Copyright & Image Policy

1. Introduction

SamuiBeachClub.com ("we", "our", "us") respects the intellectual property rights of others and expects our users to do the same. This Copyright and Image Usage Policy explains how we use copyrighted materials, particularly images of beach clubs, restaurants, resorts, and venues, and provides procedures for copyright holders to request removal of their content.

2. Our Use of Images

2.1 Purpose and Intent

SamuiBeachClub.com displays images of beach clubs, restaurants, resorts, and other venues in Koh Samui for promotional and informational purposes. Our use of these images is intended to:

• Promote featured venues to potential visitors and tourists
• Provide accurate visual information to help travellers make informed decisions
• Showcase the beauty and amenities of Koh Samui's beach venues
• Support tourism and hospitality businesses in Koh Samui
• Create a comprehensive visual guide for trip planning

2.2 Fair Use and Promotional Intent

We believe our use of venue images constitutes fair use under applicable copyright principles for the following reasons:

Promotional Purpose

All images are used to promote the venues depicted. Our platform serves as a marketing and discovery tool that drives potential customers to these businesses.

Informational Value

Images provide essential information about venue character, ambiance, facilities, and setting that cannot be adequately conveyed through text alone.

Non-Commercial Editorial Use

We operate as an informational directory and guide, not as a commercial competitor to the venues depicted.

Transformative Context

Images are presented within comprehensive venue guides that add substantial editorial content, ratings, practical information, and comparative analysis.

Limited Display

We use a reasonable number of images per venue, displayed at web-appropriate resolutions.

No Market Harm

Our use promotes rather than competes with venues, potentially increasing their business and visitor traffic.

2.3 Image Sources

Images displayed on SamuiBeachClub.com are obtained from:

• Official venue websites and social media accounts
• Publicly available promotional materials
• Venue partners who provide images directly
• Licensed stock photography (where appropriate)
• User-submitted content (with permission)
• Public domain sources

3. Copyright Ownership

3.1 Retained Rights

All images displayed on SamuiBeachClub.com remain the property of their respective copyright holders, which may include:

• Venue owners and operators
• Professional photographers
• Marketing agencies
• Social media content creators
• Other content providers

We do not claim ownership of venue images. Copyright notices and attributions are provided where known and requested.

3.2 SamuiBeachClub.com Original Content

The following content is owned by SamuiBeachClub.com:

• Original written content, guides, and descriptions
• Meta Rating system and algorithm
• Website design, layout, and functionality
• Proprietary data compilations and analyses
• Original photography marked as "SamuiBeachClub.com"
• Logo, branding, and graphic elements

This content is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without permission.

4. Image Disclaimer

On all venue pages displaying images, the following disclaimer appears:

Photo Disclaimer: Images displayed are copyright of their respective owners and are used for promotional and informational purposes. All images remain the property of their respective copyright holders. If you are the copyright holder and wish to have any image removed, please contact us at support@samuibeachclub.com and we will promptly remove it.

This disclaimer:

• Acknowledges copyright ownership
• States our promotional intent
• Provides clear removal mechanism
• Demonstrates good faith and respect for intellectual property

5. Copyright Holder Rights and Removal Procedure

5.1 Your Rights as Copyright Holder

If you are the copyright holder of any image displayed on SamuiBeachClub.com, you have the right to:

• Request removal of your image(s)
• Request proper attribution or credit
• Request corrections to attribution
• Provide replacement images for promotional use

We respect these rights and will respond promptly to legitimate requests.

5.2 Image Removal Request Process

To request removal of copyrighted images, please follow these steps:

Step 1: Contact Us

Send an email to: support@samuibeachclub.com

Subject line: "Copyright Image Removal Request"

Step 2: Provide Required Information

Your removal request should include:

1. Your Contact Information

• Full name
• Email address
• Telephone number (optional)
• Relationship to copyrighted work (photographer, venue owner, rights holder, etc.)

2. Image Identification

• Complete URL of the page containing the image(s)
• Description of the image(s) to be removed
• Screenshot or reference to specific image if multiple images present

3. Copyright Verification

• Statement of copyright ownership or authorised representation
• Proof of copyright ownership (if available): original image file with metadata, copyright registration certificate, publication credits, licence agreement, or other documentation

4. Declaration

• Statement that you are the copyright holder or authorised to act on their behalf
• Statement that the information provided is accurate
• Your electronic or physical signature

Step 3: Our Response Process

Upon receiving a valid removal request:

1. Acknowledgement: We will acknowledge receipt within 48 hours
2. Verification: We will verify the request and copyright claim
3. Removal: We will remove the image(s) within 5 business days of verification
4. Confirmation: We will send you confirmation once removal is complete

5.3 Invalid or Incomplete Requests

If your removal request is incomplete or cannot be verified, we will:

• Contact you within 48 hours requesting additional information
• Provide guidance on what information is needed
• Give you reasonable time to provide required details

We reserve the right to decline removal requests that:

• Lack sufficient information
• Cannot be verified
• Are submitted by parties without legitimate copyright claim
• Appear fraudulent or malicious

5.4 Expedited Removal

For urgent situations (e.g., privacy concerns, sensitive content), please indicate "URGENT" in your subject line. We will prioritise these requests and aim for same-day removal where possible.

6. Attribution and Credits

6.1 Requesting Attribution

If you are the copyright holder and wish to receive attribution for your images, please contact us at support@samuibeachclub.com with:

• Image URL or description
• Preferred attribution text (e.g., "Photo by [Name]", "(c) [Name/Company]")
• Link to your website or portfolio (optional)

We will add appropriate attribution where feasible.

6.2 Correcting Attribution

If attribution is incorrect or incomplete, please contact us with:

• Current attribution shown
• Correct attribution
• Supporting documentation

We will correct the attribution within 5 business days.

7. Venue Partnerships and Image Provision

7.1 Official Image Submissions

We welcome venue owners and managers to provide official promotional images. Benefits include:

• Control over which images are displayed
• Proper attribution and branding
• High-quality representation of your venue
• Ability to update images as needed

To submit official images, contact us at: partners@samuibeachclub.com

7.2 Partnership Programme

Venue partners can:

• Provide high-resolution promotional images
• Update images regularly
• Review and approve venue information
• Access enhanced listing features
• Receive priority placement (where applicable)

Contact partners@samuibeachclub.com for partnership opportunities.

8. User-Generated Content

8.1 User Submissions

If you submit content to SamuiBeachClub.com (reviews, photos, comments), you:

• Retain copyright ownership of your content
• Grant us a licence to use, display, and reproduce your content
• Warrant that you have the right to submit the content
• Confirm the content does not infringe third-party rights

8.2 User Content Requirements

User-submitted content must:

• Be your original work or properly licensed
• Not infringe copyright or other intellectual property rights
• Include necessary permissions (e.g., for photos containing people)
• Comply with our Terms of Service

We reserve the right to remove user content that violates these requirements.

9. Copyright Infringement by Users

9.1 Reporting Infringement

If you believe a user has posted content that infringes your copyright, please notify us using the removal request process outlined in Section 5.

9.2 Repeat Infringers

We maintain a policy of terminating accounts of users who repeatedly infringe copyright.

10. Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) Notice

For copyright holders in jurisdictions where the DMCA applies, we provide this additional notice procedure:

10.1 DMCA Takedown Notice

To file a DMCA takedown notice, send written notification to:

Include:

1. Identification of copyrighted work claimed to be infringed
2. Identification of material claimed to be infringing (URL)
3. Your contact information
4. Statement of good faith belief that use is not authorised
5. Statement that notification is accurate and under penalty of perjury
6. Physical or electronic signature of copyright owner or authorised agent

10.2 Counter-Notice

If you believe content was removed in error, you may file a counter-notice with the same contact information, including:

1. Identification of removed material
2. Statement under penalty of perjury that removal was mistake or misidentification
3. Your contact information and consent to jurisdiction
4. Physical or electronic signature

11. Compliance and Good Faith

11.1 Our Commitment

SamuiBeachClub.com is committed to:

• Respecting intellectual property rights
• Responding promptly to legitimate removal requests
• Operating in good faith and transparency
• Promoting venues through responsible image use
• Maintaining open communication with copyright holders

11.2 Cooperation

We actively cooperate with copyright holders and encourage:

• Direct communication about concerns
• Partnership opportunities for official image provision
• Collaborative approach to venue promotion

12. Limitation of Liability

While we make reasonable efforts to respect copyright, we cannot guarantee that all images are used with explicit permission from copyright holders. Our reliance on fair use principles and promotional intent does not constitute legal advice or a guarantee against copyright claims.

Users who submit content represent and warrant they have necessary rights. SamuiBeachClub.com is not liable for copyright infringement by users.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Copyright and Image Usage Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date.

Material changes will be notified through:

• Prominent notice on the Website
• Email notification to venue partners
• Updated date at the top of this policy

14. Questions and Contact

For questions about this Copyright Policy or copyright-related matters:

Response Times:

• Acknowledgement: Within 48 hours
• Image removal: Within 5 business days
• Attribution requests: Within 5 business days
• General enquiries: Within 3 business days

Postal Address:

SamuiBeachClub.com
Copyright Department
Hong Kong

15. Governing Law

This Copyright and Image Usage Policy is governed by the laws of Hong Kong and applicable international copyright treaties and conventions.

16. Acknowledgements

SamuiBeachClub.com acknowledges and thanks:

• Venue owners and operators who allow promotional use of their images
• Photographers and content creators whose work showcases Koh Samui
• Copyright holders who work with us cooperatively
• Users who contribute content respectfully

Your images help visitors discover the beauty of Koh Samui and support the island's tourism industry.