Contributor Agreement

Last Updated: October 30, 2025

1. Introduction & Scope

This Contributor Agreement (“Agreement”) sets forth the terms and conditions under which you (“Contributor,” “you,” or “your”) may submit, publish, and distribute content through The AI Journal Ltd (“The AI Journal,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or “Company”).

This Agreement applies to all contributors, including but not limited to:

Guest writers and thought leaders
Regular columnists and contributors
Expert commentators and analysts
Interviewees and content participants
Event speakers and panelists
Research partners and data providers
Any person submitting content for publication on The AI Journal platform

By submitting content to The AI Journal, you agree to be bound by this Agreement in its entirety. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not submit content to our platform.

Definitions

Content: All materials submitted by Contributor for publication, including text, images, video, audio, infographics, data, code, and any other format
Publication: Digital publication on The AI Journal website, social media channels, newsletters, podcasts, or other platforms
Intellectual Property: Patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and other proprietary rights
Third-Party Material: Content, imagery, music, video, or other materials owned by persons or organizations other than Contributor

2. Eligibility & Authority

2.1 Eligibility

By submitting content, you represent and warrant that:

You are at least 18 years of age or have parental/guardian consent
You have the legal authority to enter into this Agreement
You are not prohibited by law from publishing content
You are not subject to any restraining orders, non-compete agreements, or other legal restrictions that would prevent content submission

2.2 Authority to Grant Rights

You represent and warrant that:

You own or control all rights to the Content submitted
You have the authority to grant The AI Journal the rights outlined in this Agreement
All Content is original or properly licensed/attributed
You have obtained all necessary permissions and consents from third parties referenced in your Content
Submission does not violate any agreements you have with other parties

2.3 No Conflicts

You warrant that:

Content does not infringe any intellectual property rights
Content does not breach confidentiality agreements or non-disclosure obligations
You are not publishing content under embargo or restricted by another publisher
Content has not been previously published (unless agreed otherwise)

3. License Grant & Rights Assignment

3.1 Grant of Rights

By submitting Content to The AI Journal, you grant The AI Journal Ltd a perpetual, worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, sublicensable license to:

Reproduce and publish your Content
Distribute, display, and transmit your Content
Modify, adapt, edit, and reformat your Content
Create derivative works based on your Content
Translate your Content into other languages
Incorporate your Content into collections, anthologies, and compilations
Promote, market, and advertise your Content
Archive and preserve your Content
Use your Content in connection with The AI Journal’s branding and reputation
License your Content to third parties (including media partners)

3.2 Duration of License

The license granted is perpetual (indefinite) and survives:

Termination of this Agreement
Removal of Content from The AI Journal website
Your withdrawal from The AI Journal
Sale or transfer of The AI Journal to another party

3.3 Copyright Retention

You retain full copyright ownership of your Content. The AI Journal does not claim copyright ownership; we are licensed to use your Content as outlined above.

3.4 Third-Party Sublicensing

The AI Journal may sublicense your Content to:

Media partners and syndication partners
Archive services and research databases
Educational platforms
News aggregators
International publications (with proper attribution)

You will be credited as the original author in all sublicensed uses.

3.5 Moral Rights

To the extent permitted by law, you waive moral rights (right of attribution, right of integrity) for Content published by The AI Journal, allowing us to edit, modify, and adapt Content without seeking additional permission.

4. Representations & Warranties

4.1 Content Authenticity & Originality

You represent and warrant that:

All Content is original work created by you (or jointly with co-contributors with their consent)
Content is factually accurate and truthful to the best of your knowledge
Content does not plagiarize or infringe any third-party intellectual property
Any quotes, data, or attributions are accurately sourced
Content has not been previously published in substantially the same form (unless otherwise agreed)

4.2 Non-Infringement

You warrant that:

Content does not infringe any patents, copyrights, trademarks, or trade secrets
Content does not violate any third-party intellectual property rights
You have not been instructed by any party to cease use or publication of similar content
Content does not incorporate stolen, pirated, or unlawfully obtained materials

4.3 No Defamatory or Illegal Content

You represent and warrant that:

Content does not contain false, defamatory, or libelous statements
Content does not incite violence, illegal activity, or harm
Content does not violate any applicable laws or regulations
Content does not violate judicial orders, election laws, or contempt of court rules (particularly in UK, US, and other relevant jurisdictions)
Content is not obscene, indecent, or contains content prohibited by law

4.4 Privacy & Consent

You warrant that:

Content does not violate any individual’s privacy rights
You have obtained consent from any identifiable individuals discussed in your Content
You have complied with all applicable data protection laws (GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, etc.)
Any personal information included has been appropriately anonymized or consented to

4.5 Disclosure & Transparency

You represent and warrant that:

All material conflicts of interest are disclosed in your Content
Any financial relationships relevant to your Content are disclosed
Sponsored content, affiliate links, or paid partnerships are clearly labeled
You have not been compensated by subjects of your Content (unless disclosed)
Any advertising or promotional elements are clearly identified

4.6 Compliance with Policies

You acknowledge and warrant that:

You have read The AI Journal’s Prohibited Content Policy and understand its requirements
Your Content complies with the Prohibited Content Policy in its entirety
Your Content complies with Google Ad Manager Publisher Policies
Your Content complies with Ezoic Partner Guidelines
Your Content adheres to applicable UK media and publishing standards
You understand content violations may result in removal and suspension

5. Imagery, Video, Audio & Third-Party Material

5.1 Contributor Responsibility for Media

You are solely responsible for ensuring all imagery, video, audio, graphics, animations, and other multimedia included in your Content:

Are original work created by you, OR
Are properly licensed from a commercial source, OR
Are sourced from a verified royalty-free platform, OR
Are used under Creative Commons or similar open license with proper attribution

5.2 Acceptable Media Sources

Original Content

Photographs, video, or audio you personally created
Original artwork, design, or illustrations you created
Custom graphics or infographics you designed
Derivative works based on your original creations

Commercially Licensed Content

Adobe Stock (with active license)
Shutterstock (with active license)
iStock (with active license)
Getty Images (with license)
Other professional stock providers with valid, transferable licensing

You must provide proof of license upon request.

Royalty-Free Content

Unsplash
Pexels
Freepik (free tier or with appropriate license)
Pixabay
Pixhere
Other verified royalty-free platforms

You must verify terms of use for each platform.

Creative Commons Licensed Content

Content licensed under Creative Commons (with appropriate license type)
Proper attribution to creator and license type in your Content
Compliance with specific license requirements (e.g., ShareAlike, NonCommercial)

Public Domain Content

Content in the public domain (with verification)
Government publications (generally in public domain)
Properly verified public domain sources

5.3 Prohibited Media

The following media sources are NOT acceptable and will result in content rejection or removal:

Copyrighted material without license or written permission
Licensed material where license has expired or does not cover your intended use
Material from unknown, unverified, or suspicious sources
Screenshots from copyrighted content (without fair use justification and attribution)
Personal photographs of identifiable individuals without their consent
Content from social media without the creator’s explicit permission
Material that appears copyrighted but lacks proper attribution
AI-generated imagery without disclosure or license verification
Watermarked or “protected” content without permission
Thumbnails or clips from copyrighted videos (without fair use)

5.4 AI-Generated Media Disclosure

If your Content includes AI-generated imagery, video, or other media:

You must clearly disclose that content is AI-generated
You must warrant that the AI training data was sourced legally and ethically
You must ensure the AI-generated content does not infringe copyrights or mimic protected styles
You acknowledge responsibility for all AI-generated materials as if you created them
You warrant compliance with AI and copyright law regarding AI training

5.5 Music & Audio

If your Content includes music, sound effects, or audio:

Music must be from royalty-free sources (YouTube Audio Library, Epidemic Sound, etc.) or licensed
Podcast intros/outros must be original or licensed
Audio clips must not be reproduced from copyrighted sources without license
You must provide licensing information upon request

5.6 Video & Motion Graphics

Video must be original, licensed, or from royalty-free sources
B-roll and stock footage must be properly licensed
No copyrighted movie clips, TV clips, or protected motion content without permission
Licensed video stock providers (Shutterstock, iStock, Envato, etc.) must have active licenses

5.7 License Verification & Proof

Upon request, you must provide:

Screenshots or documentation of active licenses for commercial stock
Links to royalty-free sources with license terms
Proof of license rights and permitted uses
Confirmation of license duration and coverage (commercial/editorial use)

Failure to provide proof of licensing may result in:

Content suspension pending verification
Content removal if licensing cannot be verified
Removal of monetization while verification is pending

5.8 Indemnification for Media

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless The AI Journal Ltd, including its directors, officers, employees, agents, and partners, from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorney fees) arising from or related to:

Media you submit that infringes copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights
Unlicensed, improperly licensed, or expired licensing of media
Use of personal images without consent
Misrepresentation of your media rights or licenses
Violation of third-party intellectual property rights in media
AI-generated media that infringes training data rights or copyright

This indemnification applies regardless of:

Whether The AI Journal should have discovered the infringement
Whether infringement was intentional or unintentional
Whether you disclosed media sources accurately

6. Compensation & Payment Terms

6.1 Payment Structure

Payment for Content is structured as follows:

Unpaid Contributions: Most guest articles are published on an unpaid, volunteer basis to build your portfolio and audience
Paid Articles: Some articles are compensated per agreement with The AI Journal editorial team
Royalty-Based: Limited revenue-sharing arrangements may be available for high-performing content
Sponsored Content: Paid partnerships may be offered for branded or promotional content

6.2 Payment Terms (When Applicable)

Invoice Submission: Submit invoice upon publication or as agreed
Payment Timeline: Net 30 days from invoice date (or as otherwise agreed)
Payment Method: Bank transfer, PayPal, or other agreed method
Taxes & Deductions: You are responsible for all applicable taxes; we will issue tax forms (1099, etc.) as required
Late Payments: 1.5% monthly interest on payments not received by due date

6.3 Invoicing Requirements

If receiving payment:

Submit valid invoice with your legal name, address, tax ID (if applicable)
Include article title(s), publication date(s), and agreed payment amount
Reference any purchase order or agreement number
Submit within 90 days of publication

6.4 No Refund Guarantee

Publication does not guarantee payment if article is removed due to policy violations
Content removed for defamation, copyright infringement, or illegal content will not be paid
Removal due to Contributor breach will result in payment forfeiture

6.5 Expense Reimbursement

Unless otherwise agreed, The AI Journal does not reimburse research expenses, travel costs, or other expenses incurred in creating Content.

7. Editorial Control & Content Management

7.1 Editorial Rights

The AI Journal reserves the right to:

Edit for Clarity: Edit Content for grammar, spelling, style, and clarity without materially altering meaning
Adjust Length: Shorten or excerpt Content to fit publication format
Add Headlines & Subheadings: Create or modify headlines and section headings
Restructure Content: Reorganize Content structure for readability or format compliance
Add Metadata: Add tags, categories, and metadata for organization
Add Disclaimers: Add disclaimers, corrections, or editor’s notes as needed
Update Links: Update or replace broken links; remove links to non-functional or problematic sites
Remove or Edit: Remove parts of Content that violate policies or contain errors
Postpone Publication: Delay publication for editorial, legal, or compliance reasons
Refuse Publication: Reject Content that violates policies or editorial standards

7.2 Content Modifications

Material edits (changes affecting meaning or tone) will be:

Communicated to you before publication (when feasible)
Offered for your review and comment
Implemented at The AI Journal’s editorial discretion

Editorial decisions are final, and you do not have veto power over published versions.

7.3 No Obligation to Publish

The AI Journal is not obligated to publish submitted Content
Rejection may occur without explanation
Rejected Content is returned to Contributor without obligation
Rejected Content may be resubmitted to other outlets

7.4 Removal & Unpublishing

The AI Journal may remove published Content:

Upon your written request (though backlinks and caches may persist)
For policy violations (defamation, copyright, illegal content)
For factual errors requiring substantial correction
For outdated information or broken functionality
For legal or compliance reasons

Upon removal:

Your license rights terminate (unless otherwise agreed)
The Content is no longer published (though archives may persist)
Backlinks and citations may continue to exist

8. Prohibited Content & Compliance

8.1 Prohibited Content Agreement

You warrant that your Content does not contain:

Adult or sexually explicit content (see Prohibited Content Policy)
Content endangering children or promoting child exploitation
Defamatory, libelous, or false statements
Illegal content or promotion of illegal activities
Pirated, copyrighted, or unlicensed material
Unsafe links, malware, or phishing attempts
Off-topic spam or low-quality content
Misinformation or deliberate falsehoods
Hate speech or discriminatory content
Graphic violence or disturbing imagery (without editorial justification)
Intellectual property infringement

8.2 Compliance Acknowledgment

You acknowledge:

You have read The AI Journal’s Prohibited Content Policy
Your Content complies with that policy in full
You understand violations may result in removal and suspension
You accept responsibility for all Content you submit

8.3 Right to Reject

The AI Journal may reject or remove Content for:

Policy violations
Defamation, privacy concerns, or legal risks
Factual inaccuracy
Copyright or intellectual property issues
Off-topic or low-quality submissions
Editorial judgment and discretion

9. Attribution, Credit & Bylines

9.1 Author Attribution

The AI Journal will:

Credit you by name as the author (unless anonymity is requested)
Include your byline with your Content
Provide a brief author bio (if submitted)
Link to your website or social media (if provided)
Include disclosure of your affiliation or expertise (if relevant)

9.2 Author Bio

You may provide an author bio (50-100 words) including:

Professional title/credentials
Company/affiliation
Website or social media links
Disclosure of relevant expertise or conflicts of interest

9.3 Social Media Attribution

When Content is shared on social media:

You will be tagged/mentioned when technically possible
Links to your profile may be included
Your name appears in sharing announcements

9.4 Syndication & Republication

When Content is syndicated or republished:

Original authorship is credited
Link to original publication is provided (when possible)
Your byline and bio are included
License terms are followed (if applicable)

10. Promotion & Marketing Rights

10.1 Promotion by The AI Journal

The AI Journal may:

Promote your Content through social media channels
Feature your Content in newsletters and email campaigns
Include your Content in compilations or “best of” collections
Use excerpts in promotional materials
Reference your Content in marketing
Tag you in social media posts (with your permission)

10.2 Promotion by Contributor

You are encouraged to:

Share your published Content through your social media
Reference your article in your professional networks
Link to your Content from your website or portfolio
Promote your Content (within reasonable limits)

10.3 Dual Promotion

The AI Journal may share your Content from your social accounts
You may share The AI Journal’s promotional posts
Both parties benefit from cross-promotion
Links must direct to The AI Journal’s published version

11. Termination & Withdrawal

11.1 Withdrawal Before Publication

You may withdraw your Content before publication by:

Emailing [email protected] with “Content Withdrawal” in subject line
Providing article title and submission date
Requesting withdrawal at least 5 business days before scheduled publication

Upon withdrawal:

Your Content is not published
License rights do not vest
No payment is due
The AI Journal may delete the submission

11.2 Withdrawal After Publication

Once Content is published:

You may request removal by contacting [email protected]
Removal is at The AI Journal’s discretion
Removal does not affect The AI Journal’s license rights (perpetual license survives)
Archives and backlinks may persist

11.3 Termination of Contributor Status

The AI Journal may terminate Contributor status at any time, for any reason, without notice
Termination does not affect previously published Content
License rights granted remain in perpetuity
You may reapply for contributor status after waiting period

11.4 Ongoing Rights After Termination

The AI Journal retains all rights to previously published Content
License rights granted do not terminate
Your byline remains with previously published articles
You may still republish your Content elsewhere (with proper attribution to original publication)

12. Indemnification & Liability

12.1 Contributor Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless The AI Journal Ltd, including its directors, officers, employees, agents, and partners, from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorney fees) arising from or related to:

Your Content (accuracy, legality, or rights)
Your breach of this Agreement
Your violation of any law or regulation
Your infringement of third-party intellectual property rights
Your defamation, harassment, or harm to others
Your violation of the Prohibited Content Policy
Media included in your Content (licensing, rights, infringement)
Any action or inaction related to your Content or submissions

12.2 Scope of Indemnification

This indemnification covers:

Legal Claims: Defamation lawsuits, copyright claims, other legal actions
Damages: Damages awarded to claimants, settlements, legal judgments
Defense Costs: Attorney fees, expert witness fees, court costs
Regulatory Action: Fines or penalties resulting from your Content
Business Losses: Advertiser withdrawal, revenue loss, reputational harm

Indemnification applies regardless of:

Whether The AI Journal knew or should have known of the violation
Whether your actions were intentional or unintentional
Whether the violation was obvious or concealed

12.3 The AI Journal’s Limitation of Liability

The AI Journal’s liability to you is limited to:

The fees paid to you for the specific Content in question (if any)
No liability for indirect, consequential, or special damages
No liability for loss of reputation, business opportunity, or income

12.4 Third-Party Claims

If a third party claims infringement or harm:

The AI Journal will notify you of the claim
You must cooperate fully in defense
You are responsible for legal defense costs and settlements
The AI Journal may settle claims at its discretion
You remain liable even after settlement

13. Confidentiality

13.1 Non-Confidential Content

Content submitted for publication is considered non-confidential. The AI Journal may:

Discuss your Content with editorial and legal staff
Share with advertisers or business partners (as appropriate)
Disclose to law enforcement or courts if legally required
Discuss publicly when appropriate

13.2 Confidential Information

If you share confidential or proprietary information:

Clearly mark it as “Confidential”
Explain why it requires confidentiality
Suggest how The AI Journal should handle it
Provide alternative versions for publication

The AI Journal will use reasonable efforts to protect marked confidential information, but publication of submitted Content may reveal confidential details.

13.3 Pre-Publication Confidentiality

Submitted but unpublished Content may be discussed with editorial staff
Payment records are confidential (protected by tax and banking privacy laws)
Personal information (address, tax ID) is protected by privacy policy

14. Representations Regarding Third Parties

14.1 Interview & Sourcework

If your Content includes interviews, quotes, or sourced material:

You warrant that sources consented to being quoted/included
You have permission to publish information from sources
You accurately represent what sources said
You have attributed quotes and information correctly
You obtained releases (if required by law or good practice)

14.2 Company & Commercial Content

If your Content discusses specific companies or products:

You have disclosed any financial relationship or affiliation
You have not been paid by the company to write favorably
You have disclosed sponsorships or promotional arrangements
Factual claims about the company are accurate and verified

14.3 Personal Relationships

If your Content discusses identifiable individuals:

You have obtained consent to discuss them
You have represented them accurately
You have respected their privacy
You have disclosed relevant relationships (family, professional, financial)

15. Corrections & Updates

15.1 Factual Errors

If your Content contains factual errors:

Notify [email protected] with the error and correction
We will add a correction notice to the article
Significant errors may warrant an “Editor’s Note”
Major errors may result in article removal or comprehensive revision

15.2 Correction Notice Placement

Corrections are typically:

Added as an “Editor’s Correction” or “Correction” note
Placed prominently at the top or bottom of the article
Dated and attributed to you or The AI Journal
Linked to original error for transparency

15.3 Outdated Information

For outdated or time-sensitive information:

You may request updates to reflect current information
Requests should include new/updated information
The AI Journal may update the article or add “Updated” notice
Attribution of updates should be clear

15.4 No Obligation to Publish Corrections

While we encourage corrections, The AI Journal retains editorial discretion regarding:

Whether to publish a correction
Format and placement of corrections
Significance of the error warranting correction
Scope of correction notice

16. Dispute Resolution

16.1 Informal Resolution

For disputes regarding this Agreement:

Send Notice: Contact [email protected] with “Dispute Notice” in subject line
Provide Details: Explain the dispute and requested resolution
Good Faith Discussion: We will discuss the matter within 10 business days
Attempt Resolution: Both parties work to resolve informally

16.2 Formal Mediation

If informal resolution fails:

Request Mediation: Either party may request mediation
Select Mediator: Parties agree on neutral mediator or mediator is appointed
Mediation Process: Mediator facilitates resolution discussion
Binding Decision: Decision by mediator is binding on both parties

16.3 Arbitration

If mediation fails, disputes may be submitted to binding arbitration:

Location: England (UK)
Arbitrator: Single neutral arbitrator selected by parties
Rules: UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules or similar
Decision: Arbitrator’s decision is final and binding
Costs: Each party bears own costs; arbitrator fees split equally

16.4 Governing Law

This Agreement is governed by English law without regard to conflicts of law principles. Both parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of English courts.

17. General Provisions

17.1 Entire Agreement

This Agreement, together with:

The AI Journal’s Terms of Service
Prohibited Content Policy
Privacy Policy
Copyright Policy
Any other written agreements

constitutes the entire agreement between parties regarding contributions to The AI Journal.

17.2 Modifications

The AI Journal may modify this Agreement by:

Posting updated terms on the website
Notifying Contributor via email (if email provided)
Providing at least 30 days’ notice before changes take effect

Continued submission of Content constitutes acceptance of modified terms.

17.3 Severability

If any provision is found unenforceable, that provision is severed, and all other provisions remain in full force and effect.

17.4 Waiver

No waiver of any provision is effective unless in writing and signed by The AI Journal. Failure to enforce any right does not constitute a waiver.

17.5 Assignment

Contributor may not assign rights under this Agreement
The AI Journal may assign this Agreement to successors or purchasers
Assignment does not relieve The AI Journal of obligations

17.6 Notices

All notices must be:

In writing (email acceptable)
Sent to contact information provided
Effective upon receipt

17.7 Survival

The following provisions survive termination of this Agreement:

License grant and rights assignment
Indemnification
Limitation of liability
Confidentiality
Dispute resolution
Governing law

18. Acknowledgment & Agreement

By submitting Content to The AI Journal, you acknowledge that you have:

Read and understood this Contributor Agreement
Read and understood The AI Journal’s Prohibited Content Policy, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Copyright Policy
Agreed to comply with all terms and conditions
Represented and warranted the accuracy of representations herein
Accepted liability for breaches and indemnification obligations
Consented to The AI Journal’s license and publication rights
Understood that editorial decisions are final and not subject to appeal

You further acknowledge:

You have obtained all necessary permissions and consents
Your Content does not infringe any rights
Your Content complies with all policies and applicable law
You accept all risks associated with publication
You have read this Agreement and understand its consequences

19. Contact Information

For questions about this Contributor Agreement, to submit Content, or to resolve disputes:

The AI Journal Ltd – Contributor Relations

Address: 49 High Street, Stourbridge, UK, DY8 1DE
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://aijourn.com/
Response Time: We aim to respond to inquiries within 5-10 business days

This Contributor Agreement works in conjunction with:

Terms of Service – General website terms and user conduct
Prohibited Content Policy – Content standards and restrictions
Privacy Policy – Data protection and privacy practices
Copyright Policy – Copyright ownership and DMCA procedures
Communications Policy – Newsletter and communication terms
Advertiser & Partner Policy – Advertising and partnership standards

All policies should be reviewed together as an integrated framework.

Contributor Agreement Last Updated: October 30, 2025

By submitting Content to The AI Journal, you confirm your acceptance of this Agreement.