DMCA Copyright Policy

1. Overview

ShutterLift respects the intellectual property rights of photographers and other content creators. This Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) policy outlines our procedures for addressing claims of copyright infringement on our platform.

We comply with the provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and will respond promptly to valid takedown notices and counter-notifications.

2. Copyright Protection

As a platform designed for professional photographers, we understand the importance of protecting creative work:

• All uploaded content remains the property of the original creator
• Users grant ShutterLift only the necessary rights to host and display content
• We do not claim ownership of user-generated content
• Users are responsible for ensuring they have rights to all uploaded content
• We provide tools to help protect photographers' work (watermarks, access controls)

3. Prohibited Activities

The following copyright-related activities are strictly prohibited:

• Uploading copyrighted images without proper authorization
• Using ShutterLift to distribute pirated or stolen photographs
• Claiming ownership of work created by others
• Removing or altering copyright notices from images
• Using the platform to infringe on trademark rights
• Uploading content that violates publicity or personality rights

4. Filing a DMCA Takedown Notice

If you believe that content on ShutterLift infringes your copyright, you may submit a DMCA takedown notice. Your notice must include the following information:

Required Information:

1. Identification of the copyrighted work: Provide a detailed description of the copyrighted work you claim has been infringed, including registration numbers if applicable.
2. Identification of infringing material: Provide the specific URL(s) or gallery links where the allegedly infringing content is located on ShutterLift.
3. Contact information: Include your name, address, telephone number, and email address.
4. Good faith statement: Include a statement that you have a good faith belief that the disputed use is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law.
5. Accuracy statement: Include a statement that the information in your notice is accurate and, under penalty of perjury, that you are authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner.
6. Physical or electronic signature: Provide your physical or electronic signature.

5. Submitting Your DMCA Notice

Send your complete DMCA takedown notice to our designated copyright agent:

Important: Only send DMCA notices for legitimate copyright infringement claims. False claims may result in legal liability under federal law.

6. Our Response Process

Upon receiving a valid DMCA takedown notice, we will:

1. Review the notice for completeness and validity
2. Remove or disable access to the allegedly infringing content
3. Notify the user who uploaded the content about the takedown
4. Provide the user with a copy of the takedown notice
5. Inform the user of their right to file a counter-notification

We typically process valid DMCA notices within 24-48 hours of receipt.

7. Filing a Counter-Notification

If you believe that content you uploaded was removed due to a mistake or misidentification, you may file a DMCA counter-notification. Your counter-notification must include:

Required Information:

1. Identification of removed content: Describe the content that was removed and where it appeared before removal.
2. Contact information: Provide your name, address, telephone number, and email address.
3. Consent to jurisdiction: Include a statement consenting to the jurisdiction of the federal court in your district (or where ShutterLift is located if outside the US).
4. Good faith statement: Include a statement under penalty of perjury that you have a good faith belief that the content was removed due to mistake or misidentification.
5. Physical or electronic signature: Provide your physical or electronic signature.

8. Counter-Notification Process

After receiving a valid counter-notification:

1. We will forward the counter-notification to the original complainant
2. We will inform them that we will restore the content in 10-14 business days
3. If no court action is filed, we will restore the content
4. If court action is filed, the content remains removed pending resolution

9. Repeat Infringer Policy

In accordance with the DMCA, ShutterLift has a policy of terminating user accounts that are determined to be repeat infringers:

• First violation: Warning and content removal
• Second violation: Temporary account suspension
• Third violation: Permanent account termination
• Severe violations may result in immediate termination

We maintain records of all DMCA notices and responses to identify repeat offenders.

10. False Claims

Making false DMCA claims is a serious matter with legal consequences:

• Filing false DMCA notices may result in liability for damages
• Perjury charges may apply for knowingly false statements
• Users who file false claims may have their accounts terminated
• Legal fees and costs may be recoverable against false claimants

Only file DMCA notices if you genuinely believe copyright infringement has occurred.

11. International Considerations

While ShutterLift complies with US DMCA law, we also respect international copyright laws:

• We may accept takedown requests under other countries' copyright laws
• International users should specify applicable copyright law in their notices
• We work with international photographers to protect their rights
• Cross-border copyright disputes may involve multiple jurisdictions

12. Protecting Your Work

ShutterLift provides several tools to help photographers protect their work:

• Watermark application (available on Pro+ plans)
• Download restrictions and access controls
• Password protection for sensitive galleries
• Right-click prevention (as deterrent)
• Usage tracking and analytics
• Copyright notice integration

13. Educational Resources

We encourage users to understand copyright law and their rights:

• Register your work with the US Copyright Office when possible
• Use proper copyright notices on your work
• Understand fair use and its limitations
• Obtain proper model releases and permissions
• Keep records of your original work and creation dates
• Consider watermarking important images

14. Changes to This Policy

ShutterLift may update this DMCA policy as needed to comply with legal requirements or improve our procedures. Users will be notified of significant changes via email or platform notifications.

15. Contact Information

For DMCA notices, counter-notifications, or questions about copyright policy:

Response Time: We typically respond to DMCA notices within 24-48 hours and process valid requests promptly.