DMCA Policy

1. Overview

Song of the Month (SOTM) respects the intellectual property rights of others and expects its 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 service.

2. DMCA Safe Harbor

SOTM operates as a user-generated content platform. We do not host audio files directly; instead, users submit links to songs available on third-party streaming platforms (such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, etc.). We qualify for safe harbor protection under Section 512 of the DMCA as a service provider that does not have actual knowledge of infringing activity and acts expeditiously to remove or disable access to infringing material upon proper notification.

3. Reporting Copyright Infringement

If you believe that content on SOTM infringes your copyright, please submit a written notification containing the following information to our Designated Copyright Agent:

• A physical or electronic signature of the copyright owner or authorized representative
• Identification of the copyrighted work claimed to have been infringed
• Identification of the material that is claimed to be infringing, with sufficient information for us to locate it (e.g., URL)
• Your contact information (address, telephone number, and email address)
• A statement that you have a good faith belief that use of the material is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law
• A statement, under penalty of perjury, that the information in the notification is accurate and that you are authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner

4. Designated Copyright Agent

Please send all DMCA notices to our Designated Copyright Agent:

5. Counter-Notification

If you believe your content was removed in error, you may submit a counter-notification containing:

• Your physical or electronic signature
• Identification of the material that was removed and its location before removal
• A statement under penalty of perjury that you have a good faith belief the material was removed due to mistake or misidentification
• Your name, address, telephone number, and a statement consenting to jurisdiction in your judicial district

6. Repeat Infringer Policy

SOTM maintains a policy of terminating, in appropriate circumstances, the accounts of users who are repeat infringers. We track DMCA notices and counter-notices, and users who receive multiple valid takedown notices may have their accounts suspended or permanently terminated.

7. Good Faith Requirement

Please note that under Section 512(f) of the DMCA, any person who knowingly materially misrepresents that material is infringing, or that it was removed by mistake, may be subject to liability. Please ensure your claims are made in good faith.

8. Third-Party Content

SOTM does not host, store, or distribute audio files. All music content linked through our platform is hosted on third-party streaming services. If you have concerns about content on those platforms, please contact those services directly regarding their DMCA procedures.

9. Modifications

We reserve the right to modify this DMCA Policy at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.

10. Contact

For general inquiries about this policy (not DMCA takedown requests), please contact us at contact@songofthemonth.org