1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the FERMATA platform (“the Service”), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, please do not use the Service.

2. Content Ownership & License Grant

• Ownership: You retain 100% ownership of the musical works, scores, text, and other content you upload to FERMATA.

• License to FERMATA: To operate the community, you grant FERMATA a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to host, store, stream, and display your content. This license exists solely to allow other members to view/hear your work and for FERMATA to provide its services.

• Revocation: You may revoke this license at any time by deleting your content.

3. Community Feedback & Collaboration

• Feedback: FERMATA is a space for critique. You agree that suggestions or feedback provided by other members do not create a copyright or ownership interest in your work.

• Independent Agreements: Any collaborations formed through the platform are strictly between individual members. FERMATA is not a party to, and is not liable for, any member-to-member contracts or disputes.

4. AI-Generated Content

FERMATA values human creativity.

• Disclosure: You must clearly disclose if any uploaded work was generated, in whole or in part, by AI.

• Responsibility: You represent that your use of AI tools does not infringe upon any third-party intellectual property rights.

5. Copyright Policy (DMCA)

FERMATA respects intellectual property. If you believe your copyright has been infringed, please send a "Takedown Notice" to our Designated Agent:

• Agent: Joshua X. Hankins

• Email: legal@myfermata.com

• Required Info: (1) Your signature, (2) Identification of the work infringed, (3) Location/URL of the infringing material, (4) Your contact info, (5) A statement of good faith belief, and (6) A statement of accuracy under penalty of perjury.

6. Limitation of Liability

FERMATA is a hosting platform and community. We are not responsible for the conduct of users or for any loss of data, copyright infringement by users, or disputes arising from community interactions. The Service is provided "As-Is."

7. Governing Law & Venue

These terms are governed by the laws of Texas. Any legal disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the courts located in Houston, TX.

Part 2: The FERMATA Community Guidelines

This is the "Social Contract." It is shorter, friendlier, and sets the tone for how composers should behave.

The FERMATA Community Guidelines

Welcome to the circle. To keep this community a productive and safe space for all composers, we follow these core principles:

1. Ownership is Sacred

Your music is yours. We are just the stage. We will never claim your royalties or your rights. Respect other composers by never uploading music that isn't yours.

2. The Feedback Rule

Critique is the heartbeat of growth. When you give feedback, be constructive. When you receive feedback, remember that a suggestion (like a chord change or a mix tip) is a gift, not a claim to your song. Giving advice does not make you a co-writer unless you both sign a separate contract.

3. Human-First, AI-Transparent

We believe in the power of the human composer. While AI can be a powerful tool, please be honest with the community. If a track is AI-assisted, tag it as such. Let’s keep the "Human-in-the-loop" spirit alive.

4. No "Ghosting" Collaborators

If you start a project with another member, communicate! Respect each other's time and talent. If a collaboration turns into a formal release, we strongly recommend getting your "split sheets" in writing.

5. Keep it Professional

FERMATA is a professional network. Harassment, hate speech, or "trolling" will result in immediate removal. We are here to lift each other up, not tear the music down.