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Terms and Contitions

These Terms and Conditions were last updated on 19 October 2025.

Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully before using this website or participating in any auction.
By accessing this website, you agree to be bound by these Terms. The following rules are designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and respect for the artistic concept behind each project.

GENERAL TERMS

  • This website and its annual art auction are created and operated by artist Uku Merkuri (registered as Uku Hain FIE).
  • The project represents an artistic concept in which one unique artwork is created and auctioned each year.
  • By participating in the auction or using the website, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms.
  • The artist reserves the right to update, modify, or replace any part of these Terms at any time.
  • Users must be at least 18 years of age and legally capable of entering binding contracts.
  • Fraudulent behavior, false identities, or attempts to manipulate the auction system will result in permanent suspension.

AUCTION PARTICIPATION RULES

Registration

  • Only registered users with a verified email address may participate in auctions.
  • Each participant may use only one account. Multiple or fake accounts are strictly prohibited.

Bidding Rules

  • Each auction page displays the starting price, minimum bid increment, and end time, which are final.
  • All bids are binding – they cannot be changed, canceled, or withdrawn.
  • There is no maximum bid – participants may bid as high as they wish.
  • The "Buy Now" feature is disabled; auctions end only when the timer expires (unless extended by anti-sniping).
  • All bids are recorded and timestamped automatically by the system.
  • Late bids submitted after the timer reaches zero are not accepted, unless the anti-sniping feature extends the auction.
  • Bidders are responsible for monitoring their bids and checking email notifications regularly.

Anti-Sniping Extension

  • The auction system includes an anti-sniping feature to prevent unfair last-second bids.
  • If a new bid is placed in the final minutes of the auction (e.g., within 2 minutes of closing), the auction is automatically extended by a short period (e.g., +2 minutes).

PAYMENT AND OWNERSHIP

  • The highest bidder at the end of the auction is automatically declared the winner.
  • A confirmation email will be sent immediately after the auction ends.
  • The winner must complete the full payment within 48 hours via bank transfer to the account specified in the confirmation email.
  • If payment is not received within this period, the auction result may be canceled and the item relisted.
  • Ownership of the physical artwork transfers to the buyer only after full payment is received.
  • All payments must be made via direct bank transfer to the account specified in the confirmation email. No other payment methods are accepted.

UNSOLD ARTWORK & DESTRUCTION CLAUSE

  • If an artwork is not sold by the end of the auction, it will be permanently destroyed by the artist.
  • Destruction is an intentional and integral part of the artistic concept.
  • The process may be publicly documented (photos or video) to preserve artistic integrity.
  • Once destroyed, no reproductions, digital copies, or recreations will be made.
  • Participants acknowledge that no claims, refunds, or replacements can be made regarding unsold and destroyed artworks.

SHIPPING AND DELIVERY

  • The buyer is responsible for shipping costs, insurance, and any applicable customs or import taxes.
  • Shipping will only be arranged after full payment has been confirmed.
  • The artist ensures careful packaging and provides tracking information once dispatched.
  • The artist is not liable for delays, damages, or losses occurring after the item has been handed over to the courier.

RETURNS & DISPUTES

  • All sales are final. Once an auction ends and payment is made, it cannot be canceled or refunded, except if the item is damaged or significantly different from its description.
  • If you believe the item differs substantially from its description, please contact us within 3 business days of receipt.
  • Any approved return must be sent back in original condition and packaging.
  • All disputes or issues are reviewed fairly and transparently. Initial contact should be made via info@ukumerkuri.com before taking further action.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

  • The buyer acquires the physical artwork only.
  • All copyrights, reproduction rights, and image rights remain the property of the artist, Uku Merkuri.
  • The artwork or its images may not be reproduced, published, or used commercially without written permission.
  • Any exhibition, resale, or publication must properly credit the artist.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

  • The website and its administrators are not responsible for internet issues, browser errors, or technical interruptions affecting bidding.
  • All bids are recorded according to server time, which is final.
  • By participating in auctions, you accept these technical risks.
  • The website’s total liability shall not exceed the final value of the auctioned item.
  • To the fullest extent permitted by law, the artist is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.

DATA PROTECTION AND PRIVACY

  • Personal data (name, email, and bid activity) is collected for auction operation, communication, and legal compliance.
  • Data will not be sold or shared with third parties except as required by law.
  • Users may request access, correction, or deletion of their data by contacting the artist.
  • More details are available in the website’s [Privacy Policy] (https://ukumerkuri.com/privacy-policy).

GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

  • These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the Republic of Estonia.
  • Any disputes arising from or related to these Terms will be resolved in the Harju County Court, Estonia.
  • If any provision is deemed invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain fully effective.

CONTACT

For any questions regarding auction rules, please contact:

Uku Merkuri (Uku Hain FIE)
Estonia
info@ukumerkuri.com
ukumerkuri.com/contact

Download TERMS AND CONDITIONS (PDF)