Terms of Service

1.1 Scope of These Terms

• These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern the use of the Warrant Art Lab ("WaL") platform, including the creation, management, sale, licensing and display of Digital Art Warrants ("DAWs"), as well as the associated royalty and provenance services.
• By creating an account, minting or holding a DAW, entering into a Warrant Art Certificate ("WAC"), or using any WaL service, the user agrees to be bound by these Terms.
• Data Protection. Use of the WaL Platform involves the processing of personal data. Such processing is governed by Section 17 (Data & Privacy) of these Terms, as well as WaL’s Privacy Policy where applicable. Users acknowledge that WaL processes personal data as a data controller or processor under the GDPR depending on the context of processing.

1.2 Relationship to WACs and Institutional Agreements

In addition to these Terms, certain users may enter into:

• a Warrant Art Certificate (WAC), governing DAW issuance and rights for specific artworks; and/or
• an Institutional Agreement, governing collaboration with museums, archives, foundations or similar custodial entities.
• These instruments set artwork-specific and institution-specific terms (including royalty splits, scope of rights, and exclusivity).

1.3 Hierarchy of Documents

If there is any conflict or inconsistency between:

• 1. these Terms;
• 2. a Warrant Art Certificate (WAC); and
• 3. an Institutional Agreement,
• then, for the specific artwork(s) covered by that WAC or Institutional Agreement: the WAC or Institutional Agreement will prevail over these Terms, except where mandatory law or these Terms explicitly state otherwise. In the case of public-domain artworks, only WaL (in institutional collaboration) may mint a DAW-O, regardless of any conflicting user agreements or attempted uploads.
• For all other matters, and for users who are not party to a WAC or Institutional Agreement, these Terms apply as the primary governing document.

1.4 Language and Interpretation

• Headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation. References to "DAW" include its categories (DAW-O, DAW-E, DAW-R(Print), DAW-R(Screen) and DAW-S mode) unless expressly stated otherwise.

2.1 Definitions

• Warrant Art Certificate (WAC): A legal agreement between a copyright holder or custodial institution ("Creator" or "Institution") and Warrant Art Lab ("WaL"). The WAC grants WaL the right to create and manage one or more Digital Art Warrants (DAWs) for a specific artwork and to administer all related provenance, licensing rights, and royalty flows.
• Digital Art Warrant (DAW): A cryptographically anchored, ledger-registered digital rights instrument issued by WaL under a WAC.
• DAW-O (Original): A unique and singular DAW designating the digitally warranted "original" representation of an artwork. Only one DAW-O may exist per artwork within the WaL system.
• DAW-E (Edition): A limited series of numbered collectible editions derived from a Parent DAW-O. DAW-E grants collectible ownership only.
• DAW-R (Rights License): A DAW granting defined, contractually specified usage rights. Subtypes: DAW-R(Print) for physical reproduction rights, DAW-R(Screen) for digital display rights.
• DAW-S ("Screen Mode"): A technical enforcement mode applied to DAW-R(Screen) licenses when display rights are monitored through WaL telemetry.
• Full definitions including DAW-E subtypes (DAW-L, DAW-V), Parent DAW Relationship, Creator, Institution, Public-Domain Minting Restriction, Brand & Provenance Royalty, DAW Holder, Replica, Exit Minting, and WaL Platform are provided in the complete Terms document.

2.2 Grant of Rights

By entering into a WAC, the Creator or Institution:

• Authorizes DAW issuance: Grants WaL the right to create one DAW-O for the selected artwork and optionally DAW-E and DAW-R licenses.
• Defines the WaL Digital Original: A DAW-O is recognised within the WaL system as the sole WaL-warranted digital original representation of that artwork.
• Grants platform usage rights: Authorizes WaL to host, display, and promote the artwork via galleries, exhibitions, and partner channels.
• Perpetual Rights After First Transfer: Once a DAW has been validly transferred to a third-party DAW Holder, the bundle of rights becomes perpetual, irrevocable and non-withdrawable for the lifetime of the DAW.

2.3 Royalties and Revenue Share (Framework)

• Detailed royalty structures are defined in Section 13 and may be customized in specific WACs or Institutional Agreements.
• Royalties are calculated on the net amount and distributed automatically via WaL’s integrated payment infrastructure.

3.1–3.5 Summary

DAW Holders have rights and responsibilities based on DAW type:

• DAW-O / DAW-E holders: ownership, display, resale rights within the WaL provenance framework.
• DAW-R(Print) holders: one-time or limited print runs through WaL-approved partners.
• DAW-R(Screen) / DAW-S holders: time-bound, device-bound display rights.
• Holders must use DAWs within scope, keep payment details accurate, and not exploit artwork beyond their license.
• All payments must route via WaL’s payment infrastructure.
• Exit Minting permanently disables WaL services for the affected DAW.

4.1–4.5 Summary

Institutions that hold physical artworks with verifiable provenance may:

• Verify physical custody and historical provenance of selected artworks.
• Allow WaL to issue Institutional DAW-O certificates as digital provenance anchors.
• Participate in the DAW Artowners Club for joint exhibitions and campaigns.
• Revenue sharing follows Section 13 defaults unless customized.
• Institutions act as custodial validators, increasing trust for associated DAWs.

5.1–5.7 Summary

Replica Products are produced under valid DAW-R(Print) licenses:

• Include premium prints, home decor, wearables, and branded merchandise.
• Must be produced through WaL-approved partners with embedded identifiers (NFC/QR/serial).
• Revenue sharing defined in Section 13, customizable per WAC.
• Distribution partners must honour WaL provenance and labelling requirements.
• Limited edition runs must be registered in the WaL ledger.
• Physical products are owned by the purchaser; IP rights remain with Creator.
• Unauthorized reproduction is strictly prohibited.

6.1–6.6 Summary

WaL operates as a non-financial intermediary:

• WaL does not act as a bank, custodian, or payment processor.
• All transactions executed through licensed PSPs (e.g. Stripe).
• Royalty splits applied automatically at transaction settlement.
• External marketplace sales must use WaL-compatible payment flows.
• Exit Minting stops all WaL payment and royalty engine operations.
• WaL does not hold client funds; it instructs PSPs how to split payments.

7.1–7.6 Summary

Tradability by DAW category:

• DAW-O and DAW-E: tradable as collectibles with resale potential.
• DAW-R(Print) and DAW-R(Screen): usage rights, not freely transferable.
• Listings must attribute Creator/Institution and display WaL provenance.
• Upon transfer: payment processed, royalties distributed, ledger updated.
• DAW-O in Pending status cannot be transferred or listed.
• DAWs may be terminated if fraudulent, infringing, or court-ordered.

8.1–8.5 Summary

• DAW-O/E holders may display in WaL digital galleries, exhibitions, and partner venues.
• Promotion must preserve visible provenance indicators (WaL badge, DAW-ID).
• Replica rights require explicit DAW-R(Print) license, not inherent to DAW-O/E.
• Screen rights are non-transferable, renewable, venue-specific.
• Upon termination or Exit Minting: gallery deactivated, replica/screen rights suspended.

9.1–9.5 Summary

• Public-domain DAW-O issuance restricted to WaL + participating Institutions.
• No new copyright created through digitisation or DAW issuance of public-domain works.
• Value derives from provenance, custodial authority, and metadata quality.
• Institutions may co-sign releases, validate provenance, and configure special sales.
• Institutional share characterised as Brand & Provenance Royalty.

10.1–10.9 Summary

Exit Minting permanently removes a DAW-O or DAW-E from the WaL ecosystem:

• Disables all WaL services, stops royalties, locks DAW as "Exit Minted — Inactive".
• Irreversible. DAW-R licenses cannot be exit minted.
• May only be initiated by current DAW Holder with identity verification.
• WaL issues an Exit Provenance Certificate with full ledger snapshot.
• Underlying contractual rights between parties survive Exit Minting.
• WaL disclaims all post-exit liability.
• Platform shutdown triggers wind-down period for automated Exit Minting.

11.1 General Use

Users must comply with:

• copyright law
• consumer protection law
• terms of WAC and DAW categories
• honest representation of rights and ownership

11.3 Prohibited Conduct

Users may not:

• mint DAWs from unauthorized or infringing works
• misrepresent physical ownership
• strip or alter provenance markers (C2PA, NFC, metadata)
• bypass royalty systems or screen protections
• produce Replicas without valid DAW-R(Print)

12.1–12.7 Summary

• Copyright remains with Creator/Institution or is public domain. DAW issuance does not transfer copyright.
• WaL receives a license to mint, maintain provenance, display, and market DAWs.
• WaL Digital Original status is a contractual provenance designation.
• WaL owns the ledger, tagging systems, payment engine logic, and gallery tools.
• Users must verify rights before minting. WaL may request documentation.
• Co-owners must all consent before minting; royalties auto-distributed per registered percentages.

13.1 Royalty-Generating Activities

• Initial DAW sales, Replica sales, Screen licensing, Secondary sales, Commercial licensing, Exhibition fees, Affiliate transactions.

13.2 Default Royalty Splits

Default percentage splits (customizable per WAC):

• DAW-O Initial Sale: Creator/Institution 60%, WaL 20%, Sale Partner 20%
• DAW-O Resale: Creator 5%, WaL 5%, Holder receives remainder
• DAW-E Initial Sale: Creator/Institution 50%, WaL 25%, Sale Partner 25%
• DAW-R(Print): Creator 10–20%, DAW Holder up to 10%, WaL 10%, Print Partner remainder
• Screen (Home): Creator 40%, WaL 40%, Reseller 20%
• Screen (Commercial): Creator 50%, WaL 30%, Venue 20%
• For public-domain works, Institution’s share is Brand & Provenance Royalty.

13.3–13.8 Engine & Settlement

• Royalties calculated automatically at transaction via WaL Royalty Engine.
• WaL instructs PSPs on split amounts; does not handle funds directly.
• External marketplace transactions must use WaL-integrated payment flows.
• VAT charged based on buyer region. FX handled by PSP.
• Future models (subscriptions, pools, staking) apply only with 30 days’ notice.

14.1–14.11 Summary

• Platform provided "as is" and "as available" with no warranties.
• No guarantee of DAW value, liquidity, or sales.
• Creators/Institutions solely responsible for copyright status and metadata accuracy.
• WaL not liable for PSP outages, print partner errors, or device failures.
• Liability capped at lower of EUR 100 or 12 months’ platform fees.
• No liability for indirect/consequential damages.
• Users indemnify WaL against IP disputes, unauthorized minting, and ToS breaches.
• WaL is not an agent, fiduciary, advisor, broker, or custodian.
• All disclaimers survive account deletion, Exit Minting, and WAC termination.

15.1–15.7 Summary

• Governing law: Finland.
• Step 1: Good-faith negotiation.
• Step 2: Confidential mediation (Finnish Bar Association rules).
• Step 3: Binding arbitration (FAI, Helsinki, English language).
• IP enforcement carve-out: WaL may seek injunctive relief in any jurisdiction.
• Class action waiver: all disputes pursued individually.
• Survives DAW termination, Exit Minting, and account deletion.

16.1–16.8 Summary

WaL’s multi-layer provenance system supports dispute resolution:

• Each DAW backed by SHA-256 hashes, C2PA manifests, timestamps, and immutable ledger.
• Automated Dispute Packets include: provenance extract, audit trail, file hashes, WAC snapshot, royalty timeline, screen/replica logs.
• Packets sealed with master SHA-256 hash and chain-of-custody metadata.
• Available to Creators, DAW Holders, Institutions, arbitrators, and courts.
• Prepared within 3–5 business days (24 hours for court-ordered).
• Data minimisation applied per GDPR.
• WaL may suspend sales/licensing for DAWs under dispute.

17.1–17.11 Summary

WaL processes personal data under GDPR:

• Data Controller: Warrant Art Lab, Hanko, Finland. Contact: privacy@warrantartlab.com
• Data collected: account, transaction, provenance, telemetry, support, partner, and technical data.
• Legal bases: contract performance, legitimate interests, legal obligations, consent.
• Retention: account data for account lifetime + legal period; provenance for DAW lifetime; telemetry until royalty calculation complete.
• International transfers protected by SCCs or adequacy decisions.
• Rights: access, rectification, erasure, restriction, portability, objection, consent withdrawal.
• Supervisory authority: Finnish Data Protection Ombudsman.
• Security: TLS, access controls, encrypted storage, breach notification.
• Children under 16 not permitted.
• See separate Privacy Policy for full details.