DMCA Policy
PopcornDB respects the intellectual property rights of others and expects our users to do the same. In accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 (DMCA), we will respond expeditiously to claims of copyright infringement committed using our website that are reported to our designated Copyright Agent.
Overview
This DMCA Policy explains how PopcornDB handles copyright infringement claims and protects the rights of content owners. We are committed to maintaining a platform that respects intellectual property while providing valuable movie information to our users.
Important: PopcornDB operates as an informational movie database. We do not host, store, or distribute copyrighted movies, videos, or any media files. Our website provides information about movies including titles, descriptions, ratings, reviews, cast details, and publicly available metadata sourced from legitimate databases.
Our Copyright Commitment
PopcornDB is firmly committed to:
- Respecting Copyright Laws: We comply with the DMCA and other applicable copyright legislation worldwide
- Protecting Rights Holders: We take copyright infringement seriously and act promptly on valid complaints
- Educating Users: We encourage our community to respect intellectual property rights
- Transparency: We maintain clear procedures for reporting and addressing copyright concerns
- Fair Use: We operate within the boundaries of fair use doctrine for educational and informational purposes
What Content We Provide
To clarify our operations, PopcornDB provides:
- Movie Information: Titles, release dates, genres, runtime, and plot summaries
- Cast & Crew Details: Actor names, director information, and production credits
- User-Generated Content: Reviews, ratings, and comments from our community
- Promotional Materials: Official movie posters, trailers, and images (where properly licensed or available in public domain)
- Statistical Data: Box office numbers, ratings aggregation, and award information
We Do NOT Provide: Movie downloads, streaming links, torrent files, or any unauthorized access to copyrighted films. Any external links on our platform are to legitimate, licensed streaming services or official sources.
Filing a DMCA Takedown Notice
If you believe that content on PopcornDB infringes your copyright, you may submit a DMCA takedown notice to our designated Copyright Agent. To be effective, your notice must be in writing and contain the following information:
Required Information for DMCA Notice
- Identification of the Copyrighted Work: A detailed description of the copyrighted work that you claim has been infringed. If multiple copyrighted works are covered by a single notification, provide a representative list of such works.
- Identification of the Infringing Material: Identification of the material that is claimed to be infringing and information reasonably sufficient to permit us to locate the material. Please provide the specific URL(s) where the allegedly infringing material appears on PopcornDB.
- Contact Information: Your contact information including your name, address, telephone number, and email address.
- Good Faith Statement: A statement that you have a good faith belief that use of the material in the manner complained of is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law.
- Accuracy Statement: A statement that the information in the notification is accurate, and under penalty of perjury, that you are authorized to act on behalf of the owner of an exclusive right that is allegedly infringed.
- Physical or Electronic Signature: Your physical or electronic signature (typing your full legal name is acceptable).
Legal Warning: Under Section 512(f) of the DMCA, any person who knowingly materially misrepresents that material or activity is infringing may be subject to liability for damages. Filing a false DMCA notice can result in legal consequences including monetary damages and attorney fees.
How to Submit Your DMCA Notice
Please send your completed DMCA takedown notice to our designated Copyright Agent:
Designated Copyright Agent
PopcornDB Copyright Agent
Email: dmca@popcorndb.in
Subject Line: "DMCA Takedown Notice - [Your Name]"
Alternative Contact: Contact Form
Please allow 24-48 hours for acknowledgment of receipt. We typically process valid DMCA notices within 3-5 business days.
Our Response Process
What Happens After You File a Notice
- We will remove or disable access to the allegedly infringing material
- We will notify the user who posted the content (if applicable)
- Repeat infringers may have their accounts terminated
Filing a DMCA Counter-Notification
If you believe that your content was removed or disabled by mistake or misidentification, you may file a counter-notification with our Copyright Agent. A counter-notification must include:
Required Information for Counter-Notification
- Your Contact Information: Your name, address, telephone number, and email address.
- Identification of Material: Identification of the material that has been removed or to which access has been disabled, and the location at which the material appeared before it was removed or disabled.
- Good Faith Statement: A statement under penalty of perjury that you have a good faith belief that the material was removed or disabled as a result of mistake or misidentification.
- Consent to Jurisdiction: A statement that you consent to the jurisdiction of the Federal District Court for the judicial district in which your address is located (or the jurisdiction where PopcornDB is located if outside the United States), and that you will accept service of process from the person who provided the original DMCA notification or an agent of such person.
- Physical or Electronic Signature: Your physical or electronic signature.
Send your counter-notification to the same Copyright Agent address provided above, with the subject line: "DMCA Counter-Notification - [Your Name]"
What Happens Next
Upon receiving a valid counter-notification, we will forward it to the original complaining party. If that party does not file a court action seeking an order to restrain you from engaging in infringing activity relating to the material within 10-14 business days, we may restore the removed content at our discretion.
Repeat Infringer Policy
PopcornDB has adopted a policy of terminating, in appropriate circumstances and at our sole discretion, users who are deemed to be repeat infringers. We may also, at our sole discretion, limit access to the website and/or terminate the accounts of any users who infringe any intellectual property rights of others, whether or not there is any repeat infringement.
Three-Strike Policy: Users who receive three valid copyright infringement notices may have their accounts permanently suspended without prior warning.
False Claims and Abuse
We take both copyright infringement and false claims seriously. Submitting a false DMCA notice or counter-notification may result in:
- Legal liability for damages, including costs and attorney fees
- Potential criminal prosecution for perjury
- Being blocked from filing future notices with PopcornDB
- Civil penalties under Section 512(f) of the DMCA
Important: Before filing a DMCA notice, please ensure that you actually hold the copyright to the work in question, or that you are authorized to act on behalf of the copyright holder. Review the allegedly infringing content carefully to verify it is not protected by fair use or other exemptions.
Fair Use Doctrine
PopcornDB operates within the framework of fair use as outlined in Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act. Our use of copyrighted material is limited to:
- Educational and Informational Purposes: Providing information about movies for educational and reference purposes
- Commentary and Criticism: User reviews and critical analysis of films
- Transformative Use: Data aggregation, statistical analysis, and database compilation
- Limited Reproduction: Minimal use of promotional materials (posters, thumbnails) for identification purposes
We believe that our use of copyrighted content constitutes fair use and is protected under copyright law. However, we respect the rights of copyright holders and will work cooperatively to resolve any legitimate concerns.
International Copyright
While PopcornDB operates under U.S. copyright law and the DMCA, we respect international copyright treaties and agreements, including:
- The Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works
- The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Copyright Treaty
- Regional copyright laws and directives
If you believe your copyright has been infringed and you are located outside the United States, you may still file a DMCA notice using the process outlined above. Please specify your jurisdiction in your communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to process a DMCA notice?
Valid DMCA notices are typically processed within 3-5 business days. Complex cases may require additional time for thorough investigation.
Q: What if I'm not sure whether my content qualifies for DMCA protection?
We recommend consulting with an intellectual property attorney before filing a DMCA notice. Filing false or frivolous claims can result in legal consequences.
Q: Can I request removal of content I simply don't like?
DMCA notices are only for copyright infringement claims. If you have concerns about other content (defamatory, offensive, etc.), please use our regular reporting mechanisms or contact form.
Q: Does PopcornDB keep records of DMCA notices?
Yes, we maintain records of all DMCA notices and counter-notifications as required by law. These records may be shared with relevant parties and authorities when necessary.
Working Together
PopcornDB values the creative community and seeks to foster a collaborative relationship with content creators, copyright holders, and rights management organizations. If you have concerns about content on our platform, we encourage you to:
- Contact us directly before filing a formal DMCA notice to discuss potential resolutions
- Provide specific information about the allegedly infringing content
- Consider whether the content may be protected by fair use
- Work with us to establish ongoing monitoring arrangements if needed
Additional Resources
For more information about copyright law and the DMCA, we recommend visiting:
- U.S. Copyright Office: www.copyright.gov
- DMCA Information: DMCA Text
- Fair Use Guidelines: Copyright Office Fair Use Index
Changes to This DMCA Policy
We may update this DMCA Policy from time to time to reflect changes in law, our practices, or for other operational reasons. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy indicates when it was most recently revised. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
Material changes to this policy will be announced through:
- A notice on our website homepage
- Email notification to registered users
- Updates to our Terms of Service page
Contact Information
For DMCA-related inquiries, copyright questions, or to report infringement:
For general inquiries not related to copyright: support@popcorndb.in
PopcornDB is committed to respecting intellectual property rights while providing a valuable resource for movie enthusiasts worldwide. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a platform that honors the creative work of filmmakers, studios, and content creators.