# Contributing to PIC Protocol Implementation
Thank you for your interest in contributing to this **PIC Protocol** implementation.
This repository contains a reference implementation of the PIC Protocol, developed and maintained by **Nitro Agility S.r.l.**
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## 1. Repository Scope
This repository implements the **PIC Protocol** as defined in the
[PIC Specification](https://github.com/pic-protocol/pic-spec).
For licensing, legal terms, and attribution requirements related to the PIC Model
and PIC Specification, refer to the PIC Spec repository.
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## 2. Theoretical Foundation
The **PIC Model** (Provenance Identity Continuity) is original theoretical work
created by **Nicola Gallo**.
This repository implements the PIC Protocol based on that model.
Nothing in this repository transfers, assigns, or alters authorship of the PIC Model.
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## 3. Governance and Ownership
This repository is developed, published, and maintained by
**Nitro Agility S.r.l.**
All contributions made by employees, associates, contractors, or co-founders
of Nitro Agility S.r.l. — regardless of the account, platform, or method used —
are made **on behalf of Nitro Agility S.r.l.** and not in a personal capacity.
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## 4. External Contributors
Contributors not acting on behalf of Nitro Agility S.r.l. ("External Contributors")
are welcome to submit contributions.
By submitting a contribution, External Contributors represent and warrant that:
1. **Right to Submit** — They have the legal right to submit the contribution
2. **Original Work** — The contribution is original or all necessary rights
have been obtained
3. **No Infringement** — The contribution does not infringe any third-party rights
4. **No Encumbrances** — The contribution is free of restrictions that would
prevent use under the repository license
External Contributors:
- Provide contributions **"as is"**
- Are **solely responsible** for their contributions
- Assume **all liability** arising from their contributions
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## 5. Indemnification
By submitting a contribution, External Contributors agree to **indemnify and hold harmless**
**Nitro Agility S.r.l.**, its employees, associates, contractors, and the
**PIC Model creator (Nicola Gallo)** from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses
(including reasonable legal fees) arising from:
- The contribution
- Any claim that the contribution infringes third-party rights
- Any breach of the representations in Section 4
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## 6. License
All code in this repository is licensed under the **Apache License 2.0**.
By submitting a contribution, you agree that your contribution is licensed
under the Apache License 2.0.
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## 7. Contribution Process
1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch
3. Make changes with clear, scoped commits
4. Open a Pull Request describing the change
Maintainers may request clarification, revision, or decline changes.
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## 8. Code of Conduct
All participants must follow the project's [Code of Conduct](CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md).
Professional, good-faith technical discussion is expected.
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## 9. Questions
For questions about this implementation or contributions, open an issue.
For questions about the PIC Model or PIC Specification, refer to the
[PIC Spec repository](https://github.com/pic-protocol/pic-spec).