Terms of Service

These Terms of Service (the “Terms”) set forth the legally binding agreement between you and Arson Theory, a US-based music services provider (“we,” “us,” or “Arson Theory”), regarding your use of our website at arsontheory.com (the “Site”), our online platform, dashboard, and related offerings — including digital music and video distribution to over 200 global platforms, publishing administration for royalty collection (performance, mechanical, sync, and print), and rights management for content monitoring, licensing, and dispute resolution (collectively, the “Services”).

By accessing the Site, creating an account, uploading content, or using the Services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms, our Privacy Policy, and any applicable supplemental terms.

If you are using the Services on behalf of a business or other entity, you represent that you have the authority to bind that entity to these Terms. If you do not agree, you must not use the Services.

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1. Accessing the Platform and Security

To fully utilize the Services, such as uploading tracks for distribution, registering your catalog for publishing, or accessing real-time earnings analytics in the dashboard, you must create an account via our Sign Up form (which collects basic details like name, email, and role as artist, writer, or producer, and redirects to clientservices@arsontheory.com for verification).

You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to update it promptly. You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities occurring under your account.

We reserve the right to require multi-factor authentication for enhanced security on sensitive features like royalty payouts or sync licensing submissions. Notify us immediately at clientservices@arsontheory.com if you suspect unauthorized access.

We implement reasonable security measures, including encryption for data in transit and at rest, but you use the Services at your own risk and should employ strong passwords and secure devices.

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2. Description of Services

The Services empower independent creators with:

Distribution: Tools to upload and deliver audio/video content to platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, and over 200 others, including playlist pitching and performance tracking.

Publishing: Global registration with PROs (e.g., ASCAP, BMI, PRS) and agencies (e.g., The MLC, Harry Fox) for collecting royalties, with sync opportunity submissions.

Rights Management: Automated monitoring via integrations like YouTube Content ID and Meta Rights Manager, plus assistance with licensing deals in film, TV, games, and ads, and infringement resolutions.

You retain full ownership of your content but grant us the necessary licenses to perform these functions. We strive for reliability but do not guarantee specific results, such as stream volumes, royalty yields, or placement success, as these depend on external factors.

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3. User-Generated Content

You may upload or submit tracks, metadata (e.g., ISRC codes, collaborator splits), artwork, and related materials (“User Content”) to enable the Services.

You represent and warrant that your User Content is original, does not infringe any third-party rights (including copyrights, trademarks, or privacy), and complies with all applicable laws.

By submitting User Content, you grant Arson Theory a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, sublicensable license to host, reproduce, distribute, display, and modify it as needed to provide the Services (e.g., formatting for platform delivery or metadata optimization).

We may review User Content for compliance but are not obligated to monitor it. You can request removal of your User Content at any time, subject to ongoing royalty obligations.

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4. Fees

Access to basic Services is free, but certain features—like advanced analytics, priority playlist pitching, or expedited sync submissions—may require payment of fees as displayed in your dashboard or during sign-up.

All fees are non-refundable except as required by law. Royalties earned through distribution or publishing are paid out quarterly (minimum $50 threshold) after deducting our transparent administrative fees (e.g., 10–15% on collected royalties).

Payments are processed in USD via your chosen method (e.g., PayPal, ACH); international users may face currency conversion or withholding taxes. Overdue amounts accrue interest at 1.5% per month.

We may update fees with 30 days’ notice via email or the Site.

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5. Intellectual Property Rights

Arson Theory retains all rights, title, and interest in the Site, platform, dashboard, proprietary algorithms (e.g., for royalty tracking), trademarks (e.g., “Arson Theory”), and any developed tools.

Nothing in these Terms grants you ownership or rights to our IP. Your use of the Services does not transfer any IP from us to you.

Respect our copyrights and do not reproduce, modify, or distribute our materials without written permission. If you believe your IP has been infringed, report it under our DMCA Policy.

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6. What You Can Do and What You Can’t Do

What You Can Do:

Use the Services for legitimate purposes, such as distributing your original music, registering works for royalties, monitoring content usage, and collaborating on splits with verified co-creators. Share your dashboard insights internally or with advisors, and download earned royalty statements.

What You Can’t Do:

(i) Upload infringing, illegal, or harmful content (e.g., malware, hate speech);

(ii) Attempt to hack, disrupt, or overload the platform;

(iii) Use bots or scripts for artificial streams/views;

(iv) Share your account credentials;

(v) Reverse-engineer our software or scrape data;

(vi) Impersonate others or misrepresent your role;

(vii) Use the Services for commercial resale without permission; or

(viii) Violate export controls or sanctions.

Prohibited actions may result in immediate suspension.

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7. Duration and Termination

These Terms begin when you accept them and continue until terminated.

You may terminate by closing your account in the dashboard, but you remain liable for any outstanding fees or royalties owed.

We may suspend or terminate your access immediately and without notice for violations (e.g., fraud, repeated infringements) or at our discretion (e.g., non-payment).

Upon termination, your right to use the Services ends, User Content may be deleted (except as needed for legal holds), and we will process any final royalty payouts within 60 days.

Sections on IP, Fees, Liability, and Governing Law survive termination.

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8. Warranties and Disclaimers

The Services are provided “as is” and “as available,” without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.

We do not warrant that the Services will be error-free, secure, or meet your specific needs (e.g., guaranteed sync placements).

Third-party platforms (e.g., Spotify, ASCAP) are beyond our control, and we disclaim liability for their actions. Your use is at your own risk.

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9. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Arson Theory, its affiliates, and personnel shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages arising from the Services, including lost profits, data loss, or missed opportunities, even if advised of the possibility.

Our total liability shall not exceed the fees you paid us in the 12 months preceding the claim. This limitation applies to all claims, whether in contract, tort, or otherwise.

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10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Arson Theory from any claims, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from your User Content, violations of these Terms, or misuse of the Services.

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11. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, USA, without regard to conflict of laws principles.

Any disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Los Angeles County, California, and you consent to their jurisdiction.

For EU users, we comply with applicable data protection laws (e.g., GDPR), but California law controls the Terms.

We encourage informal resolution first — contact clientservices@arsontheory.com before escalating.

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12. Miscellaneous

These Terms constitute the entire agreement and supersede prior understandings.

If any provision is held invalid, the remainder remains effective. We may assign these Terms; you may not without our consent.

No waiver of any breach is a waiver of future breaches. Notices to you are via email or Site posting.

For questions about these Terms, reach out to clientservices@arsontheory.com.

We’re dedicated to supporting your creative independence — let’s build your legacy together.