Terms of Use, Non-Authentication & Zero-Liability Conditions

Last updated: 2026-10-24

1. About Us

This website (https://theatelierindex.co.uk, together with redirecting domains theatelierindex.com, bagdatecode.co.uk, and serialvault.co.uk) is operated by Carly Litwin trading as The Atelier Index, with correspondence address at The Atelier Index, 124 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX, United Kingdom (concierge@theatelierindex.co.uk; ICO Registration: C2068406).

2. Mandatory Non-Authentication Warning: Format Match ≠ Authentic Bag (Superfakes Slip Through)

The Atelier Index is NOT an authentication service and never issues certificates or guarantees of authenticity. High-grade counterfeits (“superfakes”) routinely copy and clone genuine serial numbers, workshop date codes, hologram sequences, and artisan blind stamps from real handbags. A matching code format in our inspector only means the sequence fits historical production grammar for that era and workshop; a counterfeit bag carrying a cloned sequence can and will pass a code-only check. Users must never rely on a code format check alone to release funds or conclude that an item is genuine.

3. Zero Liability & Informational Benchmark Only

Carly Litwin trading as The Atelier Index operates an independent editorial archive and statistical secondary-market price index for informational and educational purposes only. We never physically inspect handbags, never hold inventory or buyer funds, never act as broker or agent, and accept zero liability or financial responsibility (to the fullest extent permitted under the laws of England and Wales) for any purchase, sale, counterfeit loss, valuation discrepancy, or authentication dispute arising on third-party marketplaces (including eBay, Vinted, Vestiaire Collective, auction houses, consignment boutiques, or private peer-to-peer sales).

4. Pro-Authenticity & Brand Integrity Stance

The Atelier Index is strictly pro-authenticity and anti-counterfeit. Our format inspector and price index exist to help collectors spot obvious factory/date mismatches and below-scam-floor pricing early, and to steer buyers toward authorised brand boutiques and physical multi-point authentication before any funds change hands.

5. Strict Trademark & Non-Affiliation Notice (UK Nominative Fair Dealing)

Strict Trademark & Non-Affiliation Notice (UK Nominative Fair Dealing): The Atelier Index is an independent editorial publication operating under UK nominative fair-dealing principles and is NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, authorised by, or sponsored by Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton (LVMH), Mulberry, Gucci (Kering), Christian Dior, Céline, Bottega Veneta, Prada, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Fendi, or any of their parent groups (including LVMH, Kering, or Richemont). All trademarks, brand names, and model names belong strictly to their respective owners and are referenced solely for informational archive and secondary-market price reporting.

6. Affiliate & Commercial Disclosure (UK ASA / CAP Code)

Third-Party Marketplace & Affiliate Disclaimer: Outbound links on The Atelier Index direct you to independent third-party marketplaces and luxury consignment houses (such as eBay UK Authenticity Guarantee, Vestiaire Collective, Sellier Knightsbridge, The Handbag Clinic, and Farfetch Pre-Owned). The Atelier Index is never the seller of record, never holds physical inventory or buyer funds, and is not a party to any sale transaction. Any purchase contract, return right, or authenticity guarantee rests solely between the buyer and the respective third-party platform. When you click through to a marketplace, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you (UK ASA / CAP Code disclosure).

7. Paid Memberships & Governing Law

Paid memberships (Collector Watch at £19/month, 90-Day Hunt Pass at £29 one-time, and Sourcer & Reseller Pro at £49/month) are billed in Pounds Sterling (£ GBP) via Stripe (ATELIERINDEX) and include a 14-day statutory cooling-off period under the UK Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales, and the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction.