# What is Intellectual Property?

## Understanding Intellectual Property (IP)

**Intellectual Property (IP)** refers to original creations—such as names, designs, and content—that are legally owned by individuals or organizations. These creations are typically protected under **copyrights**, **trademarks**, or **patents**, which prevent others from using, selling, or distributing them without permission.

Tebex enforces IP protections in accordance with [Clause 1.4 of our Acceptable Use Policy](https://www.tebex.io/terms-creator-agreement/acceptable-use-policy) and aligns with [CFX's Terms of Service for FiveM](https://runtime.fivem.net/platform-license-agreement-12-sept-2023.pdf), which prohibit unlicensed IP usage in-game.

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### What Is Considered IP?

Examples of commonly protected IP include:

* **Brand identifiers** – Unique company or product names
* **Logos and design elements** – Emblems, stylized fonts, or distinctive symbols
* **Character designs** – Recognizable figures from games, comics, or animations
* **Product silhouettes** – Iconic item shapes (e.g., cars, weapons, gadgets) associated with real brands

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### What You Cannot Sell

You may **not list or distribute content** that includes:

* **Direct brand references** – Real-world names, logos, slogans, or imagery
* **Altered brand names** – Misspellings or phonetic imitations (e.g., “Gucci” → “Gucchi”)
* **Cloned character models** – Replicas or imports from commercial games
* **Lookalike products** – Vehicles, weapons, or items that resemble real-world models, even without logos

> **Note:** Intent matters. Minor changes to copyrighted content **do not make it compliant**.

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### What You Can Sell

You are allowed to list and sell:

* **Original content** – Fully custom models, textures, names, or styles
* **Lore-friendly designs** – Fictional creations that suit your game’s universe
* **Stylized assets** – Generic items or vehicles inspired by broader categories, not directly replicating real brands

>  **Creativity is encouraged—as long as it respects legal boundaries.**

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### Vehicle Designs: A Common IP Risk

Vehicle models are one of the most common sources of unintentional IP infringement. To stay compliant:

#### ✔ Design Guidelines

* Remove **badges, emblems, and logos**
* Avoid copying recognizable **shapes or silhouettes**
* Prioritize **fictional or modified** vehicles

#### How to Test for IP Infringement

Use tools like **Google Lens** or reverse image search. If your model closely matches a real-world brand or product, it’s likely not compliant.

> [Explore CFX’s Lore-Friendly Vehicle List for pre-approved models.](https://docs.fivem.net/docs/game-references/vehicle-references/vehicle-models/)

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### Disclosure Requirements

If you’re selling packages that include **user-selectable or customizable content**, you must clearly disclose that content on your store page.

Ensure that customers can:

* View **item names, previews, or thumbnails**
* Access **images, videos, or links** showing the item
* Understand what they’re purchasing **before joining a server or completing checkout**

Transparency builds trust and protects both you and your customers.

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### IP Compliance Checklist

Before listing content for sale, confirm the following:

| Compliance Item                                                | Confirmed? |
| -------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------- |
| Content is **original** or clearly **fictional/lore-friendly** | \[ ]       |
| No use of **real-world brands, logos, or names**               | \[ ]       |
| No **altered brand spellings** (e.g., “Porsh” for Porsche)     | \[ ]       |
| Vehicles/models do not **resemble real products**              | \[ ]       |
| All **logos and brand badges removed** from assets             | \[ ]       |
| A **reverse image search** confirms no likeness to real items  | \[ ]       |
| Customizable items are **clearly disclosed** on the store page | \[ ]       |
| Buyers can **preview items** without joining the server        | \[ ]       |