Intellectual Property Policy

Intellectual Property Policy

Issued On: August 1, 2024 | Last Updated On: April 26, 2025

This Intellectual Property Policy (“Policy”) outlines the ownership rights and permitted uses of intellectual property on the Global Fashion Directory LLC (“GFD,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) platform. By accessing or using the GFD platform, you (“you,” “your,” or “User”) agree to the terms outlined in this Policy.

This Intellectual Property Policy is part of GFD’s Terms of Service and is incorporated by reference into those Terms. By accessing or using any part of the Platform, you agree to be bound by the Terms of Service and this Intellectual Property Policy.

1. Ownership of Content and Intellectual Property

  • Member-Submitted Content: Members retain ownership of any content they submit to the GFD platform, including but not limited to images, descriptions, logos, and business information. However, by submitting content, members grant GFD a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, display, and distribute this content on the platform and for promotional purposes.
  • GFD-Owned Content: All content created by or for GFD, including the website design, text, graphics, logos, and proprietary algorithms, is owned exclusively by GFD or its licensors. This content is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.
  • GFD Branding and Logos: The “Global Fashion Directory” name, logos, and other branding elements are the exclusive property of GFD. Members do not acquire any rights to these assets except as explicitly permitted in this Policy.

2. License and Permissions for Member-Submitted Content

By submitting content to GFD, you grant us permission to:

  • Use and Display: Display your content on your directory profile, in search results, and in promotional materials, such as newsletters, emails, and social media posts, to promote your listing and the platform.
  • Marketing and Publicity Use: Member content, including logos, descriptions, and uploaded profile imagery, may be featured in GFD’s promotional materials only in accordance with the terms of the Marketing and Publicity Agreement. All use is limited to GFD-managed campaigns and GFD-branded platforms. Members retain full intellectual property ownership and may revoke promotional consent at any time through their account settings or by emailing GFD.
  • Website Screenshot Permission: By completing onboarding, you grant GFD a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to capture and display static screenshots or excerpts of your publicly accessible business website homepage strictly for use within your directory listing. This permission is limited to visual identification, categorization, or business verification purposes on the GFD platform and does not imply endorsement, partnership, or sponsorship. You retain full ownership of your website content and may request removal or substitution of screenshots at any time by contacting info@globalfashiondirectory.com.
  • Edit and Format: Make minor edits to improve display or formatting consistency on the platform, without altering the meaning or ownership of the content.
  • Remove or Moderate Content: Remove, moderate, or restrict access to content that violates our Code of Conduct Policy or is found to be inaccurate or misleading.

(See full Marketing and Publicity Agreement for additional terms and consent revocation options.)

3. Permissible Uses of GFD Branding and Logos

GFD grants members limited permission to use the “Verified Member” badge and any other authorized GFD logos under the following conditions:

  • Verified Member Badge: Members in good standing who complete the annual verification process may use the “Verified Member” badge for the applicable calendar year (e.g., “Verified Member 2025”). This badge may be displayed on members’ websites, social media profiles, and marketing materials to signify active status in the directory.
  • Restrictions on Use: Members may not modify, distort, or alter the “Verified Member” badge or other GFD logos. The badge must be used in its original form and solely for the current year of verification.
  • Prohibited Uses: Unauthorized use of GFD logos, trademarks, or branding elements, including use after membership termination or in a misleading manner, is strictly prohibited and may result in corrective actions, including legal action if necessary.

4. Prohibited Uses of Intellectual Property

Members agree not to:

  • Copy, Reproduce, or Distribute GFD-Owned Content: Members may not copy, reproduce, or distribute GFD-owned content for commercial or competitive purposes without GFD’s explicit written consent.
  • Infringe on Third-Party IP: Members are responsible for ensuring that all content they submit does not infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others, including trademarks, copyrights, and patents.
  • Misrepresent Affiliation: Members may not use GFD’s name, branding, or logos in a way that misrepresents their relationship with GFD or suggests an endorsement beyond membership status.

5. Intellectual Property Security and Safeguards

GFD ensures that all proprietary technology, including the Match Engine™, is stored on secure, U.S.-based infrastructure. Access is restricted to authorized personnel. While GFD’s services do not involve export-controlled technologies, we maintain strong internal safeguards to protect intellectual property and proprietary systems in accordance with U.S. data security regulations.

6. Technology Usage and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools

GFD’s platform is powered by a proprietary technology stack developed entirely in the United States. This includes our custom-coded Match Engine™, which uses structured data, business logic, and rule-based filters to help users discover sourcing partners based on category, location, certifications, and production capabilities. As part of our internal tooling, we use AI-assisted content generation to help create descriptive summaries for curated business listings and enhance certain onboarded profiles. All AI-supported content is derived from publicly available or user-submitted data, and reviewed by GFD’s editorial team prior to publication.

Our broader technology stack is developed exclusively in the United States, including all core business logic, user-matching algorithms, data architecture, and platform infrastructure. We do not outsource software development or data handling to international vendors.

GFD’s use of AI is designed to support responsible innovation, improve profile relevance, and reduce friction in sourcing. We periodically evaluate these systems for fairness, utility, and alignment with our values of transparency and equity.

7. Reporting Intellectual Property Violations

If you believe your intellectual property rights have been infringed upon by another member or by content on the GFD platform, you may submit a complaint to info@globalfashiondirectory.com. GFD will investigate and take appropriate action, which may include removing the infringing content or suspending the offending member’s account.

8. Content Ownership Acknowledgment

By submitting, uploading, or making available any content on the GFD Platform, you represent and warrant that you own or have the necessary rights, licenses, or permissions to use and share that content. You agree that GFD is not responsible for verifying third-party intellectual property rights and that you remain solely responsible for any claims arising from content you submit.

9. Consequences of Intellectual Property Violations

Violations of this Policy may result in the following actions:

  • Content Removal: Any infringing or unauthorized content may be removed without prior notice.
  • Account Suspension or Termination: Members who repeatedly violate intellectual property rights may have their accounts suspended or terminated.
  • Legal Action: In cases of severe or repeated infringement, GFD reserves the right to pursue legal remedies to protect its intellectual property and the intellectual property of others.

10. Right to Modify Policy GFD reserves the right to modify or update this Intellectual Property Policy at any time to address legal changes or updates in platform standards. Members will be notified of significant updates, and continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.