Operating safeguard
Authorisation before action
1. Rights inventory
Before a paid response begins, the client identifies the copyright owner, the original work, official publication locations and any licences or assignments relevant to the material. Rightsward checks that the operational record is complete; it does not issue a legal opinion on disputed ownership.
2. Written appointment
The rights holder, or a person authorised to bind it, signs an authorisation-to-act identifying Rightsward's permitted administrative activities, covered works, effective period and limits. The signed service agreement and authorisation name the actual contracting parties.
3. Human review
Each proposed notice is reviewed against the rights inventory and observed evidence. Ambiguous cases, possible licensed uses, commentary, criticism or other exceptions are held for client or legal review rather than automatically filed.
4. Client sign-off
At launch, no notice is submitted without the approval process stated in the service agreement. That may require item-by-item approval or an agreed standing approval for narrowly defined, verified matches. Automated notice blasting is not used.
5. Good-faith notices
Notices are submitted through the relevant platform or host route and include the statements and information required for that route. The client remains responsible for the accuracy of rights and ownership information it supplies.
6. Outcome record
Rightsward logs submission dates, evidence, platform responses and follow-up actions. A removal is recorded only after verification. Rejection, non-response and contested material are reported as such—not presented as successful outcomes.
7. Escalation
Where a matter requires legal interpretation, counter-notice response or litigation, Rightsward pauses the administrative process and recommends independent qualified counsel. Rightsward does not present itself as legal counsel.