Effective Date: October 2024
Contact: compliances@thebluetick.org | Phone: +91 81 97559755
1. Introduction
At The Blue Tick, we recognize the importance of acknowledging the creative contributions of individuals and teams involved in our projects. As a media branding, communication, and advertising agency based in India, we believe in fostering a culture of respect and transparency where all creative efforts are appropriately credited, and intellectual property rights are safeguarded.
This Credit and Copyright Policy outlines the guidelines and principles governing the ownership, attribution, and use of all creative content produced, commissioned, or otherwise developed by The Blue Tick, its employees, collaborators, and clients. Our policy also provides clear instructions on how intellectual property is managed, credited, and protected.
2. Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all content, designs, media, branding materials, written works, visual art, digital products, videos, campaigns, and any other form of creative output generated by The Blue Tick and its partners. It covers the following areas:
- Copyright Ownership
- Attribution and Credits
- Client and Third-Party Rights
- Licensing and Usage Rights
- Moral Rights
- Infringement and Dispute Resolution
3. Copyright Ownership
3.1 Ownership of Work
As a general rule, The Blue Tick retains full ownership of all intellectual property, creative content, and designs developed internally or in collaboration with external parties unless explicitly agreed otherwise in writing. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Branding concepts
- Logos, trademarks, and visual identity elements
- Advertising campaigns, designs, and collateral
- Digital and social media content
- Web and app design
- Videos, animations, and other multimedia content
3.2 Work-for-Hire Provisions
For clients, all creative work produced under contractual “work-for-hire” agreements will transfer ownership to the client upon full payment, as stipulated in the respective contract. However, The Blue Tick reserves the right to retain a copy of the work for portfolio purposes and may require explicit permission to display it publicly.
3.3 Joint Ownership
In cases where work is created in collaboration with external partners or third-party creatives, joint ownership or co-ownership terms will be specified in the respective agreement. Each party’s ownership rights will be clearly defined in the contract.
4. Attribution and Credits
4.1 Credit for Creative Contributions
At The Blue Tick, we are committed to giving proper credit to all individuals and entities who contribute to our projects. Whether it be designers, developers, photographers, writers, or any other creative professionals, we will ensure that credits are provided in a clear, prominent, and agreed-upon format.
4.2 Project-Based Credit
- Internal Projects: For in-house creative work, all key team members who contributed to the final output will be credited. This will include employees, freelancers, and collaborators.
- Client Projects: When working on client projects, we always seek the client’s approval to credit all involved parties. The Blue Tick always advocate for the inclusion of credit information wherever possible, including in final publications, digital outputs, promotional materials, and credits pages.
Note: If a client or a third party prefers that their project remains anonymous or requires confidentiality, we will comply with their request and exclude credit information accordingly.
4.3 Credit Format
The format and placement of credits will vary depending on the nature of the work. Typical credit placements include but are not limited to:
- Footer credits on websites or digital platforms
- End credits in video or film productions
- Credit lines in printed materials such as brochures, posters, and packaging
- Portfolio showcases on The Blue Tick website or social media channels
- Acknowledgment in press releases or public relations materials
5. Client and Third-Party Rights
5.1 Client Ownership Rights
For commissioned work under a work-for-hire agreement, the client will be granted full ownership of the final deliverables upon receipt of full payment. The transfer of ownership will be documented in the contract. The Blue Tick will, however, retain a non-exclusive right to use the project for its portfolio, promotional purposes, and case studies unless restricted by a confidentiality clause.
5.2 Third-Party Materials
When third-party content (such as stock images, fonts, licensed music, or proprietary software) is used in a project, The Blue Tick ensures that all appropriate licensing is secured. Clients may be required to adhere to the usage terms set by the third-party provider, and The Blue Tick will inform the client of any limitations or additional rights required.
5.3 Collaborative Projects
When collaborating with other agencies or external contributors, the ownership of jointly produced materials will be determined by contractual agreements. If no such agreement is in place, copyright will be shared proportionately based on each party’s contribution to the final work.
6. Licensing and Usage Rights
6.1 Client Licensing
For non-work-for-hire agreements or partial assignments, The Blue Tick will grant clients limited, non-exclusive rights to use the creative works for specific purposes (e.g., advertising campaigns, digital publications, etc.). The extent of the licensing, including geographic scope, duration, and permitted use, will be explicitly outlined in the contract.
6.2 Internal Use
The Blue Tick retains the right to use all materials created for internal purposes such as portfolio showcases, promotional materials, and educational workshops unless restricted by client confidentiality agreements.
6.3 Media and Public Use
For media and public appearances, The Blue Tick will always seek explicit client approval to display their branding, artwork, or other intellectual property in public forums, social media, or on our website.
7. Moral Rights
7.1 Integrity of the Work
All creators contributing to The Blue Tick projects maintain their moral rights, including the right to be credited and the right to object to derogatory treatment of their work. The Blue Tick will not alter, modify, or present any creative work in a way that compromises its integrity or the reputation of the creator(s).
7.2 Attribution Rights
Contributors have the right to request proper attribution or removal of their names from works that no longer reflect their original contributions due to alterations made by clients or other third parties.
8. Infringement and Dispute Resolution
8.1 Copyright Infringement
The Blue Tick actively protects its intellectual property rights and those of its collaborators. Unauthorised use, reproduction, or distribution of our creative content without written permission will result in legal action.
8.2 Dispute Resolution
If any disputes arise regarding ownership, credit, or usage of creative works, The Blue Tick will seek to resolve the issue amicably through direct negotiation with all involved parties. Should a resolution not be reached, the matter will be escalated to arbitration, with the venue for arbitration being in India. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding.
9. Compliance and Legal Framework
This policy complies with all applicable Indian intellectual property laws, including the Copyright Act, 1957, and international copyright treaties where applicable. We ensure that all of our collaborators, clients, and partners adhere to the same legal standards.
10. Amendments and Policy Updates
This Credit and Copyright Policy may be reviewed and amended from time to time to reflect changes in intellectual property law, best practices, or company objectives. Any changes to the policy will be communicated via official channels, including updates on The Blue Tick’s website and internal notifications.
11. Contact Information
For any queries regarding copyright, intellectual property, or credit-related matters, please reach out to us at:
- Email: compliances@thebluetick.org
- Phone: +91 81 97559755
The Blue Tick encourages a collaborative and transparent working environment where all contributions are acknowledged and protected. We are committed to respecting intellectual property rights and ensuring all parties receive appropriate credit for their work.