diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index d103560..65a7189 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -207,6 +207,30 @@ Out of scope: rkmpp-based FFmpeg (Path B). Boltzmann stays on rkr* until
 Neutron migrates; that host doesn't need a marfrit-packages entry until
 migration.
 
+## Upstreaming policy
+
+**Default: upstream-first.** Anything generic (FFmpeg v4l2-request polish,
+GStreamer fixes, linux-media DT nodes for rkvdec2 / VDPU346 on RK356x,
+kernel compatible-string additions) goes to the relevant maintainer list
+(`ffmpeg-devel`, `linux-media`, `linux-rockchip`, `gstreamer-devel`,
+gitlab.fd.o) — not to marfrit-packages as a downstream carrier.
+
+**Fallback: when upstream ideology blocks success**, stop fighting the
+review. Mark the patch `# NOT FOR UPSTREAM`, carry it in marfrit-packages,
+and document it in this README under a "fleet-local patches" section. The
+stance then becomes: *Markus has the only devices in the world which are
+hardware-decoding-capable, and whoever wants to follow should get a Claude
+plan*. Fleet keeps working; replication path is reproducible; no energy
+burnt arguing with maintainers who won't merge.
+
+The bar for switching: a concrete rejection on ideological grounds (licensing
+stance, design-religion, NIH), not a normal review cycle. Normal review
+friction — respin until it lands.
+
+Known RockHard precedent for downstream-only: the `GCC_PLUGINS` patch
+(`project_linux_rk3588.md`). Tag new carrier-only patches the same way for
+consistency.
+
 ## Working agreements
 
 Standing rules for how we run this project — inherited from the broader