Handle Copyright & DMCA

Protect your content. Respond to takedowns. Stay legal.

Your Copyright Basics

You own copyright on content you create the moment you create it. No registration required.

But registration (with the US Copyright Office) gives you:

• Ability to sue for infringement
• Statutory damages (up to $150,000 per work)
• Attorney’s fees recovery

Cost: $45-65 per registration. Worth it for valuable content.

Protecting Your Content

These mistakes are common because they’re easy to make and their consequences aren’t immediately obvious. Avoid them proactively.

Minimum Steps

• Add copyright notice: © 2024 Your Company. All rights reserved.
• Include terms of use prohibiting copying
• Use reverse image search to find stolen content

Technical Protection

• Disable right-click (minor deterrent)
• Watermark images
• Use low-resolution preview images
• Block hotlinking in .htaccess

When Someone Steals Your Content

Copyright law protects original creative works automatically from the moment of creation, but enforcing your rights requires documentation and the correct legal procedures. Understanding both protection and enforcement helps you safeguard your content while respecting others intellectual property.

Step 1: Document

Screenshot the infringement with timestamps. Save the URL.

Step 2: Contact Directly

Email the site owner. Often they’ll remove it without legal action.

Step 3: DMCA Takedown

If they don’t respond, send a DMCA takedown notice to their host.

Required elements:

• Your signature (electronic is fine)
• Identification of the copyrighted work
• URL of the infringing content
• Your contact information
• Statement of good faith belief
• Statement of accuracy under penalty of perjury

Send to: The hosting provider’s designated DMCA agent (usually listed in their terms).

Practical Walkthrough: Filing a DMCA Takedown

Most people stall at “send a DMCA notice” because the process feels legal and intimidating. Here is the actual sequence. First, identify the hosting provider using a WHOIS lookup (whois.domaintools.com) or by checking the site’s DNS records. Look for an abuse contact email or a DMCA agent page—most hosts publish one at /dmca or /legal. Draft your notice using the six required elements listed above. Email it to the abuse or DMCA address. The host has no statutory deadline, but reputable providers act within 24-72 hours. If the host is overseas or unresponsive, skip straight to Google removal and file with the domain registrar as well.

Track your enforcement. Keep a spreadsheet logging: date discovered, infringing URL, hosting provider contacted, date notice sent, response received, and resolution. You will need this record if the issue escalates to litigation. Screenshot everything with timestamps—the Wayback Machine is helpful but not sufficient as legal evidence on its own.

Counter-notice reality check: If the infringer files a counter-notice, the host must restore the content after 10-14 business days unless you file a federal court action. Evaluate whether the infringement justifies that cost. For high-value content, consult an IP attorney before sending the initial takedown—a poorly drafted notice can weaken your position later.

Step 4: Google Removal

Report to Google: Google’s DMCA form

When You Receive a DMCA Notice

If someone claims you’re infringing:

1. Don’t ignore it – Hosts must act on valid notices
2. Evaluate the claim – Is it legitimate?
3. Remove if valid – Take down the content
4. Counter-notice if invalid – File a counter-notice with your host

Safe Harbor

To qualify for DMCA safe harbor (protection from user-uploaded content):

• Designate a DMCA agent with the Copyright Office
• Post your agent’s contact info on your site
• Respond promptly to takedown notices
• Terminate repeat infringers

Common Copyright Mistakes

Avoid these—they cause most of the problems.

• Using images from Google without checking licenses
• Assuming “fair use” applies when it doesn’t
• Ignoring DMCA notices
• Filing false DMCA notices (this is perjury)

Register Your Key Content

Add a copyright notice to your site footer. Then set up Google Alerts for your brand name + key phrases to catch scrapers.

Your Copyright Protection Checklist

• DMCA takedown process is documented
• You have templates for infringement notices
• Original content is dated/timestamped for proof of creation
• Team knows how to respond to copyright claims

Sources

• U.S. Copyright Office
• U.S. Copyright Act – Title 17 Full Text
• Google – Report Content / DMCA Requests