
Where a genuine Customer issue arises, AKBSTOCK seeks to identify the underlying problem and apply the remedy most appropriate to the circumstances, whether through technical correction, replacement, restored access, payment adjustment, refund or another legally appropriate resolution.
The final remedy will depend on the transaction facts, applicable Product or License terms and mandatory law.
103.100 Section Summary
AKBSTOCK is committed to administering Customer support, refunds, cancellations and payment issues in a fair, reasonable and evidence-based manner. Genuine Customer complaints should be considered on their actual facts rather than automatically being treated as fraud or abuse.
Where an AKBSTOCK-side Product, delivery, technical or payment error is verified, AKBSTOCK seeks to provide an appropriate remedy such as correction, replacement, restored access, payment adjustment or refund. Where a refund is not available, AKBSTOCK may explain the relevant basis and consider another suitable remedy where appropriate.
AKBSTOCK’s fairness commitment does not mean that every transaction is refundable, nor does it require approval of fraudulent, abusive or duplicate claims. Verification and anti-abuse measures may be used where necessary, but they should remain proportionate and should not be used to discourage legitimate complaints, mandatory consumer rights or genuine payment disputes.
AKBSTOCK seeks to build long-term Customer trust through transparent Product information, clear legal terms, reasonable Customer support, proper transaction records, protection of Customer information and continuous improvement of its Products and processes. This commitment operates together with the complete AKBSTOCK legal framework and all mandatory rights applicable to the relevant Customer and transaction.
104. Contact Information
104.1 Contacting AKBSTOCK
If you have any questions, concerns or requests regarding this Refund & Cancellation Policy, a Product purchase, refund request, cancellation, payment issue, download problem or related Customer-support matter, you may contact AKBSTOCK through the official contact information provided below.
104.2 Official Customer Support Email
Email: support@akbstock.com
This email address may be used for Customer-support matters including Product access problems, download issues, payment concerns, refund requests, cancellation questions, order-related assistance and other matters covered by this Policy.
104.3 Information to Include
To help AKBSTOCK identify and review your request efficiently, please provide relevant information where available, such as your name, registered email address, order number, transaction reference, Product name or Product ID, payment date and a clear description of the issue.
Where a technical or Product-related problem is involved, screenshots or other reasonable supporting information may also be helpful.
104.4 Refund Request Identification
When contacting AKBSTOCK specifically about a refund, Customers are encouraged to clearly identify the communication as a refund request and provide sufficient transaction information to allow the relevant purchase to be located and reviewed.
104.5 Use of Registered Email Address
Where reasonably possible, Customers should contact AKBSTOCK using the email address associated with their AKBSTOCK Account or purchase.
This may help AKBSTOCK verify the request and protect Customer Account and transaction information.
104.6 Additional Verification
AKBSTOCK may request reasonable additional information where necessary to verify the Customer, transaction, payment or Product issue before disclosing sensitive information or processing a refund-related request.
Any verification request should remain proportionate to the nature and sensitivity of the matter.
104.7 Sensitive Payment Information
Customers should not send passwords, one-time passwords (OTPs), card PINs, complete payment-card security codes or other sensitive authentication credentials to AKBSTOCK through email or ordinary Customer-support communications.
AKBSTOCK does not require such credentials to investigate an ordinary refund, payment or Product-support request.
104.8 Supporting Evidence
Where reasonably necessary, AKBSTOCK may request supporting evidence such as screenshots, payment confirmations, error messages or other information relevant to the reported issue.
Customers should provide only information reasonably relevant to the request and should avoid unnecessarily sharing sensitive financial or personal information.
104.9 Communication Records
AKBSTOCK may maintain reasonable records of refund, cancellation and Customer-support communications for purposes including request resolution, transaction administration, accounting, fraud prevention, legal compliance and protection of legitimate rights.
Such information will be handled in accordance with the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy and applicable law.
104.10 Response and Review
AKBSTOCK seeks to review legitimate Customer-support and refund communications within a reasonable period after receiving sufficient information to understand and investigate the matter.
The time required may vary depending on the complexity of the issue, information provided, payment-provider involvement, technical investigation or other relevant circumstances.
104.11 Incomplete Requests
If AKBSTOCK cannot reasonably identify the relevant transaction or understand the reported issue from the information provided, AKBSTOCK may request additional information before completing its review.
Customers are encouraged to respond with the requested relevant information so that the matter can be investigated properly.
104.12 Payment Provider Issues
Where a matter involves an independent bank, card issuer, payment gateway or other payment provider, AKBSTOCK may provide reasonable assistance concerning transaction information within its possession or control.
Customers may also need to communicate directly with the applicable payment provider where the relevant issue falls within that provider’s systems or responsibility.
104.13 Copyright Matters
Refund and ordinary Customer-support requests should generally be sent to support@akbstock.com.
Copyright infringement reports, copyright complaints or other dedicated copyright matters should be submitted through the copyright contact method identified in the applicable AKBSTOCK Copyright Policy or copyright complaint procedure.
104.14 Privacy Matters
Questions or requests concerning personal information should be submitted through the contact method identified in the AKBSTOCK Privacy Policy where a specific privacy contact procedure is provided.
A refund request involving personal information may be handled together with the Privacy Policy where appropriate.
104.15 Official Website
Website: www.akbstock.com
Customers should refer to the official AKBSTOCK Website for current Product information, applicable legal documents, Customer-support information and other official AKBSTOCK notices.
104.16 Business Location
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
AKBSTOCK operates its online digital textile design platform from India and provides Digital Products and related services to eligible Customers through its Website.
104.17 Official Communication Channels
Customers should rely on official AKBSTOCK Website information and authorized AKBSTOCK communication channels when submitting refund, cancellation, payment or Product-support requests.
AKBSTOCK is not responsible for representations made by unauthorized third parties, impersonation accounts or unofficial communication channels that are not acting with AKBSTOCK’s authority.
104.18 Changes to Contact Information
AKBSTOCK may update its support email address, Website contact methods, business location information or other Customer-support channels as its operations develop.
Customers should refer to the current version of this Policy and the official AKBSTOCK Website for the most current contact information.
104.19 Customer Support Commitment
AKBSTOCK seeks to provide professional, fair and reasonable assistance for genuine Product, payment, download, refund and cancellation issues.
Contacting Customer support does not guarantee a particular outcome, but legitimate requests will be considered according to this Policy, the applicable AKBSTOCK legal documents, relevant transaction circumstances and mandatory law.
104.20 Contact Summary
For questions or requests concerning this Refund & Cancellation Policy, Product downloads, orders, payments, refunds, cancellations or general Customer support, please contact:
AKBSTOCK
Customer Support: support@akbstock.com
Website: www.akbstock.com
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Please include sufficient information to identify the relevant transaction and explain the issue. AKBSTOCK will seek to review legitimate requests fairly and provide an appropriate response according to this Policy, the applicable AKBSTOCK legal framework and mandatory law.