General Terms and Conditions (GTC) – LIK Academy of Photography and Design GmbH

LIK Academy of Photography and Design GmbH
FN414984
LIK Academy – Private School for Photography
Spittelberggasse 9, A-1070 Vienna, Austria
Tel.: +43 676 911 2824
E-mail: info@likakademie.at

1. GENERAL

LIK Academy of Photography and Design GmbH offers comprehensive training in photography, film, image editing, and media design. After two years of study at the LIK Academy of Photography and Design, participants may opt to complete a Top-Up Bachelor of Creative Media degree at a partner institution.

The part-time diploma programs in Photography, Photodesign / Image Editing, Portrait Photography, Filmmaking, Social Media, Online Marketing, Media Design, and other media-related courses and training programs have a duration of two semesters each and cover all topics of modern photography, effective image editing, media design, marketing, film production, and media communication.

All programs may be attended independently on a part-time basis or within the framework of vocational training, and may also be completed simultaneously. The LIK Academy of Photography and Design’s offerings are tailored to aspiring professional photographers, dedicated photography enthusiasts, and individuals seeking education in graphic design and media professions.

The Photography and Media Design programs include technical knowledge as well as visual training in design. The focus is on practical photography skills, complemented by creativity training and both professional-commercial and artistic approaches to photography.

The LIK Academy of Photography and Design offers a professional full-time vocational training program at a high technical and didactic level, facilitating entry into professional life. Professional internships are carried out during the training period.

In addition, shorter courses and seminars (less than two semesters) are offered on-site and online. In such cases, the course duration will be specified separately in the course description.

Distance learning programs may be conducted online with or without in-person attendance.

The participation fee does not include costs for film materials, photo processing, photo paper, chemicals, possible entrance fees, travel costs, accommodation, or meals.

2. SCOPE OF APPLICATION

LIK Academy of Photography and Design GmbH provides its services exclusively on the basis of the following General Terms and Conditions (hereinafter referred to as “GTC”). They apply to all events and locations of the LIK Academy of Photography and Design.

The GTC regulate the contractual relationship between the participant in an event and the LIK Academy of Photography and Design as the organizer. Deviations from the GTC, or other agreements and side arrangements that contradict these GTC, require the express written approval of the LIK Academy of Photography and Design to be valid.

The GTC also apply to all future business relationships, even if not explicitly agreed upon and without express reference to them.

If individual provisions of the GTC are invalid, this does not affect the validity of the remaining provisions or of contracts concluded on the basis thereof. The invalid provision is to be replaced by a valid one that comes closest to the intended meaning and purpose.

Conflicting GTC of a participant are invalid unless expressly confirmed in writing by the LIK Academy of Photography and Design.

All personal expressions in these GTC refer equally to all genders.

3. AMENDMENTS TO THE GTC

LIK Academy of Photography and Design reserves the right to amend the provisions regarding the services to be provided at its reasonable discretion, taking into account general requirements and market conditions, insofar as this is reasonable for the participant.

Amendments to these GTC will be published on the publicly accessible website. Changes not falling under the first paragraph of this section will be communicated to the participant in text form (by letter or e-mail).

The amendments become effective unless the participant objects within 14 days of receipt of the amendment notice.

4. COURSE LOCATION

Unless otherwise stated in the course description, all courses and training sessions take place at:

  • Seidengasse 17, 1070 Vienna
  • Spittelberggasse 9, 1070 Vienna
  • Abensbergstrasse 4, 4061 Pasching

5. REGISTRATION / CONTRACT FORMATION

The offers of the LIK Academy of Photography and Design are non-binding and subject to change.

Registration at the LIK Academy of Photography and Design is possible at any time. Registration is made exclusively by e-mail to anmeldung@likakademie.at using the online form.

By registering, the participant submits a binding contractual offer to the LIK Academy of Photography and Design and accepts the validity and applicability of the GTC for the respective contractual relationship.

Upon receipt of the registration confirmation from the LIK Academy of Photography and Design, the contract between the LIK Academy of Photography and Design and the participant becomes legally binding on the basis of the GTC.

The confirmation of participation will be sent to the participant by e-mail. It is pointed out that confirmations may also be found in the spam folder of the participant’s e-mail account, which should therefore be checked regularly.

Places are allocated in the order of registration, with the payment of the first installment amounting to 20% of the tuition fee within 7 days of registration being a prerequisite. The remaining 80% is to be paid no later than 14 days before the start of the program. Billing is per semester. Participation is only guaranteed once the total fee has been received in full in the account of the LIK Academy of Photography and Design.

Registration is binding for two consecutive semesters and cannot be canceled after the start of the course. Therefore, the participant cannot reclaim any part of the tuition fee already paid.

Unless expressly agreed otherwise, participation in the second semester is also mandatory in the Master Class and Summer Academy.

By registering for a course, the participant agrees that invoices will be sent in digital form (PDF). No paper invoices will be issued.

Late registration for already commenced programs does not entitle the participant to a reduction in the tuition fee.

Missed lessons cannot be made up for organizational reasons.

6. COURSE / PROGRAM

All courses and training sessions are conducted according to the curriculum. The current curriculum is published online at: www.likakademie.com.

Unless otherwise stated in the course description, diploma programs and training courses are held over two semesters.

Classes take place according to the published timetable and course description on the website.

For the full-time program, the holiday regulations of schools in the City of Vienna apply. Other training programs follow the scheduled timetable.

For weekend seminars and courses, meals and accommodation are not included in the tuition fee.

7. FEES / PAYMENT

A participation fee is payable for attending the training program. The applicable prices are stated in the course description on the website of the respective program. An overview of all programs is available at www.likakademie.com. The prices valid at the time of registration apply.

Participants receive an invoice by e-mail upon registration. Payment is made via bank transfer to the account specified by the LIK Academy of Photography and Design.

The course fee must be received in the LIK Academy’s account no later than 14 days before the start of the course. In case of late payment, the LIK Academy of Photography and Design reserves the right to charge default interest at 12% p.a.

8. CANCELLATION BY THE PARTICIPANT

Cancellation of participation is only valid if submitted in writing by postal mail to: LIK Academy of Photography and Design, Spittelberggasse 9, 1070 Vienna. Cancellation by e-mail or other means is not valid.

Cancellation without a cancellation fee is possible up to two months before the start of the course. If cancellation occurs within one month before the start, the deposit (20% of the tuition fee for the first semester) will be retained as a cancellation fee. The latest possible cancellation date is the third working day before the start of the course; after this date, the full tuition fee will be charged.

Approximately 5–14 days before the start of the course (depending on the program), the personal access to the LIK Online Moodle Learning System and all course materials will be activated. From that point on, the full course fee becomes due regardless of other deadlines, except in cases of “force majeure” (e.g., illness, accident) with proof provided.

No refunds will be granted for dissatisfaction, program changes, schedule changes, venue changes, content modifications, technical issues with personal devices, or a switch to online teaching.

Cancellation for the second semester is not possible, as registration covers two consecutive semesters.

9. CONFIRMATION OF COURSE EXECUTION

Confirmation of course execution will be provided 14 days before the scheduled start date. If the minimum number of participants has not been reached by that time, section 11 of these GTC applies.

10. CHANGES TO THE PROGRAM

LIK Academy of Photography and Design expressly reserves the right to change course content, locations, and schedules.

11. NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS

A minimum number of participants is required for the execution of any program. This minimum is determined at the sole discretion of the LIK Academy of Photography and Design. If the minimum number is not reached, the program may not take place.

In the event of insufficient enrollment, LIK Academy of Photography and Design is entitled to withdraw from the contract up to 3 days before the start date. The Academy may also withdraw in cases of illness or unavailability of the instructor, or for other important reasons beyond its control. In such cases, all participation fees already paid will be refunded in full. No further claims can be made by the participant.

No waiting lists are maintained. Unconfirmed pre-reservations are not possible.

12. CANCELLATION BY LIK ACADEMY OF PHOTOGRAPHY AND DESIGN

If the minimum number of participants is not met, the Academy will inform participants accordingly. No obligations arise for the Academy as a result. The Academy reserves the right to cancel the program in due time.

In case of cancellation, the participant will receive a full refund of the course fee or may rebook to another course. If the replacement course is more expensive, the difference must be paid; if it is cheaper, the difference will be credited.

In the event of cancellation due to force majeure and/or legally mandated measures (including pandemic restrictions), no claims for additional costs (e.g., travel, accommodation, loss of income) can be made against the Academy.

The provision of teaching staff is subject to availability. If an instructor is unable to attend, the Academy will provide a substitute. A change of instructor does not entitle the participant to withdraw from the contract.

13. LESSONS

One teaching unit (TU) consists of 50 minutes, including a 10-minute break.

To ensure the achievement of course objectives, the management reserves the right to exclude participants who repeatedly disrupt lessons. No refund will be given in such cases. Exclusion may occur without stating reasons.

14. COMPLETION

To successfully complete a program, at least 75% attendance and a passing grade on the final examination are required. Exam content is defined in the curriculum for each course.

Participants who do not meet the attendance requirement will not receive a certificate, regardless of payment status.

The Academy does not guarantee that participants will master the content after completing the course, nor does it accept liability for achieving specific learning outcomes.

15. INFORMATION PROVIDED BY LIK ACADEMY OF PHOTOGRAPHY AND DESIGN

The Academy endeavors to provide accurate information in all training sessions but accepts no liability for the correctness, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided.

16. USAGE RIGHTS

Photos created by participants during Academy events may be used without restriction by LIK Academy of Photography and Design for reporting purposes, including publication on the Academy’s website, exhibitions, and other communications, with appropriate copyright credit.

Participants also agree to the publication of “making-of” photos in which they are visible.

Photos and video recordings produced during Academy events may not be used commercially by participants and may only be published with the statement: “Created during a course at LIK Academy of Photography and Design.”

Materials submitted to the Academy must be free of third-party rights. Participants indemnify the Academy against any claims in case of infringement.

Course scripts and materials are protected by copyright and may not be shared or published. Unauthorized use will result in legal action.

17. NON-COMPETITION CLAUSE

LIK graduates are prohibited, for a period of three years after completion, from offering photography training themselves or working as trainers for another institution in the same subject area as the Academy.

18. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

All course content is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. Materials may only be used for personal purposes. Any reproduction, transmission, distribution, modification, republication, or presentation—whether in whole or in part—requires prior written permission.

Photos taken during Academy events may only be used privately or for self-promotion with the note: “Created during the training at LIK Academy of Photography and Design.” Commercial use is prohibited.

If a model is provided for a course, a separate model release agreement will be concluded.

19. DATA PROTECTION

The Academy stores personal data such as names, addresses, and course enrollments for organizational purposes. Data will be treated confidentially and disclosed to third parties only as permitted by law.

Participants agree to receive electronic communications from the Academy, which can be unsubscribed from at any time.

Details are available at: www.likakademie.com/datenschutzvereinbarung

20. ELECTRONIC RECORDINGS

Recording or filming lectures and workshops is prohibited unless expressly approved in writing. Unauthorized recordings must be deleted immediately.

21. LIABILITY / LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Participants must treat provided equipment with care and report any damage immediately.

The Academy’s liability is limited to intent or gross negligence. Participation in courses is at the participant’s own risk. The Academy is not liable for personal injury, property damage, theft, or loss of personal belongings.

Participation in excursions, outdoor courses, and trips is also at the participant’s own risk.

22. APPLICABLE LAW / JURISDICTION

Austrian law applies, excluding international private law and the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods. Place of jurisdiction is Vienna, Austria.

23. RIGHT OF WITHDRAWAL / CANCELLATION

Consumers have the right to withdraw from the contract within 14 days without giving reasons by written notice (mail, fax, or e-mail). The withdrawal form provided may be used but is not mandatory.

After the course begins, withdrawal is no longer possible, and the full fee becomes due.

24. CONSEQUENCES OF WITHDRAWAL

If you withdraw, all payments will be refunded within 14 days, using the same payment method, unless otherwise agreed. No fees will be charged for the refund.

25. WITHDRAWAL FORM

I/We () hereby withdraw from the contract concluded by me/us () for the purchase of the following goods () / the provision of the following service ()
Ordered on () / received on ()
Name of consumer(s)
Address of consumer(s)
Signature of consumer(s) (only if this form is submitted on paper)
Date (*)

Delete as appropriate.

Version: September 2020 – valid until further notice. Subject to errors and changes. LIK Academy of Photography and Design GmbH reserves the right to make corrections at a later date.