nexus-prime 7.9.15 → 7.9.16

package/README.md

@@ -16,8 +16,8 @@
   <p>
     <img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/Protocol-MCP-4285F4?style=for-the-badge" alt="MCP Protocol">
     <img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/license-Commercial-6f42c1?style=for-the-badge" alt="Commercial License">
-    <a href="https://nexus-prime.cfd/pricing"><img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/30--day-free%20trial-00ff88?style=for-the-badge" alt="30-day free trial"></a>
-    <img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/independent%20creators-free%20forever-ff69b4?style=for-the-badge" alt="Free for IC creators">
+    <a href="https://nexus-prime.cfd/pricing"><img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/3--day-grace%20then%20license-00ff88?style=for-the-badge" alt="3-day grace then license"></a>
+    <img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/licenses-reviewed%20within%2024h-ff69b4?style=for-the-badge" alt="Licenses reviewed within 24 hours">
     <img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/platform-macOS%20%7C%20Linux%20%7C%20Windows-444?style=for-the-badge" alt="Cross-platform">
   </p>
 
@@ -305,7 +305,7 @@ If any of that sounds like you — keep reading.
 
 <div align="center">
 
-**Free for 30 days. No credit card. No feature gating.**
+**3-day no-license grace. Request a license before day 4. Manual approvals within 24 hours.**
 
 </div>
 
@@ -317,16 +317,16 @@ If any of that sounds like you — keep reading.
   <th>Caps</th>
 </tr>
 <tr>
-  <td><b>🎁 Free Trial</b></td>
-  <td>Everyone — try it risk-free</td>
-  <td>Free for 30 days</td>
-  <td>All Pro features</td>
+  <td><b>🎁 Local Grace</b></td>
+  <td>Everyone — install and verify locally</td>
+  <td>3 days without a license</td>
+  <td>Runtime available during grace; license required after day 3</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
   <td><b>💎 Independent Creators</b></td>
   <td>Indie builders, solo engineers, students, OSS maintainers</td>
-  <td><b>Free forever</b></td>
-  <td>Unlimited usage on personal projects</td>
+  <td>Request access</td>
+  <td>Manual creator licenses reviewed by the team</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
   <td><b>🚀 Pilot Program</b></td>
@@ -356,10 +356,10 @@ If any of that sounds like you — keep reading.
 
 ```bash
 nexus-prime license status          # check your plan
-nexus-prime license activate <key>  # activate any paid tier
+nexus-prime license activate <key>  # activate the key shared by the team
 ```
 
-→ **[nexus-prime.cfd/pricing](https://nexus-prime.cfd/pricing)** · **[Apply to the pilot program](mailto:hello@nexus-prime.cfd?subject=Pilot%20Program)**
+→ **[nexus-prime.cfd/account](https://nexus-prime.cfd/account)** · **[Request by email](mailto:adarsh@nexus-prime.cfd?subject=Nexus%20Prime%20license%20request)**
 
 ---
 
@@ -380,19 +380,19 @@ No — it supercharges them. Keep the agents you already love. Nexus Prime adds
 <details>
 <summary><b>What happens after the 30-day trial ends?</b></summary>
 <br>
-You're never locked out. You can keep using a free tier, pick a paid plan, or — if you're an independent creator — apply for free-forever access. Your memory, data, and projects stay yours either way.
+The local trial window ends and paid-tier work requires an active license. Your local memory and data stay on your machine; activate a license or request renewal from the account page to continue.
 </details>
 
 <details>
 <summary><b>Is it free for indie developers and creators?</b></summary>
 <br>
-Yes. If you build independently — solo founder, indie dev, content creator, student, OSS maintainer — you qualify for unlimited free usage. Just <a href="mailto:hello@nexus-prime.cfd?subject=Creator%20Program">email us</a> and we'll sort it.
+Creator access is reviewed manually. If you build independently — solo founder, indie dev, content creator, student, OSS maintainer — request a creator license from the account page or email <a href="mailto:adarsh@nexus-prime.cfd?subject=Creator%20Program">adarsh@nexus-prime.cfd</a>.
 </details>
 
 <details>
 <summary><b>My team wants to try this across the whole engineering org. What's the pilot?</b></summary>
 <br>
-We're taking <b>10 companies</b> into our pilot program — full Team features free, white-glove onboarding, direct access to the team building it. First come, first served. <a href="mailto:hello@nexus-prime.cfd?subject=Pilot%20Program">Reach out</a>.
+We're taking <b>10 companies</b> into our pilot program — white-glove onboarding, direct access to the team building it, and team licenses issued after review. <a href="mailto:adarsh@nexus-prime.cfd?subject=Pilot%20Program">Reach out</a>.
 </details>
 
 <details>
@@ -416,7 +416,7 @@ Each engineer runs their own local instance — nothing is shared across machine
 <details>
 <summary><b>What if I hit my plan's cap?</b></summary>
 <br>
-Nothing stops working. You get a gentle in-app nudge and a link to upgrade. Your data is never held hostage.
+The app shows an upgrade request path and keeps your local data intact. Features above your licensed tier require an approved upgrade.
 </details>
 
 <details>
@@ -433,7 +433,7 @@ Nexus Prime was designed privacy-first, because the code on your machine is your
 
 - 🏠 **100% local.** All data lives on your disk, in your home directory.
 - 🚫 **No cloud sync.** Your code, your memory, your logs — never uploaded.
-- 🔐 **No required account.** You can run the free trial without signing up for anything.
+- 🔐 **Short no-account grace.** You can run locally for 3 days without signing up; a license is required after that grace period.
 - 📊 **Telemetry is opt-in.** Off by default. When on, only aggregate, anonymous event counts are sent — never source code, never memory contents.
 - 🗑️ **Uninstall is clean.** Everything lives in one directory you can delete.
 
@@ -448,7 +448,8 @@ Nexus Prime was designed privacy-first, because the code on your machine is your
 | 💬 [**Discord**](https://discord.gg/tByGZgk5gS) | Real-time help, show-and-tell, feature ideas |
 | 🔴 [**Reddit — r/Nexus_Prime**](https://www.reddit.com/r/Nexus_Prime/) | Long-form posts, releases, community wins |
 | 🐦 [**X / Twitter**](https://x.com/nexusprime_ai) | Launch announcements, tips, updates |
-| 📧 [**hello@nexus-prime.cfd**](mailto:hello@nexus-prime.cfd) | Pilot program, creator program, enterprise, press |
+| 📧 [**adarsh@nexus-prime.cfd**](mailto:adarsh@nexus-prime.cfd) | License requests, upgrades, pilots, enterprise |
+| 📧 [**hello@nexus-prime.cfd**](mailto:hello@nexus-prime.cfd) | General support, press, community |
 | 🌐 [**nexus-prime.cfd**](https://nexus-prime.cfd) | Product site, demos, pricing, setup guides |
 
 </div>
@@ -457,11 +458,11 @@ Nexus Prime was designed privacy-first, because the code on your machine is your
 
 ## License
 
-Nexus Prime is a **commercial product** with generous free tiers:
+Nexus Prime is a **commercial product** with manual license issuance:
 
-- ✅ Free for 30 days, for everyone
-- ✅ Free forever for independent creators
-- ✅ Free pilot for the first 10 partner companies
+- ✅ 3-day local no-license grace, for everyone
+- ✅ Manual creator, pilot, team, and enterprise license review
+- ✅ License and upgrade requests reviewed within 24 hours
 - 💳 Paid plans for professional, team, and enterprise usage
 
 Commercial use without a valid license is prohibited. See [nexus-prime.cfd/pricing](https://nexus-prime.cfd/pricing) for current plans and terms.

package/dist/agents/adapters/mcp/handlers/runtime.js

@@ -38,11 +38,21 @@ export async function handleRuntimeGroup(toolName, hctx, request, args, ctx) {
             }
             // summary (default)
             const licStatus = getSharedLicenseManager().getStatus();
+            const trialLines = licStatus.trialPhase ? [
+                `- **Trial phase**: ${licStatus.trialPhase}`,
+                typeof licStatus.trialDaysRemaining === 'number'
+                    ? `- **Trial remaining**: ${licStatus.trialDaysRemaining} day${licStatus.trialDaysRemaining === 1 ? '' : 's'}`
+                    : '',
+                licStatus.activationRequired
+                    ? `- **Agent motion**: Stop paid-tier work and ask the user to request or activate a Nexus Prime license now.`
+                    : `- **Agent motion**: 3-day no-license grace is active; ask the user to request a license before day 4.`,
+            ].filter((line) => Boolean(line)) : [];
             const lines = [
                 `## License Status`,
                 `- **Plan**: ${pcu.tier.toUpperCase()}`,
                 `- **Status**: ${licStatus.valid ? 'Active' : licStatus.degradedReason ?? 'Inactive'}`,
                 licStatus.expiresAt ? `- **Expires**: ${new Date(licStatus.expiresAt).toISOString().split('T')[0]}` : '- **Expires**: Never',
+                ...trialLines,
                 '',
                 `## Resource Usage`,
                 `- Memory: ${pcu.memory.current.toLocaleString()} / ${Number.isFinite(pcu.memory.limit) ? pcu.memory.limit.toLocaleString() : '∞'} (${pcu.memory.pct}%)`,
@@ -54,6 +64,8 @@ export async function handleRuntimeGroup(toolName, hctx, request, args, ctx) {
                 `## Upgrade`,
                 `- Dashboard: http://127.0.0.1:3377 → License tab`,
                 `- Web: https://nexus-prime.cfd/account`,
+                `- Email: adarsh@nexus-prime.cfd`,
+                `- SLA: team will share licenses within 24 hours`,
                 `- CLI: nexus-prime license sync`,
             ];
             return { content: [{ type: 'text', text: lines.join('\n') }] };

package/dist/cli.js

@@ -1751,7 +1751,7 @@ program
     .description('Manage your Nexus Prime license')
     .addCommand(new Command('activate')
     .description('Activate a license key')
-    .argument('<key>', 'License key from nexus-prime.cfd/signup or account page')
+    .argument('<key>', 'License key from the Nexus account page or license team')
     .action((key) => {
     const mgr = getSharedLicenseManager();
     const status = mgr.activate(key);
@@ -1764,7 +1764,8 @@ program
     }
     else {
         console.error(`\u2717 License invalid: ${status.degradedReason ?? 'unknown'}`);
-        console.error('  Get a valid key at https://nexus-prime.cfd/signup');
+        console.error('  Request a valid key at https://nexus-prime.cfd/account');
+        console.error('  Or email adarsh@nexus-prime.cfd — licenses are shared within 24 hours.');
         process.exit(1);
     }
 }))
@@ -1792,7 +1793,8 @@ program
     .action(() => {
     getSharedLicenseManager().deactivate();
     console.log('\u2713 License removed. Reverted to Free plan.');
-    console.log('  Sign up again at https://nexus-prime.cfd/signup');
+    console.log('  Request a new key at https://nexus-prime.cfd/account');
+    console.log('  Or email adarsh@nexus-prime.cfd — licenses are shared within 24 hours.');
 }))
     .addCommand(new Command('login')
     .description('Login to nexus-prime.cfd for license sync')
@@ -1821,7 +1823,8 @@ program
         }
         catch {
             console.log('  License sync skipped (no license found yet).');
-            console.log('  Your free license is generated on signup at nexus-prime.cfd/signup');
+            console.log('  Request a license at https://nexus-prime.cfd/account');
+            console.log('  Or email adarsh@nexus-prime.cfd — licenses are shared within 24 hours.');
         }
     }
     catch (err) {
@@ -1875,12 +1878,13 @@ program
     try {
         const result = await requestUpgrade(plan);
         console.log(`\u2713 Upgrade request submitted (${result.status})`);
-        console.log('  We will review your request and notify you when approved.');
+        console.log('  The Nexus Prime team will review it and share licenses within 24 hours.');
         console.log('  Once approved, run: nexus-prime license sync');
     }
     catch (err) {
         console.error(`\u2717 Request failed: ${err instanceof Error ? err.message : String(err)}`);
         console.log('  Visit https://nexus-prime.cfd/account to request an upgrade.');
+        console.log('  Or email adarsh@nexus-prime.cfd with your account email and target plan.');
         process.exit(1);
     }
 }));

package/dist/dashboard/app/views/license.js

@@ -158,12 +158,41 @@ function _renewalNagBanner(status) {
         </div>`;
 }
 
+function _trialActivationBanner(status) {
+    if (!status?.trialPhase) return '';
+    const motion = status.activationMotion ?? {};
+    const required = status.activationRequired === true || status.trialPhase === 'activation' || status.trialPhase === 'expired';
+    const days = typeof status.trialDaysRemaining === 'number' ? status.trialDaysRemaining : null;
+    const color = status.trialPhase === 'expired' ? 'var(--bad)' : required ? 'var(--warn)' : 'var(--accent)';
+    const bg = status.trialPhase === 'expired'
+        ? 'oklch(65% 0.22 25 / 8%)'
+        : required ? 'oklch(80% 0.16 80 / 8%)' : 'oklch(70% 0.16 250 / 8%)';
+    const title = motion.title ?? (required ? 'License required' : '3-day no-license grace');
+    const message = motion.message ?? (required
+        ? 'The no-license grace period is over. Request a license from the account page or email adarsh@nexus-prime.cfd; the team will share licenses within 24 hours.'
+        : 'First 3 days run without a license. Request a license before day 4; the team will share licenses within 24 hours.');
+    const remaining = days == null ? '' : `<div style="font-size:11px;color:var(--text-muted);margin-top:4px">${days} day${days === 1 ? '' : 's'} remaining</div>`;
+    return `
+        <div style="background:${bg};border:1px solid ${color};border-radius:8px;padding:12px 16px;margin-bottom:16px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;flex-wrap:wrap">
+            <div style="flex:1;min-width:220px">
+                <div style="font:600 13px ui-sans-serif;color:${color};margin-bottom:3px">${esc(title)}</div>
+                <div style="font-size:12px;color:var(--text-muted);line-height:1.45">${esc(message)}</div>
+                ${remaining}
+            </div>
+            <button class="btn btn-primary btn-sm" id="lic-trial-account-btn" style="flex-shrink:0;white-space:nowrap">Request license</button>
+            <button class="btn btn-sm" id="lic-trial-activate-btn" style="flex-shrink:0;white-space:nowrap">Activate key</button>
+            <button class="btn btn-sm" id="lic-trial-email-btn" style="flex-shrink:0;white-space:nowrap">Email team</button>
+        </div>`;
+}
+
 function _renderStep1(tier, status, pcu, formatted) {
     const plan = PLANS.find(p => p.id === tier) ?? PLANS[0];
     const valid = status.valid !== false;
 
     return `
         <div class="license-card card">
+            ${_trialActivationBanner(status)}
+
             <!-- Renewal nag (shown when expiry < 14 days) -->
             ${_renewalNagBanner(status)}
 
@@ -300,6 +329,13 @@ function _attachHandlers() {
     $('lic-upgrade-btn')?.addEventListener('click', () => { _step = 2; render(); });
     $('lic-sync-btn')?.addEventListener('click', _doSync);
     $('lic-deactivate-btn')?.addEventListener('click', _doDeactivate);
+    $('lic-trial-activate-btn')?.addEventListener('click', () => { _step = 3; render(); });
+    $('lic-trial-account-btn')?.addEventListener('click', () => {
+        window.open('https://nexus-prime.cfd/account', '_blank', 'noopener');
+    });
+    $('lic-trial-email-btn')?.addEventListener('click', () => {
+        window.open('mailto:adarsh@nexus-prime.cfd?subject=Nexus%20Prime%20license%20request', '_blank', 'noopener');
+    });
     $('lic-renew-nag-btn')?.addEventListener('click', () => {
         window.open('https://nexus-prime.cfd/license', '_blank', 'noopener');
     });

package/dist/licensing/enforcement.js

@@ -21,6 +21,12 @@ function getMode() {
 // Tools that create resources subject to quantity caps
 const MEMORY_CREATION_TOOLS = new Set(['nexus_store_memory']);
 const OPERATIVE_CREATION_TOOLS = new Set(['nexus_synapse_hire', 'nexus_synapse_mandate']);
+const LICENSE_SAFE_TOOLS = new Set([
+    'nexus_license_usage',
+    'nexus_runtime_health',
+    'nexus_describe_tool',
+    'nexus_session_dna',
+]);
 /**
  * LicenseEnforcementMiddleware — priority 5 (runs first in the pipeline).
  *
@@ -35,8 +41,8 @@ export const LicenseEnforcementMiddleware = {
         const status = lm.getStatus();
         const mode = getMode();
         const toolName = ctx.toolName;
-        // Skip enforcement for license management tools
-        if (toolName === 'nexus_license_usage')
+        // Keep activation/status paths available even when the trial gate is closed.
+        if (LICENSE_SAFE_TOOLS.has(toolName))
             return;
         // ── No license check ──────────────────────────────────────────────
         if (status.degradedReason === 'not-activated') {
@@ -46,17 +52,31 @@ export const LicenseEnforcementMiddleware = {
             // In all modes: let the tool execute (soft gate during ramp)
             return;
         }
+        if (status.degradedReason === 'activation-required') {
+            const msg = trialActiveMessage(status);
+            if (mode !== 'audit') {
+                ctx.meta.shortCircuitResult = {
+                    content: [{ type: 'text', text: msg }],
+                };
+                ctx.meta.shortCircuitedBy = 'license-enforcement';
+            }
+            return;
+        }
         if (status.degradedReason === 'trial-expired') {
+            const msg = trialExpiredMessage();
             if (mode !== 'audit') {
-                ctx.meta.licenseUpgradeHint = trialExpiredMessage();
+                ctx.meta.shortCircuitResult = {
+                    content: [{ type: 'text', text: msg }],
+                };
+                ctx.meta.shortCircuitedBy = 'license-enforcement';
             }
-            // Fall through to tier check — caps revert to free tier on trial expiry.
+            return;
         }
         if (status.trial && mode !== 'audit') {
             // Soft footer so users know the runtime is being kept alive by the
             // auto-issued local trial. Doesn't gate execution — paid tiers behave
             // exactly like a real license while the trial is active.
-            ctx.meta.licenseUpgradeHint = trialActiveMessage(status.expiresAt);
+            ctx.meta.licenseUpgradeHint = trialActiveMessage(status);
         }
         // ── Tool tier check ───────────────────────────────────────────────
         if (!isToolAllowed(toolName, status.tier)) {

package/dist/licensing/index.d.ts

@@ -6,4 +6,4 @@ export { snapshotPCU, formatPCUStatus, type PCUSnapshot } from './pcu-meter.js';
 export { capWarningMessage, capExceededMessage, toolGateMessage, noLicenseMessage, trialActiveMessage, trialExpiredMessage, } from './upgrade-prompts.js';
 export { syncLicense, requestUpgrade } from './license-sync.js';
 export { loginFromCLI, readAuthToken, readAuthInfo, isLoggedIn, logout } from './web-auth.js';
-export type { PlanTier, PlanCaps, LicenseClaims, LicenseStatus, CapType, CapCheckResult, SkillProfile, DarwinScope, } from './types.js';
+export type { PlanTier, TrialPhase, PlanCaps, LicenseClaims, LicenseStatus, CapType, CapCheckResult, SkillProfile, DarwinScope, } from './types.js';

package/dist/licensing/license-manager.js

@@ -28,6 +28,8 @@ async function emitLicenseEvent(eventType, payload) {
 // The matching private key is stored securely on the Nexus Prime licensing backend.
 const NEXUS_PUBLIC_KEY_B64 = 'MCowBQYDK2VwAyEAbrBiMBqzIyatM/Q/plA0Dn2Y/TAu2UVmWG8guGI0ElQ=';
 const UPGRADE_URL = 'https://nexus-prime.cfd/pricing';
+const ACCOUNT_URL = 'https://nexus-prime.cfd/account';
+const LICENSE_TEAM_EMAIL = 'adarsh@nexus-prime.cfd';
 // Warn at this fraction of the cap (e.g. 0.8 = 80%)
 const WARN_THRESHOLD = 0.8;
 // Trial configuration. Every install gets a 30-day full-tier trial the first
@@ -35,7 +37,9 @@ const WARN_THRESHOLD = 0.8;
 // paid tools available — so users can actually evaluate the product. The
 // trial marker (stateDir/trial.json) records issue + expiry, so subsequent
 // loads stay deterministic offline. NEXUS_DISABLE_TRIAL=1 opts out (tests).
-const TRIAL_DURATION_MS = 30 * 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000;
+const DAY_MS = 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000;
+const TRIAL_DURATION_MS = 30 * DAY_MS;
+const TRIAL_GRACE_MS = 3 * DAY_MS;
 const TRIAL_TIER = 'enterprise';
 const TRIAL_MARKER_FILENAME = 'trial.json';
 function readTrialMarker(markerPath) {
@@ -69,6 +73,64 @@ function writeTrialMarker(markerPath, marker) {
         // best-effort: trial still applies in memory even if we can't persist it.
     }
 }
+function clampTrialMarker(marker, now) {
+    const issuedAt = Number.isFinite(marker.issuedAt) && marker.issuedAt <= now + DAY_MS
+        ? marker.issuedAt
+        : now;
+    const maxExpiresAt = issuedAt + TRIAL_DURATION_MS;
+    const expiresAt = Number.isFinite(marker.expiresAt) && marker.expiresAt >= issuedAt
+        ? Math.min(marker.expiresAt, maxExpiresAt)
+        : maxExpiresAt;
+    const normalized = {
+        issuedAt,
+        expiresAt,
+        tier: TRIAL_TIER,
+        orgId: marker.orgId ?? null,
+    };
+    return {
+        marker: normalized,
+        changed: normalized.issuedAt !== marker.issuedAt
+            || normalized.expiresAt !== marker.expiresAt
+            || normalized.tier !== marker.tier
+            || normalized.orgId !== marker.orgId,
+    };
+}
+function daysUntil(timestamp, now) {
+    return Math.max(0, Math.ceil((timestamp - now) / DAY_MS));
+}
+function buildActivationMotion(phase, daysRemaining) {
+    if (phase === 'expired') {
+        return {
+            phase: 'expired',
+            required: true,
+            title: 'Trial expired',
+            message: `The trial window is over. Request a license in the Nexus account page or email ${LICENSE_TEAM_EMAIL}. The team will share licenses within 24 hours.`,
+            action: 'Request license',
+            url: ACCOUNT_URL,
+            command: 'nexus-prime license activate <token>',
+        };
+    }
+    if (phase === 'activation') {
+        return {
+            phase: 'activation',
+            required: true,
+            title: 'License required',
+            message: `The 3-day no-license grace period is over. Nexus Prime requires an activated license now; ${daysRemaining} day${daysRemaining === 1 ? '' : 's'} remain in the trial window after activation. Request one in the Nexus account page or email ${LICENSE_TEAM_EMAIL}; the team will share licenses within 24 hours.`,
+            action: 'Request license',
+            url: ACCOUNT_URL,
+            command: 'nexus-prime license activate <token>',
+        };
+    }
+    return {
+        phase: 'grace',
+        required: false,
+        title: '3-day no-license grace',
+        message: `Nexus Prime is in the first 3-day no-license grace period. Request a license before day 4; approvals are shared within 24 hours by the Nexus Prime team.`,
+        action: 'Request license',
+        url: ACCOUNT_URL,
+        command: 'nexus-prime license activate <token>',
+    };
+}
 // ── Helpers ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 function base64urlDecode(s) {
     return Buffer.from(s.replace(/-/g, '+').replace(/_/g, '/'), 'base64');
@@ -101,7 +163,24 @@ function buildFreeStatus(degradedReason) {
         degradedReason,
     };
 }
-function buildTrialStatus(marker) {
+function buildTrialStatus(marker, now = Date.now()) {
+    const graceEndsAt = marker.issuedAt + TRIAL_GRACE_MS;
+    const daysRemaining = daysUntil(marker.expiresAt, now);
+    const trialPhase = now >= graceEndsAt ? 'activation' : 'grace';
+    const trialDaysElapsed = Math.max(0, Math.floor((now - marker.issuedAt) / DAY_MS));
+    if (trialPhase === 'activation') {
+        return {
+            ...buildFreeStatus('activation-required'),
+            trial: true,
+            trialPhase,
+            trialIssuedAt: marker.issuedAt,
+            trialGraceEndsAt: graceEndsAt,
+            trialDaysElapsed,
+            trialDaysRemaining: daysRemaining,
+            activationRequired: true,
+            activationMotion: buildActivationMotion(trialPhase, daysRemaining),
+        };
+    }
     return {
         valid: true,
         tier: marker.tier,
@@ -109,6 +188,26 @@ function buildTrialStatus(marker) {
         expiresAt: marker.expiresAt,
         orgId: marker.orgId,
         trial: true,
+        trialPhase,
+        trialIssuedAt: marker.issuedAt,
+        trialGraceEndsAt: graceEndsAt,
+        trialDaysElapsed,
+        trialDaysRemaining: daysRemaining,
+        activationRequired: false,
+        activationMotion: buildActivationMotion(trialPhase, daysRemaining),
+    };
+}
+function buildTrialExpiredStatus(marker, now = Date.now()) {
+    return {
+        ...buildFreeStatus('trial-expired'),
+        trial: false,
+        trialPhase: 'expired',
+        trialIssuedAt: marker.issuedAt,
+        trialGraceEndsAt: marker.issuedAt + TRIAL_GRACE_MS,
+        trialDaysElapsed: Math.max(0, Math.floor((now - marker.issuedAt) / DAY_MS)),
+        trialDaysRemaining: 0,
+        activationRequired: true,
+        activationMotion: buildActivationMotion('expired', 0),
     };
 }
 function validateClaims(claims) {
@@ -240,10 +339,17 @@ export class LicenseManager {
             };
             writeTrialMarker(this.trialPath, marker);
         }
+        else {
+            const normalized = clampTrialMarker(marker, now);
+            marker = normalized.marker;
+            if (normalized.changed) {
+                writeTrialMarker(this.trialPath, marker);
+            }
+        }
         if (marker.expiresAt <= now) {
-            return buildFreeStatus('trial-expired');
+            return buildTrialExpiredStatus(marker, now);
         }
-        return buildTrialStatus(marker);
+        return buildTrialStatus(marker, now);
     }
     /** Returns the path of the trial marker (for tests + status surfaces). */
     getTrialMarkerPath() {

package/dist/licensing/license-sync.js

@@ -22,7 +22,8 @@ export async function syncLicense() {
     const authToken = readAuthToken();
     if (!authToken) {
         throw new Error('Not logged in. Run: nexus-prime license login\n' +
-            'Or activate manually: nexus-prime license activate <token>');
+            'Or request a license: https://nexus-prime.cfd/account\n' +
+            'Email fallback: adarsh@nexus-prime.cfd');
     }
     const res = await fetch(`${API_BASE}/api/license/current`, {
         headers: { Authorization: `Bearer ${authToken}` },
@@ -37,7 +38,7 @@ export async function syncLicense() {
     }
     const data = await res.json();
     if (!data.signed_key) {
-        throw new Error('No license key found. Sign up at https://nexus-prime.cfd/signup');
+        throw new Error('No license key found. Request one at https://nexus-prime.cfd/account or email adarsh@nexus-prime.cfd. Licenses are reviewed within 24 hours.');
     }
     const lm = getSharedLicenseManager();
     return lm.activate(data.signed_key);
@@ -49,7 +50,7 @@ export async function syncLicense() {
 export async function requestUpgrade(requestedPlan) {
     const authToken = readAuthToken();
     if (!authToken) {
-        throw new Error('Not logged in. Run: nexus-prime license login');
+        throw new Error('Not logged in. Run: nexus-prime license login, or use https://nexus-prime.cfd/account / adarsh@nexus-prime.cfd.');
     }
     const res = await fetch(`${API_BASE}/api/license/request-upgrade`, {
         method: 'POST',

package/dist/licensing/types.d.ts

@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 export type PlanTier = 'free' | 'pro' | 'team' | 'enterprise';
 export type SkillProfile = 'foundation' | 'all-builtin' | 'all-custom' | 'all-registry';
 export type DarwinScope = 'off' | 'solo' | 'team' | 'fleet';
+export type TrialPhase = 'grace' | 'activation' | 'expired';
 export interface PlanCaps {
     maxProjects: number;
     maxMemoryEntries: number;
@@ -27,9 +28,24 @@ export interface LicenseStatus {
     orgId: string | null;
     /** True when the active status is the auto-issued local trial. */
     trial?: boolean;
-    /** Reason a license is degraded; absent when status is valid. Trials report
-     *  `trial-expired` after the auto-issued window has closed. */
-    degradedReason?: 'expired' | 'signature-invalid' | 'malformed' | 'not-activated' | 'trial-expired';
+    /** Trial phase for PLG surfaces. First three days are grace, then activation prompts become direct. */
+    trialPhase?: TrialPhase;
+    trialIssuedAt?: number;
+    trialGraceEndsAt?: number;
+    trialDaysElapsed?: number;
+    trialDaysRemaining?: number;
+    activationRequired?: boolean;
+    activationMotion?: {
+        phase: TrialPhase;
+        required: boolean;
+        title: string;
+        message: string;
+        action: string;
+        url: string;
+        command: string;
+    };
+    /** Reason a license is degraded; absent when status is valid. */
+    degradedReason?: 'expired' | 'signature-invalid' | 'malformed' | 'not-activated' | 'activation-required' | 'trial-expired';
 }
 export type CapType = 'memory_entries' | 'projects' | 'operatives';
 export interface CapCheckResult {

package/dist/licensing/upgrade-prompts.d.ts

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-import type { PlanTier, CapCheckResult } from './types.js';
+import type { PlanTier, CapCheckResult, LicenseStatus } from './types.js';
 /**
  * Soft nudge at 80% of cap — single line appended to tool response.
  */
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ export declare function noLicenseMessage(): string;
  * Trial is active. Soft hint that surfaces alongside paid tools so users
  * know the auto-issued window is what's keeping their runtime alive.
  */
-export declare function trialActiveMessage(expiresAt: number | null): string;
+export declare function trialActiveMessage(statusOrExpiresAt: LicenseStatus | number | null): string;
 /**
  * Trial has expired — runtime drops to free caps. Tell the user clearly so
  * the gap between trial-expired and a real license is obvious.

package/dist/licensing/upgrade-prompts.js

@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ async function emitUpgradeNudge(currentTier, feature, message, ctaUrl) {
 }
 const UPGRADE_URL = 'https://nexus-prime.cfd/account';
 const SIGNUP_URL = 'https://nexus-prime.cfd/signup';
+const LICENSE_TEAM_EMAIL = 'adarsh@nexus-prime.cfd';
 const CAP_LABELS = {
     memory_entries: 'memory entries',
     projects: 'projects',
@@ -55,21 +56,39 @@ export function toolGateMessage(toolName, requiredTier, currentTier) {
  */
 export function noLicenseMessage() {
     return [
-        `[Nexus Prime] No license activated. Sign up for your free license:`,
+        `[Nexus Prime] No license activated. Request a license before paid-tier work runs:`,
         `  → ${SIGNUP_URL}`,
-        `  Then: nexus-prime license activate <your-token>`,
+        `  Account: ${UPGRADE_URL}`,
+        `  Email: ${LICENSE_TEAM_EMAIL}`,
+        `  Licenses are reviewed and shared by the team within 24 hours.`,
+        `  Then activate: nexus-prime license activate <your-token>`,
     ].join('\n');
 }
 /**
  * Trial is active. Soft hint that surfaces alongside paid tools so users
  * know the auto-issued window is what's keeping their runtime alive.
  */
-export function trialActiveMessage(expiresAt) {
-    const daysLeft = expiresAt ? Math.max(0, Math.ceil((expiresAt - Date.now()) / (24 * 60 * 60 * 1000))) : 0;
+export function trialActiveMessage(statusOrExpiresAt) {
+    const status = typeof statusOrExpiresAt === 'object' ? statusOrExpiresAt : null;
+    const expiresAt = status ? status.expiresAt : typeof statusOrExpiresAt === 'number' ? statusOrExpiresAt : null;
+    const daysLeft = status?.trialDaysRemaining
+        ?? (expiresAt ? Math.max(0, Math.ceil((expiresAt - Date.now()) / (24 * 60 * 60 * 1000))) : 0);
+    if (status?.activationRequired) {
+        return [
+            `[Nexus Prime] License required — the 3-day no-license grace period is over.`,
+            `  Agent motion: ask the user to request or activate a Nexus Prime license now before continuing.`,
+            `  Trial window after activation: ${daysLeft} day${daysLeft === 1 ? '' : 's'} remaining.`,
+            `  Request: ${UPGRADE_URL}`,
+            `  Email: ${LICENSE_TEAM_EMAIL}`,
+            `  The Nexus Prime team will share licenses within 24 hours.`,
+            `  Activate: nexus-prime license activate <token>`,
+        ].join('\n');
+    }
     return [
-        `[Nexus Prime] Trial active (${daysLeft} day${daysLeft === 1 ? '' : 's'} remaining).`,
-        `  Activate a license: nexus-prime license activate <token>`,
-        `  Sign up: ${SIGNUP_URL}`,
+        `[Nexus Prime] 3-day no-license grace active (${daysLeft} day${daysLeft === 1 ? '' : 's'} in the trial window).`,
+        `  Request a license before day 4: ${UPGRADE_URL}`,
+        `  Email fallback: ${LICENSE_TEAM_EMAIL}`,
+        `  Licenses are reviewed and shared within 24 hours.`,
     ].join('\n');
 }
 /**
@@ -78,8 +97,10 @@ export function trialActiveMessage(expiresAt) {
  */
 export function trialExpiredMessage() {
     return [
-        `[Nexus Prime] Trial expired — running on free caps.`,
+        `[Nexus Prime] Trial expired — license required for paid-tier work.`,
+        `  Request: ${UPGRADE_URL}`,
+        `  Email: ${LICENSE_TEAM_EMAIL}`,
+        `  Licenses are reviewed and shared within 24 hours.`,
         `  Activate: nexus-prime license activate <token>`,
-        `  Pricing: ${UPGRADE_URL}`,
     ].join('\n');
 }

package/dist/licensing/web-auth.d.ts

@@ -7,8 +7,8 @@ interface AuthTokens {
 /**
  * Login to nexus-prime.cfd and store auth tokens locally. Errors are
  * normalised so signup/signin failures don't surface raw HTTP codes —
- * users get something actionable, plus a reminder that the local 30-day
- * trial keeps the runtime working while they sort out account state.
+ * users get something actionable, plus a reminder that the local no-license
+ * grace period is intentionally short and licenses are reviewed manually.
  */
 export declare function loginFromCLI(email: string, password: string): Promise<{
     email: string;

package/dist/licensing/web-auth.js

@@ -12,8 +12,8 @@ const API_BASE = process.env.NEXUS_WEB_API_URL ?? 'https://nexus-prime.cfd';
 /**
  * Login to nexus-prime.cfd and store auth tokens locally. Errors are
  * normalised so signup/signin failures don't surface raw HTTP codes —
- * users get something actionable, plus a reminder that the local 30-day
- * trial keeps the runtime working while they sort out account state.
+ * users get something actionable, plus a reminder that the local no-license
+ * grace period is intentionally short and licenses are reviewed manually.
  */
 export async function loginFromCLI(email, password) {
     let res;
@@ -28,8 +28,8 @@ export async function loginFromCLI(email, password) {
     catch (err) {
         const reason = err instanceof Error ? err.message : String(err);
         throw new Error(`Could not reach ${API_BASE}: ${reason}. `
-            + `Your 30-day local trial remains active — run \`nexus-prime status\` to verify, `
-            + `then retry login when the network is back.`);
+            + `If your 3-day no-license grace is over, request a license at ${API_BASE}/account `
+            + `or email adarsh@nexus-prime.cfd. Licenses are shared within 24 hours.`);
     }
     if (!res.ok) {
         const body = await res.json().catch(() => ({}));
@@ -41,10 +41,10 @@ export async function loginFromCLI(email, password) {
         }
         if (res.status === 404) {
             throw new Error(`No account for ${email}. Sign up at ${API_BASE}/signup, then retry. `
-                + `(Your 30-day local trial keeps the runtime active in the meantime.)`);
+                + `If you need manual help, email adarsh@nexus-prime.cfd. Licenses are shared within 24 hours.`);
         }
         if (res.status >= 500) {
-            throw new Error(`Server error (${res.status}) at ${API_BASE}. Your 30-day local trial keeps the runtime active — try again shortly.`);
+            throw new Error(`Server error (${res.status}) at ${API_BASE}. Try again shortly, or email adarsh@nexus-prime.cfd for a manual license review within 24 hours.`);
         }
         throw new Error(detail ?? `Login failed (HTTP ${res.status})`);
     }

package/dist/postinstall-bootstrap.js

@@ -122,17 +122,19 @@ async function runWithRetry(maxRetries = 3, delayMs = 1000) {
                 registerInstall(installId || 'unknown', version);
             }
             catch { /* non-fatal — install tracking is best-effort */ }
-            // Show license signup prompt
+            // Show license request prompt
             if (shouldShowInstallBanner()) {
                 try {
                     const licenseKeyPath = path.join(os.homedir(), '.nexus-prime', 'license.key');
                     if (!fs.existsSync(licenseKeyPath)) {
                         console.log('');
                         console.log('\u2554' + '\u2550'.repeat(50) + '\u2557');
-                        console.log('\u2551  Sign up for your free license:                  \u2551');
-                        console.log('\u2551  \u2192 https://nexus-prime.cfd/signup                  \u2551');
+                        console.log('\u2551  3-day no-license grace is active.             \u2551');
+                        console.log('\u2551  Request a license before day 4:               \u2551');
+                        console.log('\u2551  \u2192 https://nexus-prime.cfd/account                 \u2551');
+                        console.log('\u2551  \u2192 adarsh@nexus-prime.cfd                         \u2551');
                         console.log('\u2551                                                  \u2551');
-                        console.log('\u2551  Then activate:                                  \u2551');
+                        console.log('\u2551  Team shares licenses within 24 hours.         \u2551');
                         console.log('\u2551  nexus-prime license activate <your-token>       \u2551');
                         console.log('\u255A' + '\u2550'.repeat(50) + '\u255D');
                     }

package/package.json

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 {
   "name": "nexus-prime",
-  "version": "7.9.15",
+  "version": "7.9.16",
   "description": "Local-first MCP control plane for coding agents with bootstrap-orchestrate execution, memory fabric, token budgeting, and worktree-backed swarms",
   "type": "module",
   "main": "dist/index.js",