Free template
DMCA Takedown Notice
This template contains every element a valid DMCA notice legally requires: identification of your copyrighted work, the infringing URLs, your contact information, the good-faith statement, the accuracy statement under penalty of perjury, and a signature. Replace the bracketed placeholders, delete anything that doesn't apply, and send.
When to use this template
- Your photos, listing text, artwork, video, or other creative work was copied to a website, marketplace listing, or social post
- You own the work or are authorized to act for the owner — no copyright registration required
- The content is hosted by a U.S. platform or host, or one that honors DMCA-style notices (most do)
The template
DMCA TAKEDOWN NOTICE Date: [DATE] To: [PLATFORM OR HOSTING PROVIDER — DESIGNATED DMCA AGENT] To whom it may concern, This is a notice of copyright infringement pursuant to 17 U.S.C. § 512(c)(3) of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). I am the owner of the copyrighted work described below (or an agent authorized to act on the owner's behalf). 1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE COPYRIGHTED WORK [DESCRIBE THE WORK — e.g., "Original product photography and listing description for our ceramic mug collection, first published March 2025."] The original work can be found at: - [URL OF YOUR ORIGINAL WORK] 2. IDENTIFICATION OF THE INFRINGING MATERIAL The following URL(s) host material that infringes the copyrighted work identified above. I request that this material be removed or access to it be disabled immediately: - [INFRINGING URL 1] - [INFRINGING URL 2] 3. CONTACT INFORMATION Name: [YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME] Company: [COMPANY NAME, IF APPLICABLE] Email: [YOUR EMAIL] Address: [YOUR MAILING ADDRESS] 4. STATEMENTS I have a good-faith belief that the use of the material in the manner complained of is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law. The information in this notice is accurate, and under penalty of perjury, I am the owner (or authorized to act on behalf of the owner) of an exclusive right that is allegedly infringed. 5. SIGNATURE /s/ [YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME] [DATE]
Replace every [BRACKETED] placeholder and delete sections that don't apply. This is a template, not legal advice.
How to use it
- 1
Fill in every bracket
Use your full legal name and a monitored email. Describe the work specifically enough that a reviewer can compare original and copy in seconds.
- 2
Find the right recipient
Marketplaces and social platforms have IP report forms — paste the notice there. For standalone websites, look up the host's DMCA agent in the U.S. Copyright Office agent directory, or run a WHOIS/DNS lookup to identify the host and use its abuse contact.
- 3
Keep a dated copy
Save the notice and any acknowledgment. If the infringer files a counter-notice or reoffends, your paper trail is what escalates enforcement.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer or registered copyright to send this?
No. DMCA notices are designed for rights holders to file directly, and copyright exists automatically from the moment you create a work. Registration strengthens court claims but is not required for takedowns.
What happens if I send a false DMCA notice?
Knowing misrepresentations create liability under 17 U.S.C. § 512(f), including the other side's legal fees. Only file for work you genuinely own or represent.
How long until the content comes down?
Hosting providers typically act in 1–5 business days on clear notices; platforms in 1–14. A counter-notice can extend the process by 10–14 additional business days.
Related guides
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