How Do I Submit a Notification or Letter of Copyright Infringement?

Learn how to stop the offender if you believe your copyrighted work has been stolen or infringed upon.

What you’ll discover:

1. Outline the Violation Details
2. Use a Third-Party Service to Deliver a Notification
3. Maintain Accurate Records
DMCA Takedown Notices: Another Choice

When you’ve produced something unique, you want to make sure it remains that way. If you hold a copyright, you may need to enforce it against people who violate it. The initial step is usually to send a Cease and Desist Letter (also known as a Copyright Infringement Notification). There are several contrasts between the art of writing notices and the art of writing business letters. Apart from the typical aspects, such as giving your complete contact information, writing in a professional tone, and sending it by certified mail to ensure delivery, you must additionally include specifics relevant to this kind of letter. Here’s how to write and submit a Copyright Infringement Notice:

1. Outline the Violation Details

A Copyright Infringement Notification should specify which copyrighted work or works have been infringed by another party. At the very least, the letter should specify the work that is infringing on your copyright, as well as any pertinent data. The idea is to be as clear and transparent as possible, and to reduce the potential list of parties that may have infringed on your copyright. You should also add a clear declaration that the material is correct and that you possess the sole right or are authorized to represent the owner. It’s also a good idea to add a statement saying you feel the individual who committed the infringement is acting in good faith. We can assist you in creating a Copyright Infringement Notice that is tailored to your specific scenario.

2. Use a Third-Party Service to Deliver a Notification

Online, the problem may be much simplified. Most sites, such as YouTube or DeviantArt, that potentially hold copyrighted content used without authorization offer built-in facilities for reporting copyright claims. As a result, the procedure of delivering claims is simplified in certain cases, but you should still include all of the contents of a standard Copyright Infringement Notice to make the claim as full and clear as possible.

3. Maintain Accurate Records

Make every effort to ensure that your argument is supported by proof. The most crucial thing is to be able to demonstrate that your work predated the work that is being used without authorization. You should also preserve a safe copy of any communication connected to the infringement action.

DMCA Takedown Notices: Another Choice

Notifying the offender isn’t the only method to get your rights enforced. After the passage of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, it is also feasible to contact site servers directly in order to have the protected information deleted. In general, these letters must follow the same guidelines as a Copyright Infringement Notice, but they must also be signed and include a statement that you believe in “good faith” that the use of protected materials is unauthorized, as well as a statement that you guarantee, under penalty of perjury, that the information provided is accurate and that you are the owner of the copyright or are authorized to act on the owner’s behalf.