DMCA Policy

This Digital Millennium Copyright Act (“DMCA”) Policy explains how we address copyright infringement claims related to the game Guild of Guardians and all content made available on or through our platform. We respect the rights of creators and expect every member of our community to do the same.

1) Purpose and Commitment

Our goal is to protect intellectual property while enabling fair, creative participation in the Guild of Guardians community. This policy sets clear procedures for submitting and responding to copyright claims under applicable law.

2) Definitions

• “Content”: Any material uploaded, posted, embedded, or otherwise made available, including images, videos, audio, text, code, data, and compiled assets.
• “Official Assets”: Game art, UI elements, icons, models, textures, music, SFX, narrative text, cinematics, and other proprietary materials connected to Guild of Guardians.
• “UGC” (User‑Generated Content): Fan art, screenshots, gameplay recordings, guides, builds, tools, and community-created works.
• “Notice”: A DMCA-compliant notification alleging infringement.
• “Counter-Notice”: A response asserting mistaken removal or misidentification.

3) Scope of Protected Works

Examples of protected works include, without limitation:

• Character classes, heroes, companions, item and equipment designs, and their visual effects
• Environment art, dungeons, tilesets, UI/UX layouts, and iconography
• Cinematic scenes, animations, particle systems, and shaders
• Music, voice lines, ambient soundscapes, and sound effects
• Lore, story arcs, dialogues, quest texts, and in‑game names
• Logos, emblems, event artwork, and other branding elements

4) Prohibited Uses Without Permission

Unless expressly authorized by the relevant rights holder, you may not:

• Extract, copy, rehost, mirror, or redistribute Official Assets in raw or near‑raw form
• Use copyrighted materials for commercial purposes or paid access
• Publish archives of extracted models, textures, audio, or code
• Create derivative works likely to cause confusion with official content or branding
• Bypass technical protection measures or access non‑public/unreleased content

5) Acceptable Fan Use (Guidance)

We support non‑commercial UGC—streams, highlights, guides, fan art, theorycrafting, and educational content. Keep watermarks/attribution intact where applicable, avoid implying endorsement or partnership, and do not include unreleased, datamined, or confidential materials. This guidance does not waive any rights.

6) Community Tools and Mods

Community tools that enhance gameplay or understanding may be permissible if they do not extract or redistribute Official Assets, enable cheating, disrupt service integrity, or expose non‑public content. Distribution of extracted files or asset packs is prohibited.

7) Digital Items and Marketplaces

Listings, previews, or promotional materials for digital items must not use Official Assets beyond what is shown in normal gameplay or authorized promotional kits. Using proprietary art, audio, or brand elements to market third‑party products or services without permission is prohibited.

8) Streaming, Clips, and Monetization

Streaming and ad‑supported videos based on gameplay are generally allowed when they do not substitute for the game, reveal non‑public materials, or misuse branding to suggest sponsorship or endorsement. Full, unedited reuploads of paid or exclusive broadcasts may be restricted.

9) Submitting a DMCA Notice

If you believe material available on our platform infringes your copyright, submit a Notice containing all of the following:

1. Identification of the copyrighted work claimed to be infringed
2. Identification of the allegedly infringing material and its location (specific enough for us to find it)
3. A statement of good‑faith belief that the use is not authorized by the rights holder, its agent, or the law
4. A statement asserting that the information in the Notice is accurate and that you are the rights holder or authorized to act on their behalf

Provide sufficient detail to allow us to verify your claim efficiently.

10) Actions We May Take After a Notice

Upon receipt of a facially valid Notice, we may take one or more of these actions:

• Temporarily remove or disable access to the identified material
• Notify the uploader and share the substance of the claim
• Request clarifications or additional information from either party
• Apply account restrictions or terminate accounts under our repeat‑infringer policy
• Preserve records and logs as reasonably necessary to process the claim

11) Counter‑Notification

If your content was removed due to mistake or misidentification, you may submit a Counter‑Notice including:

1. Identification of the material removed or disabled and its prior location
2. A good‑faith statement explaining why the removal was a mistake or misidentification
3. A statement asserting that you have the legal right to post or use the material

We will review the Counter‑Notice and, where appropriate, may restore the content unless we receive a further valid claim or restoration is otherwise inappropriate.

12) Fair Use and Other Exceptions

Some uses may qualify as fair use or similar exceptions. Determinations are fact‑specific and assessed case by case. Submission of a Notice does not guarantee removal, and submission of a Counter‑Notice does not guarantee reinstatement.

13) Repeat‑Infringer Policy

We may limit, suspend, or terminate accounts that are the subject of repeated, substantiated infringement claims. We consider the number and recency of claims, the nature of violations, user responsiveness, and prior warnings.

14) Preservation and Disclosure

We may retain copies of disputed materials, Notices, Counter‑Notices, and related communications as reasonably necessary to document actions taken and comply with legal obligations. We may share relevant information with the parties involved to facilitate resolution consistent with applicable law.

15) Trademarks and Branding

Use of names, logos, emblems, and other brand elements related to Guild of Guardians must comply with this policy and any published brand guidelines. Do not suggest sponsorship, endorsement, or official partnership without express authorization.

16) No Waiver of Rights

Nothing in this policy constitutes a waiver of any rights in or to Guild of Guardians or its associated intellectual property. We may enforce our rights at any time.

17) Policy Updates

We may revise this policy to reflect changes in law, platform features, or community practices. Updated versions take effect upon posting on our platform. Continued use of the platform after changes indicates acceptance of the updated policy.

We aim to safeguard creative expression around Guild of Guardians while protecting the rights of original creators. Thank you for helping us maintain a lawful, respectful, and collaborative community.