📄 Copyright Policy

Effective Date: October 25, 2025
Last Updated: October 25, 2025

Paws of Fate 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.

Table of Contents

Copyright Policy Overview

Kruse Consultants, LLC, the company behind Paws of Fate, is committed to protecting the intellectual property rights of content creators, photographers, artists, and other copyright holders. We comply with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and other applicable copyright laws.

This policy applies to all content posted on or through the Paws of Fate mobile application and related services, including:

Company Information:
Kruse Consultants, LLC
328 Nowell Loop
DeLand, Florida 32724
Email: info@kruseconsultants.com

Respecting Copyright

What Is Copyright?

Copyright is a form of intellectual property protection that gives creators exclusive rights to their original works, including:

Your Responsibilities

When using Paws of Fate, you must:

Only Upload Content You Own

Share only photos, videos, and other content that you have created or for which you have explicit permission to use.

Respect Others' Work

Don't copy, download, or repost other users' content without their permission, even if it's publicly visible.

Give Proper Credit

If you have permission to share someone else's work, always provide appropriate credit and attribution.

Understand Fair Use Limitations

Fair use is a narrow legal doctrine. When in doubt, seek permission from the copyright holder before using their content.

Pet Photos and Privacy

Special considerations for pet-related content:

Remember: Just because an image is publicly available online doesn't mean it's free to use. Most images are protected by copyright, even if they don't display a © notice.

Copyright Infringement Claims

If you believe that content on Paws of Fate infringes your copyright, you may submit a takedown notice under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). We take these claims seriously and will investigate all properly submitted notices.

Before Filing a Claim

Before submitting a formal DMCA notice, please consider:

Good Faith Requirement: DMCA notices must be submitted in good faith. Submitting a false or frivolous takedown notice may subject you to legal liability, including potential damages and attorney fees.

Our Response Process

When we receive a valid DMCA notice, we will:

  1. Review the notice to ensure it meets DMCA requirements
  2. Remove or disable access to the allegedly infringing content
  3. Notify the user who posted the content about the takedown
  4. Provide the user with information about filing a counter-notice if they believe the takedown was in error
  5. Forward your notice to the user (with your personal contact information)

DMCA Takedown Notice Requirements

To file a valid DMCA takedown notice, you must include all of the following information:

1. Identification of Copyrighted Work

Describe the copyrighted work you claim has been infringed. If multiple works are involved, provide a representative list.

2. Identification of Infringing Material

Identify the specific content on Paws of Fate that you claim is infringing, with enough detail for us to locate it (e.g., username, post date, description).

3. Your Contact Information

Provide your full name, address, telephone number, and email address.

4. Good Faith Statement

Include a statement that you have a good faith belief that the use is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law.

5. Accuracy Statement

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

6. Physical or Electronic Signature

Sign your notice with your physical or electronic signature.

Sample DMCA Notice Template

Subject: DMCA Takedown Notice - Copyright Infringement Claim

To: info@kruseconsultants.com


Dear Copyright Agent,

I am writing to notify you of copyright infringement on the Paws of Fate platform.


1. Copyrighted Work: [Describe your copyrighted work]

2. Infringing Content: [Describe the specific content on Paws of Fate that infringes your copyright, including username and post details]

3. Contact Information:
Name: [Your full name]
Address: [Your complete address]
Phone: [Your phone number]
Email: [Your email address]

4. Good Faith Statement: I have a good faith belief that the use of the copyrighted material described above is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law.

5. Accuracy Statement: I swear, under penalty of perjury, that the information in this notification is accurate and that I am the copyright owner or am authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner.

6. Signature: [Your physical or electronic signature]


Sincerely,
[Your name]

Designated Copyright Agent

James Kruse
Copyright Agent
Kruse Consultants, LLC
328 Nowell Loop
DeLand, Florida 32724
Email: info@kruseconsultants.com

Counter-Notification Process

If your content was removed due to a DMCA takedown notice and you believe the removal was in error or that you have the right to use the content, you may file a counter-notification.

Counter-Notice Requirements

A valid counter-notice must include:

  1. Your contact information (name, address, phone number, email)
  2. Identification of the removed content and where it appeared before removal
  3. A statement under penalty of perjury that you have a good faith belief the content was removed by mistake or misidentification
  4. A statement consenting to jurisdiction of the federal court in your district (or where Kruse Consultants, LLC is located if you're outside the US)
  5. A statement that you will accept service of process from the person who submitted the original takedown notice
  6. Your physical or electronic signature

Counter-Notice Process

After we receive a valid counter-notice:

  1. We will forward a copy to the person who submitted the original takedown notice
  2. We will inform them that we will restore the content in 10-14 business days
  3. If the copyright claimant does not file a court action within that period, we will restore the content
  4. If they do file a lawsuit, the content will remain removed pending resolution

Important: Filing a counter-notice may result in legal proceedings against you. Only file a counter-notice if you are confident that the content was removed in error or that you have the legal right to use the material.

Repeat Infringer Policy

Kruse Consultants, LLC has adopted a policy of terminating accounts of users who are repeat copyright infringers, in accordance with the DMCA and other applicable laws.

Our Policy

Factors We Consider

When determining appropriate action, we consider:

Account Appeals: If you believe your account was terminated in error, you may appeal by contacting us at info@kruseconsultants.com with "Copyright Appeal" in the subject line.

Fair Use Considerations

Fair use is a legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes such as criticism, comment, parody, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research.

Fair Use Factors

Courts consider four factors when determining fair use:

  1. Purpose and character of use: Is it commercial or educational? Is it transformative?
  2. Nature of the copyrighted work: Is it factual or creative? Published or unpublished?
  3. Amount used: How much of the work was used? Was it the "heart" of the work?
  4. Effect on market value: Does the use harm the potential market for the original?

Examples in Pet Communities

Likely Fair Use ✅

  • Commenting on a training technique shown in a video
  • Sharing a small portion of an article with substantial commentary
  • Creating a parody of a popular pet meme
  • Educational discussion about pet care practices

Likely NOT Fair Use ❌

  • Reposting entire pet photos without permission
  • Using copyrighted images as your profile picture
  • Sharing complete articles or blog posts
  • Commercial use of others' pet photography

Important: Fair use is a complex legal concept and is determined on a case-by-case basis. When in doubt, seek permission from the copyright holder or consult with a lawyer.

Contact Information

For Copyright-Related Matters

All copyright-related communications should be sent to our designated copyright agent:

James Kruse
Copyright Agent
Kruse Consultants, LLC
328 Nowell Loop
DeLand, Florida 32724
Email: info@kruseconsultants.com

Subject Line: Please use "DMCA Notice," "Counter-Notice," or "Copyright Inquiry" as appropriate.

General Questions

For general questions about this Copyright Policy or our services:

Email: info@kruseconsultants.com
Subject: Copyright Policy Question

Mail:
Kruse Consultants, LLC
Attn: Legal Department
328 Nowell Loop
DeLand, Florida 32724

Response Times