Content Dispute & DMCA Policy

Effective date: March 28, 2026 · Policy version: 2026-03-28

1. Overview

Full Stack HVAC ("we," "us," "our") respects intellectual property rights and maintains editorial independence. This policy outlines procedures for copyright claims (DMCA takedown notices), counter-notifications, disputes over product descriptions and reviews, and false claim reporting.

Our platform includes: (1) a SaaS website builder for HVAC contractors; (2) editorial content (product research, guides, blog posts, vendor reviews); (3) aggregated Google Business Profile reviews; and (4) contractor and product listings derived from public data sources. Each category has distinct dispute procedures outlined below.

1.1 Intake Email Directory

Use the following email addresses for different inquiry types to ensure your request reaches the correct team:

2. Designated DMCA Agent & Intake Directory

Pursuant to 17 U.S.C. § 512(c), Full Stack HVAC has designated the following agent to receive copyright infringement notifications. This agent is registered with the U.S. Copyright Office and maintains an active registration for 17 U.S.C. § 512(c)(2) compliance.

• Name: Legal Department, Full Stack HVAC
• Email: legal@fullstackhvac.com
• Telephone: +1 (506) 555-0100 (available Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM AST)
• Mailing Address:
  Full Stack HVAC, Legal Department
  16 Lowther Lane
  Bedford, Nova Scotia B4B 0L6
  Canada

Only copyright infringement claims shall be sent to this address. Other inquiries (support, billing, product feedback) should be directed to support@fullstackhvac.com.

Note: DMCA notices and counter-notifications are governed by applicable U.S. federal copyright law (17 U.S.C. § 512), regardless of the governing law clause in our Terms of Service.

3. DMCA Takedown Notice Requirements

To be effective, a copyright infringement notification must include all of the following information, as required by 17 U.S.C. § 512(c)(3):

• Identification of copyrighted work: Describe the work you believe is being infringed (e.g., specific blog post, photograph, software code). If multiple works are involved, list each separately.
• Location of infringing content: Provide specific URLs or precise locations where you believe your work is being infringed. General references (e.g., "somewhere on fullstackhvac.com") are insufficient.
• Your contact information: Include your name, address, phone number, and email address.
• Copyright owner information: If you are not the copyright owner, include the name and contact information of the copyright owner and explain your authority to act on their behalf.
• Good faith belief statement: Include a statement confirming that you have a good faith belief that the use is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or applicable law.
• Perjury statement: Include this statement: "I declare, under penalty of perjury, that I have a good faith belief that the use of the described material in the manner complained of is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law. I declare that the information in this notification is accurate."
• Your signature: A physical or electronic signature (e.g., typed name in email) is required.

Notifications that omit required elements will be considered incomplete and may not be acted upon. You will be notified if your submission is incomplete.

4. DMCA Takedown Process

This section applies to user-uploaded or user-hosted content (e.g., photos, text, designs uploaded by contractors to build their websites). For disputes involving Full Stack HVAC-authored editorial content, see Section 6.

4.1 User-Hosted Content Takedown

When we receive a complete DMCA notice for user-hosted content that complies with Section 3, we will:

1. Review the notice: We verify that the notice meets statutory requirements and contains sufficient information to identify and locate the alleged infringing content. If noncompliant, we will notify the claimant and request supplementation.
2. Notify the affected user: We will notify the account holder that we have received a takedown notice identifying their content and provide a copy of the notice.
3. Expedited removal: Upon receipt of a complete notice, we will remove or disable access to the identified content expeditiously, typically within 1-3 business days.
4. Document preservation: We may preserve copies of removed content for legal proceedings and to aid in counter-notification review.

4.2 First-Party Editorial Content Disputes

Takedown notices targeting Full Stack HVAC-authored content (product research, editorial reviews, blog posts, comparative analyses, aggregated review summaries) are handled as intellectual property disputes subject to legal review rather than automatic removal. We do not claim DMCA safe harbor for our own editorial content.

For such notices, we will:

1. Acknowledge receipt and conduct a legal review of the infringement claim, considering fair use, authorization, originality, and other defenses
2. Respond within 5-10 business days with our determination
3. Remove, revise, geoblock, or contest the content based on the legal merits

5. Counter-Notification

If your content was removed following a DMCA notice, and you believe the removal was made in error or based on misidentification, you may submit a counter-notification. This section applies to user-hosted content. Disputes over Full Stack HVAC editorial content are handled under Section 6.

5.1 Required Elements

Counter-notices must comply with 17 U.S.C. § 512(g)(3) and include:

• Your name, address, phone number, and email address
• Identification of the content that was removed (URL or description)
• A statement that you have a good faith belief that the removal was in error or that the content does not infringe
• An explanation of the specific grounds for your belief (e.g., fair use doctrine, you own or have permission to use the content, the content was misidentified)
• Consent to federal court jurisdiction: "I consent to the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court in [the federal district where your address is located], and I will accept service from the original claimant."
• A declaration under penalty of perjury: "I declare, under penalty of perjury, that I have a good faith belief that the removal of the described content was made in error and that I am the subscriber whose content was removed."
• Your physical or electronic signature

5.2 Submission and Processing

Send counter-notifications to legal@fullstackhvac.com with the subject line "DMCA Counter-Notification."

Upon receipt of a complete counter-notification:

1. We will forward a copy to the original claimant
2. We will notify you that we have forwarded the counter-notification and explain the timeline
3. The claimant has 10–14 business days to notify us that they have filed suit or obtained a court order
4. If the claimant does not respond, we will restore the content within 1–3 business days
5. If the claimant files suit or obtains a court order, we will await judicial determination

6. Editorial Content & Copyright Disputes

Full Stack HVAC maintains an editorial platform featuring product research, comparative reviews, blog articles, vendor assessments, and aggregated data analysis. For disputed copyright claims involving our editorial content, we conduct a legal review rather than invoking DMCA safe harbor (which applies only to user-hosted content). This section explains our approach.

6.1 Our Editorial Practices

• Original analysis: We create original comparative frameworks, research, and editorial commentary. We aim to create transformative value rather than republish wholesale excerpts.
• Aggregated reviews: We summarize, analyze, score, and comment on Google Business Profile reviews. We do not republish full review text without substantial transformation. Republication of aggregated public data may be subject to copyright, contract, or terms-of-service limitations beyond copyright doctrine.
• Product descriptions: We research and write original descriptions based on public specifications, vendor information, and market analysis. We do not copy vendor marketing copy.
• Attribution: We link to and credit sources, including vendor websites, industry research, and public data.

6.2 Copyright Claims Against Editorial Content

When we receive a copyright infringement claim (DMCA notice or otherwise) alleging our editorial content infringes, we will:

1. Conduct a legal review considering fair use (purpose, nature, amount, market effect), authorization, originality, public domain status, and other defenses
2. Respond to the claimant within 5–10 business days with our determination and reasoning
3. Based on the legal analysis, we may: remove the content, revise it to reduce any infringing material, add attribution, geographically block it, or contest the claim
4. If the claimant files suit or obtains a court order, we will comply with judicial direction

No automatic removal: We do not remove editorial content based solely on a takedown notice. We conduct independent legal review, and removal decisions are based on applicable copyright law and fair use doctrine, not on the assertion of infringement alone.

7. Product Description & Editorial Dispute Procedure

Vendors and competitors sometimes disagree with our product descriptions, scoring, or editorial commentary. The following procedure governs factual disputes only; editorial opinions and scoring decisions are not subject to removal.

7.1 Types of Disputes

• Factual errors: Incorrect specifications, pricing, availability, or other verifiable facts
• Outdated information: Product features or pricing have changed; our content is no longer current
• Missing context: We mentioned a product limitation but omitted the vendor's solution or disclaimer

7.2 Non-Disputable Items

The following are NOT subject to removal or alteration under this policy:

• Editorial opinions, judgments, or scoring decisions
• Comparisons between products or vendors
• Criticism of business practices (if truthful)
• Unfavorable but accurate reviews or assessments
• Design, usability, or performance critiques
• Pricing evaluations or value judgments

We maintain strict editorial independence and will not revise content because a vendor disagrees with our conclusions or opinions.

7.3 Submitting a Factual Correction

To request correction of factual information:

1. Email legal@fullstackhvac.com with the subject line "Editorial Fact Correction Request"
2. Identify the specific product, article URL, and the factual claim you dispute
3. Provide detailed evidence supporting the correct fact (e.g., product specifications, pricing screenshot, official documentation, current product page)
4. Explain why the information is outdated or inaccurate
5. Include your contact information and authorization (if submitting on behalf of the vendor)

7.4 Our Review & Response

We will review factual correction requests within 5 business days and:

• Verify the evidence: We independently verify the submitted evidence against our sources and current public information
• Correct verified errors: If evidence clearly demonstrates a factual error, we will correct the article and note the correction
• Decline unsupported claims: If evidence is insufficient or contradicts reliable sources, we will decline the request and explain why
• Notify you: We will email you our decision within 2 business days of completing our review

7.5 Editorial Meeting Request

Vendors may request a one-time virtual meeting with our editorial team to present their case regarding product description, scoring, or assessment. To request a meeting:

1. Email legal@fullstackhvac.com with the subject line "Editorial Meeting Request"
2. Explain the scope of your concern (specific product, article, or assessment)
3. Propose 3-4 times/time zones for a 30-minute call

We will schedule a call within 7 business days if appropriate. The meeting will be informational only; your presentation does not obligate us to change our editorial content. Final editorial decisions rest with Full Stack HVAC.

8. Review Disputes & Removal Requests

Our platform aggregates reviews from Google Business Profiles, user submissions, and third-party sources. Vendors sometimes request removal of reviews they consider false or harmful. This section explains when we will or will not remove reviews.

8.1 What We Will NOT Remove

Reviews will NOT be removed solely because they are negative, critical, unfavorable, or damage a company's reputation. In many jurisdictions, honest reviews, even harsh ones, are legally protected. These protections may include state anti-SLAPP laws and the FTC Consumer Reviews Rule (effective October 21, 2024).

We will not remove reviews based on:

• Negative star ratings or low scores
• Unfavorable comparisons to competitors
• Criticism of business practices, pricing, or quality
• Complaints about poor customer service
• Unmet customer expectations (unless based on demonstrably false claims)

8.2 What We WILL Remove or Flag

We will remove, flag, or restrict reviews containing:

• Provably false factual claims: E.g., "this company is unlicensed" (when it holds a valid license), "they charged me $10,000" (when verifiable billing records show otherwise), or false safety or regulatory claims
• Impersonation: A review posted by someone claiming falsely to be a customer, employee, or authority figure
• Harassment, threats, or personal attacks: E.g., slurs, personal insults unrelated to service quality, threats of violence
• Spam or competitor sabotage: Promotional content for competing businesses, spam posted by bots, or evidence of coordinated fake reviews
• Violation of law or policy: Content that violates our Acceptable Use Policy or applicable law

8.2 Submitting a Review Dispute

If you believe a review contains false factual claims or violates our policy:

1. Email legal@fullstackhvac.com with the subject line "Review Dispute – [Company Name]"
2. Provide the review URL or a screenshot of the review
3. Identify the specific factual claim you dispute
4. Provide evidence that the claim is false (e.g., license verification, service records, official documentation)

8.3 Our Review Process

We will review removal requests within 10 business days:

• Verify evidence: We independently verify your evidence against public records, licenses, and other authoritative sources
• Remove or flag: If the claim is demonstrably false, we remove the review or add a notice indicating the claim is disputed
• Preserve criticism: We will not remove a review simply because it is negative or critical
• Notify you: We will email you our decision with a brief explanation

8.4 Public Response Option

Rather than removal, vendors may post a public response to a review. Responses are limited to 250 words and must remain factual and professional. Responses are displayed prominently near the review.

9. Repeat Infringer Termination

Pursuant to 17 U.S.C. § 512(i), Full Stack HVAC maintains and will reasonably implement a policy for terminating the accounts of users who are repeat infringers of copyright.

9.1 Termination Standard

We may suspend or terminate accounts when, in our reasonable judgment, a user has engaged in repeated copyright infringement or when circumstances warrant immediate termination. In evaluating repeat infringement, we consider:

• Valid DMCA notices: Only notices that substantially comply with 17 U.S.C. § 512(c)(3) and are not withdrawn, noncompliant, or demonstrably frivolous count toward a pattern of infringement
• Counter-notifications and disputed notices: If the user submits a valid counter-notification or if we determine a notice is defective, disputed, or unlawful, it does not count toward repeat-infringement status
• Nature and severity: Flagrant, willful, or commercial-scale infringement may warrant immediate termination without awaiting multiple notices
• Judicial findings: A court judgment of infringement or a finding of willful infringement may support termination
• User response: Whether the user attempts to cure infringement or ignores warnings

9.2 Termination Procedure

When we decide to terminate an account for repeat infringement:

1. We will send written notice of termination explaining the basis (specific notices, conduct, or judicial findings)
2. For ordinary repeat infringement, we will provide a brief opportunity (5–10 business days) for the user to respond or cure if appropriate
3. In cases of egregious, willful, or commercial-scale infringement, we may terminate immediately without notice or opportunity to cure

Standard technical measures: Full Stack HVAC respects and does not circumvent standard technical measures implemented by copyright owners to control access to their works.

10. False DMCA Claims & Liability

Pursuant to 17 U.S.C. § 512(f), any person who knowingly makes a material misrepresentation in a DMCA notice or counter-notification (claiming infringement or claiming removal in error when neither is true) is liable for damages, including cost and attorney's fees, to any injured party (copyright owner, alleged infringer, or service provider) who is harmed by reliance on the misrepresentation.

10.1 Our Response to Potentially False Claims

If we determine that a DMCA notice or counter-notification was submitted with knowing material misrepresentations, contains demonstrably false assertions, or is part of a pattern of abusive claims, we may:

• Flag the claimant's account and require heightened verification for future notices
• Preserve evidence and records for potential civil claims under 17 U.S.C. § 512(f)
• Report patterns of abuse to relevant authorities
• Defend against counterclaims or cross-claims in litigation

10.2 Your Legal Rights

If you have been harmed by a false or abusive DMCA notice, you have the right to sue the claimant for damages under 17 U.S.C. § 512(f). We can provide preserved records and documentation to support your claim. We do not, however, prosecute Section 512(f) claims on your behalf; you must retain counsel and pursue your own legal action.

11. Trademark Claims

Trademark infringement is distinct from copyright infringement. We will address trademark disputes separately from DMCA procedures.

11.1 Types of Trademark Disputes

• Unauthorized use of logos: Your company logo or trademark is used on our site without permission
• Confusing brand references: We reference your brand in a way that creates confusion about sponsorship or affiliation
• Comparative use: We compare products and reference your trademark in a way you believe is unfair

11.2 Trademark Complaint Procedure

To report a trademark concern:

1. Email legal@fullstackhvac.com with the subject line "Trademark Concern – [Brand Name]"
2. Identify your registered trademarks (provide registration numbers if available)
3. Specify the exact URLs and content where your mark is used
4. Explain how the use creates infringement or confusion
5. Provide evidence of your trademark registration or common law use

11.3 Our Response

We will review trademark complaints within 10 business days. For comparative product reviews and fair uses of trademarks (as permitted by trademark law), we may decline to modify content. However, if we determine that use is clearly infringing and not a fair comparative or descriptive use, we will work with you to resolve the issue.

11. Subpoenas & Legal Process

Pursuant to 17 U.S.C. § 512(h), copyright owners may obtain a court order requiring us to disclose the identity of alleged infringers. We will comply with valid subpoenas, court orders, and legal process as required by law.

If you are a copyright owner seeking subscriber identity information for an alleged infringer using our service, consult with an attorney about obtaining a subpoena or court order. Such requests must be directed to legal@fullstackhvac.com.

We will provide notice to affected users of subpoena service (except where prohibited by law), and we will preserve all relevant records for legal proceedings.

12. Other Dispute Categories

12.1 Copyright Office Registration

Our DMCA agent is registered with the U.S. Copyright Office per 17 U.S.C. § 512(c)(2). This registration is renewed periodically to maintain safe harbor compliance.

12.2 Right of Publicity / Personality Rights

If we have published a photo, name, or likeness of a real person without permission, the affected individual may request removal. Submit your request to legal@fullstackhvac.com with:

• Your name and contact information
• The specific URL and description of the content
• Proof of your identity (ID or professional credential)
• An explanation of how the content violates your rights

We will review and respond within 5 business days. If you are a public figure, comparative standards may apply.

12.3 Privacy / Personal Data Disputes

If you have concerns about personal data we are displaying (e.g., private contact information, personal details), submit a privacy complaint to support@fullstackhvac.com referencing our Privacy Policy. Personal data concerns are handled separately from DMCA and editorial disputes.

13. False & Fraudulent Business Claims

If you have evidence that a contractor, business, or vendor on our platform is engaged in fraud, false licensing, or material misrepresentation, report it to legal@fullstackhvac.com with:

• The business URL or company name
• Specific claims you believe are false (licenses, certifications, services, pricing)
• Evidence of the fraud (regulatory findings, license verification, court documents)
• Your contact information

We will investigate such claims and may remove the business listing, content, or account if evidence of fraud is compelling. This is separate from DMCA disputes and relies on our independent verification.

14. Response Times & Communication

Target timelines: These are target response times, not guarantees. Complex disputes may take longer. "Business day" means Monday–Friday, excluding Canadian statutory holidays. Communication will be via email to the address you provide.

15. No Guarantee of Action

While we take all disputes seriously, we do not guarantee that we will always side with the complaining party. Our decisions are made based on:

• Applicable law (copyright, trademark, fair use, defamation law in our jurisdiction of New Brunswick, Canada)
• Evidence quality and verification (we independently verify claims when possible)
• Competing interests (we balance free expression, editorial independence, user rights, and complainant interests)
• Context and intent (we consider whether use is fair, transformative, or authorized)

We may decline disputes that lack sufficient evidence, appear frivolous, or are inconsistent with applicable law or editorial standards.

16. No Waiver of Legal Rights

This policy describes our voluntary procedures for handling disputes. Following this procedure does not waive any legal defenses or rights we may have under law, including fair use, truth, public domain status, or lack of infringement.

You retain all legal rights to pursue claims in court, including for defamation, false advertising, trademark infringement, or copyright infringement, regardless of whether you have used this dispute procedure first.

17. Policy Updates

We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

18. Contact

For any questions about this policy or to submit a dispute notice:

• Legal/Copyright/Trademark: legal@fullstackhvac.com
• Support/General Questions: support@fullstackhvac.com

Appendix: Summary of Dispute Types

Quick reference for which email address to use and what timeline to expect:

• DMCA copyright claim: legal@fullstackhvac.com → 1–3 days (removal or dispute)
• DMCA counter-notification: legal@fullstackhvac.com → 10–14 days (restoration)
• Product description factual error: legal@fullstackhvac.com → 5 business days
• Review removal / false claim: legal@fullstackhvac.com → 10 business days
• Trademark concern: legal@fullstackhvac.com → 10 business days
• Privacy / personal data: support@fullstackhvac.com → 5 business days
• Fraud / false licensing: legal@fullstackhvac.com → 10 business days
• General support: support@fullstackhvac.com → varies

Disclaimer: This is the operative Content Dispute & DMCA Policy for Full Stack HVAC. For legal advice specific to your situation, consult with a qualified attorney. Full Stack HVAC operates under Nova Scotia, Canada law for commercial disputes, but DMCA notices and counter-notifications are governed by U.S. federal copyright law (17 U.S.C. § 512). This policy has been designed to comply with U.S. DMCA safe harbor requirements for user-hosted content and should be reviewed by counsel familiar with both Canadian and U.S. law.