Working principle / Category protection
Category Exclusivity Policy
Last updated 25 August 2026
Your search advantage should not be replicated for a direct competitor at the same time. Before work begins, we define the protected geography, service category and engagement scope in writing.
What the policy covers
This policy primarily applies to ongoing search-growth engagements, including technical SEO, GSC-led optimisation, GEO and visibility across AI search. The protected geography, service category and business scope are recorded in the project documents rather than inferred from a broad industry label.
How we define a direct competitor
A direct competitor serves a substantially similar customer need and competes for the same audience within the agreed market. We consider the business model, customer group, location and service offer—not simply whether two companies sit within the same broad industry.
Geography and service scope
Businesses in the same industry but different regions do not necessarily conflict. A standalone brand or website project does not automatically reserve an entire category. Protection applies only to the geography, category and services confirmed in writing.
When exclusivity starts and ends
Category protection applies during the agreed period of ongoing service. Any release date or transition after the engagement ends is set out in the project agreement. Where a project agreement contains a specific term, that term takes priority.
Written confirmation before work begins
Before an engagement starts, MadRaven Lab records the protected scope in the proposal or project agreement. Any excluded brands, regions, services or channels are confirmed at the same time so neither party is relying on assumptions.
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