DMCA Copyright Policy – The Pixel Post

At The Pixel Post, we respect and uphold the intellectual property rights of video game developers, publishers, artists, and all content creators within the gaming community. Our platform is dedicated to providing high-quality content, including news, reviews, walkthroughs, gameplay videos, and discussions related to video games. We are committed to complying with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and other relevant copyright laws to protect creators and provide a fair environment for users.

Video games are complex works that include a variety of original content such as game code, artwork, music, sound effects, characters, storylines, cinematics, and more. These elements are protected by copyright law, and unauthorized use or distribution is prohibited. This policy outlines how copyright owners can report alleged infringements and the process by which we respond to such claims.

1. Understanding Copyright in Video Games

The video game industry relies heavily on the protection of intellectual property. Copyright safeguards the rights of developers and artists who create everything from the game's underlying software to the rich visual and audio experiences players enjoy. Unauthorized copying, distribution, or public display of protected content can harm the interests of the rights holders and diminish the value of their work.

Users should be aware that uploading full game files, distributing unauthorized copies, posting unlicensed music or cinematics, or sharing other protected materials without permission can constitute copyright infringement. Even seemingly minor uses, such as sharing screenshots or clips without transformation or commentary, may violate copyright protections.

2. Submitting a DMCA Takedown Notice

If you believe your copyrighted material related to video games has been used on our platform without authorization, you may submit a DMCA takedown notice. To be valid, your notice must include:

  • Your physical or electronic signature, or that of a person authorized to act on your behalf.
  • Identification of the copyrighted work that you claim has been infringed.
  • A description of the infringing material and its location on our platform (such as URL or page description).
  • Your contact information, including full name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address.
  • 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.
  • A statement under penalty of perjury that the information you provide is accurate and that you are the copyright owner or authorized to act on their behalf.

Once a valid DMCA notice is received, we will promptly investigate and remove or disable access to the allegedly infringing content. We will also notify the user responsible for the content and provide them with your notice as part of the process.

3. Counter-Notification Procedure

If you are a user whose content has been removed due to a DMCA notice and you believe the removal was in error or misidentification, you may submit a counter-notification containing:

  • Your full name, address, telephone number, and email address.
  • Identification of the material that was removed and the location where it appeared before removal.
  • A statement, under penalty of perjury, that you have a good faith belief the content was removed by mistake or misidentification.
  • A statement consenting to the jurisdiction of the federal district court in your area (or, if outside the United States, any judicial district where our platform may be located), and that you will accept service of process from the person who submitted the original DMCA notice.
  • Your physical or electronic signature.

Upon receipt of a valid counter-notification, we will forward it to the original complainant. Unless the complainant files a lawsuit within 10-14 business days, we may restore the removed content.

4. Repeat Infringer Policy

To maintain a respectful environment and protect intellectual property rights, we have a strict policy against repeat infringers. Users who repeatedly post infringing content risk suspension or termination of their accounts. We reserve the right to take appropriate action, including disabling access or removing content, to prevent ongoing violations.

5. Examples of Copyrighted Material in Video Games

Potentially infringing materials may include:

  • Complete game files or software downloads
  • Unlicensed gameplay videos without transformative commentary
  • Soundtracks, voiceovers, or audio clips taken directly from games
  • Cinematic cutscenes or in-game cinematics
  • Artwork, including character designs and promotional graphics
  • Modifications or "mods" that redistribute copyrighted content
  • Written guides or walkthroughs that copy protected narrative or proprietary information

Creators are encouraged to obtain appropriate permissions or licenses when using third-party content, and to contribute original or transformative material that respects copyright law.

6. Fair Use and User-Generated Content

We support the creation and sharing of user-generated content that falls within the scope of fair use, such as:

  • Reviews and critical commentary
  • Educational tutorials and analysis
  • Parody and satire
  • News reporting and discussions

Fair use is a complex legal doctrine, and each case is unique. Users should carefully consider whether their content qualifies as fair use, especially in terms of how much copyrighted material is used and whether the new content transforms the original.

7. Misuse of the DMCA Process

Submitting false or misleading DMCA claims or counter-notices can lead to legal consequences under Section 512(f) of the DMCA. We urge all parties to act in good faith when filing claims or responding to takedown requests.

8. Contact Information for DMCA Notices

To submit a DMCA takedown notice or counter-notification, please provide all necessary details to our designated copyright agent:

The Pixel Post
399 Hutt Road, Alicetown, Wellington 5012, New Zealand
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +6445683164

Please ensure your notice contains all required information to avoid processing delays.

9. Commitment to Protecting Creativity and Innovation

Video games thrive on creativity, innovation, and community engagement. Our DMCA policy seeks to balance the rights of content creators with the interests of gamers, reviewers, and fan communities. By respecting copyrights and following these guidelines, everyone contributes to a vibrant, fair, and sustainable gaming ecosystem.