DMCA & Copyright Policy

Last updated: January 1, 2026

OurStoria respects the intellectual property rights of others and expects our users to do the same. This policy outlines our procedures for addressing copyright infringement claims in accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and applicable international copyright laws.

1. Our Commitment to Copyright Protection

As a video hosting platform, OurStoria takes copyright infringement seriously. We respond promptly to valid notices of alleged copyright infringement and will remove or disable access to infringing material when properly notified.

1.1 User Responsibility

All OurStoria users (videographers) are solely responsible for ensuring they have:

  • Legal ownership or proper licensing of all content they upload
  • Written releases from clients, couples, and any individuals appearing in videos
  • Rights to use any music, images, or third-party content included in their videos
  • Proper permissions for any branded elements (logos, trademarks)

1.2 Platform Role

OurStoria acts as a hosting service provider. We:

  • Do not pre-screen content before it is uploaded
  • Do not claim ownership of user-uploaded content
  • Respond to valid copyright complaints promptly
  • Maintain a policy of terminating repeat infringers

2. Filing a DMCA Copyright Infringement Notice

If you believe that content hosted on OurStoria infringes your copyright, you may submit a DMCA takedown notice.

2.1 Requirements for a Valid DMCA Notice

Your notice must include ALL of the following information:

1. Identification of the Copyrighted Work

  • A detailed description of the copyrighted work you claim has been infringed
  • If multiple works are involved, a representative list of such works

2. Identification of the Infringing Material

  • The specific URL(s) or location(s) of the allegedly infringing content on OurStoria
  • Sufficient detail to allow us to locate the material

3. Your Contact Information

  • Your full legal name
  • Mailing address
  • Telephone number
  • Email address

4. Statement of Good Faith

  • A statement that you have a good faith belief that the use of the material is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law

5. Statement of Accuracy

  • A statement, under penalty of perjury, that the information in your notice is accurate and that you are the copyright owner or authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner

6. Physical or Electronic Signature

  • Your physical or electronic signature (typing your full legal name counts as an electronic signature)

2.2 How to Submit a DMCA Notice

Send your complete DMCA notice to our designated Copyright Agent:

Designated Copyright Agent

Email: [email protected]

Subject Line: "DMCA Takedown Notice"

2.3 Processing Time

  • We review all DMCA notices within 2-5 business days
  • If valid, infringing content will be removed or disabled within 24 hours of validation
  • Both parties (complainant and uploader) will be notified of the action taken

3. What Happens After We Receive a Valid DMCA Notice

3.1 Immediate Actions

  1. We will promptly investigate the claim
  2. If the claim appears valid, we will:
    • Remove or disable access to the allegedly infringing content
    • Notify the uploader (videographer) of the removal
    • Provide the uploader with a copy of your DMCA notice

3.2 Uploader Notification

The account holder who uploaded the content will receive:

  • A copy of your DMCA notice
  • Information about the counter-notification process
  • A warning that repeat infringement may result in account termination

3.3 Repeat Infringer Policy

Under our Terms of Service:

  • First offense: Content removed, warning issued
  • Second offense: Account suspended for 30 days, all content disabled
  • Third offense: Permanent account termination and all content deleted

4. Filing a DMCA Counter-Notification

If you are a videographer whose content was removed and you believe the removal was erroneous or that you have the right to use the material, you may file a counter-notification.

4.1 Requirements for a Valid Counter-Notification

Your counter-notification must include ALL of the following:

1. Identification of Removed Content

  • Description of the content that was removed
  • The URL or location where it appeared before removal

2. Your Contact Information

  • Your full legal name
  • Mailing address
  • Telephone number
  • Email address

3. Statement Under Penalty of Perjury

  • A statement that you have a good faith belief that the content was removed or disabled as a result of mistake or misidentification

4. Consent to Jurisdiction

  • A statement that you consent to the jurisdiction of the Federal District Court for the judicial district in which your address is located (or if outside the US, any judicial district where OurStoria may be found)
  • A statement that you will accept service of process from the person who filed the original DMCA notice or their agent

5. Physical or Electronic Signature

  • Your physical or electronic signature

4.2 How to Submit a Counter-Notification

Send your complete counter-notification to:

Email: [email protected]

Subject Line: "DMCA Counter-Notification"

4.3 Counter-Notification Process

  1. We will review your counter-notification for completeness
  2. If valid, we will forward it to the original complainant
  3. The complainant has 10-14 business days to file a court action seeking a restraining order
  4. If no action is filed, we will restore your content within 10-14 business days

5. Music Licensing & Common Copyright Issues

5.1 Music in Wedding Videos

Common Mistake: Using copyrighted music without a license is the #1 cause of copyright claims.

Solutions:

  • Use royalty-free music from licensed libraries (Artlist, Musicbed, Epidemic Sound)
  • Obtain synchronization licenses for commercial music
  • Use original compositions or public domain music
  • Ensure your client's music license covers online streaming (if applicable)

5.2 Other Copyrighted Elements

Be cautious with:

  • Venue branding and logos (may require permission)
  • Professional photographs used in video montages (photographer owns copyright)
  • Drone footage restrictions (check local regulations)
  • Live performance footage (bands/DJs may have rights)

5.3 Educational Resources

We recommend videographers:

  • Consult with an intellectual property attorney
  • Join professional organizations (e.g., WEVA, PPA) for licensing guidance
  • Use contract templates that clarify copyright ownership with clients

6. False Claims & Abuse

6.1 Consequences of False DMCA Notices

Filing a false or fraudulent DMCA notice is:

  • A violation of federal law (17 U.S.C. § 512(f))
  • Subject to damages, attorney's fees, and costs
  • Grounds for permanent ban from OurStoria

6.2 Misrepresentation

By submitting a DMCA notice or counter-notification, you acknowledge that:

  • Making false claims may result in legal liability
  • You may be subject to damages for material misrepresentation
  • Perjury laws apply to statements made under penalty of perjury

7. Trademark & Other Intellectual Property

While this policy focuses on copyright, we also respect other intellectual property rights:

7.1 Trademark Infringement

If you believe content infringes your trademark, email: [email protected] with:

  • Proof of trademark ownership (registration number)
  • Description of the alleged infringement
  • Location of infringing content

7.2 Right of Publicity

For claims regarding unauthorized use of someone's name, likeness, or voice:

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Include identification of the individual and location of content

8. International Copyright Laws

OurStoria complies with international copyright treaties, including:

  • Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works
  • WIPO Copyright Treaty
  • EU Copyright Directive (for EU users)

If you are outside the United States, you may also file complaints under your local copyright laws. We will respond in accordance with applicable international agreements.

9. Safe Harbor Provisions

OurStoria qualifies for "safe harbor" protections under 17 U.S.C. § 512(c) of the DMCA because:

  • We do not have actual knowledge of infringing activity prior to receiving a valid notice
  • We do not financially benefit directly from infringing activity
  • We promptly remove or disable access to infringing material upon proper notification
  • We have a designated Copyright Agent and published DMCA policy

10. Content ID & Automated Detection

10.1 Current Limitations

OurStoria does not currently employ automated Content ID systems (like YouTube's).

10.2 Manual Review Process

All copyright claims are reviewed manually by our team to ensure:

  • Fair consideration of both parties
  • Protection against false or abusive claims
  • Compliance with legal requirements

10.3 Future Developments

We may implement automated detection tools in the future. Users will be notified of any such changes.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this DMCA & Copyright Policy as legal requirements evolve. Changes will be communicated via:

  • Email notification to account holders
  • Updated "Last Updated" date
  • Prominent notice on our website

12. Legal Disclaimer

This policy is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific copyright questions, consult with a qualified intellectual property attorney.

13. Contact Our Copyright Agent

For all copyright-related inquiries:

Designated DMCA Agent

Email: [email protected]

Subject: "Copyright Inquiry"

Other Contacts:

General Legal: [email protected]

Support: [email protected]

Important Notice: Please note that under Section 512(f) of the DMCA, any person who knowingly materially misrepresents that material or activity is infringing may be subject to liability.

OurStoria is committed to maintaining a platform that respects intellectual property rights while supporting the creative work of professional videographers. We appreciate your cooperation in protecting the rights of content creators.