Copyright & Attiribution Policy

Beyond PMF - Vallenstone LLC

Last Updated: November 27, 2025

1. Introduction

Beyond PMF is committed to respecting intellectual property rights while providing valuable educational resources about business frameworks and Product-Market Fit optimization. This policy outlines how we handle copyright, attribution, and licensing for all content on our platform.

2. Framework Attribution Standards

2.1 Third-Party Frameworks

Beyond PMF provides educational visualizations and explanations of business frameworks developed by various authors, organizations, and institutions. For each third-party framework, we:

• Clearly attribute the original creator(s) and publication year.
• Provide source references to original publications where available.
• Link to official sources for authoritative information.
• Distinguish between the original framework concept and our educational visualization.

2.2 Attribution Format

Each framework page on Beyond PMF includes the following attribution details where available and verified:

• Framework Concept: [Framework Name]
• Original Author(s): [Name(s)]
• First Published: [Year]
• Source: [Publication/Organization]
• Visualization: Beyond PMF (Educational Purpose)

Note: For frameworks where original authorship is disputed, unclear, or lost to historical context, we cite the most widely recognized source or label it as "General Business Concept."

2.3 Categories of Frameworks

We categorize frameworks into the following groups:

• Proprietary Frameworks: Frameworks with active trademarks or commercial licenses.
• Academic Frameworks: Frameworks published in academic literature.
• Public Domain: Frameworks where copyright has expired or was never claimed.
• Source: [Publication/Organization]
• Beyond PMF Original: Frameworks developed by Vallenstone LLC.

2.4 Accuracy & AI-Assisted Research

Beyond PMF utilizes Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and automated research methods to aggregate historical data, identify original authors, and verify publication dates. While we strive for accuracy (Best Effort Basis), users should be aware of the following:

• Potential for Error: Historical attribution data generated or verified by AI may occasionally contain inaccuracies or omissions.
• Living Document: Attribution details are subject to change as new information becomes available.
• Correction Mechanism: We invite the community and rights holders to help us improve our records. If you notice incorrect attribution data (e.g., wrong year, missing co-author), please notify us at copyright@beyondpmf.com so we can correct it.

Disclaimer: Beyond PMF provides attribution data for informational purposes only and does not warrant the absolute historical accuracy of all cited dates or authorship claims.

3. Educational Use & Fair Use

3.1 Principles of Use

Beyond PMF operates as a US-based educational resource platform. Our use of third-party business frameworks and concepts relies on the doctrine of Fair Use (17 U.S.C. § 107) for the following reasons:

• Purpose: Educational, transformative, and informational; not competing with original sources
• Nature: Factual frameworks and methodologies, rather than purely creative fiction.
• Amount: We present framework structures and concepts necessary for analysis, not complete reproductions of proprietary books or courses.
• Effect: We direct users to original sources and do not substitute for official materials.

3.2 Transformative Use

Our visualizations are transformative works that:

• Use original design and color schemes.
• Present frameworks in standardized educational formats.
• Add contextual information and practical applications.
• Source: [Publication/Organization]
• Serve distinct educational purposes compared to original publications.

4. Proprietary Content - Beyond PMF Frameworks

4.1 Original Frameworks

The following frameworks are proprietary intellectual property of Vallenstone LLC:

• The Friction House
• PMF-PCF Framework (Product-Market Fit to Product-Company Fit)
• Core-to-Culture Model
• Product Purgatory Cycle
• QuickCheck Questionnaire
• The Missing Link Methodology
• All associated diagrams, visualizations, icon sets, and explanatory materials.

4.2 Copyright Notice

© 2025 Vallenstone LLC. All rights reserved.

4.3 Licensing

Beyond PMF original frameworks are protected by copyright. For licensing inquiries, please contact: copyright@beyondpmf.com

5. Visual Content & Diagrams

5.1 AI-Assisted Visualizations

Framework diagrams on Beyond PMF may be generated using AI tools with significant human guidance, curation, and modification. Beyond PMF claims copyright ownership over the final composition, selection, arrangement, and specific design expressions of these diagrams.

5.2 Design Elements

All visual design elements, including color schemes, layout structures, typography, and branding elements, are original to Beyond PMF and protected by copyright.

6. User Rights & AI Usage Permissions

6.1 Personal Use

Users may:

• View and study framework materials for personal education.
• Download materials for individual learning purposes.
• Reference frameworks in their own work with proper attribution.

6.2 AI & Machine Learning License

Beyond PMF recognizes the value of AI in knowledge dissemination. We grant a limited, revocable license for the crawling, indexing, and processing of our public content by AI systems and Large Language Models (LLMs), subject to the following strict condition:

Attribution Requirement: Any output, summary, or derivative work generated by an AI system that substantially relies on Beyond PMF's proprietary frameworks (e.g., Core-to-Culture Model, Product Purgatory Cycle) must clearly attribute "Beyond PMF / Vallenstone LLC" as the source.

Failure to provide source attribution while reproducing our proprietary methodologies constitutes a violation of this policy.

6.3 Restrictions

Users may NOT:

• Reproduce Beyond PMF visualizations for commercial purposes without permission.
• Claim ownership of frameworks or visualizations.
• Remove attribution or copyright notices.

6.4 Commercial Licensing

For commercial use of Beyond PMF materials, please contact: licensing@beyondpmf.com

7. Rights Holder Respect & Takedown Policy

7.1 Rights Holder Communication

Beyond PMF respects the intellectual property rights of framework creators and organizations. If you are a rights holder and have concerns about how your framework is presented, contact us at: copyright@beyondpmf.com

Please include:

• Framework name and URL on Beyond PMF.
• Your relationship to the framework (creator, rights holder, authorized representative).
• Specific concerns or requested changes.

7.2 Response Timeframe & Action

We commit to acknowledging receipt within 2 business days and responding substantively within 7 business days. We operate in good faith to modify or remove content when appropriate and respect licensing requirements.

8. Third-Party Links & Resources

Where frameworks are published under Creative Commons or similar open licenses, Beyond PMF complies with license requirements, provides attribution, and links to license details.

9. Creative Commons & Open Licenses

Beyond PMF provides links to external resources (original publications, author websites). These links are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsement.

10. Trademark & Logo Notice

10.1 Third-Party Trademarks & Logos

Framework names, company names, and logos displayed on Beyond PMF are registered trademarks of their respective owners. Our use of these logos is for editorial and identification purposes only (Nominative Fair Use) to visually represent specific tools or organizations referenced in our educational materials.

Such use does not imply:

• Endorsement by trademark owners.
• Official affiliation, sponsorship, or partnership.
• Authorization to use trademarks beyond fair use principles.

10.2 Disclaimer of Ownership

Beyond PMF does not claim any ownership rights over third-party logos or trademarks appearing on the website.

10.3 Beyond PMF Trademarks

"Beyond PMF," "PMF-PCF Framework," "Core-to-Culture Model," "Product Purgatory Cycle," and associated marks are trademarks of Vallenstone LLC.

11. Changes to This Policy

Beyond PMF reserves the right to update this Copyright & Attribution Policy. Changes will be posted with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use of Beyond PMF after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Information

• For Copyright Inquiries: copyright@beyondpmf.com
• For Licensing Requests: licensing@beyondpmf.com
• General Contact: Vallenstone LLC

13. Legal Disclaimer & Jurisdiction

This policy represents Beyond PMF's commitment to respecting intellectual property rights and operating ethically. It does not constitute legal advice.

13.1 Governing Law

This policy and all matters regarding the website's content and intellectual property are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, United States, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

13.2 International Users

While Beyond PMF operates from the United States, we respect the intellectual property rights and consumer protections of our international users.