DMCA Policy – CircuitHall

At CircuitHall, we are committed to protecting the intellectual property rights of computer game developers, publishers, designers, writers, musicians, and all other contributors who create content for the digital gaming world. Our computer games club provides a space where enthusiasts can gather to play, learn, and collaborate, while respecting the rights of creators and ensuring that all content used within the club complies with copyright law and other applicable regulations.

This DMCA Policy explains how copyright holders can report unauthorized use of their works, how the club responds to such reports, and how members or users can submit counter-notifications if they believe their content was removed or disabled in error. Our goal is to maintain a lawful environment for both creators and members.

1. Scope of Policy

The DMCA Policy applies to all computer games and related content shared, displayed, or distributed within the club environment. Protected materials include, but are not limited to:

• Video game software, executable files, and source code
• Game graphics, character designs, environments, maps, and 3D models
• Music, sound effects, voice recordings, and soundtracks
• Cinematic sequences, dialogues, storylines, and cutscenes
• Promotional materials, artwork, screenshots, and videos
• Game mechanics, levels, and interactive systems

Unauthorized copying, reproduction, distribution, or public display of these materials without permission may constitute copyright infringement. This includes sharing game files, posting gameplay videos, distributing mods, or using copyrighted material in tutorials or streams without authorization.

2. Filing a DMCA Takedown Notice

If you are a copyright owner, or authorized to act on behalf of one, and you believe your work has been used at our computer games club without authorization, you may submit a DMCA Takedown Notice. The notice must include:

• Your full legal name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address
• Identification of the copyrighted work you believe has been infringed
• The location of the allegedly infringing content within the club or on our digital platforms, with sufficient detail to locate it
• A statement under penalty of perjury that you have a good faith belief that the use is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law
• A statement confirming that the information provided is accurate and that you are authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner
• Your physical or electronic signature

Upon receipt of a valid DMCA notice, we will promptly review it, remove or disable access to the allegedly infringing material, and notify the member or user responsible.

3. Counter-Notification

If your content has been removed or disabled in error, you may submit a counter-notification that includes:

• Your full legal name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address
• Identification of the material that was removed or disabled and its original location
• A statement under penalty of perjury asserting your good faith belief that the removal or disabling was a mistake or misidentification
• A statement that you consent to the jurisdiction of the appropriate court and agree to accept service of process from the person who submitted the original DMCA notice
• Your physical or electronic signature

After receiving a valid counter-notification, we will forward it to the original complainant. Unless legal action is initiated within the statutory period, the content may be restored.

4. Repeat Infringers

Members or users who repeatedly infringe copyright-protected materials may face suspension or termination of their membership, loss of access to club resources, or permanent bans. Repeat infringement may also expose individuals to legal consequences under applicable copyright law.

5. Fair Use Considerations

Some uses of copyrighted materials may qualify as fair use, including:

• Educational demonstrations or tutorials
• Reviews, commentary, or analysis
• Streaming or recording gameplay with added commentary
• Transformative works that significantly alter or expand upon the original content

Members are responsible for determining whether their use qualifies as fair use before posting or sharing.

6. Misuse of DMCA

Submitting false or misleading DMCA notices or counter-notifications is prohibited. Misuse of the DMCA process may result in disciplinary actions within the club and potential legal liability.