Complaints & Appeals Policy

Complaints & Appeals Policy

Last Updated: 5 March 2026

This Complaints and Appeals Policy outlines the procedures through which concerns, complaints, or appeals related to the editorial or publishing activities of Inkbound Publishers (“Inkbound”, “we”, “us”, or “our”), accessible at https://inkbound.org (the “Website”), may be submitted and addressed.

Inkbound Publishers was previously known as The Law Brigade (Book) Publisher, and the current publishing platform continues the academic publishing activities formerly carried out under that name. References to “Inkbound”, “we”, “us”, or “our” in this policy refer to the publisher operating the Website and its associated publishing services.

Inkbound is committed to maintaining transparent, fair, and accountable publishing practices. We welcome feedback from authors, reviewers, editors, readers, and other stakeholders and aim to address concerns in a professional and impartial manner.

This policy is informed by ethical guidance from organizations such as the Committee on Publication Ethics.

1. Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to complaints or appeals related to the publishing activities of Inkbound, including matters concerning:

  • editorial decisions or peer review processes

  • allegations of ethical misconduct

  • concerns regarding publication integrity

  • disputes related to authorship or attribution

  • concerns regarding editorial conduct

  • complaints related to published content

This policy does not apply to matters governed by other specific policies such as payment disputes, shipping issues, or refund requests, which are addressed under separate policies.

2. Editorial Appeals

Authors may submit an appeal if they believe that an editorial decision regarding their manuscript was based on a misunderstanding, procedural error, or misinterpretation of the work.

Appeals may be considered where the author provides a clear and reasoned explanation outlining:

  • the basis for the appeal;

  • specific aspects of the editorial decision being challenged;

  • relevant supporting information or clarification.

Appeals should focus on the editorial evaluation process rather than simple disagreement with reviewer opinions.

Upon receiving an appeal, the editorial office may:

  • review the original editorial decision;

  • consult additional reviewers or editors where appropriate;

  • confirm or revise the original decision.

The decision following an appeal will be communicated to the author once the review process is complete.

3. Complaints Regarding Editorial Conduct

Concerns regarding the conduct of editors, reviewers, or editorial board members may be submitted to the publisher.

Such complaints may relate to issues including:

  • bias or discrimination in editorial decisions

  • conflicts of interest

  • inappropriate reviewer conduct

  • breaches of confidentiality in the editorial process

Inkbound will review such complaints and may initiate an internal evaluation or request additional information where necessary.

4. Complaints Regarding Published Content

Concerns related to the integrity, accuracy, or ethical compliance of published works may also be submitted under this policy.

Such complaints may involve issues such as:

  • plagiarism

  • duplicate publication

  • data integrity concerns

  • copyright disputes

  • ethical concerns related to research practices

These matters may be addressed in accordance with the procedures described in the publisher’s Publication Ethics & Malpractice Statement and Corrections, Retractions & Post-Publication Updates Policy.

5. Submission of Complaints or Appeals

Complaints or appeals should be submitted in writing and should include:

  • the name and contact details of the complainant

  • identification of the relevant manuscript, publication, or editorial process

  • a clear description of the concern or issue

  • any supporting information or documentation where applicable

Providing detailed and accurate information helps ensure that concerns can be evaluated effectively.

6. Investigation and Review

Upon receiving a complaint or appeal, Inkbound will assess the matter and determine the appropriate course of action.

This process may involve:

  • reviewing relevant editorial records

  • consulting editors, reviewers, or other involved parties

  • requesting additional information from the complainant or authors

Where appropriate, investigations may also involve communication with affiliated institutions or relevant academic bodies.

7. Resolution of Complaints

Inkbound will make reasonable efforts to address complaints in a fair and timely manner.

Possible outcomes may include:

  • clarification of editorial decisions or processes

  • correction of errors where appropriate

  • editorial notices or post-publication updates

  • other actions deemed appropriate by the publisher.

The outcome of the review will be communicated to the complainant once the evaluation is complete.

8. Confidentiality

Inkbound will handle complaints and appeals with appropriate confidentiality.

Information related to complaints will generally be shared only with individuals involved in the investigation and resolution process.

9. Good Faith Complaints

Inkbound encourages stakeholders to raise concerns in good faith and in a constructive manner.

Complaints that are abusive, malicious, or submitted without reasonable basis may not be pursued further.

10. Policy Updates

Inkbound reserves the right to update or revise this Complaints & Appeals Policy from time to time.

Updated versions will be published on the Website with a revised “Last Updated” date.

Contact

Complaints or appeals may be submitted to:

Email: editor@inkbound.org