DMCA & COPYRIGHT POLICY

Last Updated: February 2026

Effective Date: February 2026

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Copyright Overview
2. Authorized Use
3. DMCA Takedown Process
4. Counter-Notice Process
5. Repeat Infringer Policy
6. Fair Use Guidelines
7. Licensing Information
8. Dispute Resolution

1. COPYRIGHT OVERVIEW

1.1 Copyright Protection

Tern respects intellectual property rights. All content on the platform is subject to U.S. Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and international copyright law.

Protected Works Include:

• Music and sound recordings
• Film, television, and video clips
• Photography and digital images
• Literary works and written content
• Software and code
• Artwork and design
• Logos and brand marks

1.2 Copyright Ownership

Creators Retain Copyright:

• When you upload original content to Tern, you retain copyright
• Aentury does not claim ownership of your work
• Aentury receives a license to host and monetize (per Terms of Service)

Your Responsibility:

• You warrant that your content does not infringe others' copyrights
• You assume liability for copyright violations
• You are responsible for licensing third-party content

1.3 Infringement Can Result In:

• Content removal
• DMC strikes against your account
• Monetization suspension
• Account termination
• Legal liability (damages, attorney fees)

2. AUTHORIZED USE

2.1 What You CAN Use

? Original Content:

• Content you created yourself
• Photos you took
• Videos you filmed
• Stories you wrote

? Licensed Content:

• Music from Creative Commons (with attribution)
• Stock footage from licensed providers
• Images with explicit permission
• Content licensed under open licenses (CC, GPL, etc.)

? Fair Use (Limited):

• Commentary or criticism of copyrighted work
• Educational purposes
• Parody or satire
• News reporting

Note: Fair use is complex and context-dependent. See Section 6.

? Public Domain:

• Works with expired copyrights
• Government works (most)
• Works released to public domain by creator

2.2 What You CANNOT Use

? Without Authorization:

• Copyrighted music
• Film or TV clips
• Copyrighted photos
• Branded content or logos (unauthorized)
• Entire copyrighted works
• Derivative works from copyrighted material
• Counterfeit or pirated content

? Even With Attribution:

• Using someone's work without permission doesn't become legal just because you credit them
• Attribution doesn't equal authorization
• Copyright holders can still claim infringement

3. DMCA TAKEDOWN PROCESS

3.1 Who Can File

A DMCA takedown notice can be filed by:

• The copyright holder
• Authorized agent or representative
• Publisher or distributor
• Rights management organization

Note: False claims can result in counter-claims and legal liability.

3.2 How to File a DMCA Takedown Notice

Option 1: Online Form

Visit: copyright.aentury.com/takedown

Provide:

• Your full name and contact information
• Copyright holder name (if different)
• Description of copyrighted work
• Links to infringing content on Tern
• Statement that you own/represent the copyright
• Declaration under penalty of perjury
• Digital signature

Option 2: Certified Mail

Send to:

Aentury Copyright Agent
Copyright Department
Ghana

Attention: DMCA Takedown Notices

Include all information from Option 1, plus proof of authority (if not copyright holder).

3.3 Email Submission

Email: copyright@aentury.com

Subject Line: "DMCA Takedown Notice - [Content Description]"

Include:

• All information from Option 1
• Clear identification of infringing content
• Specific copyrighted work being infringed
• Your legal authority to file

3.4 Required Information for Valid Notice

Your notice must include:

1. Identification of Work:

   • Name/description of copyrighted work
   • Registration number (if available)
   • Publication date

2. Infringement Location:

   • Direct URLs to infringing content on Tern
   • Timestamps (if video/audio)
   • Specific description of copied material

3. Your Information:

   • Full legal name
   • Physical address
   • Phone number
   • Email address

4. Authority:

   • Statement that you are copyright holder OR authorized agent
   • Company position/title (if agent)
   • Authorization documentation (if agent)

5. Legal Declaration:

   • "I declare under penalty of perjury that I am the copyright owner (or authorized representative) and that the information provided is accurate."
   • Your signature (digital or scanned)
   • Date

Incomplete notices will NOT result in removal and will be archived.

3.5 Aentury's Response

Upon receiving valid DMCA notice:

Within 24 Hours:

• Acknowledge receipt of notice
• Verify completeness

Within 24 hours:

• If complete: Remove or disable access to content
• If incomplete: Request additional information

Notify Creator:

• Send notice to original uploader
• Provide takedown notice details
• Explain counter-notice option

Preserve Evidence:

• Retain copy of original content
• Log all notices for legal records

4. COUNTER-NOTICE PROCESS

4.1 When to File a Counter-Notice

If your content was removed by DMCA notice and you believe:

• The removal was mistaken or erroneous
• You have authorization for the content
• The notice does not properly identify infringement
• Your work qualifies as fair use
• The copyrighted work is in public domain

4.2 How to File a Counter-Notice

Online Form: Visit: copyright.aentury.com/counter-notice

Or email: copyright@aentury.com

Subject: "DMCA Counter-Notice - [Your Username]"

Required Information:

1. Your Identity:

   • Full legal name
   • Address
   • Phone number
   • Email
   • Tern username

2. Content Identification:

   • URL of removed content
   • Title/description
   • Upload date

3. Originating DMCA Notice:

   • Reference number (if you have it)
   • Date removed
   • Approximate content of notice

4. Your Legal Position: Choose ONE:

   • "I am the original copyright holder"
   • "I have authorization from copyright holder"
   • "The content qualifies as fair use"
   • "This is public domain content"
   • Other (describe)

5. Legal Declaration:

   "I declare under penalty of perjury that I believe 
   the removal was made in error. I consent to jurisdiction 
   of the federal court in my district and will accept 
   service of process from the complaining party."
   

6. Your Signature:

   • Type: /s/ [Your Name]
   • Or digital signature
   • Date

4.3 Aentury's Response to Counter-Notice

Within 24 Hours:

• Acknowledge receipt
• Verify completeness

If Complete:

• Notify copyright claimant of counter-notice
• Provide your contact information
• Inform them of legal obligations

10-14 Business Days: If copyright holder does NOT file lawsuit:

• Content is restored to platform
• Your account is notified

If Lawsuit Filed:

• Content remains disabled
• In compliance with DMCA requirements
• We stay out of legal dispute

4.4 False Counter-Notices

Filing a false counter-notice exposes you to:

• Damages and attorney fees
• Claims of perjury
• Account termination
• Legal liability

Do not file unless you are genuinely authorized or own the work.

5. REPEAT INFRINGER POLICY

5.1 Strikes System

First Infringement (Strike 1):

• Content removed
• Warning letter sent
• Educational notification
• Account remains active

Second Infringement (Strike 2):

• Content removed
• Account flagged
• Possible monetization suspension
• Final warning issued

Third Infringement (Strike 3):

• Content removed
• Account suspended (30-90 days)
• Possible permanent termination

5.2 Severe/Repeated Infringement

Immediate termination for:

• Systematic copyright infringement
• Uploading compile of others' works
• Operating as unauthorized streaming service
• Repeated infringement after warnings

5.3 Strike Decay

• Strikes older than 12 months do not count
• Strike history is reviewed for reinstatement
• Only strikes in past 12 months affect account status

5.4 Termination

Upon permanent termination for copyright:

• All content is removed
• Account is deleted
• No payout of earnings
• No reinstatement option
• May be reported to payment processor

6. FAIR USE GUIDELINES

6.1 What is Fair Use?

Fair use allows LIMITED use of copyrighted material without permission for:

• Commentary or criticism
• Educational purposes
• News reporting
• Parody or satire
• Research

Fair use is NOT automatic. It depends on:

• Purpose (commercial vs. educational)
• Nature of the original work
• Amount used (fragments vs. whole)
• Effect on market value

6.2 Fair Use Best Practices

DO:

• Use only the portion necessary for your purpose
• Transform the material (don't just repost)
• Provide significant commentary or analysis
• Credit the original creator
• Use primarily your own content
• Clearly label as parody/satire if applicable

DON'T:

• Use entire copyrighted work
• Profit directly from copyrighted content
• Use creative/original works (more protected than factual)
• Claim you own the work
• Use without any transformation or commentary
• Ignore copyright claims

6.3 Examples of Fair Use in Practice

? ALLOWED (Likely Fair Use):

• Reviewing a movie: "This film was terrible because..." with short clips
• Teaching: "Here's how this piece of music is structured..." with excerpts
• Commentary: Reacting to song/video with critical analysis
• News: Reporting on event with documentary footage excerpt
• Parody: Comedic recreation that doesn't replace original

? NOT FAIR USE:

• Reposting full music tracks or songs
• Uploading entire movies or TV shows
• Compiling others' content as your own
• Syncing music to unrelated video
• DJ sets or remixes without authorization
• Full gameplay footage with minimal commentary

6.4 Music Licensing (Specific)

Licensed Music Services:

• Epidemic Sound
• Artlist
• AudioJungle
• Incompetech
• YouTube Audio Library (commercial use allowed)

No License Needed:

• Creative Commons (CHECK specific CC license)
• Public domain music
• Music released by artist as royalty-free
• Original music you composed/purchased rights to

Cannot Use Without License:

• Copyrighted songs (even with attribution)
• Background music from concerts/venues
• TikTok sounds (usually licensed only for TikTok)
• Professional recordings (even if you created lyrics)

7. LICENSING INFORMATION

7.1 Creative Commons Licenses

Creative Commons (CC) allows creators to license content for reuse:

CC Licenses You CAN Use:

• CC0: Public domain equivalent
• CC-BY: Requires attribution
• CC-BY-SA: Requires attribution + share-alike
• CC-BY-NC: Non-commercial use + attribution
• CC-BY-NC-SA: Non-commercial + attribution + share-alike

Must Follow Specific Requirements:

• Always read the license
• Provide exact attribution required
• Follow commercial/non-commercial restrictions
• Link to license

7.2 Stock Content Resources

Music:

• YouTube Audio Library
• Incompetech.com
• Freepac.com
• Epidemic Sound (paid)

Video/Photos:

• Unsplash
• Pexels
• Pixabay
• Shutterstock (paid)

Design/Graphics:

• Canva (free elements)
• Flaticon (free icons)

Always verify license before use.

7.3 Permission Letters

If you have permission from copyright holder:

• Request written permission (via email acceptable)
• Keep documentation
• Include terms ("one-time use," "credit required," etc.)
• Reference permission if disputed

8. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

8.1 Content Removed by Mistake?

If your content was removed but you believe it shouldn't have been:

Step 1: File Counter-Notice (see Section 4)

Step 2: Appeal (if DMCA counter-notice not applicable)

Email: appeals@aentury.com

Subject: "Copyright Appeal - [Your Username]"

Include:

• URL of removed content (if you have)
• Description of content
• Why you believe it doesn't infringe copyright
• Evidence of authorization or license
• Any counter-notice filed

Response within: 10 business days

8.2 Copyright Holder Disputes

If you own content appearing elsewhere:

File Takedown Notice (Section 3)

Expected Timeline:

• Submission: 24 hours
• Processing: 24 hours
• Removal: 24-48 hours (if valid)
• Creator Notification: 24 hours

8.3 Scheduled Copyright Cases

For complex disputes:

• Escalation available
• Third-party mediation available
• Formal arbitration for major disputes
• No class actions (see Terms of Service)

9. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

9.1 User-to-User Disputes

If another Tern creator used your content without permission:

• File DMCA notice against their specific content
• We will remove it
• Creator will be notified and can counter-notice
• Follow normal dispute process

9.2 Sampling & Remixes

Sampling (Using Part of Song):

• Requires license from both master holder + publisher
• Generally NOT fair use for music
• You must clear samples before upload
• Aentury will remove on DMCA notice

Remixes:

• Require explicit license from copyright holder
• JINgo/Genius/Genius Remix may have limited licenses
• Original artist often retains rights
• "Remix" tags do NOT provide legal protection

9.3 Government & Public Domain

Public Domain Works:

• Works with expired copyright (published before 1929 in most cases)
• U.S. government works
• Works released to public domain by creator
• Check Wikimedia, Project Gutenberg for confirmed public domain

Government Footage:

• NASA footage: Generally public domain
• News footage: May have copyright (check source)
• Military footage: May have copyright
• Always confirm source

9.4 Licensing Mistakes

If you accidentally used copyrighted content:

Don't:

• Ignore takedown notices
• Refile counter-notices with fake claims
• Use same content under different titles
• Accuse copyright holders of targeting you

Do:

• Remove content immediately
• Acknowledge the error
• Don't use content again
• Request leniency (may help avoid strikes)

10. CONTACT & RESOURCES

10.1 Copyright Submissions

DMCA Takedown Notices:

• Email: copyright@aentury.com
• Online: copyright.aentury.com/takedown
• By Mail: [Address on website]

Counter-Notices:

• Email: copyright@aentury.com
• Online: copyright.aentury.com/counter-notice
• Subject: "DMCA Counter-Notice"

Copyright Appeals:

• Email: appeals@aentury.com
• Subject: "Copyright Appeal"

10.2 Legal Resources

Organizations:

• United States Copyright Office: copyright.gov
• World Intellectual Property Organization: wipo.int
• Creative Commons: creativecommons.org
• GNU Project: gnu.org

10.3 Consultin an Attorney

For legal matters:

• Consult a copyright attorney
• Organizations: IIPA, BSA, MPA
• Consider jurisdiction (Ghana, US, or other)

11. QUICK REFERENCE

12. GOVERNING LAW

This Copyright Policy is governed by:

• Primary: U.S. Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)
• Secondary: Ghana Copyright law and AU regulations
• International: Berne Convention, TRIPS Agreement

Disputes involving jurisdictions outside Ghana will follow applicable local law.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By uploading content to Tern, you acknowledge:

? You own or have permission for all content ? You understand copyright law ? You will not infringe others' copyrights ? You accept responsibility for violations ? You understand DMCA procedures ? False claims can result in legal liability

Questions? Contact: legal@aentury.com

Emergency (CSAM/Illegal Content): Report to authorities directly

Last Updated: February 2026 Version 1.0

This policy is subject to change based on legal requirements and industry standards.