Last Updated: 01/01/2025
Effective Date: 01/01/2024
At Merchifies.com, we are committed to fostering a creative, inclusive, and safe marketplace for all users. This Prohibited Content Policy outlines the types of content, designs, and materials that are not permitted on our platform to protect our community, ensure legal compliance, and maintain the quality standards that reflect our values.
By using Merchifies and uploading content to our platform, you agree to comply with this Prohibited Content Policy, our Terms of Service, Intellectual Property Policy, and all applicable laws.
Quick Summary (TL;DR)
🚫 Zero Tolerance: Child exploitation, terrorism, hate speech, and severe violence result in immediate termination
⚖️ Legal Compliance: No copyright infringement, trademark violations, or illegal content
🛡️ Community Safety: Content must be respectful and appropriate for diverse audiences
🔍 AI Detection: Automated systems plus human review for comprehensive monitoring
⚡ Swift Action: Content removal within 24 hours, progressive enforcement system
📋 Clear Guidelines: Specific examples and explanations for each category
🎯 Fair Appeals: Independent review process for disputed removals
🌍 Global Standards: Compliance with US, EU, UK, and international regulations
Our Community Standards
Core Principles
Respect and Inclusivity: We believe creativity thrives in an environment where all people feel welcome, respected, and safe. Content should celebrate diversity and avoid targeting individuals or groups based on protected characteristics.
Legal Compliance: All content must comply with applicable laws in the jurisdictions where we operate, including the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other international markets.
Quality and Appropriateness: We maintain standards that ensure our marketplace remains professional and suitable for users of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs while supporting creative expression.
Creator Responsibility: Users are solely responsible for ensuring their content complies with all policies, laws, and third-party rights before uploading to our platform.
Policy Scope
This policy applies to ALL content on Merchifies, including:
Product designs, artwork, and images
Text, slogans, and written content
Product titles and descriptions
Store names and branding
User profiles and communications
Comments, reviews, and forum posts
External links and QR codes
Zero Tolerance Violations
The following content violations result in immediate account termination, content removal, forfeiture of earnings, and reporting to law enforcement where applicable:
Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)
Any content depicting, suggesting, or sexualizing minors
Synthetic or AI-generated content involving minors in sexual contexts
Content that facilitates child exploitation or grooming
All suspected CSAM is reported to NCMEC and appropriate authorities
Terrorism and Violent Extremism
Content promoting, recruiting for, or glorifying terrorist organizations
Instructions for creating weapons, explosives, or conducting attacks
Incitement to violence against specific individuals or groups
Support for violent extremist ideologies or hate groups
Severe Criminal Activity
Human trafficking or exploitation content
Large-scale intellectual property counterfeiting operations
Content facilitating serious felonies or organized crime
Coordinated harassment campaigns or doxxing operations
Prohibited Content Categories
1. Hate Speech and Discrimination
Strictly Prohibited:
Content attacking individuals or groups based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, or veteran status
Symbols, imagery, or text associated with hate groups (Nazi symbols, KKK imagery, white supremacist content)
Holocaust denial, genocide denial, or historical revisionism promoting hatred
Racial slurs, derogatory terms, or offensive stereotypes
Content promoting segregation, conversion therapy, or discrimination
Examples of Violations:
Confederate flags used in hateful contexts
Text promoting racial superiority or religious intolerance
Anti-LGBTQ+ messaging or discriminatory slogans
Symbols associated with terrorist organizations or hate groups
2. Violence and Threats
Prohibited Content:
Direct threats of violence against individuals or groups
Content inciting, promoting, or glorifying real-world violence
Instructions for self-harm, suicide, or dangerous activities
Graphic depictions of violence, torture, or death
Glorification of mass shootings, terrorism, or violent crimes
Animal cruelty or abuse imagery
Examples of Violations:
"Kill [specific group]" or similar threatening language
Detailed instructions for creating weapons or explosives
Graphic violence imagery intended to shock or intimidate
Content celebrating or encouraging self-harm or suicide
3. Sexual Content and Exploitation
Prohibited Material:
Pornographic or sexually explicit imagery
Non-consensual intimate content ("revenge porn")
Content sexualizing or exploiting minors in any way
Graphic sexual text or descriptions
Content promoting sex trafficking or prostitution
Fetish content or sexual paraphernalia
Important Note: Merchifies is a general audience platform. Limited artistic nudity may be considered case-by-case, but is generally discouraged due to potential policy violations.
4. Harassment and Bullying
Prohibited Behavior:
Targeted harassment of specific individuals
Cyberbullying or content designed to shame or ridicule
Doxxing (sharing personal information without consent)
Sexual harassment or unwanted sexual advances
Stalking behavior or persistent unwanted contact
Coordinated harassment campaigns
Examples of Violations:
Designs targeting specific individuals with personal attacks
Sharing someone's private contact information
Creating content to embarrass or humiliate others
Impersonating individuals to cause harm
5. Illegal Activities and Substances
Prohibited Promotions:
Illegal drug manufacturing, distribution, or use instructions
Cannabis-related content in jurisdictions where prohibited
Illegal gambling or unregulated financial schemes
Fraud, identity theft, or hacking instructions
Counterfeit goods or intellectual property theft
Illegal weapons or explosives
Examples of Violations:
"How to grow marijuana" in non-legal jurisdictions
Instructions for credit card fraud or identity theft
Promotion of illegal streaming or piracy services
Fake designer logos or counterfeit brand imagery
6. Misinformation and Fraud
Dangerous False Information:
Harmful health misinformation that could endanger lives
False medical claims or dangerous treatment advice
Civic misinformation designed to suppress voting or spread election falsehoods
Conspiracy theories that incite violence or pose public safety risks
Impersonation of government officials or authoritative entities
False emergency information that could cause panic
Examples of Violations:
Claims that vaccines cause autism or other debunked theories
False information about voting procedures or election results
Dangerous medical advice presented as professional guidance
Fake emergency alerts or disaster information
7. Regulated Goods and Safety
Restricted Promotions:
Illegal firearms, ammunition, or weapon modifications
Explosives or dangerous chemical substances
Tobacco or vaping products targeted at minors
Prescription drugs or controlled substances
Hazardous materials or unsafe products
Items violating product safety regulations
Examples of Violations:
Instructions for 3D-printing weapons
Promotion of illegal drug paraphernalia
Marketing tobacco products to underage users
Dangerous chemical formulations or instructions
8. Privacy Violations and Impersonation
Prohibited Activities:
Unauthorized use of personal information (names, addresses, photos)
Impersonating individuals, companies, or government entities
Creating fake profiles or misleading identities
Deepfakes or AI-generated likenesses without consent
Sharing private communications without permission
Using someone's likeness for commercial purposes without authorization
Intellectual Property Requirements
Copyright Compliance
You Must Own or License:
All artwork, images, and photographs
Text, quotes, and written content
Music, audio, or video elements
Fonts and design elements
Prohibited Uses:
Copyrighted characters (Disney, Marvel, anime characters)
Movie posters, album covers, or promotional materials
Photography from the internet without proper licensing
Song lyrics or book excerpts without permission
Trademark Protection
Unauthorized Use Prohibited:
Company logos and brand identifiers
Product names and commercial slogans
Sports team names, logos, and mascots
University and educational institution branding
Government seals and official insignia
Examples of Violations:
Nike swoosh, Apple logo, or other brand symbols
"Just Do It," "I'm Lovin' It," or trademarked slogans
NFL, NBA, MLB team logos without licensing
University logos or official school branding
Rights of Publicity
Celebrity and Individual Protection:
Names, images, or likenesses of celebrities or public figures
Distinctive characteristics or personas of individuals
Voice recordings or distinctive speech patterns
Unauthorized commercial use of someone's identity
For detailed IP guidelines, see our Intellectual Property Policy.
Enforcement Framework
Detection and Monitoring
Automated Systems:
AI-powered content analysis for prohibited material
Hash-based detection of known infringing content
Pattern recognition for suspicious or harmful content
Keyword filtering for prohibited text and phrases
Human Review:
Expert review by trained content moderators
Community reporting and investigation procedures
Regular audits of high-volume creators and trending content
Specialized review for complex cases
Progressive Enforcement System
First Violation: Warning and Education
Immediate content removal
Educational email explaining policy violation
Resources for creating compliant content
Account notation for tracking purposes
14-day appeal window
Second Violation: Temporary Restriction
Account suspension for 7-30 days
Enhanced monitoring of future uploads
Mandatory policy education before reactivation
Final warning before potential permanent action
Review of all existing content
Third Violation: Permanent Termination
Account permanently banned from platform
All content and products removed immediately
Forfeiture of outstanding earnings and payments
Prohibition on creating new accounts
Potential referral to law enforcement
Immediate Termination Circumstances
Zero Tolerance Violations:
Child exploitation or endangerment content
Terrorist content or incitement to violence
Large-scale intellectual property infringement
Criminal activity promotion or facilitation
Coordinated harassment or severe hate speech
Reporting and Appeals
Reporting Violations
How to Report Prohibited Content:
Online Reporting:
Product Pages: "Report Content" button on all listings
Report Form: merchifies.com/report-content
Email: [email protected]
Subject: "Content Violation Report - [Category]"
Required Information:
Specific URL or product link of violating content
Category of violation (hate speech, IP infringement, etc.)
Detailed explanation of policy violation
Supporting evidence or screenshots when helpful
Response Timeline:
High Priority: Child safety, violence, terrorism (2-4 hours)
Standard Priority: IP violations, hate speech (24-48 hours)
Low Priority: Quality concerns, minor violations (3-5 days)
Appeals Process
Content Removal Appeals:
How to Appeal:
Email: [email protected]
Subject: "Content Appeal - [Reference Number]"
Deadline: 14 days from removal notification
Requirements: Original content details, removal reason, detailed explanation
Appeal Review Process:
Independent Review: Different team member evaluates appeal
Policy Analysis: Re-examination against current policies
Context Consideration: Review of intent and circumstances
Decision: Response within 7-10 business days
Resolution: Content restoration or detailed denial explanation
Strong Appeal Factors:
Clear evidence of automated detection error
Context not considered in original review
Fair use or legal protections applicable
Technical errors in review process
Legal Compliance
Jurisdictional Requirements
United States Federal Law:
First Amendment balanced with platform rights
Section 230 Communications Decency Act compliance
Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) procedures
Federal Trade Commission advertising guidelines
Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
International Compliance:
European Union: Digital Services Act, GDPR, Copyright Directive
United Kingdom: Online Safety Act, UK GDPR, Communications Act
Canada: Canadian Human Rights Act, Copyright Act
Australia: Online Safety Act, Privacy Act, Consumer Law
Law Enforcement Cooperation
Reporting Obligations:
Child exploitation material reported to NCMEC
Terrorist content reported to relevant authorities
Credible violence threats reported to law enforcement
Human trafficking indicators reported to appropriate agencies
Legal Process Compliance:
Valid court orders and legal process honored
Evidence preservation for legal proceedings
Cooperation with law enforcement investigations
Transparency reporting on government requests
Content Creation Guidelines
Best Practices for Compliance
Create Original Content:
Develop unique, original designs and artwork
Use your own photography and illustrations
Write original text and slogans
Document your creative process
Use Licensed Materials:
Purchase proper commercial licenses for third-party content
Verify license terms cover print-on-demand use
Maintain documentation of all licenses
Understand territorial and usage limitations
Avoid Common Pitfalls:
Don't use content "found on the internet" without clear licensing
Avoid controversial topics without careful consideration
Research trademark databases before using brand-related terms
When in doubt, create original alternatives
Positive Content Themes
Generally Acceptable Content:
Inspirational and motivational messages
Original artistic expressions and creative designs
Educational content promoting learning and growth
Celebration of diversity, inclusion, and positive values
Nature, landscape, and original photography
Abstract designs and patterns
Contact Information
Policy and Compliance Support
Content Policy Team:
Email: [email protected]
Response Time: 24-48 hours for policy questions
Best For: Understanding guidelines, pre-upload review
Languages: English (primary), Spanish support available
Violation Reports:
Email: [email protected]
Online Form: merchifies.com/report-content
Response Time: 2-72 hours depending on severity
Best For: Reporting prohibited content
Appeals and Reviews:
Email: [email protected]
Response Time: 7-10 business days for decisions
Best For: Challenging content removals or account actions
Requirements: Complete documentation and explanation
Legal and Intellectual Property
Legal Department:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (307) 381-6808
Best For: Complex legal questions, IP disputes
Response Time: 5-7 business days
DMCA and Copyright:
Email: [email protected]
Best For: Copyright infringement claims
Requirements: Complete DMCA notice elements
Response Time: 24-48 hours for valid notices
General Support
Customer Service:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (307) 381-6808
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM Mountain Time
Best For: General questions about policies and accounts
Frequently Asked Questions
Policy Understanding
Q: How do you determine what content is prohibited? A: Our policies are based on legal requirements, community safety standards, advertiser guidelines, and our company values. We regularly review and update policies based on user feedback, legal changes, and emerging issues.
Q: Can I use content for parody or educational purposes? A: Parody and educational use may have some legal protections, but they don't automatically exempt content from our policies. Commercial print-on-demand use faces higher legal standards, and content must still comply with community guidelines.
Q: What if my content is removed by mistake? A: You can appeal any content removal within 14 days. We conduct independent reviews of all appeals and may restore content if our original decision was incorrect.
Intellectual Property
Q: Can I use images I find through Google search? A: No, most images found through search engines are copyrighted and cannot be used commercially without permission. Always use original content or properly licensed materials.
Q: What about expired copyrights or public domain content? A: Genuinely public domain content can be used freely. However, verify public domain status carefully, as many works remain under copyright longer than expected.
Q: Can I modify copyrighted content to make it legal? A: Minor modifications typically don't eliminate copyright infringement. Derivative works still require permission from the original copyright owner.
Enforcement and Appeals
Q: How quickly are violations addressed? A: High-priority violations (child safety, violence) are addressed within 2-4 hours. Standard violations are typically reviewed within 24-48 hours.
Q: What happens if I accidentally upload prohibited content? A: First-time violations typically result in content removal and educational guidance. We understand mistakes happen and focus on education for good-faith errors.
Q: Can I get a second opinion on a policy decision? A: Yes, our appeals process provides independent review by different team members who re-evaluate content against our policies.
Educational Resources
Policy Training Materials
Available Resources:
Policy Guide: Detailed explanations with examples and case studies
Video Tutorials: Visual guides for understanding complex areas
Webinar Series: Regular educational sessions for creators
FAQ Database: Searchable answers to common questions
Creator Education Program:
New User Onboarding: Mandatory policy training for all accounts
Advanced Workshops: In-depth training for serious creators
Certification Program: Recognition for demonstrated knowledge
Ongoing Updates: Regular communication about policy changes
External Resources
Intellectual Property Education:
US Copyright Office: copyright.gov
USPTO Trademark Database: uspto.gov/trademarks
Creative Commons: creativecommons.org
Safety and Legal Resources:
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: missingkids.org
Anti-Defamation League: adl.org
Electronic Frontier Foundation: eff.org
Policy Updates
Update Procedures
How We Communicate Changes:
Email notifications to all active users
Website banner announcements for major updates
Detailed change logs with explanations and examples
30-day grace period for compliance with new requirements
User Feedback Integration:
Regular surveys and feedback collection
Community forums for policy discussion
Advisory groups representing creator communities
Transparency reports on enforcement and appeals
This Prohibited Content Policy reflects our commitment to maintaining a safe, legal, and inclusive marketplace while supporting creative expression and entrepreneurship. We continuously work to balance free expression with community safety and legal compliance.
Questions about specific content? Contact our policy team at [email protected] before uploading to ensure compliance.
Merchifies Global LLC
30 N Gould St, Ste N
Sheridan, WY 82801
United States
Policy and Compliance Contacts:
Content Policy: [email protected]
Violation Reports: [email protected]
Appeals: [email protected]
Legal/DMCA: [email protected]
Phone: (307) 381-6808
Last Updated: 01/01/2025
This policy is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect legal requirements, community feedback, and evolving standards. All users are responsible for staying current with policy requirements and ensuring their content remains compliant.
Accessibility Statement: If you need this policy in an alternative format or require assistance due to a disability, please contact [email protected] or call (307) 381-6808.
