Legal

Acceptable Use Policy

Effective Date: August 24, 2026 · Version 1.2

1. Introduction

Cinesoft Inc. ("Cinesoft," "we," "us," or "our") operates a software platform that enables independent filmmakers and content creators ("Creators") to sell and rent their films directly to their own audiences ("Viewers"). Cinesoft processes payments through Stripe Connect, or another payment processor Cinesoft designates, with Creators serving as the merchant of record for their own sales.

This Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP") governs all content uploaded, distributed, sold, rented, or otherwise monetized through the Cinesoft platform. By accessing or using Cinesoft, all Creators, Viewers, and other users agree to be bound by this AUP in addition to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

This AUP is designed to protect our platform, our users, our payment processing partners (including Stripe, Inc.), and the broader film community. Violations may result in immediate account suspension, content removal, withholding of payouts, or termination.

2. Scope and Applicability

This AUP applies to:

All content uploaded to, hosted on, or distributed through Cinesoft.
All transactions processed through the Cinesoft platform, including purchases and rentals.
All Creator storefronts, profile pages, metadata, thumbnails, trailers, and promotional materials.
All communications transmitted through platform messaging or email features.
All third-party integrations initiated through a Creator's Cinesoft account.

This AUP applies globally. Where local laws impose stricter standards than those described here, Creators are responsible for complying with applicable local law.

3. Prohibited Content Categories

Cinesoft expressly prohibits the upload, hosting, distribution, sale, rental, or other monetization of content in the following categories. This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Cinesoft reserves the right to determine, in its sole discretion, whether content violates this policy.

3.1 Adult Content and Sexual Services

Cinesoft is a platform for independent cinema. Creators may not use Cinesoft to distribute or monetize:

Content containing nudity or explicit sexual acts.
Subscriber-only adult imagery, adult audio or video live chat, or cam services of any kind.
Sexually explicit films, regardless of claimed artistic intent.
Escort, companionship, or adult entertainment services.
Content that fetishizes or sexualizes minors in any way. This constitutes an absolute prohibition with zero tolerance.

Films containing non-explicit nudity incidental to artistic storytelling (e.g., rated R by the MPAA or equivalent) may be permitted at Cinesoft's sole discretion, subject to appropriate age-gating and content disclosures. Creators must accurately rate and label all content at the time of upload.

3.2 Intellectual Property and Proprietary Rights Infringement

Creators must own or hold all necessary rights, licenses, clearances, and permissions for any content they distribute through Cinesoft. The platform prohibits the monetization of:

Content that infringes upon the intellectual property, trademark, patent, trade dress, trade secret, or other proprietary rights of any third party.
Films or videos that use unlicensed music, footage, images, or other third-party materials without appropriate synchronization licenses, master use licenses, or other applicable clearances.
Content that misappropriates another party's likeness, voice, or persona without consent.
Content that reproduces, adapts, or distributes another creator's work without authorization.

Creators are solely responsible for securing all rights, including but not limited to synchronization rights, master recording rights, literary rights, life story rights, and location releases. Cinesoft does not verify rights clearance prior to upload, and the presence of content on the platform does not constitute an endorsement of its rights status.

3.3 Copyright-Infringing Content

Cinesoft complies with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and equivalent international copyright frameworks. The platform prohibits the upload, hosting, or sale of:

Leaked films, unreleased cuts, or pirated copies of films owned by third-party studios or distributors.
Unauthorized copies or recordings of theatrical releases, streaming exclusives, or other commercially distributed content.
Unlicensed music albums, singles, or audio recordings embedded in film content.
Screeners, festival cuts, or advance copies distributed without authorization from the rightsholder.
Content obtained through hacking, credential theft, or unauthorized access to private archives.

Cinesoft maintains and enforces a policy of terminating, in appropriate circumstances, the accounts of repeat infringers. To submit a DMCA notice or counter-notice, contact support@cinesoft.io.

3.4 Violent Extremism and Hate Speech

Cinesoft prohibits content that engages in, encourages, promotes, glorifies, recruits for, or celebrates:

Unlawful violence or threats of violence against any individual or group.
Terrorism, genocide, ethnic cleansing, or mass violence, including content that provides material support to terrorist organizations or violent extremist movements.
Hatred, discrimination, or dehumanization of any person or group based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or any other protected characteristic.
Content designed to incite others to commit acts of violence or hate-motivated crimes.
Symbols, imagery, or rhetoric associated with designated foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) or domestic violent extremist groups.

Documentary, journalistic, or educational content that examines extremism, hate movements, or political violence critically and without endorsement may be permitted at Cinesoft's sole discretion. Creators wishing to distribute such content must contact support@cinesoft.io for prior review.

3.5 Illegal Goods and Services

Creators may not use Cinesoft to sell, advertise, or facilitate access to:

Controlled substances, narcotics, or prescription medications without lawful authorization.
Firearms, ammunition, or weapons components in violation of applicable law.
Counterfeit goods, fraudulent documents, or stolen property.
Services that violate applicable federal, state, or local law in any jurisdiction where a Creator operates.

3.6 Deceptive, Fraudulent, and Manipulative Content

Cinesoft prohibits content or conduct intended to deceive Viewers, manipulate payment systems, or defraud any party, including:

Misrepresentation of content ownership, runtime, format, or quality.
Fake reviews, artificial engagement, or fraudulent purchase activity.
Phishing, social engineering, or impersonation of other Creators, Cinesoft staff, or public figures.
Use of deepfakes or synthetic media to create deceptive portrayals of real individuals without consent.
Schemes designed to evade platform fees, payment processing rules, or tax obligations.

3.7 Privacy and Personal Data Violations

Creators may not distribute content that:

Reveals personally identifiable information (PII) of individuals without their written consent.
Constitutes non-consensual intimate imagery ("revenge porn") or voyeuristic recordings.
Exposes private communications, medical records, financial data, or other sensitive personal information without authorization.
Targets, harasses, or doxes specific individuals.

4. Payment Processing Compliance

Cinesoft processes transactions through Stripe Connect, or another payment processor Cinesoft designates. As Creators serve as their own merchant of record through connected payment accounts, Creators are independently bound by:

Stripe's Terms of Service (stripe.com/legal), or the terms of another designated payment processor.
Stripe's Restricted Business list (stripe.com/legal/restricted-businesses).
Applicable card network rules (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover).
All applicable federal and state money transmission and payment regulations.

Any content or transaction category prohibited by Stripe's Restricted Business list, or by the equivalent policy of another designated payment processor, is automatically prohibited on Cinesoft, regardless of whether it is explicitly named in this AUP. Cinesoft reserves the right to suspend payouts, withhold funds, or deactivate connected accounts pending investigation of potential violations of the payment processor's terms or this AUP.

Creators are responsible for accurate product categorization, proper tax collection where required, and maintaining their connected payment accounts in good standing. Cinesoft is not responsible for funds withheld or accounts suspended by Stripe or another payment processor as a result of Creator conduct.

5. Platform Security and Acceptable Conduct

All users, including Creators and Viewers, are prohibited from engaging in any activity that compromises the security, integrity, or availability of the Cinesoft platform, its users, or its underlying infrastructure.

5.1 Unauthorized Access and Security Violations

Users may not:

Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Cinesoft platform, other user accounts, or any systems or networks connected to the platform through hacking, credential theft, password mining, or any other means.
Attempt to probe, scan, or test the vulnerability of the platform or any connected system without prior written authorization from Cinesoft.
Interfere with, disrupt, or compromise the confidentiality, integrity, or security of the platform or any transmissions to or from Cinesoft servers.
Bypass, circumvent, or attempt to circumvent any authentication, access control, or security measure implemented by Cinesoft.

5.2 Malware and Harmful Code

Users may not upload, transmit, or distribute through the Cinesoft platform any software, code, or content designed to:

Damage, disable, or impair the platform or any connected system.
Intercept, exfiltrate, or compromise user data or payment information.
Function as a virus, worm, Trojan horse, ransomware, spyware, or any other form of malicious or harmful code.

5.3 Unauthorized Scraping and Reverse Engineering

Users may not:

Access or search the Cinesoft platform by any means other than the publicly supported interfaces provided by Cinesoft.
Use automated tools, bots, scrapers, or crawlers to extract content, metadata, pricing, or user data from the platform without express written permission.
Decompile, disassemble, reverse engineer, or otherwise attempt to derive the source code, underlying algorithms, or proprietary logic of any part of the Cinesoft platform.
Reproduce or replicate platform functionality, design, or architecture for competitive or unauthorized commercial purposes.
Access or use the platform, or any content on it, to benchmark a competing product or service, or to train, develop, or improve any software, machine-learning model, or artificial-intelligence system.

5.4 Resource Abuse

Users may not use the Cinesoft platform in a manner that imposes an unreasonable or disproportionate load on platform infrastructure, including:

Uploading, downloading, or transferring data volumes that materially exceed normal usage patterns for independent film distribution.
Making continuous, automated, or scripted requests that degrade platform performance or availability for other users.
Exploiting platform features in ways that were not intended and that consume excessive computational, storage, or bandwidth resources.

5.5 Account Security

Users are responsible for maintaining the security and confidentiality of their account credentials. Users must:

Use strong, unique passwords and enable any multi-factor authentication options made available by Cinesoft.
Promptly notify Cinesoft at support@cinesoft.io of any suspected unauthorized access to or use of their account.
Accept responsibility for all activity that occurs under their account, whether or not authorized by the account holder.

Cinesoft is not liable for any loss or damage arising from a user's failure to maintain account security.

5.6 Penetration Testing

Users must obtain express written authorization from Cinesoft before conducting any penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, or security research on the platform or its infrastructure. Unauthorized security testing is a violation of this AUP and may constitute a violation of applicable federal and state computer fraud laws, including the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (18 U.S.C. § 1030). To request authorization, contact support@cinesoft.io.

6. Content Standards and Creator Obligations

In addition to the prohibited categories above, all Creators must:

6.1 Accurate Metadata and Ratings

Accurately represent the content, genre, runtime, language, and format of all films.
Apply appropriate content ratings (MPAA or equivalent) and content warnings.
Provide accurate age-appropriateness indicators and restrict purchases of adult-rated content to verified adults where required by law.

6.2 Rights and Clearances

Maintain written documentation of all rights clearances and make them available to Cinesoft upon request.
Carry E&O (errors and omissions) insurance for films with significant third-party IP exposure.
Promptly respond to takedown requests from rights holders and cooperate with Cinesoft's takedown process.

6.3 Tax and Legal Compliance

Register for and collect applicable sales tax, VAT, or GST in jurisdictions where required.
Accurately report income from Cinesoft sales to applicable tax authorities.
Comply with all applicable laws governing digital content sales in the Creator's jurisdiction and in jurisdictions where the Creator's content is made available.

7. DMCA and Intellectual Property Enforcement

Cinesoft respects the intellectual property rights of others and expects Creators and Viewers to do the same.

7.1 DMCA Takedown Notices

To submit a notice of claimed copyright infringement, contact Cinesoft's designated agent registered with the U.S. Copyright Office:

DMCA Designated Agent: Bradley Edelson
Cinesoft Inc.
1905 Sherman Street, Ste 200 #1062, Denver, CO 80203, United States
Email: support@cinesoft.io

Your notice must include the following:

A physical or electronic signature of the rights holder or authorized agent.
Identification of the copyrighted work claimed to be infringed.
Identification of the infringing material and its location on the Cinesoft platform.
Your contact information (name, address, phone number, email).
A statement of good faith belief that the use is not authorized.
A statement, under penalty of perjury, that the information in the notice is accurate.

7.2 Counter-Notices

If you believe content was removed in error, you may submit a counter-notice to support@cinesoft.io including your contact information, identification of the removed content, a statement under penalty of perjury that removal was a mistake or misidentification, and your consent to jurisdiction in federal court.

7.3 Repeat Infringers

Cinesoft may remove, disable access to, or otherwise restrict content identified in a facially valid infringement notice, or that Cinesoft otherwise reasonably believes may infringe third-party rights, with or without receipt of a formal notice. Cinesoft maintains and enforces a policy of terminating, in appropriate circumstances, the accounts of repeat infringers. Cinesoft may also suspend accounts pending investigation of a notice for severe or commercially significant infringement.

8. Enforcement and Consequences

Cinesoft enforces this AUP at its sole discretion. Upon discovering or receiving credible notice of a potential violation, Cinesoft may take any or all of the following actions without prior notice:

8.1 Immediate Actions

Remove or disable access to violating content.
Suspend the Creator's storefront and restrict access to the platform.
Place a hold on pending or accumulated payouts pending investigation.
Disable the Creator's connected payment account and notify the payment processor of the violation.

8.2 Permanent Actions

Permanent termination of the Creator's account and all associated content.
Permanent ban from creating future accounts on the Cinesoft platform.
Forfeiture of outstanding payouts where required by law or payment processor policy.
Referral to law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, or other applicable authorities, for violations involving illegal content, financial fraud, or child safety.

8.3 Appeals

Creators who believe their content was removed or their account was suspended in error may submit an appeal to support@cinesoft.io within 30 days of the enforcement action. Appeals must include a written explanation of why the Creator believes the action was taken in error and any supporting documentation. Cinesoft will review appeals in good faith and respond within 10 business days. Cinesoft's decision on appeals is final.

Appeals do not stay the enforcement action. Content will remain removed and payouts will remain held during the appeals process.

9. Reporting Violations

Cinesoft relies on the creator and viewer community to help maintain platform integrity. If you believe content on Cinesoft violates this AUP, you may report it through the following channels:

In-platform: Use the "Report Content" link on any film page or Creator storefront.
Email: support@cinesoft.io for all content violations, DMCA notices, and policy questions.
Child Safety: Report child sexual abuse material (CSAM) directly to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) at CyberTipline.org, and notify Cinesoft at support@cinesoft.io.

Cinesoft investigates all reports in good faith. Submitting false or bad-faith reports is itself a violation of this AUP.

10. Modifications to This Policy

Cinesoft reserves the right to modify this AUP at any time to reflect changes in law, payment processing requirements, platform capabilities, or community standards. When material changes are made, Cinesoft will notify Creators by email to the address on file and by posting a notice on the platform dashboard. Continued use of the platform after the effective date of any modification constitutes acceptance of the updated AUP.

Creators are responsible for reviewing this AUP regularly. The current version of this AUP is always available at cinesoft.io/legal/aup.

11. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This AUP is governed by the laws of the State of Colorado, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. The state and federal courts located in Denver County, Colorado will have exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute arising under or relating to this AUP, and the parties consent to personal jurisdiction and venue in those courts and waive any objection based on inconvenient forum. Each party waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any right to a trial by jury in connection with any dispute arising out of or relating to this AUP.

Cinesoft Inc. is a Delaware C-Corporation with its principal place of business in Colorado. Creators and users outside the United States are responsible for compliance with their local laws and regulations in addition to the requirements of this AUP.

If any provision of this AUP is held unenforceable, illegal, or invalid, that provision will be enforced to the maximum extent permitted, and the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect. A failure or delay by Cinesoft in enforcing any provision of this AUP is not a waiver of its right to do so.

12. Contact Information

For questions or concerns regarding this Acceptable Use Policy, contact:

Cinesoft Inc.
Support & Legal: support@cinesoft.io
Website: cinesoft.io