RATCH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & TAKEDOWN POLICY

Last updated: 20th May 2026 Ratch (“Ratch”, “we”, “us”, “our”) respects intellectual property rights and expects all users of the Platform to do the same. This Intellectual Property & Takedown Policy (“Policy”) explains how copyright, trade mark, design right, and other intellectual property complaints may be reported and handled on the Ratch marketplace platform (“Platform”). Ratch operates as an online marketplace platform for independent sellers. Sellers are solely responsible for the content, products, and listings they publish.

1. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

Intellectual property rights may include:

copyrights;
trade marks;
design rights;
patents;
database rights;
trade dress;
moral rights;
other proprietary rights recognised under applicable law.

Users must not upload, list, sell, distribute, or use content or products that infringe third-party intellectual property rights.

2. PROHIBITED INFRINGEMENT

The following activities are prohibited on Ratch:

selling counterfeit goods;
using copyrighted images without permission;
copying artwork or designs;
using protected logos or branding unlawfully;
reproducing copyrighted products;
selling unauthorised replicas;
infringing trade marks or patents.

Sellers are solely responsible for ensuring they have the legal rights required to:

create listings;
upload images;
sell products;
use names, branding, and designs.

3. REPORTING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INFRINGEMENT

Rights holders or authorised representatives may submit infringement notices to Ratch. Complaints should include:

the complainant’s name and contact information;
identification of the intellectual property right claimed;
identification of the allegedly infringing listing or content;
supporting evidence of ownership or authority;
a statement confirming the complaint is made in good faith;
a statement confirming the information provided is accurate.

Incomplete or unsupported complaints may not be processed. Complaints should be submitted to: Ratch IP Complaints [EMAIL ADDRESS] [REGISTERED ADDRESS]

4. REVIEW PROCESS

Upon receiving a complaint, Ratch may:

review the reported content;
request additional information;
temporarily remove listings;
disable access to content;
contact the seller;
suspend accounts where appropriate.

Ratch is not obligated to adjudicate ownership disputes between parties. We reserve the right to determine, at our discretion, whether content may violate this Policy or applicable law.

5. SELLER RESPONSE AND COUNTER-NOTICES

If a seller believes content was removed in error, the seller may submit a counter-notice including:

seller contact details;
identification of removed content;
explanation of why removal is disputed;
supporting evidence of ownership, licence, or authorisation;
a statement made in good faith.

Ratch may review counter-notices and determine whether content may be reinstated. Submission of a counter-notice does not guarantee reinstatement.

6. REPEAT INFRINGER POLICY

Ratch may suspend or permanently terminate accounts of users who repeatedly infringe intellectual property rights. Factors considered may include:

number of complaints;
seriousness of infringement;
repeated counterfeit activity;
abusive behaviour;
evidence of intentional infringement.

Ratch reserves sole discretion in determining repeat infringement.

7. COUNTERFEIT GOODS

Counterfeit products are strictly prohibited. Counterfeit goods may include:

fake branded products;
imitation designer items;
unauthorised replicas;
products falsely represented as genuine.

Ratch may immediately remove counterfeit listings and suspend associated accounts without prior notice.

8. PLATFORM ROLE

Ratch acts solely as a marketplace platform provider. Ratch:

does not pre-screen all listings;
does not guarantee authenticity of products;
does not independently verify ownership claims;
is not responsible for seller-generated content.

Sellers remain solely responsible for ensuring their listings comply with applicable intellectual property laws.

9. FALSE OR ABUSIVE COMPLAINTS

Users must not submit:

fraudulent complaints;
knowingly false infringement reports;
abusive takedown requests;
anti-competitive complaints.

Ratch reserves the right to reject or investigate abusive reporting behaviour. Accounts engaging in repeated misuse of reporting systems may be restricted or terminated.

10. LICENCE TO RATCH

By uploading content to the Platform, users grant Ratch a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence to:

host;
display;
reproduce;
distribute;
promote such content solely for operation and promotion of the Platform.

Users confirm they possess the necessary rights to grant this licence.

11. LEGAL COMPLIANCE

Users are responsible for complying with all applicable intellectual property laws, including:

UK copyright law;
trade mark law;
design rights legislation;
international intellectual property obligations where applicable.

12. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Ratch shall not be liable for:

infringing content uploaded by users;
disputes between rights holders and sellers;
losses arising from listing removals;
interrupted sales caused by takedown actions;
authenticity disputes.

Nothing in this Policy excludes liability that cannot legally be excluded under applicable law.

13. CHANGES TO THIS POLICY

Ratch may amend this Policy at any time. Updated versions will be published on the Platform with a revised “Last updated” date. Continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of revised policies.

14. CONTACT

Intellectual Property Complaints: Ratch legal@ratch.uk

Browse

Want to chat?

Social