Dyes Commons License

DYES MEDIA LLC

Dyes Commons License

Version 1.1

Effective Date: May 25, 2026

1. Definitions

"Bonus Story" refers to any original short story or work of fiction designated as a bonus story and published as supplementary content within a Dyes Media LLC title.

"Author" refers to Dominic Dyes, the original creator of the Bonus Story.

"You" refers to any individual or entity exercising the rights granted under this License.

"Adaptation" refers to any derivative work based upon the Bonus Story, including but not limited to translations, retellings, expansions, reimaginings, and works set within the same world or featuring the same characters.

"Commercial Film or Television Production" refers to any feature film or scripted television series that is professionally produced and commercially distributed through theatrical release, streaming platforms, broadcast networks, cable networks, or any other commercial distribution channel, regardless of budget size.

"Commercial Video Game" refers to any interactive software title based on or substantially derived from the Bonus Story that is intended for commercial release, including but not limited to titles distributed through digital storefronts, physical retail, subscription services, or mobile app platforms, regardless of budget or studio size.

"Non-Commercial Video Content" refers to fan films, short films, student films, and other video works published on free, publicly accessible platforms such as YouTube that are not commercially distributed and do not generate revenue beyond platform monetization incidental to the platform itself.

2. Grant of Rights

Subject to the terms and conditions of this License, the Author hereby grants You a worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive license to:

(a) Share — copy, reproduce, and redistribute the Bonus Story in any medium or format;

(b) Adapt — remix, transform, expand, translate, or build upon the Bonus Story;

(c) Publish — including in novels, short stories, anthologies, fan works, comics, short films, fan films, and Non-Commercial Video Content on platforms such as YouTube;

(d) Distribute — make the Bonus Story or Adaptations thereof available to the public.

3. Universal Attribution Requirement

Attribution is required in all cases — without exception — including works produced under a separate commercial license obtained pursuant to Section 4.

Any use, sharing, or Adaptation of the Bonus Story must include clear and reasonable credit to Dominic Dyes as the original author. Attribution must appear in a location where it is reasonably visible to the audience, such as:

— A credits page or acknowledgments section in written works;

— An opening or closing credit in video or film works;

— A credits screen or documentation in video games;

— A description, caption, or about section in digital and online contexts.

Required attribution format: "Based on an original short story by Dominic Dyes."

Failure to provide attribution constitutes a breach of this License regardless of whether a separate commercial license has been obtained.

4. Works Requiring a Separate Commercial License

The rights granted in Section 2 do not extend to the following categories of works. A separate written licensing agreement executed with the Author prior to commencement of production or development is required for:

— Commercial Film or Television Productions, as defined in Section 1;

— Commercial Video Games, as defined in Section 1.

To inquire about commercial licensing, contact: licensing@dyesmedia.com

Entering production or development of any work in the above categories without a signed commercial license constitutes a material breach of this License and an infringement of the Author's intellectual property rights.

The execution of a separate commercial license does not waive the attribution requirement set forth in Section 3.

4.1 Clarification: Non-Commercial Video

For the avoidance of doubt: short films, fan films, student films, and video content published on platforms such as YouTube — whether monetized through the platform's standard ad-sharing program or not — are considered Non-Commercial Video Content and are fully permitted under Section 2 without the need for a separate agreement, provided attribution is given per Section 3.

This exemption does not apply to works that are commercially distributed through film festivals with cash prizes, sold directly to streaming services, or otherwise exploited commercially outside of standard platform publishing.

4.2 Clarification: Non-Commercial Games

Fan-made, non-commercial games — including game jam entries, free browser games, and other interactive works that are not sold or distributed through commercial channels — are permitted under Section 2 without a separate license, provided attribution is given per Section 3.

5. Scope of Original Authorship in Adaptations

Any Adaptation in the form of a novel, short story, screenplay, game, or other work may be copyrighted by its author solely with respect to the original elements contributed by that author. No copyright claim may extend to characters, settings, plot elements, themes, or any other material originating from the Bonus Story.

Works that reproduce the Bonus Story in substantial part while making only superficial alterations — such as changing character names, locations, or similar cosmetic substitutions — without acknowledgment of the Author constitute plagiarism and are not permitted under this License. Genuine Adaptations, including close retellings that follow the original plot and story beats, are permitted provided attribution is given per Section 3.

6. No Additional Restrictions

You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything this License permits. This License does not restrict others who receive the Bonus Story or any Adaptation from You.

7. No Warranty

The Bonus Story is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. The Author makes no representations regarding the Bonus Story's fitness for any particular purpose.

8. Limitation of Liability

In no event shall the Author be liable for any damages arising from the use or inability to use the Bonus Story under this License.

9. Termination

Your rights under this License terminate automatically if You fail to comply with its terms. Upon termination, You must cease all use and distribution of the Bonus Story and any Adaptations. Rights of parties who have received the Bonus Story or Adaptations from You in compliance with this License will not be affected by termination of Your rights.