DMCA Policy

Last updated: November 16, 2025

Introduction

This DMCA Policy establishes the comprehensive framework under which Phantom Key Escape — an independent, unofficial fan-driven merchandise initiative inspired by the thematic universe of a fictional game — addresses, evaluates, processes, and responds to allegations of copyright infringement.

The purpose of this document is to outline the principles, responsibilities, internal review procedures, and compliance expectations applied when handling intellectual property matters involving user-generated material, uploaded content, descriptive elements, or any materials displayed across our platform. These guidelines ensure a predictable and structured approach for all parties involved.

Although our platform is a fully unofficial fan community with no affiliation to the creators, licensors, or rights-holders of the referenced fictional universe, we respect intellectual property laws, including the provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (“DMCA”), and strive to maintain an environment where content is treated responsibly, respectfully, and in accordance with applicable regulations. We do so not only to protect rights-holders, but also to maintain a fair and transparent creative environment for our community members.

Scope of This Policy

This Policy applies to all content that may appear on or be transmitted through the platform, including but not limited to text descriptions, artwork, conceptual illustrations, symbolic representations, product imagery, and thematic references inspired by game-related elements.

It governs: • How infringement notices are internally reviewed • How allegedly infringing content is evaluated • The criteria used to determine whether action is required • The measures taken to protect rights-holders while preserving fair use principles • Responsibilities of users who upload or submit content

This Policy applies regardless of jurisdiction, device type, method of access, or user status. It also applies to both publicly visible materials and any content temporarily stored during routine platform operations. The guidelines herein reflect the standards we uphold across all components of our digital environment.

Content Created by Our Platform

All merchandise visuals, written descriptions, stylistic interpretations, and thematic expressions presented on this platform are original creations developed by our community. While they draw stylistic cues from a fictional game universe, all items are independently crafted and are not official representations.

No artwork, assets, or proprietary materials are copied or directly extracted from official game sources. Our platform maintains strict internal guidelines requiring that all designs be transformative, self-created, interpretative, symbolic, or stylistically inspired, rather than derivative reproductions. These guidelines help preserve both creative freedom and legal compliance.

If any user believes a piece of content resembles an existing copyrighted work too closely, they may initiate an internal review request as outlined below. We take such concerns seriously and evaluate them promptly to ensure continual respect for intellectual property norms.

User Responsibilities

Users must refrain from uploading, submitting, or transmitting copyrighted materials they do not own or have explicit permission to use. This includes: • Artwork, logos, or branding from official sources • Screenshots, promotional assets, or game files • Music, audio elements, or soundtracks from the original game • Any digital or physical content copyrighted by third parties

Users who provide content of any kind are responsible for ensuring that such contributions do not infringe upon the rights of others. By submitting content, users affirm that they possess the necessary rights or licenses.

Repeated attempts to upload unlicensed content may result in additional internal review requirements or temporary limitations to protect the platform’s compliance standards.

Reporting Alleged Infringement

If an individual, organization, or rights-holder believes that content appearing on our platform violates their copyright, they may initiate a formal internal review request.

Although this document does not list contact information, users may access the internal request mechanism available within the platform interface. The request must include: • A clear description of the allegedly infringing material • Identification of the claimed copyrighted work • A detailed explanation of why the material is believed to infringe • Any relevant contextual information supporting the claim

Requests lacking sufficient detail may be delayed until adequate information is provided. We may also reach out to the reporting party to request further clarification if necessary to ensure a fair and accurate evaluation.

Evaluation and Removal Procedure

Once a report is submitted, our team initiates a structured, multi-stage review process.

1. Initial Assessment: We evaluate the request to determine whether it contains enough information to proceed with a formal review. This may include verifying whether the reported material is still active on the platform.

2. Content Examination: The allegedly infringing content is examined for similarities, originality concerns, and potential conflicts with copyright principles. This step may involve comparing design characteristics, reviewing metadata, or analyzing stylistic elements.

3. Contextual Review: We determine whether the material qualifies as: • Transformative fan expression • Original independent creation • Fair use under applicable standards • Or an actual infringement of third-party rights

During this stage, we also consider whether the content was included accidentally or whether its presence requires additional internal guidance for future content submissions.

4. Decision and Action: Based on the results, we may: • Remove the content • Modify the content • Request additional information from the reporter • Decline the request if no infringement is found

All actions are taken in good faith, with careful consideration of both user expression and intellectual property rights. When appropriate, we provide notifications to affected users to maintain transparency.

Counter-Notice Procedure

If content is removed due to a submitted request, the original contributor may initiate a counter-notice process through the same internal request system.

The contributor must provide: • A statement asserting that the removed material was original, authorized, or used under a lawful basis • Detailed explanation supporting the legitimacy of the content • Information clarifying misunderstandings or discrepancies related to the initial report

Counter-notices undergo a separate review to ensure fairness, neutrality, and equal representation of both sides. If the counter-notice is validated, we may restore the content or seek additional confirmation before taking further action.

Repeat Violations

Users who repeatedly provide materials found to infringe upon intellectual property rights may face restrictions or loss of access to content submission features.

Enforcement actions may include: • Temporary restrictions • Removal of submitted materials • Permanent suspension of content-upload capabilities

These measures are applied cautiously and only when repeated violations demonstrate disregard for this Policy. We may also issue preliminary warnings or require users to undergo additional verification measures before restrictions are imposed.

Limitations of Liability

Our platform does not assume liability for content submitted by users. All user-generated materials remain the sole responsibility of the individual contributing them.

We do not guarantee the accuracy, originality, or lawfulness of user submissions.

However, we maintain the authority to remove or restrict access to materials deemed inappropriate, unauthorized, or conflicting with intellectual property regulations. This includes acting proactively if we identify material that appears to fall within high-risk categories, even without prior notice from rights-holders.

Good-Faith Compliance

We operate as an unofficial fan community with deep respect for the intellectual property of original creators. All internal procedures, review mechanisms, and platform guidelines are designed to demonstrate good-faith compliance with principles of intellectual property protection, even though we do not maintain any official affiliation.

This commitment reflects our broader dedication to responsible community operation, artistic integrity, and transparent handling of all rights-related matters. We encourage users to uphold the same respect when creating or sharing materials inspired by fictional universes.

Policy Updates

We may modify, expand, or revise this DMCA Policy when necessary to reflect changes in operational standards, evolving legal interpretations, or improvements to our internal processes.

Any modification will be reflected solely in the updated date displayed at the top of this Policy. Continued use of the platform signifies acceptance of these revisions. Users are encouraged to check this Policy regularly to stay informed about updates affecting intellectual property protocols.

Further Inquiries

Users seeking clarification regarding the terms, procedures, or obligations outlined in this DMCA Policy may submit an internal request using the built-in inquiry channels available on the platform.

While this document does not list contact information, all inquiries will be reviewed and addressed in accordance with internal standards, ensuring transparent, consistent, and fair treatment of all intellectual-property concerns. We aim to foster a cooperative environment where rights-holders and fans alike feel respected.