Copyright Ownership and Authorized Representatives Policy

1. Platform Description

PichaPlus is a software platform that provides user-interface, content discovery, and access-management functionality. Content accessible through the platform is made available from systems and infrastructure operated by independent third-party service providers. PichaPlus does not own, operate, or maintain the servers, storage systems, or network infrastructure associated with such content. The platform provides tools for discovering, organizing, and accessing content delivered via third-party services.

2. Purpose of This Policy

This policy defines who qualifies as a Copyright Owner and who qualifies as an Authorized Representative for the purposes of submitting copyright complaints, DMCA Notices, or Counter-Notices to Picha Entertainment. It establishes the criteria Picha Entertainment applies when evaluating whether a submitting party holds the standing necessary to act in relation to a copyrighted work.

3. Copyright Owner

3.1 Definition

A Copyright Owner is the individual or legal entity that holds the exclusive rights to a copyrighted work, whether through original creation or through lawful acquisition, assignment, or transfer of those rights.

3.2 Categories of Copyright Owners

For the purposes of this policy, a Copyright Owner may include:

• A film or television production company that created the original work
• A film or television distributor that has acquired exclusive distribution or ownership rights through a valid agreement
• A music label or audio rights holder
• An independent creator, filmmaker, or producer who holds original rights to the work
• Any legal entity that has acquired copyright ownership through merger, acquisition, assignment, or other legally recognized transfer of rights

3.3 Establishing Standing as a Copyright Owner

A party claiming to be the Copyright Owner of a work identified in a complaint must be able to establish, upon request, that they hold the exclusive rights being asserted. Picha Entertainment reserves the right to request reasonable evidence of ownership, including but not limited to registration records, production credits, distribution agreements, or chain-of-title documentation, before acting on a complaint.

A claim of ownership without the ability to substantiate that claim upon request shall not be treated as established standing under this policy.

4. Authorized Representative

4.1 Definition

An Authorized Representative is a person or organization that has been expressly granted permission by a Copyright Owner to act on their behalf in copyright-related matters, including the submission of DMCA Notices or Counter-Notices.

4.2 Categories of Authorized Representatives

For the purposes of this policy, an Authorized Representative may include:

• A lawyer or legal firm formally engaged by the copyright owner for enforcement purposes
• A copyright enforcement agency formally retained under a written agreement with the copyright owner
• An employee of the copyright owner acting within the scope of their employment duties
• A licensed distributor or partner whose agreement with the copyright owner explicitly includes enforcement rights

4.3 Authorization Must Be Express, Not Implied

Authorization to act as a representative must be expressly granted by the Copyright Owner through a written agreement, contract, or other legally recognized instrument. Authorization shall not be inferred from:

• Industry reputation or general standing as an enforcement agency
• Prior representation of unrelated copyright owners
• Membership in any trade body, association, or industry registry
• Self-declaration by the submitting party absent supporting documentation

4.4 Scope of Authorization

Authorization granted by a Copyright Owner shall be interpreted strictly according to its stated scope. A representative authorized to act in relation to one work, one region, or one set of rights shall not be presumed authorized to act in relation to any other work, region, or right unless explicitly stated.

A representative whose authorization has expired, been revoked, or does not cover the specific matter at hand shall not be treated as an Authorized Representative under this policy for that matter.

5. Verification of Standing

Picha Entertainment reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to verify the standing of any party claiming to be a Copyright Owner or Authorized Representative before acting on any complaint. Verification may include:

• Requesting documentation establishing ownership or authorization
• Independently contacting the named Copyright Owner to confirm the representative's standing
• Requesting clarification of the scope of any claimed authorization
• Declining to act on a complaint where standing cannot be reasonably established

Standards and procedures for documentation accepted as proof of authorization are set out separately in the Picha Entertainment Proof of Authorization Policy.

6. Entities That Do Not Qualify

The following shall not, on their own, be recognized as a Copyright Owner or Authorized Representative for the purposes of this policy:

• An individual or organization that merely claims familiarity with or interest in a copyrighted work
• A party that has previously submitted complaints regarding unrelated content, without specific authorization for the matter at hand
• A copyright enforcement agency or service that cannot produce a direct, verifiable agreement with the named copyright owner
• Any party submitting a complaint on behalf of an unnamed or undisclosed copyright owner

7. Multiple or Conflicting Claims

Where Picha Entertainment receives conflicting claims of ownership or authorization regarding the same content, Picha Entertainment reserves the right to:

• Suspend action on all related complaints pending resolution of the conflict
• Request that the conflicting parties resolve the matter directly and provide consistent documentation
• Decline to act on any complaint until standing is clearly and singularly established
• Treat the matter as unresolved without liability for any resulting delay

8. Consequences of Misrepresenting Standing

Any party that misrepresents their status as a Copyright Owner or Authorized Representative, or that submits a complaint while knowingly lacking the standing required under this policy, shall be subject to the consequences set out in the Picha Entertainment False Claims and Consequences Policy.

9. Relationship to Other Policies

This policy operates in conjunction with the Picha Entertainment DMCA Policy, Proof of Authorization Policy, and False Claims and Consequences Policy. In the event of any inconsistency, the provision most protective of the platform's legal interests shall prevail to the extent permitted by applicable law.

10. Amendments

Picha Entertainment reserves the right to amend this policy at any time without prior notice.

11. Contact