Copyright and Content Removal Policy
Version 1.0 · November 15, 2026
Owlshelf aims to offer only works that have been verified as lawful to publish. This page explains how we select works and what you can do if you see a problem.
How we assess works
Every free book in the English library must pass both of these tests:
- It is in the public domain in the United States (the text comes from Project Gutenberg, which clears each book under US law).
- Its author died more than 70 years ago, so the work is also free in countries that protect works for the author's life plus 70 years.
In addition:
- Translations, adaptations and annotated editions are separate works. Even if the original text is in the public domain, the rights of a translator or editor are examined separately. Records that credit a translator or editor are not taken into the free library.
- Owlshelf Translations are translated by Owlshelf directly from the original language of a work whose author died more than 70 years ago.
- The license of the digital source and its attribution requirements are recorded separately.
- Cover images and illustrations are assessed independently of the text; no image with an unverified license is used. Owlshelf's own typographic covers are original designs.
No book whose rights have not been verified appears in the app, and the reason for each decision is recorded.
Content removal notice
If you are the rights holder of a work or a translation (or represent the rights holder) and believe it has been published on Owlshelf without permission:
- Fill in the content removal form or write to info@karakas.digital.
- Your notice should include: your name and contact details, the address of the book concerned, the basis of your ownership (for example author's heir, translator, publisher), a statement that you believe in good faith the use is not authorized, and your request.
- When we receive the notice you are given a reference number.
What happens after a notice
- Notices are reviewed as a priority. Where we see a reasonable likelihood, the content is taken down before the review is concluded.
- If the infringement is confirmed, the content is removed permanently; it is closed to new downloads, and the iOS app removes previously downloaded copies from devices and informs the reader.
- You are informed of the outcome by email. If we conclude that the notice is unfounded, we share the reasons.
Reporting errors
If you see wrong author or translator information, a missing attribution or incorrect license information, contact us in the same way and the record will be corrected.