DMCA Copyright Policy
Last updated: July 25, 2025
Digital Millennium Copyright Act Compliance
FACP Manuals respects the intellectual property rights of others and complies with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). This policy outlines our procedures for addressing copyright infringement claims and our commitment to protecting legitimate copyright interests.
We operate under the good faith belief that the technical documentation we provide serves important educational and public safety purposes within the scope of fair use under U.S. copyright law.
Educational Fair Use
Our service operates under the principles of fair use as defined in Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act. We believe our use of copyrighted materials is transformative and serves several critical purposes:
- Educational Purpose: Supporting professional education and training in fire safety
- Public Safety: Enabling proper maintenance and operation of life safety systems
- Non-Commercial Use: The service is provided free of charge without commercial exploitation
- Limited Distribution: Controlled access to qualified professionals and students
We do not profit from the distribution of copyrighted materials and our use supports critical public safety objectives.
Respect for Copyright Holders
We acknowledge and respect the intellectual property rights of fire alarm manufacturers and technical writers. Our approach to copyright compliance includes:
- Attribution: We clearly identify the source and ownership of all materials
- Preservation of Notices: Original copyright notices and attributions are maintained
- Limited Access: Content is provided for legitimate professional and educational use only
- No Modification: We do not alter or modify the original technical content
- Responsive Compliance: We respond promptly to legitimate takedown requests
DMCA Takedown Notice Procedure
If you believe that content on our website infringes your copyright, you may submit a takedown notice under the DMCA. To be effective, your notice must include:
Required Information
- Identification of Work: Clear identification of the copyrighted work you claim has been infringed
- Location of Infringing Material: Specific URL(s) or location of the allegedly infringing content on our site
- Contact Information: Your name, address, telephone number, and email address
- Good Faith Statement: A statement that you have a good faith belief that the use is not authorized
- Accuracy Statement: A statement that the information is accurate and you are authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner
- Signature: Your physical or electronic signature
Submission Requirements
DMCA takedown notices must be submitted in writing to our designated agent:
- Email: dmca@facpmanuals.com
- Subject Line: "DMCA Takedown Notice"
- Format: Written notice with all required elements listed above
Counter-Notification Procedure
If you believe that content was wrongfully removed due to a DMCA takedown notice, you may submit a counter-notification. Your counter-notice must include:
- Identification: Identification of the material that was removed and its previous location
- Contact Information: Your name, address, telephone number, and email address
- Consent to Jurisdiction: Statement consenting to federal court jurisdiction in your district
- Good Faith Statement: Statement that the material was removed by mistake or misidentification
- Signature: Your physical or electronic signature
Counter-notifications should be sent to the same contact information listed above with the subject line "DMCA Counter-Notification."
Our Response Process
Upon receiving a properly formatted DMCA takedown notice, we will:
Initial Review
- Acknowledge Receipt: Confirm receipt of your notice within 48 hours
- Evaluate Completeness: Verify that the notice includes all required elements
- Assess Fair Use: Evaluate whether our use may qualify as fair use
- Consider Context: Review the educational and public safety context of the content
Response Actions
- Valid Claims: Remove or disable access to allegedly infringing content
- User Notification: Notify any affected users of the takedown
- Documentation: Maintain records of the notice and our response
- Timeline: Typically respond within 5-7 business days of receiving a complete notice
Repeat Infringer Policy
We maintain a policy for addressing repeat copyright infringement:
- User Accounts: Users who repeatedly infringe copyright may have their accounts terminated
- Content Sources: We may cease accepting content from sources with multiple valid infringement claims
- Documentation: We maintain records of infringement notices and responses
- Appeals Process: Users may appeal termination decisions through our contact process
Safe Harbor Provisions
FACP Manuals operates as a service provider under the DMCA safe harbor provisions. We:
- No Knowledge: Do not have actual knowledge of specific infringing activity
- Prompt Response: Act expeditiously to remove infringing content when notified
- No Financial Benefit: Do not receive financial benefit directly attributable to infringing activity
- Designated Agent: Have designated an agent to receive infringement notices
- Repeat Infringer Policy: Maintain and implement a repeat infringer policy
False Claims and Penalties
The DMCA provides penalties for false claims. Please be aware that:
- Material Misrepresentation: Knowingly making false claims may result in liability for damages
- Good Faith Required: All notices must be submitted in good faith
- Legal Consequences: False claims may result in liability for attorney fees and damages
- Perjury Penalties: Knowingly false statements may be subject to perjury penalties
Before submitting a DMCA notice, please consider whether your claim is valid and whether the use may qualify as fair use.
International Copyright Considerations
While our primary focus is U.S. copyright law, we recognize that:
- International Users: Our service is accessed by users worldwide
- Various Jurisdictions: Different countries have different copyright laws
- Good Faith Cooperation: We will cooperate with legitimate international copyright claims
- Local Law: Our operations are primarily governed by U.S. law
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Before pursuing formal DMCA procedures, we encourage copyright holders to:
- Direct Contact: Contact us directly to discuss concerns
- Fair Use Discussion: Engage in dialogue about fair use considerations
- Educational Value: Consider the educational and public safety value of the content
- Collaborative Solutions: Work together to find mutually acceptable solutions
We are committed to working with copyright holders to address legitimate concerns while maintaining our educational mission.
Educational Institution Protections
As an educational resource serving the fire safety community, we rely on several copyright protections:
- Section 107: Fair use for educational and safety purposes
- Section 108: Library and archival reproduction rights
- Public Interest: Preserving access to important safety documentation
- Transformative Use: Organizing and making searchable previously scattered information
Changes to This Policy
We may update this DMCA policy to reflect changes in law, our practices, or our service. Changes will be:
- Posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date
- Effective immediately upon posting
- Communicated to users through appropriate channels for significant changes
We recommend reviewing this policy periodically to stay informed of any updates.
Contact Information
For DMCA-related matters, questions about our copyright policy, or to discuss fair use considerations:
DMCA Notices
- Email: dmca@facpmanuals.com
- Subject: "DMCA Takedown Notice" or "DMCA Counter-Notification"
General Copyright Questions
We respond to all copyright-related inquiries within 2-3 business days and to formal DMCA notices within 5-7 business days.