DMCA & Copyright Policy
Last updated: June 19, 2026
InteriorPortfolio 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 portfolio hosting platform, InteriorPortfolio 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 InteriorPortfolio users (interior designers and other portfolio creators) are solely responsible for ensuring they have:
- Legal ownership or proper licensing of all content they upload
- Written releases or permissions from clients and any individuals appearing in their work
- Rights to use any music, images, or third-party content included in their portfolios
- Proper permissions for any branded elements (logos, trademarks)
1.2 Platform Role
InteriorPortfolio 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 InteriorPortfolio 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 InteriorPortfolio
- 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:
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
- We will promptly investigate the claim
- If the claim appears valid, we will:
- Remove or disable access to the allegedly infringing content
- Notify the uploader 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 your 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 InteriorPortfolio 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
- We will review your counter-notification for completeness
- If valid, we will forward it to the original complainant
- The complainant has 10–14 business days to file a court action seeking a restraining order
- If no action is filed, we will restore your content within 10–14 business days
5. Common Copyright Issues in Portfolio Work
5.1 Third-Party Images and Media
Common Mistake: Using copyrighted photographs, renderings, or stock assets without a license is a frequent cause of copyright claims.
Solutions:
- Use only images you created or that clients licensed to you for portfolio use
- Obtain written permission from photographers, architects, or collaborators before republishing their work
- Use properly licensed stock assets where applicable
- Ensure music in video reels is licensed for online distribution
5.2 Other Copyrighted Elements
Be cautious with:
- Client-provided materials without explicit portfolio rights
- Software-generated renders owned by third parties
- Brand logos and trademarks displayed without permission
- Floor plans or technical drawings subject to separate copyrights
5.3 Educational Resources
We recommend portfolio creators:
- Consult with an intellectual property attorney when unsure
- Use contract templates that clarify copyright and portfolio usage rights with clients
- Keep records of licenses and client permissions
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 InteriorPortfolio
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
InteriorPortfolio 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
InteriorPortfolio 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
InteriorPortfolio 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.
InteriorPortfolio is committed to maintaining a platform that respects intellectual property rights while supporting the creative work of interior designers. We appreciate your cooperation in protecting the rights of content creators.