Copyright Policy
This Copyright Policy explains how Digital Design Guild (“we,” “our,” “us”) handles copyright, intellectual property, user submissions, and requests related to copyrighted material. By using this website (the “Site”), you agree to this policy. If you do not agree, you should stop using the Site immediately.
1. Ownership of Site Content
All content on the Site, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, design elements, page layouts, images, features, and other materials, is owned by or licensed to Digital Design Guild and is protected by international copyright and intellectual property laws. No portion of the Site may be copied, reproduced, distributed, transmitted, modified, or used to create derivative works without our prior written permission.
2. User-Submitted Content
When you submit content through any form on the Site, including the “Submit Your Work” form, you represent and warrant that you either own the rights to the material or have full, legal permission to submit it. You retain ownership of your work; however, by submitting it, you grant Digital Design Guild a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to review, display, publish, feature, archive, or otherwise use the submitted content in connection with the Site, editorial features, awards, showcases, and marketing materials. You are solely responsible for ensuring that your submission does not infringe upon the rights of any third party.
If you discover at any time that you submitted unauthorized or copyrighted material without proper permission, you must notify us immediately through the contact page.
3. Copyright Infringement Claims
Digital Design Guild respects the intellectual property rights of creators and expects all users to do the same. If you believe that your copyrighted work has been used, displayed, or published on the Site without authorization, you may submit a copyright complaint.
To process your complaint efficiently, you must provide a written notice through the contact page that includes:
- Your full name and contact information
- A description of the copyrighted work you believe has been infringed
- The exact URL or location on the Site where the material appears
- A statement confirming that you believe in good faith that the use is unauthorized
- A statement, made under penalty of perjury, that the information you provided is accurate and that you are the copyright owner or legally authorized to act on behalf of the owner
Upon receiving a valid and complete notice, we will review the claim and take whatever action we deem appropriate, which may include removing or disabling access to the content in question.
4. Policy on Repeat Infringement
Users who repeatedly violate copyright rules or submit infringing content may have their submissions removed, their participation restricted, or their access to the Site terminated at our discretion. We reserve the right to take action without prior notice when necessary to protect the rights of creators and the integrity of the Site.
5. Removal Requests by Original Submitters
If you previously submitted work and would like it removed from the Site, you may request removal through the contact page. We may require additional verification to ensure the request is legitimate. Although we will make reasonable efforts to comply, we are not obligated to remove content that has already been featured in award listings, archives, editorials, or promotional materials.
6. Misrepresentation and Abuse
Submitting fraudulent, misleading, or malicious copyright complaints is prohibited. Anyone who knowingly files a false claim may be held liable for damages, legal fees, or penalties. Digital Design Guild reserves the right to take action against users who misuse the copyright reporting process.
7. Third-Party Content and External Links
The Site may include content or links supplied by third parties. Digital Design Guild does not control these third-party sources and is not responsible for verifying ownership or authenticity. Copyright concerns regarding third-party content should be directed to the respective owners. Accessing external websites is done at your own risk.
8. Updates to This Copyright Policy
We may modify, update, or revise this Copyright Policy at any time to reflect operational changes, legal requirements, or updates to the Site. Any changes take effect immediately upon posting. Continued use of the Site indicates acceptance of the updated policy.
9. Contact Information
All questions, notices, or concerns regarding this Copyright Policy must be submitted exclusively through the contact page. This is the official and only approved method for reaching Digital Design Guild regarding copyright matters.