Terms of Service

Please read these terms carefully before using the AISFM platform. By accessing or using our services, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.

Last updated: July 30, 2025

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to the African Independent Short Film Marketplace ("AISFM," "we," "us," or "our"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of our platform, website, and services.

By accessing or using AISFM, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you disagree with any part of these terms, you may not access or use our services.

These Terms apply to all users, including filmmakers, buyers, distributors, and visitors to our platform.

2. Definitions

"Platform" or "Service"

The AISFM website, mobile applications, and related services.

"Content"

Films, videos, images, text, and other materials uploaded or shared on the platform.

"Filmmaker"

Users who upload and offer their films for licensing or distribution.

"Buyer"

Users who purchase or license content from filmmakers through the platform.

"Transaction"

Any purchase, licensing agreement, or other business arrangement facilitated through AISFM.

3. Eligibility

To use AISFM, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old or have parental consent
  • Have the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements
  • Provide accurate and complete registration information
  • Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
  • Not be prohibited from using the service under applicable law

For users under 18, a parent or guardian must agree to these Terms on their behalf and supervise their use of the platform.

4. User Accounts

Account Registration

  • You must provide accurate, current, and complete information
  • You are responsible for maintaining account security
  • You must promptly update your information when it changes
  • You may not transfer your account to another person

Account Security

  • You are responsible for all activity under your account
  • You must keep your password confidential and secure
  • Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access
  • We are not liable for losses due to unauthorized account use

Account Verification

We may require identity verification, especially for buyers and high-value transactions. Failure to provide requested verification may result in account limitations.

5. Content and Licensing

Content Ownership

  • You retain ownership of content you upload to AISFM
  • You must own or have rights to all content you submit
  • You grant AISFM limited rights to display and promote your content
  • You are responsible for obtaining necessary permissions and releases

Content Standards

All content must:

  • Be original or properly licensed
  • Meet professional quality standards
  • Comply with applicable laws and regulations
  • Not infringe on third-party rights
  • Not contain harmful, offensive, or illegal material

License to AISFM

By uploading content, you grant AISFM a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, reproduce, and distribute your content for platform operations, marketing, and promotional purposes.

6. Marketplace Rules

For Filmmakers

  • Provide accurate film information and metadata
  • Set fair and reasonable licensing prices
  • Respond promptly to buyer inquiries
  • Deliver high-quality master files upon purchase
  • Honor licensing terms and agreements

For Buyers

  • Use licensed content only as agreed in licensing terms
  • Make payments promptly and in good faith
  • Respect filmmakers' intellectual property rights
  • Provide feedback and confirm receipt of content
  • Report any issues or disputes promptly

Content Review

AISFM reserves the right to review, approve, or reject any content submitted to the platform. We may remove content that violates these Terms or our content guidelines.

7. Payments and Fees

Platform Fees

  • AISFM commission rates are individually negotiated based on transaction value, project scope, and partnership terms
  • No upfront fees or monthly subscriptions
  • Payment processing fees may apply
  • Commission terms are agreed upon before transaction initiation

Payment Processing

  • All payments are processed through our secure escrow system
  • Funds are held until transaction completion
  • Payments are released upon buyer confirmation
  • Refunds are subject to our refund policy

Taxes

Users are responsible for determining and paying any applicable taxes on their transactions. AISFM does not provide tax advice and recommends consulting with tax professionals.

8. Intellectual Property

AISFM Platform

The AISFM platform, including its design, functionality, and content (excluding user-generated content), is owned by AISFM and protected by intellectual property laws.

User Content

Users retain ownership of their content but must ensure they have all necessary rights to use and license their content through the platform.

Copyright Infringement

We respect intellectual property rights and will respond to valid copyright infringement claims. If you believe your copyright has been infringed, please contact us with detailed information.

9. Prohibited Conduct

You may not:

  • Upload content that infringes third-party rights
  • Engage in fraudulent or deceptive practices
  • Manipulate platform ratings or reviews
  • Attempt to circumvent platform fees
  • Use the platform for illegal purposes
  • Harass, threaten, or abuse other users
  • Distribute malware or harmful code
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the platform
  • Create fake accounts or impersonate others
  • Violate any applicable laws or regulations

10. Dispute Resolution

Platform Disputes

AISFM provides dispute resolution services for transaction-related conflicts. We encourage users to communicate directly first, but our team can mediate when necessary.

Arbitration

Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of AISFM will be resolved through binding arbitration rather than in court, except where prohibited by law.

Class Action Waiver

You agree to resolve disputes individually and waive any right to participate in class action lawsuits or other collective proceedings.

11. Limitation of Liability

Service Disclaimer

AISFM is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. We do not guarantee uninterrupted service, complete security, or error-free operation.

Liability Limitations

AISFM's liability is limited to the amount of fees paid by you in the 12 months preceding the claim. We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.

User Responsibility

Users are responsible for their own actions, content, and compliance with applicable laws. AISFM does not endorse or guarantee any user-generated content.

12. Termination

User Termination

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us. Upon termination, your access to the platform will be discontinued.

AISFM Termination

We may suspend or terminate accounts for violations of these Terms, illegal activity, or other reasons at our discretion with or without notice.

Effect of Termination

Upon termination, your right to use the platform ceases, but certain provisions of these Terms continue to apply, including payment obligations and intellectual property rights.

13. Modifications to Terms

We may modify these Terms from time to time. When we do, we will:

  • Post the updated Terms on our platform
  • Notify users of material changes via email
  • Update the "Last Modified" date
  • Provide reasonable advance notice for significant changes

Your continued use of AISFM after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

14. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with applicable international laws and the laws of the jurisdiction where AISFM operates, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Any legal proceedings arising from these Terms or your use of AISFM will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in our operating jurisdiction.

15. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:

Email: legal@aisfm.co
African Independent Short Film Marketplace
Legal Department
For terms and legal-related inquiries

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