How to Make a DMCA Take Down Notice

Copyright infringement is a federal offense punishable by law. If your original work has been stolen, a Digital Millennium Copyright Act Notice, commonly called a DMCA, informs the offending party that you are asserting your rights to your works and that they must cease and desist using your materials. You can make a DMCA take down notice in any word processing program.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Date the notice and address it to the offending party. In the first paragraph, inform the person that this is an official notice asserting your rights under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Describe the material in question, and assert that you are the rightful owner of the copyrighted material.

2. Notate the web address where the copyrighted work exists without your consent. Include full web addresses (including http:// or https://) for both the main website page and the exact link where your work appears.

3. List the original web address (if any) where the material appears legally and with your consent.

4. Provide pertinent contact information so the person has means to respond. Include your name and address, as well as telephone and email contacts.

5. Reassert your belief that the material is on display in direct violation of copyright law.

6. Include a declaration that the previous information is true to the best of your knowledge under all perjury laws of the United States.

7. Print the form and sign your name. Make a copy of the notice for your records and send the original to the offending party.

Resources

• See sample DMCA take down notices.