America’s Favorite Photos
Rekindling America’s Appreciation of Photography
Competition Rules

SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS

You must own all rights to any and all photos you submit to America's Favorite Photos (the "Competition") - and fully assume any and all liability if you do not.

You retain full ownership of your photos and all rights to your photos except for a limited license of just those rights necessary for your participation in the Competition and for the operation and marketing of the Competition as a whole.

You must be eighteen (18) years of age or older and a citizen (or legal resident) of the United States of America to participate in the Competition as a Competitor or as a Voter.

Entries must be submitted by the actual competitor. Proxy submissions are not allowed.

No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win the Competition.

No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to register or vote in the Competition.

Public voting will decide the Competition winner from those entrants who have been selected to participate in the Competition (each a "Competitor" and collectively, the "Competitors"). The Grand Prize will be awarded in accordance with these Rules and Terms of Use. Any violation of these Rules or Terms of Use, at Operator’s sole discretion, may result in disqualification. The Competition reserves the right to reject, remove, or disqualify any photo at any time with or without cause or notice. All decisions of the Operator regarding the Competition are final and binding in all respects.

CONSUMER DISCLOSURE

THIS IS A BINDING CONTRACT. YOUR CONTINUED PARTICIPATION AS A NOMINATOR, ENTRANT, COMPETITOR, VOTER, OR WINNER IN THE COMPETITION (AS DEFINED BELOW), IN ANY MANNER, SIGNIFIES YOUR ACCEPTANCE AND AGREEMENT TO THESE RULES, TERMS OF USE, AND THE PRIVACY POLICY, IN WHATEVER FORM THEY MAY CURRENTLY EXIST. AS SUCH, PLEASE READ THIS AGREEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY.

THESE RULES GOVERN WHAT CLAIMS YOU CAN BRING, WHAT DAMAGES YOU CAN CLAIM, AND HOW DISPUTES BETWEEN YOU AND THE COMPETITION ENTITIES (DEFINED BELOW) RELATING TO YOUR PARTICIPATION AS A REGISTRANT, COMPETITOR, VOTER, OR WINNER (COLLECTIVELY, A "PARTICIPANT") IN THE COMPETITION WILL BE RESOLVED. THE SECTIONS OF THESE RULES TITLED "WAIVER AND LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY" AND "DISPUTE RESOLUTION" EXPLAIN WHAT CLAIMS YOU ARE WAIVING, WHAT DAMAGES YOU CAN CLAIM, AND CONTAIN AN ARBITRATION AGREEMENT AND WAIVER OF CLASS ACTION, WHICH STATES THAT YOU AND THE COMPETITION ENTITIES (EACH A "PARTY" AND, COLLECTIVELY, THE "PARTIES") MUST ARBITRATE INSTEAD OF GOING TO A COURT BEFORE A JUDGE AND JURY, AND THAT ALL SUCH ARBITRATION CLAIMS MUST BE BROUGHT IN YOUR INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS REPRESENTATIVE OR MEMBER, OR OTHERWISE ON BEHALF OF OTHERS, IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS, COLLECTIVE, OR REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES, LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY, AND GOVERNING LAW, WAIVER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION SECTIONS CONTAIN IMPORTANT LIMITATIONS ON OUR LIABILITY AND OUR AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE FOLLOWING THE LAWS OF ARIZONA ONLY. 

SOCIALMARK, LLC ("OPERATOR"), AN ARIZONA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ADMINISTERS AMERICASFAVORITEPHOTOS.COM (THE "WEBSITE") AND THE OPERATION OF THE COMPETITION. THE OPERATOR CAN BE REACHED AT [email protected] OR [email protected].

GENERAL NOTICE

No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win the Competition.

It is NOT necessary for those individuals registering to compete (each an "Entrant" and, collectively, "Entrants") to pay an entry fee, or tender payment of any kind to enter or win the Competition.

Competition entry is open only to individuals who are eighteen (18) years of age or older ("Eligible Entry Age") at the time of entry and who are a citizen (or legal resident) of the United States of America. Further eligibility restrictions are listed below.

No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to register or vote in the Competition.

By entering or voting in this Competition, Entrants and Voters accept and unconditionally agree to abide by and be bound by these rules (the "Rules"), the Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and any decision(s) of Operator.

Public voting will decide the Competition winner(s) from those Entrants that have been selected to participate in the Competition (each a "Competitor" and collectively, the "Competitors").

The Grand Prize will be awarded in accordance with these Rules and Terms of Use.

Any violation of the Rules or the Terms of Use, at Operator’s sole discretion, may result in disqualification.

The Competition reserves the right to reject, remove, or disqualify any photo at any time with or without cause or notice.

All decisions of Operator regarding the Competition are final and binding in all respects.

ALL DATES SET FORTH IN THESE OFFICIAL RULES ARE APPROXIMATE. OPERATOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE ANY DATES.

ELIGIBILITY AND CONSENT

All Entrants must be individuals of Eligible Entry Age at the time of entry and be a citizen (or legal resident) of the United States of America. Void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by applicable law. Officers, directors, and/or employees of Operator, along with their respective immediate family members (defined as spouse, parent, child, sibling) are ineligible to participate in the Competition as Competitors or Voters. Entries must be submitted by the actual competitor. Proxy submissions, including but not limited to submissions by parents, guardians, or other third parties on behalf of a competitor, are not permitted. Any such submissions may result in disqualification at the sole discretion of the Operator.

Any individual who has been declared the Grand Prize Winner (as defined below) in a Competition within the past twenty-four (24) months (from the date the past competition winner was announced), shall be ineligible from entering or participating as a Competitor in the Competition.

Operator will take all reasonable steps to prohibit ineligible Entrants and/or Competitors and/or Voters (“Participants”) from entering and/or participating in the Competition. Operator reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to determine eligibility or whether to deem an a Participant ineligible to participate in the Competition, at any time and for any reason whatsoever, including due to the Participant's inability to fulfill any obligation(s) as a Competitor or Winner (as defined below), as required by Operator and these Rules. By entering the Competition, Entrants/Competitors agree to Operator’s use of their name, biographical information, and any other materials submitted, including the Submitted Photographs (as defined below), for both online and offline direct marketing purposes in connection with the Competition.

BY REGISTERING TO ENTER THE COMPETITION, ENTRANTS/COMPETITORS GRANT OPERATOR A LIMITED, NON-EXCLUSIVE, AND NON-TRANSFERABLE LICENSE TO USE THE ENTRIES AND ANY OTHER MATERIALS SUBMITTED (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO SUBMITTED PHOTOGRAPHS) IN ANY MANNER REASONABLY RELATED TO THE COMPETITION AND/OR FUTURE COMPETITIONS. INVALID, FALSE, OR DECEPTIVE ENTRIES OR PROFILES SHALL RENDER THOSE ENTRIES OR PROFILES INELIGIBLE. BY ENTERING THE COMPETITION, ENTRANTS/COMPETITORS REPRESENT AND WARRANT THAT THEY HAVE READ AND AGREE TO THESE RULES AND MEET ANY/ALL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS. OPERATOR SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ITS REASONABLE RELIANCE ON ENTRANTS'/COMPETITORS' REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

NOTICE: YOU HAVE NOT YET WON.

HOW TO ENTER

To enter, Entrants must visit www.AmericasFavoritePhotos.com to complete and submit an official entry form. Entrants must provide all information requested, including, at a minimum, one (1) competition photograph which conforms to the specifications required below (the "Submitted Photographs"), using the upload tool and instructions provided. Submitted Photographs must not infringe or violate any right of any third party or entity, including but not limited to copyright, right of publicity, and right of privacy. Please confirm and make sure you have the rights to submit the photographs. Submitted photos should not contain obscene or otherwise offensive content. The determination of whether any image exhibits obscene or offensive content is at the sole discretion of Operator. False, deceptive, or incomplete entries or information provided by Entrants or Competitors at any point relating to the Competition may render the entry ineligible, regardless of when the problem is discovered.

Upon submitting an entry form, Entrant agrees that Operator may contact the Entrant/Competitor, including via auto-dialer, email message, or text message, for any purpose relating to the Competition, including to request resubmission of one or more of the Submitted Photographs and/or to request that the Entrant submit additional images ("Additional Photographs"). Entrants/Competitors may use the unsubscribe link in emails, or reply "STOP" to withdraw consent to be contacted via text message, at any time. While Entrants may have assistance in entering data and uploading the Submitted Photographs, Entrants must otherwise complete the entry forms themselves. All entries must be submitted by the actual competitor. Proxy submissions, including those made by parents, guardians, or any other third parties on behalf of a competitor, are strictly prohibited. Failure to comply may result in disqualification at the Operator’s sole discretion. Submission of photographs and entry in the Competition constitutes consent to the use of the Submitted Photographs on the Website and digital apps, and otherwise in connection with Operator, the Competition, and its affiliated Competition partner brands, and in any and all media now known or hereafter discovered, for the full duration of the copyright in the applicable Submitted Photographs. By entering this Competition, Entrant represents and warrants that they are of Eligible Entry Age and own or control all necessary rights in the Submitted Photographs to grant Operator the rights described herein. Submission of an entry constitutes Entrant’s consent to grant to Operator a limited, non-transferable license, to use, adapt, edit, and/or modify the entry in any manner it so chooses and for any other purpose whatsoever, in connection with the Competition and any future competition(s), without limitation and without consideration to Entrant. 

Only one (1) entry per person will be accepted; all subsequent entries will be disregarded, and any duplicates removed. Limit of one (1) Entrant per entry submission. Entrants may submit their entry forms and photographs using the above procedures anytime during the Entry Period. After entering the Competition, the Submitted Photographs may be placed on the Website, where they may be viewed by visitors to the Website. Entrants/Competitors may be requested to submit Additional Photographs for publication on the Website, so long as such images do not display offensive content, are not obscene (as determined in the sole discretion of Operator), and do not infringe upon the rights of any person or entity, including but not limited to copyright, right of publicity, and right of privacy. 

Operator reserves the right to reject any entry for any reason. At Operator's discretion, Operator may reject entries that it deems to not be in the spirit of the competition. This includes photos of low resolution, that are unintelligible, are NSFW, contain hate speech, depict or infer anything illegal or illicit, or otherwise do not conform to the Rules or Terms of Service. If an Entrant enters something, Operator will do its best to approve it - however, this is a photo competition, not a screenshot or meme or fancy border competition. This means that if there is text or graphics or a border on or around Entrant's photo, Operator may attempt to crop Entrant's entry so what remains is just a photo. If Operator crops too much of Entrant's entry then they are welcome (and encouraged!) to upload the original photo without any of the extra non-photo additions. Each Entrant can submit one competition photo each month, so, if an Entrant enters a collage of multiple photos, Entrant is deemed to be asking Operator to choose just one of those photos to approve - and Operator may thus choose to pick just one of those photos and crop out the others. If Operator doesn't pick Entrant's one preferred photo, then Entrant is welcome (and encouraged!) to upload that photo instead. An exception to this is if it is clearly meant to be a photo of photos - in that case it will most likely be considered to be just one photo. Also, if the entry is an obvious photo of an artwork, then it will most likely be considered to be a photo - but, if it is just the artwork by itself and it is unclear whether or not it is actually a photo, then it will most likely be considered to be not a photo and thus be not approved.

OPERATOR WILL SELECT, IN ITS SOLE, ABSOLUTE, AND COMPLETE DISCRETION, WHICH ENTRANTS WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE COMPETITION AS COMPETITORS, AS WELL AS THE SCHEDULE AND TERMS OF THE COMPETITION.

HOW TO VOTE

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO REGISTER OR VOTE IN THE COMPETITION.

ALL VOTERS MUST BE EIGHTEEN (18) YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AND BE A CITIZEN (OR LEGAL RESIDENT) OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

UPON ENTRY TO THE COMPETITION, COMPETITORS SHALL BE PROHIBITED FROM PURCHASING VOTES AND/OR CASTING PAID VOTES FOR THEMSELVES.

COMPETITORS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO CONTRIBUTE OR PAY FOR VOTES FOR THEMSELVES. COMPETITORS CAUGHT PAYING FOR VOTES, OR CASTING VOTES BY CONTRIBUTION, FOR THEMSELVES, MAY BE SUBJECT TO DISQUALIFICATION. THE USE OF A COMPETITOR'S PAYMENT METHOD(S) (PERSONAL, BUSINESS, ETC.) OR FUNDS, TO CONTRIBUTE OR PAY FOR VOTES TO CAST FOR THAT COMPETITOR IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

Voters can vote by doing the following: (a) all Voters will be able to cast one (1) free vote per Group per day (defined as a 24 hour day California time while voting is active) for their favorite Competitors, such votes will only be counted as Qualifying Votes after Operator verifies Voter eligibility (via Facebook verification, email verification, SMS verification, payment method verification, and/or other process); and/or (b) Voters of eligible age can contribute to cast additional votes (for one or more Competitors). Operator retains the right to provide additional means of voting (e.g. 2-for-1 votes), which may be offered to voters at any point during the Competition, at its sole discretion. "Qualifying Votes" are those placed in accordance with these Rules and the Terms of Use, which can also be found on the Website.

The winning Competitor(s) of each Group in each Round of the Competition will be determined based upon the number of Qualifying Votes received in that Round, with those receiving the highest number of Qualifying Votes deemed the winner(s) of that Group in that Round. "Bot" activity or any kind of robotic or automated voting mechanism is not an accepted form of voting and such votes will not be counted, if discovered. If this type of false voting is detected, the individual, associated IP address, email address, and mobile phone number may be banned from voting. At its sole discretion, Operator reserves the right to disqualify Competitors suspected in encouraging, soliciting, or otherwise knowingly participating in this type of activity, or any other voting activity Operator deems unfair. Operator reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry or voting process, or the operation of the Competition, in any way.

COMPETITION SCHEDULE

ALL DATES AND TIMES SET FORTH IN THESE OFFICIAL RULES ARE APPROXIMATE. OPERATOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE ANY DATES.

Upon being accepted into the Competition, Competitors will be divided into Groups and advance to the initial public voting Round.

The winner is selected by public voting.

Subsequent public voting rounds (individually a "Round" and, collectively, the "Rounds") will progressively reduce the number of Competitors.

See the About page for competition schedule.

NOTIFICATION TO COMPETITORS

Advancing Competitors for each Round and the Grand Prize Winner will be notified by email, telephone, or other means reasonably calculated to provide notice, including but not limited to via auto-dialer, email message, or text message. Entrants/Competitors consent to a background check that may be performed, at the sole discretion of Operator, to verify information provided by Entrants/Competitors and compliance with these Rules, or for other reasons related to the Competition. If you are selected as a Finalist or as the Grand Prize Winner, your information may also be included on the Website and/or on a publicly available "Winners List".

GRAND PRIZE

The one (1) verified Grand Prize Winner in the overall annual Competition will receive a prize of $10,000. The Grand Prize Winner may refer to themselves as the winner of "America’s Favorite Photos" or the "America’s Favorite Photos Winner" in written and/or descriptive materials, but only if such use(s) and display(s) in no event suggest or create any confusion whatsoever that Operator is endorsing or participating in any manner related to the use of their name, logos, or fonts.

The Grand Prize Winner will be announced on the Website. By agreeing to appear as the winner of the Competition, the Grand Prize Winner consents to the use of their name, photos/videos, and/or likenesses for advertising and trade purposes in connection with the America’s Favorite Photos brand, including without limitation, the America’s Favorite Photos Competition and in print and digital materials in the United States and any countries where the America’s Favorite Photos brand exist, in any and all media known or hereinafter discovered, without territorial or time limitations and without additional compensation, except where prohibited. By accepting the prize package or money, the Grand Prize Winner acknowledges compliance with these Rules. To the extent that any United States federal and/or state income or other taxes apply to the value of the prize(s) and/or award(s) provided to the Grand Prize Winner, the Grand Prize Winner shall be solely responsible for the reporting and payment of such taxes.

ANCILLARY PROMOTIONS

Operator reserves the right in its sole and absolute discretion to conduct additional promotions during the Competition (each, if any, an "Ancillary Promotion", and collectively, the "Ancillary Promotions"). Ancillary Promotions, if any, may be conducted in a manner that may or may not be related to elements of the Competition. Prior to conducting, and throughout the duration of, any such Ancillary Promotion, Operator will provide the following information about any such Ancillary Promotion:

Examples of Ancillary Promotions may include, but are not limited to, promotions related to incentivizing individuals to enter the Competition or vote for Competitors in the Competition during a designated period. In addition to any specific Ancillary Promotion Rules, these Rules, to the extent applicable, shall govern the Ancillary Promotions.

CONDUCT

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE RULES AND/OR THE TERMS OF USE MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION. Operator reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to take action against any individual participating in the Competition as a Competitor or a Voter, including removal from the Competition or the voiding of votes, for reasons including: (a) acting in any manner deemed by Operator to be in violation of these Rules or the Terms of Use; (b) acting in any manner deemed by Operator to be harmful to the Competition, other Competitors, etc.; or (c) acting in any manner deemed by Operator to be unsportsmanlike, disruptive, and/or with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass any other person/entity. Operator also reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with or undermining the entry or voting process(es), the operation of the Competition, or to be in breach of these Rules and/or the Terms of Use. ANY ACTION BY AN ENTRANT, COMPETITOR, VOTER, OR ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL, WHICH DAMAGES OR UNDERMINES THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE COMPETITION MAY BE IN VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND/OR CIVIL LAWS AND, SHOULD SUCH ACTION BE TAKEN, OPERATOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ATTORNEYS’ FEES) FROM ANY SUCH PERSON, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

REQUIREMENTS AND CONSENT OF WINNER(S)

Any potential Grand Prize or Ancillary Promotion Winner ("Potential Winner") will be required to execute an affidavit of eligibility, a liability/publicity release, Competitor release, and other documents ("Prize Claim Documents"). If any Potential Winner fails or refuses to sign and return all Prize Claim Documents within seven (7) days of the delivery of prize notification(s), the Potential Winner may be disqualified, and an Alternate Winner may be determined/selected. If you are selected as a Finalist, Grand Prize Winner, Alternate Winner, or Ancillary Promotion Winner, you consent to your information being included in a publicly available "Winner’s List". Except where prohibited, acceptance of a prize constitutes the Winner’s irrevocable consent to Operator, its agents, successors, and assigns or other designee's use of the Winner's name, likeness, photograph, voice, statement, opinions, biographical information, prize and/or state/city of residence for advertising, promotional and publicity purposes in any and all media or format, worldwide, in perpetuity, without any permission, notification, payment or consideration, except for the awarding of the prizes to the Winner. Operator is not responsible for any failure to notify Operator of any change in address of Entrant(s), Competitor(s), or Voter(s). By accepting a prize, the Winner agrees to maintain their behavior in accordance with all applicable laws and generally accepted social practices while participating in any Competition activity, including but not limited to participation in or use of a prize. The Winner understands and further agrees that Operator has the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify and/or remove the Winner from any activity at any time, if Operator determines that the Winner’s behavior at any point is disruptive or inappropriate, or may or does cause damage to person, property, or the reputation of Operator, or otherwise violates the policies of the prize providers.

WAIVER AND LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY

PARTICIPANTS (TO INCLUDE ENTRANTS, COMPETITORS, VOTERS, AND WINNERS) AGREE THAT, IN NO EVENT, SHALL OPERATOR, PROMOTION ENTITIES, APPLICABLE CHARITIES, COMPETITION SPONSORS, OR ANY PRIZE PROVIDER (COLLECTIVELY THE "COMPETITION ENTITIES"), WHICH INCLUDES THE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, AND AGENTS OF EACH, BE LIABLE OR OBLIGATED TO AN ENTRANT, VOTER, WINNER, OR ANY THIRD PARTY IN ANY MANNER FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, EXEMPLARY, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, OR INDIRECT DAMAGES OF ANY KIND IN ANY WAY RELATED TO THE COMPETITION, REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF ACTION, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT PRODUCT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF INFORMED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF ANY SUCH DAMAGES IN ADVANCE, OTHER THAN FOR ACTUAL OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES AND ARBITRATION COSTS. THIS SECTION SHALL APPLY TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW AND NOTWITHSTANDING THE FAILURE OF ANY LIMITED REMEDY.

ALL PARTICIPANTS RELEASE, DEFEND, INDEMNIFY, AND HOLD HARMLESS THE COMPETITION ENTITIES FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, WITH RESPECT TO, OR IN ANY WAY ARISING FROM, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, THIS COMPETITION, PUBLICATION OR USE OF THE SUBMITTED PHOTOGRAPHS OR ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS, ENTRANTS’ NAMES AND LIKENESSES, AND/OR ACCEPTANCE, USE, MISUSE, LOSS, OR MISDIRECTION OF THE PRIZE, INCLUDING LIABILITY FOR PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, DAMAGES, OR MONETARY LOSS. BY PARTICIPATING IN THE COMPETITION, PARTICIPANTS FURTHER AGREE TO RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS THE COMPETITION ENTITIES FROM AND AGAINST ANY CLAIM: (A) OF AMBIGUITY OR ERROR IN THE COMPETITION, THESE RULES, THE TERMS OF USE, OR THE PRIVACY POLICY; (B) RELATED TO LOST, LATE, INCOMPLETE, OR MISDIRECTED ENTRIES OR VOTES; (C) FOR INJURIES, DAMAGES OR LOSSES (INCLUDING DEATH) OF ANY KIND RESULTING IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, FROM ACCEPTANCE, POSSESSION, MISUSE, USE, LOSS, OR MISDIRECTION OF ANY PRIZE, OR PARTICIPATION IN ANY COMPETITION-RELATED ACTIVITY OR PARTICIPATION IN THIS COMPETITION; (D) FOR COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT OR VIOLATION OF THE RIGHT OF PUBLICITY BASED ON USE OF THE SUBMITTED OR ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS BY OPERATOR; OR (E) DUE TO ANY ERROR IN THE OFFERING OR ANNOUNCEMENT OF ANY PRIZE.

PARTICIPANTS FURTHER AGREE THAT ALL DECISIONS OF OPERATOR SHALL BE FINAL AND CONCLUSIVE ON ALL MATTERS RELATING TO THE COMPETITION AND THAT THE COMPETITION ENTITIES ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY INCORRECT OR INACCURATE ENTRY INFORMATION, HUMAN ERROR, TECHNICAL MALFUNCTION, FAILURES, OMISSION, INTERRUPTION, DELETION, OR DEFECT OF ANY TELEPHONE NETWORK, COMPUTER ONLINE SYSTEMS, COMPUTER EQUIPMENT, SERVERS, ACCESS PROVIDERS, OR SOFTWARE, INCLUDING ANY INJURY OR DAMAGE TO PARTICIPANTS OR ANY OTHER PERSONS’ PROPERTY RELATING TO OR RESULTING FROM PARTICIPATION IN THIS COMPETITION, INABILITY TO ACCESS THE ENTRY WEBSITE OR ANY PAGES THEREOF, THEFT, TAMPERING, DESTRUCTION, OR UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS TO, OR ALTERATION OF ENTRIES, ENTRY SUBMISSIONS THAT ARE PROCESSED LATE OR INCORRECTLY OR ARE INCOMPLETE, GARBLED, OR LOST DUE TO COMPUTER OR ELECTRONIC MALFUNCTION OR TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON THE INTERNET OR ANY WEBSITE. PROOF OF ENTERING INFORMATION ON THE WEBSITE IS NOT CONSIDERED PROOF OF DELIVERY OR RECEIPT.

PARTICIPANTS ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT OPERATOR DOES NOT MONITOR FOR OFFSITE ACTIVITY AND IS IN NO WAY RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGING OR CONTROLLING OFF-SITE ACTIVITY VIA SOCIAL MEDIA AND/OR OTHER THIRD-PARTY PLATFORMS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO NEGATIVE AND DISPARAGING CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN ENTRANTS, COMPETITORS AND VOTERS, OFFSITE VOTE INCENTIVES, MISLEADING OR DECEPTIVE PROMOTIONAL TACTICS, OR ANY OTHER BEHAVIORS CONSIDERED TO BE MISLEADING OR UNSPORTSMANLIKE.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND MANDATORY ARBITRATION

You and Operator agree that any dispute or claim arising out of, or relating in any way to, the Competition, your participation in it, these Rules, the Terms of Use, or the Privacy Policy, including all issues concerning the construction, validity, interpretation, and enforceability of these Rules, Terms of Use, Entrant, Competitor, and/or Voter rights and obligations, the rights and obligations of Operator, or the extent of any waiver or release of claims by you, shall be settled by binding and unappealable arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association, by operation of these Rules, in accordance with its Consumer Arbitration Rules, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. ALL ARBITRATION CLAIMS MUST BE BROUGHT IN YOUR INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS REPRESENTATIVE OR MEMBER, OR OTHERWISE ON BEHALF OF OTHERS, IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS, COLLECTIVE, OR REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING.

Claims shall be heard by a single arbitrator. The place of arbitration shall be Phoenix, Arizona, unless otherwise agreed to by the Parties, or is determined by the arbitrator that the arbitration proceeds virtually (by videoconference). The arbitration shall be governed by the laws of the State of Arizona. Each Party will, upon written request of the other Party, promptly provide the other with copies of all relevant documents. There shall be no other discovery allowed. Hearings will take place pursuant to the standard procedures of the Consumer Arbitration Rules, although the Parties can appear in person, by video, or telephonically. The standard provisions of the Consumer Arbitration Rules shall apply. The arbitrator will only have the authority to grant any remedy, relief, or outcome that the Parties could have received in court, except injunctive relief. If either Party in a suit seeks injunctive relief, the arbitrator will complete arbitration of the dispute, issue an award of monetary compensation (if any), and then the party seeking injunctive relief may file a new action in state or federal court in Maricopa County, Arizona, solely for injunctive relief. The findings of fact and conclusions of law of the arbitrator shall not be submitted as evidence or constitute precedent in this subsequent suit. In addition, the prevailing Party will be entitled to recover its arbitration costs. Except as may be required by law, neither a Party nor an arbitrator may disclose the existence, content, or results of any arbitration hereunder, without the prior written consent of both Parties.

If any part of this arbitration provision is deemed to be invalid or unenforceable, then the remainder of this arbitration provision shall remain in full force and effect and shall be construed in accordance with its terms as if the invalid or unenforceable provision were not contained herein.

TERMINATION

If for any reason the Competition and/or any Round of the Competition cannot be executed as set forth in these Rules, including but not limited to, as a result of acts of God, acts of war, natural disasters, weather, pandemic or epidemic illness, disease, acts of terrorism, computer virus, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, or other factors that may corrupt or affect the security, administration, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of the Competition, and/or if the Competition is compromised or becomes technically corrupted in any way, electronically or otherwise, Operator reserves the right to cancel, terminate, suspend, and/or modify the Competition and/or any Round of the Competition with or without prior notice, and Operator shall not in any way be responsible or liable for any such cancellation, termination, suspension, and/or modification of the Competition and/or any phase of the Competition. Further, if the Competition is terminated before the original end date, Operator reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to modify the procedure for selecting the Winner(s), unless the nature of the event giving rise to such termination renders it impossible to select the Winner(s).

COMPETITION WITHDRAWAL REQUEST

By participating in the Competition as Competitor or Voter, you understand that a Competition withdrawal request or request for removal from the Competition can take up to fourteen (14) days to be processed and that a profile may still remain active during this length of time. Voters and Competitors both acknowledge and agree that no refunds will be given upon a Competitor’s request for removal from the Competition. As such, Operator does not encourage withdrawal or voluntary removal from the Competition, as this does a disservice to Voters. By voting, you understand and acknowledge that no refunds will be offered should a Competitor be eliminated, disqualified, or willingly withdraw from the Competition. Voters acknowledge that there are no exceptions to this policy.

CONTRIBUTIONS

100% of all contributions go directly to support the mission of America’s Favorite Photos to encourage, support, and promote photography as an art form we can all create, share, and celebrate together. As the Operator is not a charitable organization as per section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, contributions made through the Operator's website are not eligible for a tax deduction as a charitable donation.

REFUND POLICY

All contributions are immediately final and not refundable. In the case of exceptional circumstances, special requests for refunds can be submitted to [email protected] for consideration. By making a contribution, you acknowledge you have read and agreed to the Competition's Refund Policy as written herein.

SEVERABILITY

If any term or provision in these Rules, the Terms of Use, or the Privacy Policy is determined by a competent authority to be unenforceable, all other terms and provisions of these Rules, the Terms of Use, and the Privacy Policy shall continue in full force and effect.

NO AFFILIATION

This Competition is not in any manner sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Facebook or Instagram, and is operated solely by Socialmark, LLC.

CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have any questions or comments about the Competition as outlined above, or would like to request the name of the Grand Prize Winner, please contact Operator at [email protected]

Updated December 2, 2024