← Back to Home

Copyright & DMCA Policy

Last Updated: January 9, 2026

1. Copyright Policy Overview

PhotoShare respects the intellectual property rights of others and expects users to do the same. This Copyright and DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) Policy explains how we handle copyright infringement claims and what users should know about uploading copyrighted content.

2. User Responsibilities

When uploading photos to PhotoShare, you must ensure that:

  • You own the copyright to the photos, or
  • You have permission from the copyright owner to upload and share the photos, or
  • The photos are in the public domain or covered by a license that permits sharing

Do not upload:

  • Professional photographs without the photographer's permission
  • Photos containing copyrighted artwork, logos, or trademarks without authorization
  • Screenshots of copyrighted content (movies, TV shows, software, etc.)
  • Photos you downloaded from other websites without proper rights

3. Event Photos and Guest Uploads

3.1 Guest-Uploaded Content

When guests upload photos to an event, they grant the event host permission to view, download, and share those photos within the context of the event. Guests retain copyright ownership of their photos.

3.2 Host Responsibilities

Event hosts should inform guests about how their photos will be used and shared. Hosts should respect guests' rights and not use photos for commercial purposes without explicit permission.

4. Copyright Infringement Reporting (DMCA)

If you believe that content on PhotoShare infringes your copyright, you can submit a DMCA takedown notice. Your notice must include:

Required Information for DMCA Notice:

  1. Identification of the copyrighted work: Describe the copyrighted work you claim has been infringed. If multiple works, provide a representative list.
  2. Identification of the infringing material: Provide the URL or specific location of the allegedly infringing content on PhotoShare, including the event name or sharing link.
  3. Your contact information: Name, address, telephone number, and email address.
  4. Good faith statement: 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: A statement that the information in your notice is accurate and, under penalty of perjury, that you are the copyright owner or authorized to act on behalf of the owner.
  6. Physical or electronic signature: Your physical or electronic signature.

5. How to Submit a DMCA Notice

Send your DMCA notice via:

Note: DMCA notices must include all required information listed above. Incomplete notices may not be processed.

6. Our Response to DMCA Notices

Upon receiving a valid DMCA notice, we will:

  • Review the notice for completeness and validity
  • Remove or disable access to the allegedly infringing content
  • Notify the user who uploaded the content about the removal and provide them with a copy of the DMCA notice
  • Take appropriate action against repeat infringers, including account termination

7. Counter-Notification

If you believe your content was removed by mistake or misidentification, you may submit a counter-notification. Your counter-notification must include:

  • Your physical or electronic signature
  • Identification of the material that was removed and its location before removal
  • A statement under penalty of perjury that you have a good faith belief the material was removed as a result of mistake or misidentification
  • Your name, address, telephone number, and email address
  • A statement that you consent to the jurisdiction of the courts in Metro Manila, Philippines, and that you will accept service of process from the complainant

8. Repeat Infringer Policy

PhotoShare has a policy of terminating accounts of users who repeatedly infringe copyrights. We maintain a record of DMCA notices and may terminate accounts that:

  • Receive multiple valid DMCA takedown notices
  • Repeatedly upload infringing content after being warned
  • Ignore our copyright policies

9. Fair Use

We recognize that not all uses of copyrighted material constitute infringement. Fair use may apply in certain situations, such as:

  • Commentary or criticism
  • News reporting
  • Educational purposes
  • Parody or transformative works

However, determining fair use is complex and fact-specific. If you claim fair use, be prepared to provide justification in a counter-notification.

10. Professional Photographers

If you are a professional photographer and discover your work has been uploaded without permission:

  • Submit a DMCA notice as outlined above
  • Provide clear evidence of your copyright ownership (e.g., original files with metadata)
  • We will prioritize legitimate claims from professional content creators

11. PhotoShare's Copyright

The PhotoShare platform itself, including our logo, design, code, and documentation, is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. You may not:

  • Copy, modify, or distribute our platform code or design
  • Use our trademarks or branding without permission
  • Create derivative works based on our platform
  • Reverse engineer or decompile our software

12. Trademark Issues

While this policy primarily addresses copyright, we also respect trademark rights. Do not upload photos containing:

  • Counterfeit goods or products
  • Unauthorized use of company logos or brand names for commercial purposes
  • Content that creates confusion about brand endorsement or affiliation

13. International Copyright

PhotoShare respects international copyright laws. Copyright infringement claims from users outside the Philippines will be reviewed according to applicable international copyright treaties and conventions.

14. Misrepresentation Warning

Important: Submitting a false or fraudulent DMCA notice or counter-notification may result in legal liability. You may be liable for damages, including costs and attorneys' fees, if you knowingly materially misrepresent that content is infringing or was removed by mistake.

15. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Copyright and DMCA Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date.

16. Questions and Contact

If you have questions about copyright issues or need to report infringement, contact us:

Best Practices for Users

  • Only upload photos you have the right to share
  • Obtain permission before uploading professional photography
  • Give credit to photographers when possible
  • Respect the privacy and rights of people in photos
  • When in doubt, ask for permission before uploading