RULES &
SUBMISSION
GUIDELINES.

The DIELINE and DIELINE Awards names, logos, marks, winner badges, seals, trophy imagery, certificates, winner videos, graphics, copy, and any other materials produced or authorized by Dieline Media LLC.

Any individual or entity that submits an entry, including the agency, brand, studio, in-house team, or individual identified as responsible for the submitted work.

The entity to which an award, placement, shortlist, merit, or recognition is granted.

Any confidential, proprietary, internal, restricted, or non-public information concerning DIELINE, Dieline Media LLC, the DIELINE Awards, or the administration, operation, judging, promotion, strategy, finances, technology, or business of the competition.

Non-Public Information includes, but is not limited to: scoring methodology; judging rubrics; evaluation criteria; internal review processes; jury composition before public announcement; jury communications; jury deliberations; category assignments; category strategy; historical or current category-entry volumes; category competitiveness; category participation trends; category win-rate information; shortlist rates; finalist rates; judge scoring patterns; entrant information; submitted materials; entry data; sponsor data; partnership information; entry volumes; pricing strategy; sales information; financial information; marketing plans; promotional strategy; business operations; internal policies; technology systems; platform access; administrative workflows; unpublished announcements; internal communications; and any information not publicly released by DIELINE.

Non-Public Information does not include general professional knowledge, general design-industry experience, publicly available information, independently developed information, or information lawfully obtained from a source not bound by confidentiality obligations.

The DIELINE Awards are open to individuals, studios, agencies, in-house teams, brands, and students from any country.

Entries must be consumer packaging projects created, produced, or launched between January 1, 2026 and February 27, 2027.

Commercially produced, published, launched, or retail-available work may be entered in the applicable professional categories.

Unproduced, unpublished, speculative, prototype, student, or concept work created within the eligibility window may be entered only in the Concept category or Student/Concept category, as applicable.

Student work is eligible only in the Student/Concept category.

All communications between DIELINE and Entrants will be conducted in English.

All works submitted must be photographs or digital renders of packages. Concept work, unpublished prototypes, speculative work, or unpublished creations are not accepted in any category except the Student and Concept categories. Students may enter only the Concept/Student category. The same project may be submitted to multiple categories.

All entries are accepted online only. All communications between DIELINE and the Entrant will be in English. A completed entry form, including formatted images and online payment, is required for an entry to be accepted. Entry fees are non-refundable once an application has been accepted. Where physical samples are required, the Entrant must pay all postage and shipping costs.

DIELINE reserves the right to demand proof of the actual existence, publication, launch, or retail availability of the works presented. Failure to provide such proof may result in disqualification.

Current employees, contractors, consultants, advisors, judges, service providers, and other individuals who are directly involved in administering, managing, operating, evaluating, judging, promoting, or supporting the DIELINE Awards competition are not eligible to enter, submit work, be credited as a primary Entrant, or participate on behalf of another Entrant.

This restriction applies only during the period of such involvement with the competition and is intended solely to preserve the independence, fairness, and integrity of the judging and administration process.

By entering, the Entrant represents and warrants that it is the legal copyright owner of, or holds all necessary rights to, all works submitted. DIELINE may reject or disqualify any entry that it determines, in its sole discretion, to be plagiarized, infringing, unlawful, misleading, offensive, fraudulent, materially inaccurate, or inconsistent with DIELINE’s published competition standards.

By entering, the Entrant grants Dieline Media LLC a worldwide, royalty-free, sublicensable license to reproduce, display, distribute, publish, edit, excerpt, and otherwise use the submitted materials and the Entrant’s and Winning Entity’s name, marks, and project imagery, in all media now known or later developed, for the operation, promotion, exhibition, publicity, editorial coverage, archival preservation, and administration of the DIELINE Awards and Dieline Media LLC. The Entrant warrants that it holds all rights necessary to grant this license and assumes full responsibility for any claim arising from the submitted work.

All Award Assets are and remain the exclusive property of Dieline Media LLC. All goodwill arising from their use inures solely to Dieline Media LLC. Winners acquire no ownership interest of any kind.

DIELINE grants each Winning Entity a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable, revocable license to use the Award Assets associated with its award solely to promote its specific winning project, on channels owned or officially operated by that entity, and strictly in accordance with DIELINE’s brand and usage guidelines.

No Award Assets may be altered, recolored, cropped, distorted, combined with other marks, or used in a manner that implies a broader partnership, sponsorship, affiliation, or endorsement by DIELINE.

This license does not extend to any individual acting independently of the Winning Entity; to non-winning work; to any successor, acquirer, affiliate, client, or third party without DIELINE’s prior written consent; or to any use implying DIELINE endorsement beyond recognition of the specific winning project.

DIELINE may suspend or revoke this license for cause, effective upon notice. Upon revocation, expiration, or misuse, the Winning Entity must immediately cease all new use and remove the affected Award Assets within five (5) business days. The license terminates automatically upon misrepresentation, breach of these Rules, or dissolution of the Winning Entity.

Award recognition attaches to the winning project and the Winning Entity, not to any individual independent of that entity, and not to work that did not win. No participant, winner, employee, contractor, affiliate, or third party may:

• imply that DIELINE endorses a firm, individual, product, service, or body of work beyond recognition of the specific winning project;
• claim or imply award status for work that did not win, place, shortlist, or receive recognition;
• claim personal receipt of an award granted to an entity, unless expressly authorized by that entity and accurately described;
• misrepresent their role, authorship, contribution, or affiliation with DIELINE or the DIELINE Awards;
• falsely represent themselves as a DIELINE Awards judge, juror, jury member, partner, sponsor, representative, or official.

The Winning Entity is responsible for ensuring that its employees, contractors, agents, representatives, affiliates, and third parties comply with these Rules and the asset license in C4, and is responsible for any non-compliant use of Award Assets, marks, or award recognition by such persons.

Entries may not be created, informed, influenced, prepared, submitted, positioned, categorized, promoted, revised, timed, or otherwise advantaged by any Non-Public Information.

No Entrant, contributor, judge, partner, sponsor, agency, brand, contractor, advisor, service provider, affiliate, representative, or other participant may use, request, disclose, transmit, encourage disclosure of, or benefit from Non-Public Information in connection with any entry, entrant, campaign, award submission, judging process, promotional activity, category selection, category strategy, or competition-related decision.

This includes, without limitation, using non-public knowledge of category-entry volumes, category competitiveness, category participation trends, category win rates, shortlist rates, finalist rates, judging patterns, scoring methodology, judging criteria, entrant data, or internal competition administration to select categories, position an entry, improve odds of recognition, or otherwise obtain an unfair advantage.

Nothing in this section prohibits Entrants from selecting categories, positioning entries, or developing submission strategies based upon publicly available information, published category descriptions, professional experience, independent judgment, or other lawful and non-confidential sources of information.

Any entry found to have relied upon, benefited from, incorporated, been shaped by, or been materially influenced by Non-Public Information may be deemed ineligible, disqualified, removed from consideration, or have its award, placement, shortlist, merit, recognition, or associated license rights revoked where DIELINE reasonably determines that the access or use created an actual or demonstrable competitive advantage, conflict of interest, unfair benefit, confidentiality concern, or compromise to the fairness, independence, administration, or integrity of the competition.

Nothing in this section is intended to restrict lawful competition, employment, authorship, client service, creative work, or professional activity. This section is intended solely to protect Non-Public Information and the fairness, independence, confidentiality, administration, and integrity of the DIELINE Awards.

All persons who are separately bound by confidentiality, nondisclosure, employment, contractor, judging, partnership, sponsorship, vendor, or service-provider obligations remain subject to those obligations according to their terms.

As a condition of entry, each Entrant certifies, to the best of the Entrant’s knowledge, that neither the Entrant nor any person involved in the creation, preparation, submission, categorization, positioning, timing, or promotion of the entry has relied upon, used, received, disclosed, or benefited from any Non-Public Information.

This certification includes, without limitation, a certification that no person involved in the entry relied upon or benefited from non-public knowledge of category-entry volumes, category competitiveness, category participation trends, category win rates, shortlist rates, finalist rates, judging patterns, scoring methodology, judging criteria, entrant data, or internal competition administration to select categories, position the entry, improve odds of recognition, or otherwise obtain an unfair advantage.

False certification, omission, or material misrepresentation is an independent basis for rejection, disqualification, revocation of recognition, forfeiture of awards, removal from published recognition lists, and termination of any associated license rights.

Entrants must disclose any current or prior employment, consulting, contractor, advisory, ownership, judging, sponsorship, client, vendor, service provider, or other material relationship with Dieline Media LLC. Disclosure enables recusal and conflict management and is not, by itself, a basis for automatic disqualification. Failure to disclose a material relationship may result in rejection, disqualification, forfeiture of entry fees, forfeiture of awards, termination of license rights, or removal from any published recognition list.

No person or entity may circumvent these Rules, eligibility requirements, disclosure obligations, conflict-of-interest procedures, confidentiality obligations, licensing restrictions, or enforcement actions through another individual, company, agency, brand, affiliate, subsidiary, parent company, nominee, representative, client, employer, collaborator, successor entity, or other third party. DIELINE may investigate beneficial ownership, authorship, creative contribution, project involvement, category selection, submission strategy, financial interests, and affiliations when determining eligibility, compliance, or enforcement.

Entrants shall cooperate with any reasonable investigation by DIELINE relating to eligibility, ownership, originality, disclosure, conflicts of interest, misuse of Award Assets, confidentiality, judging integrity, category selection, submission strategy, or compliance with these Rules. Failure to cooperate or to respond within a reasonable time may result in rejection, disqualification, revocation of recognition, forfeiture of awards, removal from published recognition lists, or termination of license rights.

Current DIELINE Awards judges may enter, provided they comply with all judging, disclosure, confidentiality, and conflict-of-interest requirements. Judges may not evaluate, score, discuss, influence, or participate in the review of any entry in which they, their employer, client, agency, brand, business partner, or any affiliated individual or entity has a financial, professional, creative, personal, or other material interest. DIELINE, and where appropriate the competition principal, will recuse from decisions involving a conflict. DIELINE may reassign entries, remove judges from categories, or adjust judging procedures to preserve fairness and integrity.

The decisions of the judges are final.

Designalytics recognizes multiple winners, but only the grand prize winner will also receive a DIELINE Award. By submitting an entry, the Entrant agrees that, if selected as a Designalytics Effectiveness Award winner, Designalytics may make information about the brand’s performance available to the general public and the media via Designalytics’ website and other third-party channels.

DIELINE reserves the right to reject, disqualify, or revoke any entry at its sole determination. This provision is a backstop for unforeseen circumstances and shall be applied in a neutral and consistent manner.

Entrants acknowledge that unauthorized use of DIELINE marks, Award Assets, Non-Public Information, or other protected rights may cause irreparable harm for which monetary damages alone may be inadequate, and that DIELINE may seek injunctive, equitable, and other available relief in addition to any other remedy. Upon notice of a violation, the Entrant shall immediately cease all new use of the affected materials and cure the violation within five (5) business days unless a shorter period is specified. The Entrant shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Dieline Media LLC and its officers, directors, employees, contractors, judges, representatives, successors, and assigns from any claims, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses arising from the Entrant’s submission, conduct, representations, use of Award Assets, violation of these Rules, or infringement of third-party rights.

The prevailing party in any action arising out of these Rules shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.

Each Entrant represents and warrants that:

• the submitted work is original;
• the Entrant holds all necessary rights, permissions, licenses, and approvals to submit it;
• the entry does not infringe or violate any third-party rights;
• the Entrant has accurately identified the project, client, agency, contributors, and relevant affiliations;
• the entry does not rely upon or benefit from Non-Public Information, including non-public category-volume information, category-competitiveness information, judging information, entrant information, sponsor information, or internal competition-administration information, to the best of the Entrant’s knowledge;
• the Entrant has disclosed all material relationships with Dieline Media LLC as required;
• all submitted information is true, accurate, and complete.

All eligibility, conflict-of-interest, confidentiality, judging-integrity, and disqualification determinations are made by DIELINE in its sole discretion and are final and binding.

DIELINE may request additional information, documentation, or written certification concerning category selection, submission strategy, use or non-use of Non-Public Information, prior relationships with Dieline Media LLC, and any other matter reasonably necessary to evaluate eligibility, compliance, conflicts of interest, confidentiality concerns, or the integrity of the competition.

DIELINE may request additional information, documentation, or written certification to verify eligibility, confirm rights, investigate misuse, or resolve a conflict. Failure to provide it may result in disqualification, revocation, or termination of license rights.

Entry is not complete until the Entrant affirmatively accepts these Rules. DIELINE shall record the accepting name, entity, date, timestamp, and associated entry information with each submission. Acceptance is a condition of entry and participation.

These Rules are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict-of-laws principles. The parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Los Angeles County, California, except where Part F7 (Dispute Resolution) applies.

Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Rules or the competition shall be resolved by final and binding arbitration administered by JAMS under its applicable rules, before a single arbitrator, seated in Los Angeles County, California. The parties waive any right to a jury trial and waive any right to participate in a class, collective, or representative action. Notwithstanding the foregoing, DIELINE may seek temporary or preliminary injunctive or equitable relief in a court of competent jurisdiction to protect its marks, Award Assets, or Non-Public Information pending arbitration.

Nothing in these Rules is intended to operate as a covenant not to compete or as a restraint on any person’s right to engage in a lawful profession, trade, or business within the meaning of California Business & Professions Code § 16600. The confidentiality, disclosure, recusal, non-reliance, anti-circumvention, and conflict provisions are intended solely to protect Non-Public Information, DIELINE’s marks and Award Assets, and the fairness, independence, administration, and integrity of the competition. If any provision is construed to impose an unlawful restraint, it shall be limited or severed to the minimum extent necessary, and the remainder of these Rules shall remain in effect.

If any provision of these Rules is held invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

These Rules constitute the entire agreement regarding participation in the competition and supersede all prior or contemporaneous understandings, representations, or agreements relating to the subject matter herein.

No failure or delay by DIELINE in exercising any right, remedy, or provision of these Rules shall constitute a waiver of that right, remedy, or provision.

DIELINE may modify these Rules prospectively at any time. DIELINE may also apply modifications to pending entries where reasonably necessary to address legal compliance, fraud, misrepresentation, confidentiality, judging integrity, misuse of Award Assets, protection of Non-Public Information, or the fair administration of the competition.

Entrants may not assign, transfer, delegate, or otherwise convey any rights or obligations arising under these Rules without DIELINE’s prior written consent. DIELINE may assign its rights and obligations in connection with a merger, acquisition, sale of assets, reorganization, corporate restructuring, or transfer of the DIELINE Awards or Dieline Media LLC.

All provisions relating to ownership, licensing, confidentiality, disclosure, warranties, indemnification, dispute resolution, limitation of liability, enforcement, and any rights or obligations that by their nature should survive shall survive the conclusion of the competition and the termination of any participant’s involvement.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Dieline Media LLC’s aggregate liability arising out of the competition shall not exceed the entry fees paid by the Entrant, and DIELINE shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, exemplary, or punitive damages.

DIELINE collects entrant, contributor, and acceptance-record information, including names, entities, contact details, submitted materials, entry information, payment-related records, and acceptance timestamps, to administer the competition, verify eligibility, process entries, communicate with entrants, publish results, maintain records, protect DIELINE’s rights, and enforce these Rules.

Such information is handled in accordance with DIELINE’s Privacy Statement: https://thedieline.com/privacy-statement-us/