Copyright Policy
This policy defines how intellectual property, content ownership, publisher rules, and copyright compliance are handled on Vabstract.
Effective Date: June 2026
1. Introduction and Purpose
Vabstract is a visual-first research networking and collaboration platform designed to transform how research is communicated, discovered, and shared. The platform was created out of a practical frustration experienced by the Chief Executive Officer of McGreenith Technologies Ltd, a seasoned researcher who repeatedly encountered barriers in research accessibility, limited discoverability of academic outputs, and weak collaboration pathways between researchers, institutions, and industry.
Vabstract addresses these challenges by combining research communication, social collaboration, and knowledge discovery into a unified ecosystem where researchers can share graphical abstracts, connect with peers, and translate ideas into impact.
This policy defines how intellectual property is handled on the platform, including user-generated content, graphical abstracts, research materials, and AI-assisted visual explanations.
2. Ownership of Content
2.1 User Ownership
All researchers, authors, and contributors retain full ownership of the original research content they upload to Vabstract, including manuscripts, datasets, figures, and graphical abstracts.
2.2 Platform License
By uploading content to Vabstract, users grant Vabstract a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to host, display, distribute, and adapt the content for the purpose of operating, improving, and promoting the platform.
2.3 No Transfer of Copyright
Vabstract does not claim ownership of user research. Ownership remains fully with the original creator or rights holder at all times.
3. Graphical Abstracts and Visual Content
3.1 Original Visual Content
Users are encouraged to upload graphical abstracts that summarize research findings in visual form. These visuals must either be original creations or properly licensed representations of existing work.
3.2 AI-Assisted Graphical Abstract Generation
Where publisher policies, copyright restrictions, or institutional agreements prevent direct reuse of original figures or graphical abstracts, authors may use generative AI tools to create explanatory graphical abstracts.
- Be original in design and expression
- Serve as interpretative or explanatory representations of the research
- Avoid direct replication of copyrighted figures, diagrams, or publisher-owned visuals
- Clearly communicate scientific ideas in a transformed visual format
Such AI-assisted graphical abstracts remain the intellectual property of the original author of the research work.
4. Copyright Compliance and Responsibility
4.1 User Responsibility
Users are solely responsible for ensuring that any content they upload does not infringe upon third-party copyright, trademark, or intellectual property rights.
4.2 Proper Attribution
Where content is derived from or influenced by published work, users must provide appropriate citations or acknowledgments in accordance with academic and publisher standards.
4.3 Prohibited Uploads
Users must not upload:
- Unlicensed publisher figures or graphical abstracts
- Copyrighted images without permission
- Plagiarized research content
- Restricted institutional materials without authorization
- Images that aren't research-inclined
5. Research Sharing and Platform Use Model
Vabstract operates as a hybrid research communication and academic social platform. It enables users to:
- Share graphical abstracts and research summaries
- Discover related work across disciplines
- Engage in scholarly discussions and collaboration
- Build academic and industry networks
- Explore commercialization pathways for research outputs
The platform is intentionally designed to reduce isolation in research environments and to shift scholarly communication toward a more interactive, visual, and socially connected model of knowledge exchange.
6. AI Content Policy
6.1 Permitted Use of AI
Vabstract allows the use of generative AI tools to:
- Create explanatory graphical abstracts
- Visualize research concepts
- Improve accessibility of complex academic ideas
- Support communication of findings when original visuals cannot be used due to copyright restrictions
6.2 Transparency
Users are encouraged to disclose when AI tools are used in the creation of graphical abstracts, particularly in academic or publication-sensitive contexts.
6.3 Limitations
AI-generated content must not:
- Misrepresent research findings
- Fabricate data or experimental results
- Reproduce copyrighted visuals in a recognizable form
7. Infringement Reporting and Enforcement
7.1 Reporting Mechanism
Vabstract provides a structured process for reporting suspected copyright infringement. Rights holders may submit a complaint including:
- Identification of the copyrighted work
- Identification of the allegedly infringing content
- Proof of ownership or authorization
- Contact information for follow-up
7.2 Review Process
Upon receiving a valid complaint, Vabstract may:
- Temporarily restrict access to the disputed content
- Conduct an internal review
- Request clarification from the uploader
- Remove content found to violate copyright law or platform policy
7.3 Repeat Violations
Accounts that repeatedly violate copyright rules may face suspension or permanent removal from the platform.
8. Fair Use and Academic Context
Vabstract recognizes that academic environments often rely on fair use principles for commentary, critique, and educational dissemination. Limited use of copyrighted material may be permitted when:
- It is necessary for academic critique or commentary
- It is properly attributed
- It does not replace or substitute the original work
- It complies with applicable copyright laws and institutional policies
9. Platform Philosophy on Knowledge Sharing
Vabstract is built on the belief that research should not remain static, isolated, or difficult to access. It aims to transform scholarly communication into a dynamic ecosystem where researchers can learn, connect, and grow through visual and social engagement.
By combining research dissemination with structured social interaction, Vabstract seeks to bridge the gap between academic knowledge creation and real-world impact.
10. Policy Updates
This policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in legal standards, academic publishing requirements, and platform functionality. Users will be notified of significant updates through platform communications.
11. Contact
For questions regarding this Copyright Policy, or to report a suspected copyright violation, please contact us:
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