Akuraa image licensing agreement

Licensed Content: Images, photographs, and visual media licensed through Akuraa

Standard License: Non-exclusive rights for commercial or personal use within specified parameters

Extended License: Broader usage rights including merchandise, templates, or mass distribution

Editorial License: Rights limited to news, education, and matters of public interest (non-commercial)

Exclusive License: Custom negotiated exclusive rights (removes content from platform)

Authorized User: Individual or organization named in the license agreement

End Product: Final work incorporating Licensed Content (website, advertisement, publication, etc.)

2.1 What You Receive

Upon payment, Akuraa grants you a non-exclusive, non-transferable, worldwide license to use Licensed Content according to your selected license type.

2.2 License Types

STANDARD LICENSE

Permitted Uses

Digital: Websites, social media, email marketing, apps, presentations

Print: Brochures, flyers, magazines (inside pages), posters, reports (up to 500,000 copies)

Commercial: Advertising campaigns, corporate materials, pitch decks

Personal: Portfolios, personal blogs, educational projects (non-commercial)

Restrictions

No resale or redistribution of Licensed Content as standalone files

No use in templates, stock products, or items for resale where content is the primary value

No trademark or logo creation using Licensed Content

Maximum 500,000 physical reproductions

No merchandising (t-shirts, mugs, posters for sale, etc.)

EXTENDED LICENSE

All Standard License rights, PLUS

Unlimited print reproductions

Merchandise and products for resale (t-shirts, mugs, prints, phone cases, etc.)

Templates, themes, or digital products incorporating Licensed Content

Physical products where image is primary selling point

Use in NFTs or blockchain-based products (with attribution)

EDITORIAL LICENSE

Permitted Uses ONLY

Newspapers, magazines, news websites, and news broadcasts

Documentaries and educational films

Non-commercial blogs, social media, or websites illustrating matters of public interest

Academic publications, research papers, textbooks

Art exhibitions with educational/cultural purpose

Prohibited Uses

ANY commercial, promotional, or advertising purpose

Product endorsements or brand campaigns

Book/magazine covers (unless clearly editorial context)

Merchandising or products for sale

Political campaigns (endorsement context)

Implies endorsement by person(s) depicted

Verification Required: Editorial use must be verifiable; misuse will be prosecuted

EXCLUSIVE LICENSE

Custom-negotiated full or partial exclusivity

Content removed from platform or restricted during exclusivity period

Pricing minimum 3x Standard License rate

Separate agreement required

3.1 You May NOT

Redistribution & Resale

Share, resell, sublicense, or distribute Licensed Content as standalone files

Include Licensed Content in stock libraries, databases, or asset collections

Provide Licensed Content to third parties for their independent use

Misrepresentation & False Association

Depict people in Licensed Content in offensive, pornographic, defamatory, or unlawful manner

Suggest endorsement by or affiliation with any person, brand, or organization shown

Use in political contexts implying subject's political affiliation without consent

Create false or misleading narratives about depicted subjects or locations

Trademark & Logo Use

Register Licensed Content as trademark, service mark, or design mark

Use as your company logo or brand identifier

Competitive Use

Use Licensed Content to create competing stock photography or image licensing services

Reverse engineer, extract, or isolate elements for use in other derivative works

Sensitive Contexts Without Additional Clearance

Pharmaceutical, tobacco, or alcohol advertising

Adult entertainment or dating services

Mental health, medical conditions, or controversial social issues (without model consent for such use)

3.2 Attribution Requirements

Optional but Appreciated (Standard/Extended Licenses)

Credit format: "Photo by Photographer Name via Akuraa"

Required (Editorial Licenses)

Credit must appear: "Photo by Photographer Name/Akuraa"

Credit must be visible in publication or broadcast

Required (NFTs/Blockchain)

On-chain attribution including photographer name and Akuraa platform credit

4.1 Released Content

Images marked as "model released" or "property released" have documented consent from individuals and property owners.

4.2 Editorial Content

Images marked "editorial use only" may NOT have model/property releases and are restricted to editorial purposes only.

4.3 Your Responsibility

Verify release status before use

For sensitive use cases (medical, controversial topics), obtain additional clearances independently

We provide release documentation upon request for released content

4.4 No Guarantee

While we require contributors to provide releases, we cannot guarantee releases cover every conceivable use. Licensee assumes risk for use beyond standard commercial purposes.

5.1 Territorial Rights

Standard/Extended: Worldwide

Editorial: Worldwide (subject to local laws)

Exclusive: As negotiated

5.2 Duration

Perpetual: License does not expire for the specific End Product created during license term

Access Period: Download access valid for 30 days after purchase, or as specified at checkout

Platform Changes: If we discontinue content, your existing licensed uses remain valid

5.3 Authorized Users

Individual License: Single person or freelancer

Business License: All employees of named organization

Agency License: Agency + single named client project

Transferring licenses to third parties prohibited without written consent.

6.1 Our Commitment

All Akuraa content is

Original work by verified African photographers

Curated for cultural authenticity and quality

Free from AI generation (retouching for quality allowed, not content fabrication)

Ethically sourced with respect for subject dignity

6.2 Editorial Integrity

Editorial content meets journalistic standards

Truthful representation of events

Minimal technical retouching only

Verified for accuracy by our editorial team

6.3 Representation Disclaimer

Images depict real people, places, and events. Use in fictitious or implied contexts is your responsibility. Ensure use does not:

Defame, libel, or misrepresent subjects

Associate subjects with harmful, offensive, or controversial content without consent

Violate cultural sensitivities or dignity

7.1 Pricing

Pricing displayed at checkout in GBP (£) or USD ($)

Prices subject to change; locked at time of purchase

Subscription pricing (if applicable) billed monthly or annually as selected at checkout

7.2 Taxes

You are responsible for all applicable taxes (VAT, sales tax, etc.) based on your jurisdiction.

7.3 Refund Policy

No refunds after content is downloaded, except

Technical error preventing download (we'll resolve or refund)

Content materially misrepresented (e.g., marked as released when unreleased)

Duplicate purchase (credited to account)

Subscription refunds: annual plans may be pro-rated where required by law; monthly plans are non-refundable once the billing period has started

8.1 Copyright Ownership

Photographers retain full copyright

Akuraa holds platform rights and licensing authority

You receive usage rights only (not ownership)

8.2 Copyright Notices

Do not remove metadata, watermarks, or embedded copyright information

Do not claim authorship of Licensed Content

8.3 Infringement Protection

We actively monitor unauthorized use via

Reverse image search technology

Digital watermarking and fingerprinting

Third-party infringement detection services

If you discover infringement of content you licensed from us, notify us at legal@akuraa.com

9.1 Our Liability Limitations

WE PROVIDE CONTENT "AS IS"

We make reasonable efforts to ensure content is legally cleared and authentic

We do NOT guarantee content is suitable for every possible use

We are NOT liable for misuse, misrepresentation, or uses beyond license scope

LIABILITY CAP: Our maximum liability is limited to the amount you paid for the specific Licensed Content in question.

WE ARE NOT LIABLE FOR

Indirect, consequential, or punitive damages

Lost profits, revenue, or business opportunities

Damages arising from your misuse of content

Third-party claims if you exceeded license scope

9.2 Your Indemnification of Us

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Akuraa, our photographers, and our affiliates from any claims, damages, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

Your misuse of Licensed Content

Use exceeding license scope

False or misleading representation using Licensed Content

Defamation, libel, or privacy violations caused by your use

Breach of these Terms

Example: If you use an editorial image in a commercial advertisement (prohibited), and the subject sues, you are responsible for all costs and damages.

9.3 Mutual Indemnification

We indemnify you for claims arising from

Our failure to secure proper rights from contributors

Copyright infringement by photographers (where we failed to verify ownership)

Platform technical errors misrepresenting license terms

Conditions

You notify us promptly of any claims

You used content within license scope

We control defense of the claim

10.1 Unauthorized Use

Use of Licensed Content beyond license scope constitutes copyright infringement.

Consequences

Immediate license termination

Legal action for damages (statutory damages up to £150,000 per work under UK law)

Injunctive relief (court order to cease use)

Recovery of legal fees and costs

10.2 Reporting Infringement

If you believe someone is infringing content you licensed from us

Email legal@akuraa.com with evidence

Include: URL/location of infringement, license purchase proof, description of violation

If you believe we are displaying content that infringes your copyright

Submit DMCA takedown notice to legal@akuraa.com

We will investigate and respond per UK/international copyright law

10.3 Monitoring & Enforcement

We use automated tools to detect unauthorized use. If we discover infringement

Cease-and-desist notice

Negotiated settlement or licensing resolution

Legal action if unresolved

11.1 License Termination

We may terminate your license if

You breach these Terms

You misuse content in defamatory, illegal, or harmful manner

Payment dispute or chargeback

Upon termination

Remove Licensed Content from all uses immediately

Destroy all copies in your possession

Existing published End Products may remain (unless legal violation requires removal)

11.2 Platform Changes

We reserve the right to

Remove content from platform (your existing licenses remain valid)

Modify pricing or license terms (applies to future purchases only)

Discontinue platform (60 days notice; existing licenses perpetual)

12.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

12.2 Jurisdiction

Disputes will be resolved in the courts of England and Wales. For international clients, we may agree to alternative jurisdiction based on your location.

12.3 Mediation First

Before litigation, parties agree to attempt good-faith mediation through a mutually agreed provider for 30 days.

12.4 Arbitration

Parties may agree in writing to binding arbitration in England and Wales for qualifying disputes.

13.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and Akuraa regarding Licensed Content.

13.2 Amendments

We may update these Terms with 30 days notice. Continued use constitutes acceptance. Previous purchases governed by Terms at time of purchase.

13.3 Severability

If any provision is found unenforceable, remaining provisions remain in effect.

13.4 No Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision does not waive our right to enforce it later.

13.5 Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays or failures due to circumstances beyond reasonable control (natural disasters, wars, platform attacks, etc.).

13.6 Assignment

You may not transfer or assign your license without written consent. We may assign our rights to successors or affiliates.

14.1 Cultural Sensitivity Commitment

Akuraa is committed to authentic African representation. Licensees agree to

Use content in culturally respectful manner

Avoid perpetuating stereotypes or harmful narratives

Consult with cultural advisors for sensitive subject matter

14.2 Local Law Compliance

Licensees using content within African jurisdictions must comply with

Local advertising and media regulations

Cultural heritage and image rights laws

Data protection and privacy laws (GDPR, POPIA, etc.)

14.3 Community Impact

60% of licensing fees go directly to African photographers. Your purchase supports

Fair creator compensation

Sustainable creative careers across Africa

Visual narrative sovereignty

BY PURCHASING OR DOWNLOADING CONTENT, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREE TO THESE TERMS.