Proof of Authorization 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 establishes what Picha Entertainment requires as valid proof of authorization when a party submits a DMCA Notice, Counter-Notice, or any other copyright-related complaint on behalf of a copyright owner, rather than as the copyright owner directly.

Picha Entertainment reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to determine whether submitted documentation satisfies the requirements of this policy. The absence of adequate proof of authorization is sufficient grounds for Picha Entertainment to reject, suspend, or disregard any notice without further obligation.

3. General Standard

Proof of authorization must demonstrate, to a reasonable standard of verification, that the named copyright owner has knowingly and deliberately granted the submitting party the specific authority being exercised. Authorization shall not be presumed, implied, or inferred from circumstantial association, industry role, or unverified claims.

The applicable test is whether Picha Entertainment could reasonably contact the named copyright owner directly and have that owner confirm, without prompting or ambiguity, that the submitting party is authorized to act on their behalf in the specific matter at hand.

4. Acceptable Forms of Proof

Picha Entertainment may, at its sole discretion, accept the following as valid proof of authorization, subject to independent verification:

4.1 Direct Written Authorization

A signed letter, agreement, or declaration from the copyright owner that:

• Explicitly names the submitting party as their authorized representative
• Specifies the scope of authorization, including the content, rights, or actions covered
• Specifies any applicable time period or expiration of the authorization
• Is signed and dated by the copyright owner or their duly authorized signatory

4.2 Power of Attorney

A formal Power of Attorney document granted by the copyright owner to the submitting party, specifically covering copyright enforcement actions, where such a document is valid and enforceable under the applicable jurisdiction.

4.3 Licensing or Distribution Agreements

A licensing, distribution, or representation agreement between the copyright owner and the submitting party that explicitly includes enforcement rights or the right to act on infringement matters, with irrelevant commercial terms permitted to be redacted.

4.4 Internal Employment Authorization

For notices submitted by an employee or in-house legal representative of the copyright owner, confirmation of the individual's employment and their authority to act on behalf of the organization in copyright matters.

5. Mandatory Elements of Any Proof of Authorization

Regardless of form, any proof of authorization submitted to Picha Entertainment must, at minimum:

• Clearly name both the copyright owner and the submitting party
• Be specific to the content or category of content forming the basis of the complaint, rather than a general or blanket assertion of representation
• Not be expired or superseded by a later agreement
• Include verifiable contact information for the named copyright owner, sufficient for Picha Entertainment to conduct independent verification if it elects to do so
• Be provided in a legible, complete, and unaltered form

6. Insufficient or Unacceptable Proof

The following shall not, under any circumstances, be accepted as sufficient proof of authorization:

• A simple assertion or statement by the submitting party that they represent the copyright owner, without supporting documentation
• A generic or blanket statement claiming authorization to act on behalf of rights holders generally, without naming a specific copyright owner
• An unverifiable email, unsigned document, or document lacking identifiable signatory details
• A third-party database listing, registry entry, or directory listing claiming representative status, absent direct documentation from the copyright owner
• Authorization documentation that has expired, been revoked, or does not cover the specific content at issue
• Any document that Picha Entertainment is unable to verify, whether due to incompleteness, illegibility, or failure of the submitting party to respond to verification requests

7. Verification Process

Upon receipt of proof of authorization, Picha Entertainment reserves the right to:

• Independently contact the named copyright owner using the contact information provided or through other reasonably available means
• Request additional documentation or clarification from the submitting party
• Suspend processing of the underlying DMCA Notice or Counter-Notice pending completion of verification
• Set a reasonable deadline for the submitting party to provide satisfactory proof, after which the underlying notice may be dismissed
• Decline to proceed with verification and reject the notice where the submitting party fails to cooperate or provide requested information

Picha Entertainment is under no obligation to complete verification within any specific timeframe and shall not be liable for any delay arising from the verification process.

8. Ongoing Validity

Proof of authorization accepted by Picha Entertainment shall be considered valid only for the specific matter, content, and time period for which it was submitted. Picha Entertainment reserves the right to require renewed or updated proof of authorization for any subsequent notice, even where a party has previously submitted valid authorization for a prior matter.

Picha Entertainment is not obligated to retain or recognize previously submitted proof of authorization as valid for unrelated or future complaints.

9. Consequences of Submitting Invalid or Fraudulent Proof

Any party that submits forged, falsified, altered, or knowingly invalid proof of authorization shall be subject to the full consequences outlined in the Picha Entertainment False Claims and Consequences Policy, including but not limited to permanent blacklisting, legal liability, and reporting to relevant authorities.

10. No Presumption of Validity

Acceptance of a DMCA Notice or Counter-Notice for review by Picha Entertainment does not constitute acknowledgment or confirmation that accompanying proof of authorization is valid. Picha Entertainment reserves the right to revisit and reverse any prior action taken if proof of authorization is later determined to be invalid, insufficient, or fraudulent.

11. Relationship to Other Policies

This policy operates in conjunction with the Picha Entertainment DMCA Policy, Copyright Ownership and Authorized Representatives 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.

12. Amendments

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

13. Contact