Copyright & Intellectual Property Policy

Hard Hat Way is a platform built by tradespeople, for tradespeople. We deeply respect the skill, effort, and pride that goes into every piece of work our users share. This policy explains how we protect your intellectual property, how we handle copyright concerns, and what to do if you believe your rights have been infringed.

1. You Own Your Content

When you post a photo, video, comment, or any other content on Hard Hat Way, you retain full ownership of that content. We do not claim ownership of anything you create or upload.

By posting content on the Platform, you grant Hard Hat Way a limited, non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to display, host, and distribute your content within the Platform. This licence exists solely to operate the service (e.g. showing your posts in the feed, displaying your profile). This licence ends when you delete the content or your account.

2. Respecting Others' Work

All users are expected to respect the intellectual property of others. This means:

• Only post content that you have created yourself or have permission to share
• Do not repost, copy, or claim credit for another tradesperson's photos or work
• Do not use another user's content outside of Hard Hat Way without their permission
• Do not screenshot, download, or redistribute other users' content for commercial purposes without consent
• Give proper credit when referencing or discussing another person's work

3. What Counts as Infringement

Copyright infringement on Hard Hat Way includes, but is not limited to:

• Reposting another user's photos or videos and presenting them as your own work
• Using copyrighted images, music, or other media you don't have rights to
• Copying substantial portions of another user's written content (e.g. profile bio, quotes, descriptions)
• Using Hard Hat Way content in external marketing, websites, or social media without the creator's permission

4. Reporting Copyright Infringement

If you believe your intellectual property has been used on Hard Hat Way without your permission, you can report it in the following ways:

a) In-App Reporting

Tap the report button on the content in question and select "Copyright / Intellectual Property" as the reason. Provide as much detail as possible about the original content and your ownership.

b) Email

Send a copyright report to support@hardhatway.com with the subject line "Copyright Report" and include:

• Your name and contact information
• A description of the copyrighted work you believe has been infringed
• The location of the infringing content on Hard Hat Way (e.g. a link or username)
• Evidence of your ownership (e.g. original photos with metadata, timestamps, or other proof)
• A statement that you believe in good faith that the use is not authorised

5. How We Handle Reports

When we receive a copyright report, we will:

• Review the report and the content in question
• Remove or restrict access to the content if we determine the report is valid
• Notify the user who posted the content, where appropriate
• Give the accused user an opportunity to respond if they believe the report is incorrect

We aim to review and respond to copyright reports within 7 working days.

6. Counter-Notices

If your content has been removed due to a copyright report and you believe this was done in error, you may submit a counter-notice to support@hardhatway.com explaining why you believe you have the right to post the content. We will review counter-notices and may restore content where appropriate.

7. Repeat Infringement

Hard Hat Way operates a repeat infringement policy. Users who repeatedly violate the intellectual property rights of others will face escalating consequences:

• First offence: Content removed and a formal warning issued
• Second offence: Content removed, temporary account restriction
• Third offence: Permanent account suspension

We reserve the right to skip directly to suspension in cases of serious or deliberate infringement.

8. Hard Hat Way's Own Intellectual Property

The Hard Hat Way name, logo, design, branding, and all proprietary features of the Platform are owned by Hard Hat Way. You may not use our branding, trademarks, or proprietary content without written permission.

9. Third-Party Content

Hard Hat Way may display content from third-party sources or link to external websites. We are not responsible for the intellectual property practices of third parties.

10. Contact

For copyright or intellectual property enquiries, contact:

Hard Hat Way
support@hardhatway.com