How to Write a DMCA Takedown Notice
Learn how to write an effective DMCA takedown notice that complies with legal requirements.
Required Elements
A valid DMCA notice must contain:
- Your contact information (name, address, phone, email)
- Identification of the copyrighted work
- Location of the infringing material (specific links)
- Good faith statement
- Accuracy statement
- Your signature (electronic signature is acceptable)
Template
Below is a template you can use. Replace the bracketed sections with your information.
DMCA Takedown Notice
Date: [Current Date]
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to notify you that content hosted on your service
infringes on my copyright.
CONTACT INFORMATION
-------------------
Name: [Your Legal Name]
Address: [Your Address]
Phone: [Your Phone Number]
Email: [Your Email Address]
COPYRIGHTED WORK
----------------
The copyrighted work being infringed is:
[Description of your original work - e.g., "original photographs
taken by me on [date]" or "video content I created and published
on [platform] on [date]"]
INFRINGING MATERIAL
-------------------
The infringing material is located at the following link(s):
[List each link on a separate line]
- [Link 1]
- [Link 2]
- [Link 3]
STATEMENTS
----------
I have a good faith belief that use of the copyrighted materials
described above as allegedly infringing is not authorized by the
copyright owner, its agent, or the law.
I swear, under penalty of perjury, that the information in this
notification is accurate and that I am the copyright owner or am
authorized to act on behalf of the owner of an exclusive right
that is allegedly infringed.
SIGNATURE
---------
/s/ [Your Name]
[Your Legal Name]
[Date]Tips for Effective Notices
Be Specific
Good
"The infringing content is located at https://example.com/gallery/image123.jpg"
Bad
"My content is somewhere on example.com"
List All Links
If the same content appears multiple times, list each link separately.
Describe Your Work Clearly
Explain what makes the content yours:
- When you created it
- Where you first published it
- Any identifying features
Include Proof (Optional but Helpful)
While not legally required, including proof speeds up processing:
- Link to your original post
- Timestamp comparison
- Metadata information
Where to Send
Website's DMCA Agent
Many sites list a DMCA agent:
- Check the site's footer for "DMCA" or "Copyright" links
- Look for a "Terms of Service" or "Legal" page
- Search for "[site name] DMCA" online
Hosting Provider
If the site doesn't respond, send to their hosting provider:
- Look up the domain's hosting using WHOIS
- Find the host's abuse contact
- Send your notice there
Search Engines
For search result removal:
After Sending
Expected Timeline
| Action | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment | 24-48 hours |
| Content removal | 24-72 hours |
| Search removal | 24-72 hours |
Follow Up
If you don't hear back within 72 hours:
- Send a follow-up email
- Contact the hosting provider
- Submit to search engines
Keep Records
Save copies of:
- Your notice
- When and how you sent it
- Any responses received
- Confirmation of removal
Common Mistakes
Don't Do These
- Vague descriptions: Be specific about links
- Missing elements: Include all required components
- Wrong target: Send to the right contact
- False claims: Only claim content you own
Next Steps
- Site-Specific Guides - Platform-specific instructions
- DMCA Basics - Understanding the law