Acceptable Use Policy

Pato Market · Last updated July 22, 2026

This Acceptable Use Policy ("Policy") sets out the standards of conduct expected from everyone using Pato Market (patomarket.net), operated by ATIENO INNOVATIONS. It applies to Creators (sellers) and Buyers alike, and it works alongside our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, not in place of them. By creating a store, listing a product, or making a purchase on Pato Market, you agree to follow this Policy.

1. Who this Policy applies to

This Policy applies to any Creator who registers a store, lists a product, or receives a payout on Pato Market, and to any Buyer who browses, purchases, or downloads a product through the platform.

2. Creator verification requirements

To open a Creator account, you must provide accurate personal information, including your full name, a valid email address, your country, and a National ID number. This information is used to identify who is selling on the platform and is not shown publicly. Email addresses are confirmed via a verification link. For creators in Kenya, the ID number is checked for a valid format (6–8 digits); for creators in other East African countries, ID numbers are currently checked only for basic validity. Identity and payout accuracy are also protected at the payment stage: before publishing any product, you must set up a payout account (bank or mobile money) and confirm your account number, and Pato's payment processor independently verifies that account before any payout is released. Providing false, stolen, or someone else's identity or payout information is a serious violation of this Policy and may result in immediate account suspension and, where appropriate, being reported to the relevant authorities.

3. Prohibited content

You may not list, upload, or sell products that:

• Contain illegal content of any kind
• Infringe on someone else's copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights
• Are sexually explicit, or exploit or endanger minors in any way
• Promote violence, hate, discrimination, or harassment against any person or group
• Provide instructions for creating weapons, explosives, or other dangerous items
• Are fraudulent, misleading, or do not deliver what the listing describes
• Consist of content copied from another creator or source without permission

4. Prohibited conduct

Regardless of the product being sold, the following conduct is not allowed on Pato Market:

• Misrepresenting your identity, business, or qualifications to Buyers
• Creating multiple creator accounts to evade a suspension or restriction
• Manipulating prices, reviews, or sales figures to mislead Buyers
• Attempting to move a Buyer off-platform specifically to avoid Pato Market's fees, after a sale has already been initiated through the platform
• Uploading files containing malware, viruses, or any code intended to harm a Buyer's device
• Using the platform to collect Buyer information for purposes unrelated to the product purchased
• Abusing the dispute or refund process in bad faith, as either a Creator or a Buyer

5. Buyer conduct

Buyers agree to use purchased products for personal use only, unless a Creator's listing states otherwise, and not to redistribute, resell, or publicly share purchased files without the Creator's permission. Buyers should not use false or someone else's payment details to make a purchase.

6. Enforcement

Pato Market reviews reported content and conduct on an ongoing basis. Where a violation of this Policy is found, Pato Market may take action including, but not limited to: removing or unpublishing the product in question, suspending the Creator's ability to publish new products, disabling an account entirely, or withholding a pending payout while a report is investigated. Pato Market aims to act on credible reports promptly, but as a small, actively growing platform, review currently happens after content is published rather than before, and we rely in part on reports from Buyers and other Creators to identify violations.

7. Reporting a violation

If you believe a listing, Creator, or Buyer has violated this Policy, contact hello@patomarket.net with as much detail as possible, including the product or store link involved. We review every report we receive.

8. Relationship to our other policies

This Policy works together with our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Where this Policy is more specific about conduct and content standards, it governs; our Terms of Service continue to govern fees, payments, refunds, and liability.

9. Changes to this Policy

We may update this Policy as Pato Market grows, including adding stronger verification or review steps over time. Continued use of Pato Market after changes are posted means you accept the updated Policy.