This English version is a translation provided for your convenience. The Japanese version is the official text, and if there is any inconsistency between the two, the Japanese version takes precedence.
Introduction
MELOSTREAM STUDIO (the “Studio”) welcomes creative work by its fans. As long as you follow these Guidelines, the Studio will not exercise its copyright or any other rights against fan works based on the Covered Content. You do not need to submit an individual request or contact the Studio in advance.
Covered Content
- Text, images, and videos published on the Studio’s official website and official social media accounts
- The names, character designs, and public profiles of Studio members
- Streams, videos, and original songs released by Studio members
Anything in which a third party holds the rights (such as game footage, other people’s songs, or other people’s illustrations) is not covered. Please follow the terms set by each rights holder.
What Counts as Fan Works
Works you create based on the Covered Content by adding new creative expression of your own are treated as fan works. Examples include illustrations, manga, novels, figures and other three-dimensional works, costumes, and fan-made videos.
The following are not considered fan works:
- Publishing official images or videos as they are, or with only minor edits
- Publishing original artwork, model data, or project files that have not been officially distributed
- Using the official logo or any modified version of it
What You Can Publish Without Applying
As a non-commercial fan activity, you may create and publish works under an individual or circle name without applying.
The Studio’s commitment not to exercise its rights under these Guidelines applies only to rights that the Studio holds. These Guidelines do not grant blanket permission regarding rights held by Studio members themselves or by third parties.
Distributing Doujinshi and Fan Merchandise
Distribution on a hobby basis is permitted under the following conditions:
- It is done under an individual or circle name
- It is distributed at doujin events, or by mail order for a limited period
- Neither the party paying the production costs nor the party producing the work is a corporation
- Official images are not used unaltered as the main design
Ongoing sales in physical stores and year-round listings on online stores are treated as commercial or corporate use.
Clip Videos
If you cut out and publish part of a stream or video, please follow these conditions:
- At the top of the description, include the URL and title of the original stream or video
- Do not clip content that requires payment, such as membership-only content, content limited to viewers who tip, or ticketed content
- Do not use edits that change the meaning of what was said, or thumbnails that do not match the content
- Do not register clipped footage as your own copyrighted work with automated identification services, including YouTube’s Content ID
These Guidelines do not prevent you from earning ad revenue, to the extent that you meet the terms of the platform where you post and any conditions set by third-party rights holders. However, permission under copyright is separate from decisions made under the platform’s monetization policy. The Studio has no involvement in the platform’s review results.
Using Music
Original songs by Studio members may be used within the following scope:
- Posting song covers with the song title and the name of the member who sang the original clearly credited
- Using them in fan work videos
The following uses are not permitted:
- Using commercially sold CDs or digitally distributed audio without clearing the rights
- Using karaoke tracks provided by a third party in violation of the terms set by the provider
- Extracting only the voice from audio to create other speech or synthesized voices
- Using unreleased songs or instrumentals that have not been officially distributed
Including songs on CDs or other physical packages and registering them with music distribution stores are outside the scope of these Guidelines. Please contact the Studio separately.
When using songs by third parties, please follow the terms set by their rights holders and by the platform where you post.
Using Generative AI
- Please do not use the Covered Content as training data for generative AI
- Please do not publish generated content using a Studio member’s appearance or voice that could be mistaken for something the member actually posted or said
- If you publish a work created with generative AI, please clearly state that it was made with generative AI
Use of Fan Works by the Studio
Copyright in fan works belongs to their creators.
When the Studio or Studio members feature fan works in streams or on social media, they will contact the creator in advance and obtain consent before using the work. The same applies to use in merchandise or other items distributed for a fee.
Commercial and Corporate Use
The following uses are outside the scope of these Guidelines. Please contact the Studio in advance.
- Use by a corporation in advertising, products, or campaigns
- Use where a corporation pays the production costs or takes responsibility for it, even if it is done under an individual’s name
- Displays on a scale that could be mistaken for official communication, such as outdoor or transit advertising
- Ongoing retail sales
For any use not addressed in these Guidelines, please also consult the Studio in advance.
Content on the Official Site
Rights to the text, photos, videos, logos, and characters on this Site belong to the Studio or to their rightful holders. Except as permitted by law, please do not copy, repost, modify, or redistribute them without permission.
You may link to this Site without contacting the Studio in advance, except in the following cases:
- Links from sites that contain illegal, discriminatory, or misleading content
- Links displayed in a way that makes this Site appear to be part of your own site
Prohibited Conduct
- Claiming to be official or officially endorsed, or using expressions that could be mistaken for official content
- Redistributing the official logo, or any original artwork, model data, or audio that has not been officially distributed
- Prying into Studio members’ private lives, publishing their personal information, or any act aimed at uncovering their real identities
- Abusing or defaming Studio members, the Studio, or third parties and damaging their reputation or credibility
- Any act that violates laws and regulations or public order and morals, or that violates the terms of the platform where you post
- Use for political activities, religious activities, or any other form of solicitation
- Depicting minors in a sexual manner
- Interfering with the operation of this Site, unauthorized access, or tampering
If any of the above applies, the Studio may treat it as outside the permission granted by these Guidelines and may ask you to stop publishing or take other measures.
Disclaimer and Governing Law
The Studio is not responsible for any disputes arising between users, or between users and third parties, in connection with fan work activities.
These Guidelines are governed by the laws of Japan. If a dispute arises in connection with these Guidelines, the district court with jurisdiction over the Studio’s location will have exclusive agreed jurisdiction as the court of first instance.
Revisions
These Guidelines may be revised without notice. Revised content takes effect from the time it is posted on this page.