Intellectual Property Policy

1. Introduction

Sold.lk is committed to protecting intellectual property rights on our free classified website while maintaining Sri Lanka’s most trusted buy and sell marketplace. This Intellectual Property Policy outlines how we handle intellectual property matters on our free classified advertising platform and defines the rights and responsibilities of all users who buy and sell in sri lanka through our service.

Our sri lanka marketplace respects the intellectual property rights of others and expects all users posting free ads sri lanka to do the same. This policy applies to all content, listings, and interactions on our classified ads sri lanka platform at https://sold.lk/.

2. Sold.lk’s Intellectual Property Rights

2.1 Platform Ownership

Sold.lk owns and operates Sri Lanka’s premier free classifieds platform, including:

  • The Sold.lk website design, layout, and user interface
  • Our proprietary technology, algorithms, and software
  • The Sold.lk brand name, logo, and associated trademarks
  • Original content, graphics, and marketing materials
  • Database structure and compilation of sri lanka ads
  • Mobile applications and related technologies

2.2 Protected Elements

The following elements of our free classified website are protected by intellectual property laws:

  • Trademarks: The “Sold.lk” name, logo, and tagline “Where Sri Lanka Gets SOLD!”
  • Copyrights: Website code, design elements, and original written content
  • Trade Secrets: Proprietary algorithms and business processes
  • Database Rights: Compilation and organization of classified ads data

2.3 Permitted Use

Users may access and use our buy and sell sri lanka platform for personal and commercial purposes as outlined in our Terms of Service, but may not:

  • Copy, reproduce, or distribute our platform design or code
  • Use our trademarks or branding without written permission
  • Create derivative works based on our platform
  • Reverse engineer our proprietary technology
  • Extract or harvest data from our sri lanka marketplace for commercial purposes

3. User Content and Intellectual Property

3.1 User-Generated Content Rights

When users post free classified ads on our platform, they retain ownership of their original content, including:

  • Product descriptions and written content
  • Original photographs and images
  • Video content and multimedia
  • Business logos and branding materials
  • Creative works and artistic content

3.2 License to Sold.lk

By posting content on our classified ads sri lanka platform, users grant Sold.lk a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to:

  • Display and distribute the content on our platform
  • Use the content for promotional and marketing purposes
  • Create thumbnail images and optimize content for our free ads sri lanka service
  • Archive content for record-keeping and legal compliance
  • Translate content to support our multi-language sri lanka marketplace

3.3 Content Responsibility

Users who sell online sri lanka through our platform are solely responsible for ensuring their content:

  • Does not infringe on others’ intellectual property rights
  • Includes only content they own or have permission to use
  • Accurately represents the items or services being offered
  • Complies with applicable copyright and trademark laws

4. Intellectual Property Violations

4.1 Prohibited Activities

Our free classified advertising platform prohibits the following intellectual property violations:

  • Posting copyrighted images without permission
  • Using trademarked names or logos without authorization
  • Selling counterfeit or replica items
  • Listing items that infringe patents or design rights
  • Misrepresenting brand affiliations or authorizations
  • Copying content from other classified ads or websites

4.2 Common Violations in Classified Ads

Copyright Infringement

  • Using professional product photos without permission
  • Copying descriptions from manufacturer websites
  • Posting copyrighted artwork or designs
  • Using images from other free classifieds platforms

Trademark Infringement

  • Selling counterfeit branded products
  • Using brand names misleadingly in sri lanka ads
  • Creating confusion about brand affiliations
  • Unauthorized use of business logos or marks

Patent Violations

  • Selling items that infringe active patents
  • Manufacturing or distributing protected designs
  • Importing infringing products for sale

4.3 Consequences for Violations

Users who violate intellectual property rights on our buy and sell in sri lanka platform may face:

  • Immediate removal of infringing classified ads sri lanka
  • Temporary or permanent account suspension
  • Loss of verification status and privileges
  • Legal action by rights holders
  • Reporting to relevant authorities

5. Copyright Infringement Claims

5.1 Reporting Copyright Infringement

If you believe content on our free classified website infringes your copyright, please submit a detailed notice to [email protected] including:

  • Your contact information and signature
  • Description of the copyrighted work being infringed
  • Location of the infringing content on our platform
  • Statement of good faith belief that use is unauthorized
  • Statement that the information provided is accurate
  • Declaration of authority to act on behalf of the copyright owner

5.2 Processing Infringement Claims

Upon receiving valid copyright infringement notices regarding classified ads, we will:

  • Review the claim within 24-48 hours
  • Remove or disable access to allegedly infringing content
  • Notify the user who posted the content
  • Provide opportunity for counter-notification
  • Maintain records of all copyright claims

5.3 Counter-Notification Process

Users whose content is removed may submit a counter-notification if they believe:

  • The content was removed by mistake or misidentification
  • They have the right to use the content
  • The claim was made in bad faith
  • The content falls under fair use or other exceptions

5.4 Repeat Infringer Policy

Users who repeatedly violate copyright on our sri lanka marketplace will have their accounts permanently terminated. We maintain a database of repeat offenders to prevent future violations.

6. Trademark Protection

6.1 Sold.lk Trademarks

Our registered and common law trademarks include:

  • “Sold.lk” name and domain
  • Sold.lk logo and design marks
  • “Where Sri Lanka Gets SOLD!” tagline
  • Related slogans and marketing phrases
  • Distinctive design elements of our free ads sri lanka platform

6.2 Third-Party Trademarks

Users posting free classified ads must respect third-party trademarks by:

  • Only using brand names when selling genuine products
  • Avoiding confusion about brand affiliations
  • Not using trademarks in domain names or usernames
  • Properly describing aftermarket or compatible products
  • Including appropriate disclaimers when necessary

6.3 Trademark Infringement Reporting

Trademark owners can report violations on our classified ads sri lanka platform by providing:

  • Proof of trademark registration or common law rights
  • Description of the allegedly infringing use
  • Explanation of likelihood of confusion
  • Contact information and authorization to act
  • Good faith statement regarding the complaint

7. User Responsibilities

7.1 Content Creation Guidelines

When creating sri lanka ads on our platform, users must:

  • Use only original photos of items being sold
  • Write original descriptions and avoid copying text
  • Respect intellectual property rights of others
  • Properly attribute any third-party content used with permission
  • Ensure all content is truthful and non-infringing

7.2 Due Diligence Requirements

Before posting free classified advertising, users should:

  • Verify they own or have rights to all content
  • Research potential intellectual property issues
  • Check for trademark registrations on branded items
  • Ensure product authenticity before listing
  • Remove content if rights are questioned

7.3 Business User Obligations

Commercial users who sell online sri lanka must:

  • Maintain proper licensing and authorization for branded products
  • Provide authentic products and accurate representations
  • Respect territorial restrictions and authorized dealer agreements
  • Maintain records of product sourcing and authenticity
  • Comply with brand guidelines and usage requirements

8. Safe Harbor Provisions

8.1 Platform Safe Harbor

Sold.lk operates as a free classified website platform and is not responsible for user-generated content that may infringe intellectual property rights. We qualify for safe harbor protections by:

  • Not having actual knowledge of infringing activity
  • Acting expeditiously to remove infringing content when notified
  • Implementing repeat infringer policies
  • Not receiving direct financial benefit from infringing activity

8.2 Limitations on Liability

While we maintain Sri Lanka’s most trusted buy and sell marketplace, Sold.lk is not liable for:

  • Intellectual property infringement by users
  • Accuracy of user claims regarding ownership or authorization
  • Authenticity of products listed in classified ads sri lanka
  • User disputes over intellectual property rights
  • Third-party claims against users of our platform

9. International Intellectual Property

9.1 Sri Lankan Law Compliance

Our sri lanka marketplace operates under Sri Lankan intellectual property laws, including:

  • Intellectual Property Act No. 36 of 2003
  • Copyright and Related Rights Act
  • Industrial Designs Act
  • Trade Marks Ordinance
  • International treaty obligations

9.2 Cross-Border Considerations

Users who buy and sell in sri lanka internationally should consider:

  • Different intellectual property laws in various countries
  • Import/export restrictions on certain products
  • Territorial limitations on trademark and patent rights
  • International copyright treaty requirements
  • Customs enforcement of intellectual property rights

10. Brand Protection Services

10.1 Verification Programs

We offer enhanced protection through our verification programs:

  • Verified Business Accounts for authorized dealers
  • Brand Protection Program for trademark owners
  • Authenticated Product Listings for high-value items
  • Professional Seller Verification for legitimate businesses

10.2 Monitoring and Enforcement

Our free classifieds platform employs various tools to protect intellectual property:

  • Automated content scanning for potential violations
  • Manual review of reported infringement claims
  • Proactive monitoring of high-risk categories
  • Collaboration with brand owners and law enforcement
  • Regular audits of user compliance

11. Educational Resources

11.1 User Education

We provide educational resources to help users understand intellectual property rights:

  • Guidelines for taking original product photos
  • Tips for writing non-infringing descriptions
  • Information about trademark and copyright basics
  • Best practices for free classified advertising
  • Warning signs of counterfeit products

11.2 Business Resources

For commercial users of our sri lanka ads platform:

  • Brand authorization documentation requirements
  • Intellectual property compliance checklists
  • Industry-specific guidelines and restrictions
  • Legal resource recommendations
  • Contact information for intellectual property attorneys

12. Enforcement Procedures

12.1 Investigation Process

When intellectual property violations are reported on our buy and sell sri lanka platform:

  • Initial review within 24 hours
  • Investigation of the claimed infringement
  • Contact with the posting user for response
  • Evaluation of counter-claims or defenses
  • Final determination and appropriate action

12.2 Appeal Process

Users may appeal intellectual property enforcement actions by:

  • Submitting detailed counter-notifications
  • Providing evidence of rights or authorization
  • Demonstrating good faith use or fair dealing
  • Seeking mediation through our dispute resolution process
  • Pursuing legal remedies through appropriate courts

13. Cooperation with Rights Holders

13.1 Brand Owner Programs

We work closely with intellectual property owners to:

  • Establish efficient reporting procedures
  • Provide bulk removal tools for large-scale infringement
  • Offer priority processing for verified rights holders
  • Share information about repeat infringers
  • Develop category-specific protection measures

13.2 Law Enforcement Cooperation

Our classified ads sri lanka platform cooperates with:

  • Sri Lankan law enforcement agencies
  • International intellectual property organizations
  • Customs and border protection authorities
  • Industry anti-counterfeiting initiatives
  • Government intellectual property offices

14. Technology and Innovation

14.1 Protective Technologies

We continually invest in technology to protect intellectual property on our free classified website:

  • Image recognition systems for detecting copied photos
  • Text analysis tools for identifying duplicate content
  • Machine learning algorithms for detecting counterfeit products
  • Automated monitoring of trademark usage
  • Pattern recognition for identifying repeat offenders

14.2 Platform Improvements

We regularly enhance our sri lanka marketplace to better protect intellectual property through:

  • Improved reporting mechanisms for rights holders
  • Enhanced verification systems for sellers
  • Better product authentication tools
  • Streamlined removal processes for infringing content
  • Advanced analytics for detecting suspicious activity

15. Contact Information

15.1 Intellectual Property Inquiries

For all intellectual property matters related to our free ads sri lanka platform:

Email: [email protected]
Subject Line: “Intellectual Property – [Type of Inquiry]”
Website: https://sold.lk/

15.2 Specific Contact Procedures

Copyright Infringement Claims

  • Email subject: “Copyright Infringement – DMCA Notice”
  • Include all required elements outlined in Section 5.1
  • Response time: 24-48 hours

Trademark Infringement Reports

  • Email subject: “Trademark Infringement Report”
  • Include trademark registration information
  • Response time: 48-72 hours

General IP Questions

  • Email subject: “Intellectual Property Inquiry”
  • Describe your specific question or concern
  • Response time: 72 hours

16. Policy Updates

16.1 Amendment Process

This Intellectual Property Policy may be updated to reflect:

  • Changes in Sri Lankan intellectual property law
  • Platform developments and new features
  • International best practices and standards
  • User feedback and industry developments
  • Legal requirements and court decisions

16.2 Notification of Changes

Users will be notified of policy updates through:

  • Email notifications to all registered users
  • Prominent notices on our free classified advertising platform
  • Updates to the effective date at the top of this policy
  • Social media announcements for significant changes

17. Legal Disclaimer

17.1 Platform Role

Sold.lk operates as a neutral sri lanka marketplace platform that:

  • Facilitates connections between buyers and sellers
  • Does not verify the intellectual property status of all listings
  • Relies on user compliance and rights holder reporting
  • Takes appropriate action when violations are reported
  • Maintains policies designed to respect intellectual property rights

17.2 User Responsibility

Users of our buy and sell in sri lanka platform are solely responsible for:

  • Ensuring their content does not infringe intellectual property rights
  • Obtaining necessary permissions and authorizations
  • Verifying the authenticity of products they sell
  • Complying with all applicable intellectual property laws
  • Defending against any claims related to their listings

Effective Date: 11/7/2025

By using Sold.lk’s free classified website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to comply with this Intellectual Property Policy. Our commitment to protecting intellectual property rights helps maintain the trust and integrity that makes our sri lanka marketplace the preferred choice for users across all 25 districts.

Questions about intellectual property on our platform? Contact us at [email protected]

Ready to start selling with confidence? Visit https://sold.lk/ – where every deal gets SOLD while respecting everyone’s rights!