Intellectual Property Policy
Understanding ownership, usage rights, and infringement reporting for DirConnect Directory listings and content.
DirConnect Directory respects the intellectual property rights of others and expects its users, business owners, and contributors to do the same. This policy outlines how we protect trademarks, copyright, and proprietary directory data, as well as how to report suspected infringement.
1. Trademark & Brand Guidelines
The name DirConnect, our logo, domain name, and all related branding elements are registered trademarks. Unauthorized commercial use, reproduction, or imitation that causes consumer confusion is strictly prohibited.
- Businesses may use "Listed on DirConnect" in marketing materials with prior written approval.
- Third-party scraping, data mining, or automated extraction of directory listings violates our terms and trademark usage policies.
- Any domain or brand name that intentionally mimics "DirConnect" will be subject to legal action under applicable anti-cybersquatting laws.
2. Copyright & Content Ownership
DirConnect maintains strict copyright controls over its platform architecture, database structure, and proprietary algorithms. Content contributed to the platform is governed by the following:
2.1 Business Listing Content
Business owners retain ownership of their submitted descriptions, images, and logos. By submitting content, you grant DirConnect a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to display, modify, and distribute that content solely for directory purposes.
2.2 User Reviews & Comments
Reviews, ratings, and comments posted by users remain the intellectual property of the author. DirConnect claims a limited license to host, display, and moderate this content. Users certify they hold all necessary rights to post the material and that it does not infringe third-party copyrights.
Important: Uploading copyrighted images (e.g., stock photography, competitor logos, or unlicensed artwork) without permission constitutes infringement and may result in listing suspension.
3. Reporting Copyright Infringement (DMCA)
If you believe your copyrighted work has been infringed upon through use of our directory, please submit a written notice to our designated Copyright Agent. All submissions must comply with 17 U.S.C. § 512(c) and include the following:
| Required Information | Description |
|---|---|
| Physical or Electronic Signature | Of the copyright owner or authorized agent |
| Identification of Copyrighted Work | Clear description of the original work claimed to be infringed | r>
| Location of Infringing Material | Specific URL(s) or listing ID where the material appears |
| Contact Information | Address, phone number, and email of the complaining party |
| Good Faith Statement | Statement of good faith belief that use is not authorized |
| Accuracy Statement | Sworn statement under penalty of perjury that information is accurate |
Submit your DMCA notice to: copyright@dirconnect.com with the subject line "DMCA Takedown Notice". We typically process valid claims within 3–5 business days.
4. Counter-Notifications
If you believe your content was removed or disabled by mistake or misidentification, you may file a counter-notification in writing containing your physical or electronic signature, identification of the removed material and its previous location, a statement under penalty of perjury that you have a good faith belief the material was removed in error, and your contact information. We will forward this to the claimant and may restore the content within 10–14 business days unless a legal action is initiated.
5. Fair Use & Exceptions
DirConnect recognizes fair use provisions under copyright law. Brief quotations, critical reviews, educational references, and news reporting that do not substitute for the original work may be permitted. However, automated scraping, bulk reproduction, or commercial repackaging of directory data does not qualify as fair use.
6. Policy Enforcement
We reserve the right to remove or disable access to any content that violates this policy, terminate repeat infringers' accounts, and cooperate with law enforcement or judicial proceedings. We do not assume liability for user-submitted material, provided we act promptly upon receipt of valid infringement notices.
Questions About Intellectual Property?
Our legal team is available to review licensing requests, trademark disputes, or copyright clarifications.
Contact Legal Department