Solver Verification and Award Information

What happens after my Solution has been accepted for a cash award?

Once your Solution has been chosen and you have accepted your award amount, a member of the Wazoku Operations team will reach out to you in order to begin the Solver Verification process. There may be documents for you to complete and return.

The Bank transferring the award money will in most cases deduct a nominal transaction fee (typically $25) from the award amount.

How long will it take to receive my award?

Award amounts are processed and sent to Solvers (who have been verified) as soon as this has been received by Wazoku from the Seeker(s). Our target is within 30 days from satisfactory completion of verification, although we do rely on the timeliness of the Seeker.

What may I need to provide to Wazoku to be verified and accept my award?

• Signed Photo ID – this is often required from Solvers to be awarded.
• Affidavit – an affidavit reaffirms your acceptance of the Challenge Agreement and may be required to be awarded. Affidavits are required and must be notarized if the Challenge involves the assignment of exclusive IP rights. The Challenge text will clearly state when assignment of exclusive IP rights is a requirement to be awarded.
• Waiver – a waiver may also be required with an Affidavit, to waive any potential interest from parties associated to you; for example if you are employed.
• Bank Details – a completed form including the bank details that you wish the Award amount to be paid into is required.
• For US-based Solvers only: W-9 Form – for tax identification.

What is a notary?

A notary is an official who serves as an impartial witness to deter fraud. They are able to confirm the identity of the individual signing the documentation and understand the legal implications within the document.

Why do my documents need to be notarized?

Notarizing a document adds an extra layer of security since it requires a witness to verify your identity as the signee, important specifically in the case of IP rights assignment.

Who covers the cost of notarization?

Solvers will cover the cost of the notarization.

I’ve won an award before, why do I need to be verified as a Solver again?

We may be required to verify you as a Solver for each Award that you receive. Different legal documentation can be required for each Challenge, as each one may involve a different Seeker or IP rights treatment.

What happens if I have been selected for a Recognition Award or other Challenge-related micropayments (~$1,000 or less)?

In the event you have been chosen and have accepted a Recognition Award or have been offered other Challenge related micropayments, these payments will be completed using PayPal, which will result in the PayPal transaction fee being taken from the payment. 

Please enter your PayPal email address using your Solver profile settings. A member of the Wazoku Operations team may reach out to remind you to submit this; there may be further information we need to request. Depending on your location, it is not always possible for Wazoku to use PayPal; the alternative we use may result in other transaction fees (typically $25).

What if I win as part of a team?

The Team Lead of your submission will be contacted to understand the split of the Award amount. If the Award amount is to be split among Team Members then each individual will need to complete their own set of documents. If the Award amount is to be sent solely to the Team Lead then only one set of documents will be completed by them.

What happens if one of my Team Members is unreachable?

We will reach back out to the Team Leader to ask them to get in contact with the Team Member that is non-respondent. Wazoku will assist where possible but we take no legal responsibility for award recipients or Team Members who do not reply to persistent communications.

What if I submitted my Solution on the behalf of a company?

When the verification process begins, we will ask you if your Solution was submitted as an Individual or as part of a company. If the solution or submission has been submitted on behalf of a company then documentation will be completed that references that company to yourself.