The English word ethics is derived from the Ancient Greek word ēthikós (ἠθικός), meaning "relating to one's character", which itself comes from the root word êthos (ἦθος) meaning "character, moral nature".[5] This word was transferred into Latin as ethica and then into French as éthique, from which it was transferred into English.
Source: Wikipedia
Rights Chain Initiative was born as an idea to offer creators of Digital Works a tool that can be considered the starting point for the identity of their works. A simplified tool that allows Artists to globally and indelibly attribute the ownership and date of birth of their Work. A way for them to mark these characteristics in a recognised way, also at a legal level, by offering a simple and minimal tool to manage and attribute a licence to use the Work (typically Creative Commons).
Rights Chain Initiative was born from the will of its founders to give life to an organization with strong ethical principles that devotes its time and resources to the creation of tools for an organized and ethically correct diffusion of Digital Works.
Rights Chain is an initiative that, alongside the practical problem to which it intends to provide a solution, is driven by ethical principles and for the same reason approaches the solution in an ethical manner. Given the (noble) goal of creating tools for the defence of the identity (i.e. its date of creation and its Author) of a work of genius, art or fantasy, the way in which all problems are analysed, technological solutions are realised and the data stored are processed follows the ethical principles underlying the project itself.
The Mission of Rights Chain Initiative is to give concrete support to all artists who inspire people with their creativity.
Because the intellect and abilities of individuals are something that, from an ethical and moral point of view, needs someone who takes the initiative and decides to fight to defend it.
Where does a work begin? When was it actually created and by whom? And how to prove it?
In the era when the Internet, and with it all the various social networks, allows global content distribution almost instantaneously, the flip side of the coin of notoriety that can be acquired is the difficulty of proving ownership of the original work. Artists produce digital content of all kinds: illustrations, sketches, drawings, photographs, 3D models, ideas, projects. Masterpieces of intellect that in turn constitute inspiration for old and new generations, infusing emotions in those who observe or admire them.
Artists are faced with the opportunity of being able to produce works and disseminate them worldwide in a few moments. On the other hand, they constantly live in the condition where works are redistributed by individuals who take ownership of them, i.e. they magically become their creations.
The digital market of the Internet and that of patent and copyright societies, even before the digital era, offer a vast portfolio of services for the protection of copyright or intellectual, creative or intellectual property, with costs that are often inaccessible to those who enter the world of Art in any of its forms and find themselves 'forced' to disseminate their creations without protections that can somehow be exploited to their advantage, such as for a professional engagement.
Rights Chain Initiative was born observing this scenario and wishes to offer Artists of the digital era a simple tool that allows them to disseminate their creations with greater protection, and above all with the copyright that is defined by the Berne Convention. The protection is in fact automatic, no registration is required and no copyright notice is needed either.
Rights Chain Initiative was born with the idea of creating a new global collaborative paradigm in which artists have simple yet robust and cutting-edge tools to support the dissemination of their creations.
There is a whole ecosystem of services, companies, publishers that gravitate around Artists, and Rights Chain intends to create a Platform of Services that allows Artists to interact in a reassured way in this ecosystem.
In an era when social networks and online services have completely lost the sense of "humanity" between service provider and end user, Rights Chain intends to overturn this paradigm with an extremely challenging initiative: to create a human relationship between the Artist and their Platform, maintaining direct contact with Artists, such as by participating in fairs or events.
Because the intellect and capabilities of individuals are something that, from an ethical and moral point of view, needs someone who takes the initiative and decides to fight to defend it.
Rights Chain was created with the idea of giving artists of the Digital Age a set of tools that can help them defend their inventiveness, creativity and intellectual property. Tools that can enable them to prove that they are the real authors of a Digital Work distributed through dispersive and uncontrollable channels such as the Internet and Social Networks.
Based on the fact that the tools may need continuous innovation, it is part of Rights Chain's Mission to maintain a continuous process of Research and Development in constant contact with the Artists and all the actors that are part of the ecosystem that gravitates around the Artists themselves, with the aim of adapting the existing tools and continuing to innovate its Platform by providing new functionalities that can help Artists in their work.
With the aim of creating more and more useful and effective tools for Artists, Rights Chain intends to forge relationships and collaborations with Publishers and Academies, companies that offer services or products for Artists in order to centralise on each individual Artist the possibility to draw on everything that can be of support, interest or help to them.
Rights Chain is strongly motivated and driven by ethical foundations in the protection of Artists' intellectual property.
Compliance with laws, transparency, fairness in handling data and materials that are entrusted to the site, trust and cooperation with the Artists who in turn place their trust in Rights Chain, are the ethical principles by which Rights Chain itself is inspired and from which it derives its own models of conduct.
The following text is the integral text of the Code of Ethics (hereafter the "Code") in force within the Company.
The success of our business depends exclusively on the trust and confidence we gain from the artists, collaborators, customers, and partners. We gain credibility by following our commitments, demonstrating honesty and integrity, and achieving the success of our Company solely through an honourable conduct. It is easy to say what needs to be done, but the evidence resides only in our actions. In the end, we will be judged for what we do. In considering each action, it is wise to ask:
Will this action create trust and credibility for Rights Chain? It will create a working environment in which Rights Chain will happen in the long term? Can I pursue it over time with the choice what I'm doing?
The only way we will be to maximize our confidence and our credibility is responding "YES" to all these questions.
We all have the right to work in an environment where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Rights Chain is committed to creating a collaborative working environment based on these principles because it is the only way to allow everyone to make the most of and to contribute constructively to the work of our Company.
We cannot, but above all we do not want to waste any talent.
Rights Chain is an organization committed to providing a working environment without discrimination or any form of abuse, offense, or harassment.
Any co-worker or person involved in harassment or discrimination should notify the person concerned.
In view of the non-invasiveness of the personal sphere of the registered users and their habits, we have decided to act against the market trend.
No collection of "habits" of our subscribers, no advertising service acquired from outside. We do not intend to collect this information on behalf of third parties, so Rights Chain does not collect data for statistical purposes or sell this type of information to third parties.
In the same way, the Company does not collect data on the habits of its visitors, by abandoning the adoption of statistical tools on visits to its third-party Internet sites (e.g. Google Analytics).
In Rights Chain anyone should feel free and confident in sharing their own opinion or idea, especially in respect of ethical issues. The board is responsible for creating a working environment that encourages collaborators and all people involved in the initiative and the Company to ask ethical questions. Everyone takes a huge advantage when people avoid making mistakes by putting the right questions at the right time. Rights Chain will investigate in any report of violation or non-compliance with your code ethical. In any circumstance where anti-ethical behaviour is to be found, the Company will have the right to intervene in the most appropriate manner. Rights Chain will not tolerate retaliation against collaborators who raise genuine ethical concerns in good faith. All collaborators are encouraged, in the first place, to address these questions to their own leaders or those responsible for the land area, why be they are addressed and resolved in the shortest possible time. If, for any reason, this is not possible or the collaborator does not find comfortable to raise the issue with own referral, the collaborator can contact the Company CEO directly.
The focus of Rights Chain is directed at artists, creators of the digital age. All Services developed and delivered through the Company Platform are intended to provide artists with tools for registering their own works through licensing forms such as Creative Commons, providing information on how to spread their works through digital channels. such as the Internet and the automatic copyright right of copyright as defined by Berne Convention.
In managing relationships with Artists, Rights Chain reserves the right to verify the identity of each individual Artist through various forms, including knowledge about an event or fair through a verification of identity documents, or through a referral process through other Artists already accredited on the Platform, publishers or art academies. This mode is necessary to ensure the trueness of the data in the Company systems as well as to provide the artists themselves with a series of high value-added services.
Any information obtained by Artists or collected through the Company Platform will be considered confidential and will not be transferred to third parties under any circumstances. Rights Chain does not intend to sell the data collected in its database either in whole or in part. Each Artist is entitled to request, at any time, a copy of all the information that is kept at a given moment within the Company Platform. Such information will be sent in a suitable technical time without tampering, alteration, or variation.
The records of works are permanent and unalterable. Not any collaborator of Rights Chain, Partner, Developer, Service Provider, Third Part, or even database developers themselves can alter or modify the data saved within the blockchain registry where recordings are kept. This condition also persists in the event of termination of the service delivery report to the Artist.
The Artist who, with our sorrow, wanted to abandon the Platform and the Company Initiative will receive, without tampering or alteration, the entire content of the database, a copy of all digital registrations and keys with which digital signatures have been generated. Through the Company Platform, the Artist can always verify the validity and veracity of the Registration of his work even after the elimination of his data.
Rights Chain does not hold, and will not retain, any right, privilege or permission to use, unless expressly authorized by the Artist, the works that were previously retained on its Platform, nor shall it deny that it has, on behalf of the Artist, registration of the Artwork.
The Executive has the additional responsibility to demonstrate, through its actions, the importance of this Code. In any activity, ethical attitude does not "happen", but is the result of a clear and direct communication of behavioural expectations, shaped from the top and demonstrated by their actions as an example. Still, our actions are what counts. For this Code to work, the board must be responsible for a quick reaction to the ethical issues or perplexities that can be manifested by the collaborators, and for an appropriate approach to the problem. The board of directors, as well as designated area members, should not consider the employees' ethical issues as a threat to their authority, but rather as an encouraged form of alternative communication. In Rights Chain we want the ethical dialogue to become a natural part of all activities.
The commitment of the Company to integrity begins with compliance with laws, regulations, and rules where we do our business. In addition, every person involved in the Company must have knowledge of corporate policies, laws, and rules that apply to each specific role. If we are not sure that a given action is permitted by Law or the Company policies, we should go for advice from the expert in the specific field. We are responsible for preventing violations of the law and bringing to the light any violations. By the nature of the activities carried out by Rights Chain, several clauses are proposed below specifications.
We are destined for ethics, correct and energetic competition. Like Rights Chain, we offer merchant-based services, superior quality, functionality, response to the needs of Artists and Partners to which we are targeting, as well as competitive prices. We will make marketing and price decisions independently, without cooperating or coordinating decision with our competitors. We will not bid or solicit inadequate payments during the acquisition of products and / or services for the Company or the promotion of its Services, as well as we will not engage or involve, directly or indirectly, in illegal activities of boycott or sabotage of customers, competitors, or anyone else.
As for the Intellectual Property Rights of the Company Artists, as well as of our Partners and all the employees who use the Services provided through our Platforms, it is our commitment to safeguard with all the necessary means of Intellectual Property. For this reason, Rights Chain will in no way attempt to appropriately or to be considered in any way entitled or entitled to any intellectual property that is managed, stored, or processed. This line of conduct is valid during the relationship period between the parties, as well as at the end of the relationship. By virtue of the Company Mission, respect for Intellectual Property is the ultimate asset, as well as the absolute summit of our Code of Ethics. For this reason, Rights Chain will not acquire or attempt to acquire, through improper methods, the intellectual property of its competitors, collaborators, or partners, as well as will not attempt to obtain possession of confidential information of the same. We will not engage or engage in unauthorized use, copying, distribution or alteration of software or other intellectual property.
In a market that does not pity its competitors, spreading information prematurely or without due attention may be harmful to the entire Company. We will not spread, therefore selectively, (during one-to-one meetings or small discussions, meetings, presentations, proposals or any other way) no material classified as confidential, confidential or non-public in the respect of the Company's security and confidentiality policies market operations, projects, future developments, financial plans or operations. We will need to be particularly attentive when submitting presentations or suggestions to Clients, Partners, or new Collaborators to ensure that presentations do not contain unauthorized material for dissemination.
Rights Chain is committed to keeping the work environment, whatever it is, safe for the health of its employees and guests.
We must avoid any relationship or activity that could damage, even just as apparently, our ability to make right and objective decisions when we do our job. There are moments when we might find ourselves in a situation where the decisions, we make on behalf of Rights Chain may conflict with our personal or family interests. You must recognize your duty to Rights Chain to pursue the legitimate interests of the Company when it comes to the opportunity to do so. We should never use the Company's property, means or information for its own gain, or appropriating opportunities that can be discovered by co-operating with Rights Chain.
Here are some examples in which a conflict of interest may arise:
Rights Chain employees themselves or family members.
Rights Chain undertakes to compete exclusively on the merits of its products and Services.
Should be avoid all those actions that create the perception that claims, received, or obtained favourable treatment from outside parties to Rights Chain in return for personal preference. These conditions include gifts, meals, snacks, refreshments, entertainment, or others benefits from people or companies with whom Rights Chain has or can entertain business relationships. We will not accept any form of courtesy that could constitute, or could reasonably be perceived as constituent, inventive to unfair or violating the law, the internal policies of Rights Chain or its Customers and Partners, or that it would embarrass or to reflect negatively on the reputation of the Company.
The general line of conduct should be not to accept from the third-party trade favours resulting from the charge covered within the Company. Although it is not advisable to apply for trade favours by leveraging the charge covered within the Company, and it is never right to make such a request, it is possible to accept such favours that show the success of relationships and collaboration between companies and Rights Chain. Employees who receive prizes must pay particular attention to the fact that a situation does not arise to give the perception that a favouritism condition has occurred or otherwise could mislead the reputation of Rights Chain. The most prudent approach is to refuse any form of favour when, in the name and on behalf of the Company, an acquisition or renewal of a supply of goods or services is under way, a condition which might give the impression that by providing favours Of some sort was a way to get into business with Rights Chain.
Occasional invitations to lunch, refreshments, entertainment, or similar forms offered or offered by a third party may be accepted provided that:
Collaborators may accept non-monetary donations (including so called "cryptocurrencies") that conform to ethical market practices, including:
In general, employees cannot accept any fees, or money in any portion of the entity with which Rights Chain collaborates or could cooperate in the future.
Tangible value bargains (including tickets for sporting or entertainment events) should not be accepted unless the Company Board of Directors approves.
Collaborator offering business favours must ensure that it cannot reasonably be interpreted as an attempt to unfairly trade favours or benefits that might otherwise reflect a negative image of Rights Chain. A collaborator cannot under any circumstances use their own resources to achieve a goal that cannot be pursued with Rights Chain resources. The use of commercial favours must be carried out in accordance with the procedures and policies of the Company. Rights Chain can offer its customers, suppliers, Partners, or third parties complimentary non-monetary (e.g. bearing the Company's logo).
The board may also approve other forms of courtesy, including meals, refreshments, or entertainment activities of reasonable value, provided that:
We ensure that all financial information provided to the public is complete, correct, accurate, punctual, and understandable. This obligation is extended to all employees including financial managers as well as the figures involved in the production, verification, and publication of reports. No end can justify misrepresentation or falsification of data. Collaborators who come to know about anomalies, tampering or alteration of data, as well as inaccurate or misleading information.
We create, retain, and have the records of our Company as a normal course of events in conducting our business, in compliance with all internal management policies as well as in compliance with regulatory requirements.
All records must reflect true, accurate and complete information, as well as all data must be promptly and accurately entered in the records in accordance with the policies of the Company and other applicable accounting standards.
Any audits should be granted without attempting to influence their outcome, alter the presented data, interfere with the review process.
Promote Form Substance
There are moments when faced with decisions we would rather not have to do and problems that would be easier to avoid. Sometimes, we hope that by avoiding facing the problem, it would simply disappear alone.
Rights Chain has a complex mission and difficult to deal with, so we must have the courage to face difficult situations by taking equally difficult decisions, confident that in the experience and knowledge of the Company, that decision is the right one. Sometimes this means doing more than simply required by law. Simply because the ability to follow an action line does not mean that we should do it. Although the guiding principles of the Company cannot address any problem or provide an answer to any dilemma, they can define the spirit with which we intend to do business, and which should guide us in our daily conduct.
Each of us is responsible for knowing and adhering to the values and principles set forth in this Code and raising reasonable questions or doubts as to whether we are uncertain of the Company's policies. Any doubt about the lack of observation, violation of this Code should be communicated to its designated manager. If this is not possible, any employee can contact the Company CEO directly.
Integral part of the success of the Company is the protection of its confidential information, as well as private information trusted by employees, customers, and other partners (including vendors and consultants). Confidential and proprietary information includes, but is not limited to, pricing and financial data, customer names and addresses, non-public information from other companies, including the names of potential suppliers and vendors. We will not disclose any confidential information and publish it without a valid commercial purpose and with appropriate authorization.
Company’s resources, including time, materials, equipment, media, information, software, and space, are provided for professional use only and limited to Rights Chain activities. Not least, occasional personal use is allowed if it does not affect work performance or cause damage to resources or the work environment. The employees and representatives of the Company who can use their resources to carry out their work are also confident in their accurate storage and use of the resources themselves. Designated managers are responsible for ensuring the proper use of such resources as well as their verification and disposition, as well as managing any issues arising from their use. Generally, it is not allowed to use the Company's resources to conduct outside work, religious activities, politics or other external activities, except for those activities supporting non-profit organizations licensed by Rights Chain. In order to defending the interests of the Company network and its employees, Rights Chain reserves the right to verify all data contained on the assets provided to its employees, including computers and mobile devices, the use of the Internet or Intranet Of Rights Chain. The use of company resources for the purpose of creating, accessing, storing, printing, requesting or sending of any material that is of harassment, threat, abuse, discrimination of any kind or in any case offensive or inappropriate will not be tolerated.
Rights Chain operates in areas that can put its collaborators in the condition of getting in touch with journalists or other members of the press and the media. In order to ensure adequate and consistent communication with the press and the media, all interview requests or queries must be submitted to the public relations office It is not permitted to provide press conferences or statements without proper approval from the public relations office.
There are many key questions that can identify situations that may be immoral, inappropriate, or illegal.
Ask yourself:
Rights Chain is an Ethical Initiative before being a Company. It is our goal is to work and devote our time doing a job that not only represents our personal satisfaction but carries along our Mission respecting all the values described in this Code of Ethics.
We deeply believe in the principles we have listed in this Code, which represents the first document officially drafted at the time of the initiative's foundation. We believe that a collaborative environment based on solid and shared moral principles can change things. We have an important Mission to deal with, and only through a cohesive and decisive view allows us to be a Team. An unstoppable team composed of the Company collaborators, all the Artists who trust us, our Customers, our Partners. A team can support each other in dealing with problems and difficulties. Because the intellect and the abilities of individuals are something that from an ethical and moral point of view require someone to take the initiative and decide to fight for it to be defended.
Closing note
Sebastian Konstanty Zdrojewski
Rights Chain Director & Founder