Sunday, January 18, 2026

Disclaimer

Balanced Legal Transparency & Verification Processes
Disclaimer - Malikoo | Transparent GPL Resource Disclosure

Last Updated: November 10, 2025 | Effective Date: November 10, 2025

Transparency First: Unlike sites that hide behind excessive disclaimers, Malikoo believes in honest, balanced disclosure. This Disclaimer explains what we do, what we don't do, our verification processes, reasonable limitations, and your responsibilities when using our curated open-source resources. We provide transparency, not evasion.

1. Nature of Our Services

1.1 What Malikoo Provides

Malikoo Technologies SARL operates as a curated directory and educational platform for legally-licensed open-source web development resources. We do NOT create the themes, plugins, scripts, or templates available on our platform. Instead, we:

  • Curate: Identify high-quality open-source resources from official repositories and verified creators
  • Verify: Confirm proper licensing (GPL v2/v3, MIT, Apache 2.0, BSD) for legal redistribution
  • Scan: Check resources for malware and security vulnerabilities using industry-standard tools
  • Document: Provide license files, attributions, and usage documentation
  • Educate: Offer tutorials, guides, and best practices for web development
  • Host: Make resources accessible for download with proper attribution to original creators

1.2 Third-Party Content

All WordPress themes, plugins, PHP scripts, JavaScript frameworks, and other code resources are created and maintained by independent third-party developers. Copyright remains with original creators. We distribute these resources under the terms of their original open-source licenses and encourage users to support original developers through donations, premium purchases, or contributions.

2. What We DO - Our Commitments

Our Quality Assurance Process

License Verification: Every resource undergoes verification to confirm it is distributed under a legitimate open-source license (GPL v2/v3, MIT, Apache 2.0, or compatible). We check:

  • Presence of valid license files (LICENSE.txt, GPL.txt)
  • Copyright notices and creator attributions
  • License compatibility with stated terms
  • Original source repository validation (WordPress.org, GitHub, etc.)

Malware Scanning: All downloadable files are scanned using multiple security tools including:

  • VirusTotal (aggregating 70+ antivirus engines)
  • Sucuri SiteCheck
  • WordFence (for WordPress resources)
  • Custom code analysis for suspicious patterns

Last security scan date is displayed on each resource page.

Source Verification: We only source from:

  • Official WordPress.org repository
  • Verified GitHub repositories with confirmed creators
  • Recognized open-source project websites
  • Direct from developers with proven track records

Documentation: Each resource includes:

  • Complete license documentation
  • Original creator attribution and links
  • Installation and usage instructions
  • Known compatibility information
  • Links to official support channels

3. What We DON'T DO - Clear Boundaries

We NEVER Provide

Nulled or Cracked Software: We do not distribute pirated versions of premium themes or plugins with license checks removed or encryption stripped. This is illegal, unethical, and dangerous.

Shopify Themes: Shopify themes are proprietary software, NOT GPL-licensed. Any site offering "free premium Shopify themes" is distributing pirated software. We never provide these.

Modified Code with Backdoors: We never modify open-source code to inject malware, spam links, hidden admin accounts, or any malicious functionality.

Split-License Components: We don't distribute proprietary premium add-ons or extensions that are not GPL-compatible, even if base product is GPL.

Misrepresented Licensing: We never claim GPL resources require payment or have restrictions beyond their original license terms.

Stolen Proprietary Software: We don't provide software under exclusive commercial licenses without proper distribution rights.

4. Important Limitations & Reasonable Disclaimers

4.1 No Warranty - Industry Standard

Open-source software is typically provided "AS IS" under GPL and similar licenses. This is standard practice in the open-source community, not unique to Malikoo. We do not provide warranties beyond what original creators offer because:

  • We did not create the code and cannot guarantee every line
  • Software environments vary (hosting, PHP versions, server configurations)
  • Compatibility depends on numerous factors outside our control
  • GPL license itself includes "no warranty" provisions

However: We make reasonable efforts to ensure quality through our verification process described above. This exceeds what many platforms offer.

4.2 Compatibility & Environment Variables

We cannot guarantee that resources will work perfectly in every environment because:

  • Server Configurations: Different PHP versions, memory limits, server software (Apache, Nginx, etc.)
  • WordPress Versions: Compatibility may vary across WordPress core versions
  • Plugin/Theme Conflicts: Interactions with other installed plugins or themes
  • Hosting Restrictions: Some hosts disable certain PHP functions or limit resources
  • Customizations: Previous modifications to WordPress core or themes may cause issues

Best Practice: Always test resources in staging/development environments before production deployment.

4.3 Third-Party Updates & Support

Original developers control updates, bug fixes, and support for their creations. We do not:

  • Provide official support on behalf of original developers
  • Guarantee resources will be updated for future WordPress versions
  • Control update schedules or feature development
  • Offer warranty on third-party code functionality

We DO provide: Links to official support channels, documentation, and community resources where available.

4.4 External Links & Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to external websites for:

  • Official plugin/theme documentation
  • Original creator websites and repositories
  • Related tutorials and resources
  • Community support forums

We are not responsible for content, privacy practices, or availability of external websites. Links are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement.

5. Your Responsibilities as a User

5.1 Testing & Due Diligence

When using resources from Malikoo, you agree to:

  • Test Thoroughly: Evaluate resources in safe, non-production environments before live deployment
  • Maintain Backups: Always backup your website, database, and files before installing new themes or plugins
  • Review Code: If you have technical expertise, review code for your specific use case
  • Run Security Scans: Use your own security tools in addition to our scanning
  • Check Compatibility: Verify resource meets your specific technical requirements
  • Monitor Performance: Test impact on site speed and functionality

5.2 GPL License Compliance

When using GPL-licensed resources, you must comply with GPL terms:

  • Preserve Attributions: Keep original copyright notices, author credits, and license files
  • Maintain GPL: If you distribute modified versions, they must remain under GPL
  • Provide Source Code: If distributing, make source code available to recipients
  • No Additional Restrictions: Don't add restrictions beyond GPL terms

For detailed GPL guidance: Malikoo GPL Compliance Guide

5.3 Security Best Practices

You are responsible for:

  • Keeping WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated
  • Using strong passwords and two-factor authentication
  • Regular security audits of your installations
  • Monitoring for suspicious activity
  • Following OWASP security guidelines for web applications

6. Limitation of Liability

6.1 Reasonable Limitation

To the extent permitted by law, Malikoo Technologies SARL's liability is limited to the amount you paid us (if any) in the 12 months preceding a claim, or €100 (one hundred euros), whichever is greater.

We are not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages including:

  • Loss of profits or revenue
  • Loss of data or business interruption
  • Costs of procurement of substitute services
  • Reputational damage

6.2 Why This Limitation Is Fair

This limitation is standard in the software and open-source industries because:

  • We provide resources at no cost or minimal cost
  • Open-source software is provided "as is" by original creators
  • Unlimited liability would make free resource platforms unsustainable
  • You retain control over testing, deployment, and usage decisions

Importantly: This limitation does NOT affect your statutory rights under applicable consumer protection laws.

7. GPL-Specific Disclaimers

7.1 Understanding GPL

The GNU General Public License (GPL) is a free, copyleft license that provides four essential freedoms:

  1. Freedom to Use: Run the software for any purpose
  2. Freedom to Study: Examine and understand how it works
  3. Freedom to Share: Redistribute copies to help others
  4. Freedom to Improve: Modify and distribute improvements

7.2 GPL Obligations

GPL also requires that you:

  • Preserve copyright notices and license information
  • License derivative works under GPL
  • Make source code available if distributing
  • Don't impose additional restrictions

Disclaimer: Malikoo provides GPL resources AS LICENSED by original creators. We are not legal advisors. For specific GPL compliance questions, consult with legal counsel or visit GNU.org GPL FAQ.

7.3 Not All Components May Be GPL

Important: Some WordPress themes or plugins may contain mixed licensing:

  • PHP code is typically GPL (WordPress requirement)
  • JavaScript libraries may be under different licenses (MIT, BSD)
  • Images, fonts, or design elements may have separate licenses
  • Premium add-ons or extensions may not be GPL-compatible

We indicate known licensing details, but you should review license files for complete information.

8. Accuracy of Information

8.1 Reasonable Efforts

We make reasonable efforts to ensure accuracy of:

  • Resource descriptions and features
  • Compatibility information
  • License details and attributions
  • Installation instructions
  • Educational content and tutorials

8.2 Information May Change

However, information may become outdated because:

  • Original developers update or discontinue resources
  • WordPress core changes affect compatibility
  • Security vulnerabilities are discovered
  • Licensing terms are modified by creators

We update regularly but cannot guarantee real-time accuracy for all resources. Check resource pages for last-updated dates.

9. Changes to This Disclaimer

We may update this Disclaimer to reflect:

  • Changes in our verification processes
  • New legal requirements or best practices
  • Feedback from users or legal counsel
  • Expanded services or features

Material Changes: We will notify registered users via email at least 30 days before significant changes take effect and update the "Last Updated" date above.

10. How We're Different from Questionable Sites

Why Our Disclaimer Matters

Aspect Malikoo Approach Questionable Sites
Transparency Clear about what we do and don't do Vague, excessive disclaimers hiding risks
Commitments List verification processes and guarantees Only disclaimers, no commitments
GPL Clarity Dedicated GPL education and guidance Silent on GPL complexities
Security State scanning methods and tools used "Not responsible for malware"
Accountability Contact info for questions, reasonable liability Hidden contact, excessive liability evasion
Legitimacy Only legal GPL-licensed resources Ambiguous "free premium" offerings
Transparency
✓ Malikoo: Clear about what we do and don't do
✗ Others: Vague, excessive disclaimers hiding risks
Commitments
✓ Malikoo: List verification processes and guarantees
✗ Others: Only disclaimers, no commitments
GPL Clarity
✓ Malikoo: Dedicated GPL education and guidance
✗ Others: Silent on GPL complexities
Security
✓ Malikoo: State scanning methods and tools used
✗ Others: "Not responsible for malware"
Accountability
✓ Malikoo: Contact info for questions, reasonable liability
✗ Others: Hidden contact, excessive liability evasion
Legitimacy
✓ Malikoo: Only legal GPL-licensed resources
✗ Others: Ambiguous "free premium" offerings

Our Philosophy: Honest limitations are acceptable. Excessive evasion suggests hidden problems. We prefer transparency over defensiveness.

11. Professional Standards

This Disclaimer reflects:

  • Legal Review: Reviewed by counsel specializing in open-source licensing and internet law
  • Industry Best Practices: Aligned with WordPress.org, GitHub, and open-source community standards
  • User Protection: Balanced to protect both Malikoo and users fairly
  • Regulatory Compliance: Meets EU consumer protection and GDPR requirements

12. Contact & Questions

If you have questions about this Disclaimer, resource verification, or GPL licensing:

General Inquiries: support@malikoo.com
GPL Questions: gpl-help@malikoo.com
Legal Concerns: legal@malikoo.com
Security Reports: security@malikoo.com

Response Time: We aim to respond within 48-72 hours (1-3 business days).

Postal Address:
Malikoo Technologies SARL
[Your Complete Business Address]
[City, Postal Code]
[Country]


Final Note: Transparency Over Evasion

This Disclaimer is longer than typical "cover our backs" disclaimers because we believe in educating users rather than hiding behind legal jargon. We explain our processes, acknowledge reasonable limitations, and clarify your responsibilities.

We don't need excessive disclaimers because we:

  • Only distribute legally-licensed resources
  • Verify everything we offer
  • Operate transparently with nothing to hide
  • Take accountability seriously

Sites with overly defensive disclaimers often know they're distributing questionable content. We're different.

Malikoo: Honest limitations, transparent processes, and legal resources you can trust.