ISA > ISA 2026 Symposium > Media and Embargo Policy

Media and Embargo Policy

1 Introduction

This Media and Embargo Policy (“Policy”) governs access to and the use and dissemination of scientific, audiovisual, and informational materials provided by or on behalf of the International Society of Amyloidosis (“ISA,” the “Society,” “we,” or “us”).

This Policy applies to Media Representatives, including journalists, reporters, editors, photographers, videographers, and content creators working for bona fide news outlets in print, broadcast, or digital formats.

A separate policy governs Third Parties, including authors, presenters, researchers, exhibitors, sponsors, companies, and any agents acting on their behalf.

An embargo is a legally enforceable confidentiality obligation imposed by ISA. Embargoed information may not be published, released, transmitted, or otherwise disclosed until ISA authorizes publication (“Embargo Lift”).

By accessing any ISA materials—whether through the ISA website, an ISA press portal, email, or in person—Media Representatives enter into a binding legal agreement with ISA to comply fully with this Policy.

ISA asserts and reserves all rights under Minnesota law, U.S. federal law, and international intellectual property treaties, including the Berne Convention.

Access to embargoed ISA material is a revocable, limited license, not a transfer of ownership.

 

2 Press Accreditation and Access

2.1 Requirements

To obtain accreditation, Media Representatives must submit:

  • A valid press card or verifiable letter of assignment;
  • Three by-lined, publicly accessible articles published within the past 12 months.
  • Accreditation may be denied, suspended, or revoked at ISA’s sole and exclusive discretion, with or without cause.

 

2.2 Limitations

Press accreditation is not granted to:

  • Industry employees;
  • Public relations, marketing, or communications personnel;
  • Event managers or corporate personnel, even if holding a press card.
  • Credentials, passwords, and access links are personal, confidential, non-transferable, and may not be shared.
    Unauthorized sharing constitutes contractual breach and may constitute computer misuse under applicable law.

 

2.3 Grant of License

Accredited Media Representatives are granted a limited, revocable, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access ISA materials solely for journalistic reporting after the embargo lifts. ISA retains all rights not expressly granted.

 

3 Embargo Conditions (Contractual and Enforceable)

By accepting embargoed information, Media Representatives agree that:

  • Embargoed materials constitute ISA confidential information and intellectual property;
  • They will not publish, disclose, distribute, or relay embargoed information in any form before the Embargo Lift;
  • This obligation applies equally to social media, blogs, newsletters, preprints, and third-party interviews;
  • They are responsible for ensuring accurate compliance with the time zone specified in the embargo notice;
  • They will not solicit embargoed information from unauthorized individuals.

Breach of embargo constitutes:

  • Contractual breach under Minnesota law;
  • Possible misappropriation of trade secrets, if unpublished scientific data are disclosed prematurely;
  • Violation of U.S. Copyright Act protections.

ISA reserves the right to pursue injunctive relief, damages, and legal remedies.

 

4 Intellectual Property, Copyright, and Restrictions

4.1 Ownership

All abstracts, presentations, discussions, images, logos, audio, video, slides, posters, and written materials are:

  • Protected under U.S. Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. §101 et seq.);
  • Protected under Minnesota statutory and common law;
  • Protected under international copyright treaties.

No rights are transferred to Media Representatives.

 

4.2 Prohibited Actions

Without prior written ISA permission, Media Representatives may not:

  • Record, livestream, photograph, capture screenshots, or rebroadcast session content;
  • Reproduce or modify ISA materials;
  • Use ISA trademarks, logos, or proprietary branding;
  • Use any materials for commercial purposes;
  • Suggest ISA endorsement of any publication or product.

 

4.3 Authorized Uses

Where ISA grants written permission for images or recordings, all uses must:

  • Include the statement “Courtesy of the International Society of Amyloidosis (ISA)”;
  • Be used only for news reporting.

 

5 Exhibits, Industry Spaces, and Restricted Areas

Unless specifically authorized in writing:

  • Filming, photography, or recording in industry exhibition areas, sponsor sessions, or product demonstration areas is strictly prohibited;
  • Media Representatives may not engage with industry booths for promotional or commercial purposes;
  • Access limitations may apply based on regulatory frameworks (e.g., EU medical-products advertising rules).

 

6 Data Protection and Privacy Compliance

ISA processes Media Representative personal data solely for accreditation, security screening, embargo monitoring, and event administration.

By registering, Media Representatives consent to:

  • Processing of their personal data;
  • ISA retaining records in connection with potential embargo investigations;
  • ISA communicating necessary updates, notices, or sanctions related to this Policy.

ISA complies with applicable U.S. privacy principles and follows international best practices (e.g., GDPR-aligned documentation, minimization, and retention policies).

 

7 Sanctions, Liability, and Remedies

Violation of this Policy constitutes a material breach of contract and may result in:

7.1 Immediate Operational Sanctions

  • Termination of press credentials;
  • Removal from ISA premises and revocation of online access;
  • Removal from ISA media-distribution lists;
  • Permanent ban from ISA meetings;
  • Public disclosure of the breach.

 

7.2 Legal Remedies

ISA may pursue:

  • Injunctive relief (without requirement to post bond);
  • Compensatory damages;
  • Consequential damages for reputational or commercial harm;
  • Attorney’s fees and legal costs, to the fullest extent permitted by Minnesota law.

 

7.3 Employer Liability

If a Media Representative acts within the scope of their employment, ISA may hold the employer jointly and severally liable.

 

7.4 No Waiver

ISA’s failure to immediately enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver of rights.

 

8 Governing Law, Jurisdiction, and Arbitration Option

This Policy is governed exclusively by: The laws of the State of Minnesota, without regard to conflict-of-laws principles.

Exclusive jurisdiction and venue for all disputes shall lie in: The state courts of Minnesota, and the federal courts in the District of Minnesota, where applicable.

For non-U.S. parties, ISA may elect mandatory binding arbitration in Minnesota under American Arbitration Association rules.

 

9 Amendments

ISA reserves the right to amend this Policy at any time.
Continued access to ISA materials constitutes acceptance of any amendments.

 

10 Contact

ISA Press Office
International Society of Amyloidosis
Email: meeting@isaamyloidosis.org
Website: https://www.isaamyloidosis.org