traffic light stopThe Artists' Bill of Rights continually emphasizes how important it is to read Terms and Conditions of every competition before you enter it.

#WomenMakeItHappen, sponsored by Thomson Reuters Foundation and Microsoft, is a case-in-point. And it is a complicated one with multiple sets of terms: one for the entry portal (Talenthouse), and one for the competition.

Grant of perpetual, irrevocable license and waiver of moral rights

By submitting content via their portal (Talenthouse), you grant a "perpetual, irrevocable" license for Talenthouse and their advertising affiliates, among others, to use your image for "the promotion of our clients and/or promotional partners and their products or services." Furthermore, "You waive any and all claims you may now or later have in any jurisdiction to so-called “moral rights” or rights of “droit moral” with respect to the User Content."WomenMakeItHappen Rights Off

Entrants retain copyright but winners are at risk of losing it in exchange for their prize

Beware of disclaimers in bold type assuring that you retain copyright to your work, as in this competition. Such statements can be misleading. By entering via Talenthouse you've already granted perpetual and irrevocable image use in addition to waiving your moral rights. Now, if you win, you must agree to the following:

"Upon the Promoter’s and/or Sponsor's request, winners agree to sign any and all legal forms deemed necessary to license or assign all right, title and interest in and to the Work, including without limitation, all copyrights associated therewith, in exchange for the Prizes set forth above."WomenMakeItHappen Rights Off

You will have no idea if the license terms will be fair unless you can read them before you enter. With this contest, you cannot. And why won't the competition make clear if copyright transfer will be required? You should never sign away your copyright!

Please see our full report: WomenMakeItHappen Rights Off

Participate!

Ask Yourself

How do these rules promote "free independent journalism, human rights, women’s empowerment and the rule of law"? Thomson Reuters Foundation statement, #WomenMakeItHappen

You can participate in change. Write or tweet your concerns to the sponsors and/or judges today! Don't delay.

Sample tweet

"Copyright and Moral Rights are basic human rights. Does #WomenMakeItHappen believe? @TR_Foundation @Lumia http://artists-bill-of-rights.org/news/campaign-news/what-is-empowering-about-giving-up-your-moral-rights-and-copyright?/"

SPONSORS

  • Thomson Reuters Foundation, Thomson Reuters Building, 30 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5 EP, United Kingdom, Contact Us, General email, Twitter: @TR_Foundation, FB: T.R.Foundation
  • Microsoft, 2 Kingdom Street, London, W2 6BD, United Kingdom, Website, Twitter: @Lumia
  • Talenthouse artworks, 8810 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90069, Contact page for phone or message

JUDGES

In the end, it is up to each individual to decide whether a competition conforms to their beliefs and interests. Always understand what you are committing to and make an informed decision.