Issued By: Stephens Educational Services LLC dba Essentials in Writing (“EIW” or “the Company”)
1. Purpose
This Policy governs the use, protection, and enforcement of intellectual property owned or managed by Stephens Educational Services LLC, dba Essentials in Writing. It is intended to protect the Company’s original educational content, curriculum, trademarks, and related materials, and ensure all use of such intellectual property complies with U.S. and international laws.
This Policy applies to all users of EIW’s content and services, including but not limited to customers, licensees, educators, distributors, employees, and contractors.
2. Ownership of Intellectual Property
All content, curriculum, instructional materials (including videos, print workbooks, PDFs, digital downloads), trademarks, service marks, logos, and branding elements produced or distributed by EIW are the exclusive property of the Company or its licensors and are protected under applicable intellectual property laws.
This includes but is not limited to:
- Essentials in Writing®
- Essentials in Literature®
- All associated logos, course titles, assessments, and supplemental resources
No content may be copied, modified, distributed, or used without the express, prior written consent of the Company.
3. Copyright
All educational materials, including but not limited to written lessons, video instruction, digital files, website content, and student/teacher guides, are protected by copyright.
3.1 Unauthorized Actions Include:
- Reproducing or redistributing any content in physical or digital format beyond personal household use.
- Uploading, posting, or streaming video lessons or curriculum content to any platform (e.g., YouTube, Facebook, learning management systems) without a valid license.
- Using EIW materials in co-ops, classrooms, or tutoring sessions without an appropriate institutional or group license.
3.2 Enforcement:
Violations of copyright will be enforced through immediate termination of access and/or legal action, including claims for statutory damages, actual damages, and attorneys’ fees, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
4. Trademarks
All names, logos, slogans, and brand identifiers related to Essentials in Writing and Essentials in Literature are protected trademarks of the Company.
4.1 Prohibited Trademark Use:
- Use of any EIW trademark or confusingly similar name without permission.
- Use of EIW branding in a way that suggests endorsement, partnership, or sponsorship without a written agreement.
- Incorporation of EIW trademarks into business names, domain names, or social media handles.
4.2 Enforcement:
The Company will pursue all legal remedies to stop misuse or infringement of its trademarks, including cease-and-desist orders, domain reclamation, and trademark litigation.
5. User-Generated Content and Licensing
Users who submit testimonials, reviews, or feedback grant the Company a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual license to use, reproduce, and display such content in connection with EIW’s products and marketing.
Users are prohibited from uploading or submitting third-party content through EIW platforms unless they have secured all necessary rights and licenses.
6. Use in Educational Settings
Use of EIW content in classrooms, cooperatives, or other group instruction settings requires a Group License. Individual products are licensed for single-family, non-commercial use only.
6.1 Group Licensing:
Schools, learning centers, co-ops, and professional tutors must obtain a Group or Institutional License. Unauthorized group use is strictly prohibited and subject to licensing fees and legal action.
7. Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) Compliance
If you believe content from EIW has been used unlawfully on third-party platforms or by another party without authorization, please report it to:
DMCA Agent
Stephens Educational Services LLC
team@essentialsinwriting.com
The notice must include:
- Identification of the copyrighted work
- Description of the infringing material
- Contact information
- Statement of good-faith belief
- Signature of the complaining party
8. Confidential Information
All non-public educational methodologies, business strategies, pricing models, or proprietary frameworks are confidential and must not be disclosed or used without authorization.
9. Violations and Remedies
Violators of this Policy are subject to:
- Immediate termination of access to services
- Revocation of licenses
- Legal action including injunctions, damages, and recovery of legal costs
- Reporting to authorities for criminal violations
10. Reservation of Rights
EIW reserves all rights not expressly granted in this Policy. Nothing herein limits the Company’s ability to pursue any and all legal and equitable remedies.
11. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
This Policy shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas. Any disputes arising under this Policy shall be exclusively resolved in the state or federal courts located in Travis County, Texas.
