If Kingsmen Studio (via our distribution platform) identifies any post-distribution rights infringement or DSP Terms of Use violations, we will:
Notify you and identify the specific asset(s) flagged.
Indicate the exact type of violation involved.
Withhold all royalties related to the issue until you provide sufficient evidence that no violation occurred.
Below are the violation types currently tracked, what’s expected of you, and how withholding is applied:
1. Artist Imposture
Misleading or deceptive presentation of the artist—such as altered names—or impersonation tactics.
Action Required: Provide proof of identity/ownership (e.g., ID, social verification, original content). If unable to do so within 3 business days, the release must be taken down. Failing to remove infringing material within 5 days may result in a $10 fine per release.
Withholding Impact: Royalties are withheld until you conclusively demonstrate legitimate ownership.
2. Questionable Ownership
Metadata may appear clear, but ownership rights are in doubt.
Action Required: Submit documentation verifying rights.
Withholding Impact: Royalties are pending confirmation of ownership.
3. Sound Recording Matches Metadata (Recording Fraud)
Mismatch between audio and metadata (e.g., title or artist is incorrect).
Action Required: Confirm accuracy of both audio and metadata.
Withholding Impact: Royalties remain on hold until accuracy is verified.
4. Missing Licenses for Remixes, Samples, or Derivatives
Using protected content (e.g., remixes, mashups, speed edits) without proper licenses.
Action Required: Provide valid licensing documentation within 3 business days.
Withholding Impact: Royalties withheld until licensing is confirmed.
5. Artificial Streaming (Fraudulent Activity)
Irregular streaming patterns or bot-driven plays.
Action Required: Either pause/review the release or provide logs showing legitimate streaming activity.
Withholding Impact: Only royalties from affected DSPs are withheld—unless clear malicious behavior is confirmed.
6. UGC Platform Incompatibility (e.g., TikTok, YouTube)
Content not compliant with User-Generated Content platform policies.
Action Required: Prove eligibility or remove the release from those platforms.
Withholding Impact: Royalties withheld from affected UGC DSPs only.
7. YouTube Content ID Policy Violation (Parasitic Content)
Using popular third-party content just to gain performance metrics—a behavior YouTube flags.
Action Required: Remove the content from Content ID until compliance and originality are assured.
Withholding Impact: Royalties derived through Content ID are withheld.
8. Fraudulent or Non-Compliant Accounts
Accounts consistently violating rights or platform policies.
Action Required: Provide valid account ownership documentation or consider termination.
Withholding Impact: All royalties from that account are withheld until cleared.
Summary Table
Violation Type | Required Action | Withholding Applies To |
Artist Imposture | ID verification or removal of content | Full royalties for that content |
Questionable Ownership | Prove ownership | Full royalties |
Recording Fraud | Verify audio matches metadata | Full royalties |
Missing Remix/Sample Licensing | Provide license documentation | Full royalties |
Artificial Streaming | Validate legitimate streaming | Only affected DSP royalties |
UGC Platform Incompatibility | Confirm compliance or remove release | Only UGC DSP royalties |
YouTube Content ID Violation | Remove from Content ID | Only Content ID royalties |
Fraudulent Account Behavior | Verify identity or cease account | All account royalties |
What to Do If You Disagree
If you believe a violation was flagged in error:
Submit an appeal—include documentation or justification.
During the review, the original release remains withheld.
On successful appeal, royalties are released promptly.