DMCA Copyright Policy – XP Chronicle

At XP Chronicle, we are committed to respecting and protecting intellectual property rights within the video game industry. This DMCA Copyright Policy outlines how we respond to allegations of copyright infringement and explains the procedures for filing a Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) notification or counter-notification. As a platform that may showcase, discuss, review, promote, or provide access to video game content, we follow strict guidelines to ensure compliance with intellectual property laws.

Protected Works in Video Games

Under copyright law, a wide range of content found in video games qualifies as protected intellectual property. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Game code and source scripts
  • 3D models, textures, and digital artwork
  • Cinematic sequences and storyboards
  • Game soundtracks, dialogue, and sound effects
  • Game design, mechanics, and unique UI layouts
  • Characters, narrative structures, and lore
  • Cutscenes and motion capture performances
  • Branding elements such as game logos, names, and promotional artwork
  • Downloadable content (DLC), mods, and expansion packs
  • Gameplay recordings and live-streamed sessions

Reproducing, distributing, modifying, or displaying any of these elements without legal authorization may constitute copyright infringement.

Filing a DMCA Takedown Notice

If you are a copyright holder or an authorized representative and you believe that your protected material has been used unlawfully on our platform, you may file a DMCA takedown notice. This is a formal request to remove or disable access to the allegedly infringing material.

A valid DMCA notice must include the following:

  • Your full name and physical or electronic signature
  • A description of the copyrighted work you believe has been infringed
  • The location (such as a specific URL or page) where the infringing material appears
  • Your contact information, including mailing address, phone number, and email address
  • A statement that you have a good-faith belief that the use of the material is unauthorized
  • A declaration under penalty of perjury that the information in the notification is accurate and that you are authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner

Upon receiving a valid notice, we will take action promptly to remove or disable access to the infringing material and notify the party responsible for uploading it.

Counter-Notification Process

If your video game content was removed based on a DMCA takedown notice and you believe this removal was incorrect or unlawful, you may file a counter-notification. This legal response requests the restoration of your content.

Your counter-notification must include:

  • Your name, address, telephone number, and email
  • Identification of the material that was removed and where it appeared
  • A good-faith statement, under penalty of perjury, that the content was removed due to a mistake or misidentification
  • A statement that you consent to the jurisdiction of the federal district court for your area, or any jurisdiction where our service may be located
  • Your signature, physical or electronic

Once we receive your counter-notice, we will forward it to the original complainant. If no legal action is filed by the complainant within a set period (usually 10 to 14 business days), we may restore the content.

Repeat Infringers

We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for repeat copyright infringers. Users who receive multiple valid takedown notices may have their accounts suspended or permanently banned from using our services. All decisions are based on the nature, frequency, and severity of the violations. Users who repeatedly misuse copyrighted content will face increasingly strict penalties.

Rights and Responsibilities of Content Creators

If you are a content creator uploading or sharing material related to video games, you are responsible for ensuring that you have the legal right to use the content you share. This includes gameplay footage, music, fan art, mods, screenshots, or any other derivative works. You must not:

  • Upload pirated games or unauthorized modifications
  • Share full game files or cracked versions
  • Use copyrighted soundtracks or voice acting without permission
  • Reupload cutscenes, cinematics, or trailers without appropriate licensing
  • Share copyrighted assets, logos, or content from unreleased games under NDA

Failure to comply with these rules may result in removal of content and additional penalties.

Fair Use in the Context of Video Games

We recognize the importance of fair use, particularly in fan-driven and creative communities. Content such as commentary, criticism, parody, educational reviews, or comparative analysis may qualify as fair use under copyright law. However, fair use is a legal defense, not a right, and its application varies by jurisdiction.

To strengthen a fair use argument, your content should be:

  • Transformative in nature, adding new value or meaning
  • Non-commercial or educational
  • Limited in the amount of original work used
  • Properly attributed, even if attribution alone does not make the use legal

We are not in a position to adjudicate fair use claims. If a takedown notice is received, the affected party must resolve the issue through the established DMCA process, including counter-notifications and possible legal action.

Misuse of the DMCA Process

We take the misuse of the DMCA process seriously. Filing a false or deceptive claim — whether a takedown notice or a counter-notification — may result in legal consequences and platform penalties. Users found to be submitting fraudulent claims or abusing the DMCA system may be banned, and in some cases, legal action may be pursued.

Only individuals with proper legal authority should engage with the DMCA process. All parties are expected to act in good faith and with accurate, truthful information.

Our Role as a Platform

As a platform that supports video game content and communities, our goal is to provide a fair, transparent, and legally compliant environment. We do not host pirated games, nor do we tolerate the illegal sharing of copyrighted materials. Our role is to facilitate communication between copyright holders and users while adhering to the DMCA’s requirements.

We also aim to:

  • Educate our community on proper copyright practices
  • Provide clear instructions for filing DMCA notices and counter-notices
  • Remove infringing material in accordance with the law
  • Preserve user rights when appropriate and applicable
  • Protect original creators and promote responsible content sharing

Contacting Our DMCA Agent

All DMCA notices and counter-notices must be sent to our designated DMCA Agent. Please include all required information to avoid delays. We may, at our discretion, request further documentation or clarification in complex cases.

We are committed to acting swiftly and responsibly in response to copyright complaints and ensuring that our platform remains safe and compliant for everyone involved in the video game community.