The Proto Hub Prototype Originality & Dispute Policy
Last updated: 24-October-2025
1. Independent Submissions
The Proto Hub recognizes that multiple designers may independently develop similar concepts or solutions.
All prototype submissions are treated as independent and original, unless verifiable evidence of direct copying or unauthorized use is presented.
Each prototype is therefore considered a unique creative entry, even when conceptual overlaps occur.
2. Timestamp, Identity, and Submission Records
To ensure authenticity and traceability, every submission made on The Proto Hub is automatically recorded with:
- Designer’s Full Name, Email, Contact Number, and Country
- Designer’s Verified National Identity Number (provided upon identity document submission)
- Prototype Title and Category
- Video link (securely stored and watermarked with The Proto Hub brand mark)
- Submission Timestamp (exact date and time of upload)
This data forms part of the Prototype Submission Certificate, a digital record issued automatically after submission.
Each certificate contains a unique submission ID and digital checksum (hash signature) of uploaded files to maintain verifiable originality proof.
The Proto Hub securely stores submission logs, certificates, and metadata for internal validation and dispute handling.
3. Prototype Submission Certificate
Upon successful prototype upload of all submission details through The Proto Hub prototype submission form by user (Designer) and complete verification and submission by The Proto Hub admin team, every designer receives a Prototype Submission Certificate issued by the platform(The Proto Hub).
This document includes:
- Designer Name, Email, Contact Number, Country
- Verified National Identity Number
- Prototype Title and Category
- Video Link (watermarked with “Prototype Hub”)
- Timestamp of Submission
- Unique Certificate ID and Digital Hash Signature
This certificate serves as proof of creation and submission on the platform, and may be used by the designer as supportive evidence in case of originality or IP-related disputes.
It does not represent formal legal IP registration but acts as a credible digital record.
4. Investor Selection Autonomy
Investors and organizations using the platform retain full independence in evaluating and selecting prototypes.
Our platform The Proto Hub does not influence or control investor choices.
Selection of one prototype over others does not imply ownership judgment or originality validation by the platform (The Proto Hub).
Investors’ choices are based on their assessment criteria such as feasibility, presentation quality, and market potential.
5. Intellectual Property Rights
- The designer retains full ownership of all prototypes submitted to The Proto Hub.
- The Proto Hub does not claim any IP or creative rights over user submissions.
- Designers are encouraged to register formal patents, copyrights, or design protections externally if required.
- The Prototype Submission Certificate acts only as a supporting authenticity record for submission proof, not a legal patent document.
The Proto Hub provides timestamped records and digital hash signatures solely for verification purposes.
6. Dispute Resolution Process
In case of an originality dispute or claim of duplication:
- The concerned designer must file a Formal Dispute Request with sufficient details.
- The Proto Hub will verify:
- Submission timestamps
- Certificate data and metadata logs
- Digital hash of uploaded files
- Identity verification associated with each submission
- A neutral review report will be prepared and shared with all involved parties.
If no evidence of copying is found, all submissions are treated as independent.
The Proto Hub’s findings are based on digital records only and are not legally binding IP judgments.
7. Platform Neutrality
The Proto Hub maintains complete neutrality between designers, investors, and organizations.
The platform’s role is limited to:
- Secure data collection and timestamping
- Certificate generation
- Similarity analysis and moderation
- Providing verified digital logs upon valid request
The Proto Hub does not arbitrate ownership or financial negotiations between parties.
8. Data Privacy and Identity Protection
All user data, including national identity numbers, contact details, and certificates, are stored securely in compliance with:
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
- Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP), India
- Other applicable global data privacy laws
Identity numbers are used solely for verification and certificate generation and are never shared with investors or third parties without explicit consent.
9. Escalation and Legal Cooperation
If disputes remain unresolved:
- The Proto Hub may provide relevant records (timestamp, digital hash, and identity verification logs) upon legal or governmental request.
- The platform is not a party to external IP disputes and acts only as a neutral record keeper.
- All platform-related matters shall fall under the jurisdiction of Kolkata, West Bengal, India..
10. Policy Acceptance
By submitting a prototype, designers acknowledge and agree that:
- Multiple users may independently submit similar ideas.
- The Proto Hub provides timestamp and originality evidence but does not guarantee exclusivity.
- Investor selections are independent, and platform neutrality is maintained at all times.
- Prototype Submission Certificates are for proof-of-submission purposes only.
11. Recommended Precautions for Designers
- Register a formal patent or copyright for legal protection where necessary.
- Avoid including confidential trade secrets in public descriptions.
- Keep your submission certificate and ID verification document securely stored.
