Copyright and Intellectual Property Policy

Status: pre-launch operational draft

Last updated: 25 July 2026

1. Purpose

Underground hosts music and related materials supplied by users. We respect copyright, neighbouring rights, trademarks and other intellectual-property rights, and we expect users to upload only material they are authorised to use.

This policy supplements the Terms of Service and the Notice and Action Policy.

2. Uploader responsibility

Uploaders must own or control all rights required for hosting, technical processing, publication and streaming. This includes, where applicable, the master, composition, lyrics, performance, mechanical, neighbouring, artwork, image, trademark, sample and cover-song rights.

Underground does not obtain those rights on the uploader’s behalf and does not assume that a technical ability to upload proves legal authority.

3. Reporting infringement

A rights holder or authorised representative may submit a notice identifying specific material believed to infringe a copyright, trademark or other intellectual-property right.

The production reporting address and electronic form must be published before launch. Until then, the controller’s provisional contact is gianluca.pizzamiglio@icloud.com.

A notice should include:

1. the reporter’s full name and reliable contact details;

2. identification of the right and, where possible, the relevant work, registration or catalogue information;

3. identification and exact URL or location of the reported material;

4. an explanation of why the use is allegedly unauthorised;

5. a statement that the information is accurate and submitted in good faith;

6. confirmation that the reporter is the rightsholder or authorised to act for the rightsholder;

7. a physical or electronic signature or equivalent authenticated declaration;

8. any territorial, licence, exception or limitation information relevant to the assessment.

Reports should not include unrelated personal data or confidential dispute history.

4. Assessment and action

We assess whether a notice is sufficiently precise and adequately substantiated. Depending on the circumstances, we may:

• request missing information;
• temporarily restrict access while reviewing;
• preserve relevant evidence and audit records;
• forward the substance of the notice to the uploader, subject to privacy and safety needs;
• remove or disable access to material;
• reject the notice;
• restrict or terminate repeat or egregious infringers;
• refer the matter to competent authorities where legally required.

A notice does not automatically determine ownership. We may need to balance competing evidence, licences, exceptions, quotation, parody, criticism, public-domain status or other lawful uses.

5. Counter-notice or response

An affected uploader may respond with:

1. identification of the restricted material;

2. an explanation of the uploader’s authority or lawful basis;

3. supporting licences, agreements, registrations, correspondence or other evidence;

4. a statement that the response is accurate and made in good faith;

5. reliable contact details and an electronic signature or equivalent authenticated declaration.

We may share the response with the original reporter where lawful and necessary to resolve the dispute. Restoration is discretionary and depends on the evidence, applicable law, continuing risk and any court or authority action.

6. Repeat infringement

Progressive action may include warnings, upload restrictions, suspension and termination. Immediate termination may be appropriate for deliberate piracy, large-scale unauthorised catalogues, counterfeit artist identities, repeated evasion or other egregious conduct.

The decision is based on substantiated outcomes and conduct, not merely the number of unverified allegations.

7. False or abusive notices

Do not knowingly submit false, misleading, retaliatory or abusive notices. Misrepresentation may expose the sender to liability and may result in Platform restrictions.

8. No legal adjudication

Underground is not a court and cannot finally adjudicate ownership. Parties remain free to seek legal remedies. We will comply with binding orders and lawful requests from competent authorities.

9. Records and privacy

Notices, responses, evidence and decisions are retained according to the Retention Policy, legal-hold requirements and applicable law. Personal data is shared only where necessary for assessment, defence of claims, legal obligations or due process.