Terms of Use

These terms govern your use of the Lantern & Ink website and its case files. By visiting this site or downloading a case, you agree to these terms.

Lantern & Ink is a publishing studio, not a service platform. This policy reflects that. It is about ownership, respect, and trust — the same values that govern traditional publishing.

The Lantern & Ink website is:

• An editorial archive of the studio's published mystery cases
• A showcase of the studio's design and craft
• A resource for press inquiries and creator partnerships
• A direct channel to contact the studio

The website is not:

• A marketplace or store (cases are sold through Etsy)
• A subscription service
• A social network
• A forum or community platform
• A game platform

All content on this website and within the studio's case files is owned by Lantern & Ink. This includes:

• Case designs and layouts
• Story text, plots, and characters
• Illustrations, photography, and graphics
• Typography, color systems, and visual direction
• Names, logos, and branding

These works have been created with care and intention. They are not open for reuse, modification, or distribution.

When you purchase a case file from Etsy, you receive a personal, limited license to use it:

The case file is licensed to you, not sold. You own the printout; Lantern & Ink owns the intellectual property.

If you are an educator, library, school, or organization interested in using the studio's cases:

• Classroom use: You may print one copy per student from a single purchased license only with direct permission. Please contact the studio.
• Library lending: The studio is interested in library partnerships. Please inquire.
• School adoption: Bulk educational licenses are available. Please contact the studio.
• Corporate team building: Custom licensing available. Please contact the studio.

Email the studio at hello@lanternandink.studio to discuss licensing for your context.

Case files are created with care. However:

• The studio does not guarantee that every detail in a case is historically or scientifically accurate (some cases are fictional, some are historical fiction)
• Case descriptions may not capture every element or theme
• Solutions are designed to be logical and fair, but edge cases or alternative readings may exist
• The studio reserves the right to publish errata or corrections if errors are identified

If you believe there is a significant error in a case, please contact the studio with details.

When you visit the Lantern & Ink website, you agree not to:

• Copy entire pages or sections for republication
• Scrape the site with bots or automated tools
• Hot-link to images or PDFs
• Circumvent access controls or security measures
• Use the site to promote competing products or services
• Harass, defame, or threaten anyone on the site or via the contact form
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the site or its systems

The website may link to other websites. The studio does not control those sites and is not responsible for their content, practices, or policies. Your use of external sites is governed by their terms.

If you find a broken link or inappropriate external reference, please tell the studio.

When you submit a contact form, email, or message:

• You grant Lantern & Ink permission to read and respond to your message
• The studio may keep your message on file to maintain context for future correspondence
• The studio will not publish your message without permission
• You are responsible for the content of your submission (it should be truthful and not infringe on others' rights)

If you submit case ideas, story pitches, or other creative work:

• The studio appreciates your interest
• The studio may or may not be able to use your idea
• You should not expect compensation for unsolicited ideas
• Please do not submit confidential or proprietary information unless you are in a formal relationship with the studio

The website and case files are provided "as is." The studio does not guarantee:

• The site will be uninterrupted or error-free
• The site will be available at all times
• Case solutions are the only correct solutions
• Cases will match your expectations
• The website will work on all devices or browsers

To the extent permitted by law:

• Lantern & Ink is not liable for any damages from your use of the site or case files
• This includes lost profits, lost data, or indirect damages
• This applies even if the studio was warned of the possibility of such damages

This limitation does not apply to death, personal injury, or fraud.

If your use of the site or case files causes harm to others or damages third-party rights, you agree to indemnify Lantern & Ink against claims, damages, and costs (including legal fees) arising from that use.

The studio may:

• Add new cases to the archive
• Remove cases from the archive
• Update case descriptions or information
• Change case pricing (on Etsy)
• Retire certain cases
• Reorganize how cases are presented

The studio will try to maintain a stable archive, but Lantern & Ink reserves the right to modify its catalog as the studio evolves.

If a case you purchased is removed from the archive, your purchased license remains valid. You may continue to use the PDF you have downloaded.

The studio may update, redesign, or change this website at any time. It will try to maintain stable URLs and content, but it reserves the right to restructure as needed.

These terms are governed by the laws of [jurisdiction]. Any disputes will be handled through the courts of [jurisdiction].

If you have a dispute with Lantern & Ink:

1. Try talking to the studio first. Email hello@lanternandink.studio with your concern.
2. The studio will respond within 14 days.
3. If the studio cannot resolve it by email, it may suggest mediation.
4. If mediation fails, either party may pursue legal action.

The studio prefers to resolve disagreements directly. Most issues can be solved with a conversation.

If any part of these terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, that part will be removed, and the rest will remain in effect.

If you have questions about these terms:

The studio will respond to reasonable questions within 14 days.

These terms are written in plain language, not legal jargon, because the studio believes you deserve to understand them. Lantern & Ink is a publishing studio, and it operates on trust.

If something in these terms seems unclear or unfair, please tell the studio. It wants its policies to be as straightforward as its cases.