Fair Use Policy

This Fair Use Policy outlines how sohohouse.app ("the Site") handles third-party content, including images aggregated from publicly available sources on the web. The Site is operated as a non-commercial, independent informational resource providing commentary, criticism, and educational insights about private members' clubs and related topics. We are committed to respecting intellectual property rights and believe our use of aggregated content qualifies as fair use under applicable laws, such as Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act. However, this policy is not legal advice, and we encourage rights holders to contact us with any concerns.

What is Fair Use?

Fair use is a legal doctrine that permits limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the rights holder for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. Courts evaluate fair use on a case-by-case basis, considering factors including:

• The purpose and character of the use (e.g., whether it is transformative, non-commercial, and adds new expression or meaning).
• The nature of the copyrighted work.
• The amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the whole.
• The effect of the use on the potential market for or value of the original work.

We design our content aggregation and presentation to align with these principles, prioritizing transformative and educational uses that do not substitute for the originals.

How We Use Third-Party Content

• Aggregation and Display: The Site aggregates publicly available images and related content from various online sources to provide context, commentary, or criticism on topics relevant to our editorial focus. We typically display thumbnails, previews, or low-resolution excerpts, often with added analysis, descriptions, or user insights to create a transformative experience. Full originals are not hosted or reproduced; instead, we prioritize linking back to source locations where possible to drive traffic to the originals and respect their context.
• Non-Commercial Nature: All uses are strictly non-commercial. The Site does not monetize content through ads, sales, affiliations, or any other means. Our goal is to foster discussion and information-sharing, not to profit or compete with original creators.
• Transformative Purpose: Content is selected and presented for commentary, educational, or critical purposes, such as illustrating trends, reviews, or insights. We use only what is necessary to achieve this, avoiding excessive reproduction.
• Attribution and Transparency: Where feasible, we attribute content to its apparent source and include disclaimers noting that materials are used under fair use. Users are encouraged to visit originals for full context.

We do not claim ownership of any third-party content and remove or modify uses upon valid requests from rights holders.

Disclaimers and Limitations

• The Site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by any private members' club or related entity. All trademarks, images, and other materials referenced are the property of their respective owners.
• While we strive for accuracy and compliance, we make no warranties regarding the legality or appropriateness of any aggregated content. Users access the Site at their own risk.
• If you are a rights holder and believe our use does not qualify as fair use or otherwise infringes your rights, we will promptly review and address your concern as detailed below.

Takedown and Dispute Resolution Procedure

We respect intellectual property and provide a straightforward process for addressing concerns, inspired by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and similar frameworks:

1. Notification: Submit a written notice to [your contact email, e.g., dmca@sohohouse.app] including:
   • Identification of the allegedly infringing material (e.g., URL or description).
   • Identification of the original work claimed to be infringed (e.g., link to original).
   • Your contact information and a statement that you are the rights holder or authorized agent.
   • A statement under penalty of perjury that the information is accurate and you have a good-faith belief the use is unauthorized.
   • Your signature (electronic is acceptable).
2. Review and Action: Upon receipt, we will expeditiously review the notice and may remove or disable access to the material if it appears to infringe. We aim to respond within 5 business days.
3. Counter-Notification: If content is removed and you believe it was in error (e.g., fair use applies), you may submit a counter-notice with similar details, which we will evaluate.
4. Repeat Infringers: We may terminate access for users or sources involved in repeated infringement claims.

By using this procedure, we aim to resolve issues amicably without litigation. We reserve the right to seek legal remedies if notices are abusive or in bad faith.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy periodically. Continued use of the Site constitutes acceptance of changes. Last updated: October 1, 2025.

If you have questions, contact us at [your contact email, e.g., legal@sohohouse.app].