User-Generated Content (UGC) License Policy

ATEK Grid is built for creators. This policy explains ownership and licensing rules for user-generated content (builds, scripts, textures, sounds, snapshots, machinima, and other media) uploaded, rezzed, displayed, or shared through ATEK services. ATEK Grid is owned and operated by Virtual World Search, Inc..

Effective: December 23, 2025 Updated: February 19, 2026 Contact: support@atekgrid.com

U1 — Overview

This policy explains how licensing works for user-generated content (“UGC”) on ATEK Grid. The goal is straightforward: creators keep ownership, and ATEK receives only the limited permissions needed to host and deliver your content to other users as part of normal platform operation.

If you do not want ATEK to host or transmit specific content, do not upload it or rez it on ATEK-controlled services.

U2 — Creator Ownership

You retain ownership of the UGC you create, to the extent allowed by law and subject to third-party rights (e.g., licensed textures, music, or trademarks). This policy does not transfer your copyright to ATEK.

What you own: original builds, scripts, textures, audio, snapshots, machinima, writing, and other creative works you create.
What you do not own: content you did not create or do not have rights to use (including ripped/exported assets or copyrighted media without permission).
ATEK IP: ATEK’s name, logos, branding, and platform code are owned by Virtual World Search, Inc. (or its licensors).

U3 — License Granted to Operate ATEK Grid

By uploading, rezzing, storing, transmitting, or otherwise making UGC available through the Services, you grant ATEK a limited, non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use your UGC only to operate, maintain, and improve the Services.

Permitted uses: host, store, cache, back up, reproduce (as technically necessary), display, transmit, and distribute your UGC to users you choose to share with (including public display in-world).
Technical processing: format conversion, compression, thumbnails/previews, and similar actions needed for performance and compatibility.
Duration: the license continues while your UGC is stored on or served through ATEK systems, and for a reasonable period thereafter for backups and operational integrity.
No ownership transfer: this license does not give ATEK ownership of your UGC.

Normal platform operation requires transient copies (caches, asset delivery, and backups). This license exists to make those operations lawful.

U4 — Promotion and Showcasing (Limited)

ATEK may occasionally showcase public areas, events, and community creations to promote the platform. This may include screenshots, short clips, or world previews that incidentally capture UGC in public regions.

Public areas: content visible in public areas may be captured in promotional media as part of showcasing the world.
Featured creators: if we feature a specific creator or product more directly, we will make a reasonable effort to credit the creator and/or link to the creator’s location/profile where appropriate.
Opt-outs: if you have a strong reason to request removal of a specific promotional placement, contact us and we will review in good faith.

Promotion does not grant third parties rights to copy your work. Unauthorized copying remains prohibited under the AUP and DMCA process.

U5 — Permissions and DRM

OpenSim permission flags (copy/modify/transfer) are the platform’s DRM. You agree to respect them and not attempt to bypass them.

No circumvention: no copybotting, exporting protected content, ripping assets, or exploiting vulnerabilities to defeat permissions.
Sharing rules: do not redistribute assets outside the permissions granted by the creator.
Creator responsibility: you are responsible for setting permissions on items you distribute.

Permission bypassing is treated as a serious violation and may result in immediate enforcement action.

U6 — Your Responsibilities and Representations

When you upload or distribute UGC, you represent that you have the rights needed to do so and that your content and conduct comply with the Terms and AUP.

Rights clearance: you have rights or permission for any third-party materials included in your UGC.
Music/media: if you stream copyrighted music/media, you are responsible for licenses and permissions required by law.
Safety: your UGC must not contain malware, exploits, scams, or other harmful behavior.
Lawful content: your UGC and use must comply with applicable laws and platform policies.

U7 — Moderation, Removal, and Availability

We may remove, disable, or restrict access to UGC when necessary for safety, legal compliance, policy enforcement, or platform integrity. We do not guarantee that content will always be available.

Policy enforcement: content may be removed for Terms/AUP violations or safety risks.
Operational needs: content may be temporarily unavailable due to outages, maintenance, or technical changes.
Backups: content may persist in backups for a limited time after removal due to standard operational processes.

Where practical, we try to be reasonable and transparent, but we must prioritize safety and platform reliability.

U8 — Copyright / DMCA Process

If you believe your copyrighted work has been used without authorization, you may submit a takedown notice through our DMCA process. If you believe content was removed in error, you may submit a counter-notice where applicable.

Takedown requests: should include enough information to locate the content and verify your rights.
Repeat infringers: accounts that repeatedly infringe may be terminated where appropriate.
DMCA details: see /dmca.php or contact support@atekgrid.com for the current process.

False claims can carry legal consequences. Submit notices in good faith and with accurate information.

U9 — Contact

Questions about UGC licensing, creator rights, permissions, or takedown requests can be directed to: support@atekgrid.com.

Best results: include your avatar name, region name (if relevant), approximate time (SLT), and direct identifiers (asset UUIDs, item names, links) when reporting infringement.