Terms of Use

License

This web application and its source code are licensed under the 3-Clause BSD License. Licensing information for the data sources and ontologies that make up the Monarch knowledge graph can be found on the sources page. Licensing information for tools, APIs, algorithms, and workflows can be found on the overview page.

Tracking

This web application tracks user behavior such as navigation and clicks through the use of HotJar and Google Analytics. These background scripts/services take significant steps to remove identifying information from the data they collect to ensure anonymity. The Monarch Initiative pledges to never inspect or disclose any private, identifying information collected, and to only use it for the purposes of improving Monarch. To learn more about how Hotjar maintains privacy and complies with relevant privacy laws, see their explanation here.

Local Data

For the convenience of the user on repeat visits to the site, this web application also saves certain information locally, such as recent searches and form drafts. This data only exists locally on the user's device, and is not sent to the Monarch team or any other party.

Definitions

The first-party software and resources used and referenced on this website — including but not limited to the Monarch Website (this website itself), BioLink, and Exomiser — are hereby referred to as the "Monarch Tools". The associated Universities, Institutions, and other groups that develop and maintain the Monarch Tools are hereby collectively refered to as the "Monarch Initiative".

Intended use

Monarch Tools should not be used for direct diagnostic use or medical decision-making. If you have any health questions about the information contained on this website, please contact a medical professional.

Disclaimer

YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE MONARCH TOOLS, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE DATABASE OF INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN, IS EXPERIMENTAL AND ACADEMIC IN NATURE, AND IS NOT LICENSED BY THE U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION OR ANY OTHER REGULATORY BODY. THE MONARCH TOOLS ARE PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND “AS AVAILABLE” BASIS WITH ALL FAULTS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. THE MONARCH INITIATIVE DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE MONARCH TOOLS, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTIES OF TITLE, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS. THIS DISCLAIMER APPLIES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT POSSIBLE. THE MONARCH INITIATIVE DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE MONARCH TOOLS WILL MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS OR THAT THE USE OF THE MONARCH TOOLS WILL BE FREE OF INFECTION OR VIRUSES, ERROR-FREE, UNINTERRUPTED, SECURE OR WILL PRODUCE ACCURATE RESULTS. YOU SHALL BEAR TOTAL AND EXCLUSIVE RESPONSIBILITY AND RISK FOR THE USE OF THE MONARCH TOOLS. YOU SHALL BE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY RESULTING DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER SYSTEMS OR LOSS OF DATA. IF YOU ARE DISSATISFIED WITH THE MONARCH TOOLS, OR WITH ANY OF THESE TERMS, YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY IS TO DISCONTINUE USING THE MONARCH TOOLS.

Limitation of liability

IN NO EVENT SHALL THE MONARCH INITIATIVE, OR THEIR RESPECTIVE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, LICENSEES, LICENSORS, CONTRIBUTORS, FOUNDERS OR ADVISORS, OR ANY OTHER PERSON WHO HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE CREATION OR PRODUCTION OF THE MONARCH TOOLS (EACH A “RELEASED PARTY” AND COLLECTIVELY, "RELEASED PARTIES") BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIMS, DEMANDS, LIABILITIES, COSTS, LOSSES, DAMAGES OR EXPENSES (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION LEGAL COSTS AND ATTORNEYS’ FEES) CAUSED TO OR SUFFERED BY ANY PERSONS OR ENTITIES (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, YOU), THAT DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISE OUT OF OR RESULT FROM THE USE OF, THE INABILITY TO USE, OR ERRORS, OMISSIONS, INTERRUPTIONS OR OTHER INACCURACIES IN, THE MONARCH TOOLS OR VIOLATION OF ANY RIGHTS OF ANY THIRD PARTY. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, THE RELEASED PARTIES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF DATA, LOST PROFITS OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, UNDER ANY CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHER THEORY, EVEN IF A RELEASED PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. THIS LIMITATION OF LIABILITY APPLIES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT POSSIBLE.

Variant interpretation

The Monarch Initiative sources variant interpretations as provided by the original source, with no consolidation of results, and always has a link out to the original reference. While we display the variants and interpretations as originally reported in the variant databases, some variants in the same genes have been reported on different transcripts. Whenever possible, Monarch will attempt to map all variants in a particular gene to a common transcript to aid in viewing and organizing the variants. However, to aid in variant searches, we will also continue to report the original mapping information. All interpretations were performed by the original submitters and have not been modified in any way. As such, there might be discordant interpretations for the same variant from different archives. For further information or to request a review of the variant, please contact the submitter of the original reference. Variant interpretations are not static as they are based on the current understanding of the variant at the time it was observed in a patient or in the literature. Any reported interpretation may not be up-to-date, and some information may not be reported. Many interpretations will change over time as more information about the variant becomes available. If you have any questions about a variant interpretation or would like use any variant interpretations for publication purposes, please contact the submitter of the original reference. As always, we value your feedback. Please email us if you have any problems, concerns, or suggestions.