A website can be taken down for copyright violation. The OSP/ISP that is hosting the website can take a website down if the site does not remove or "takedown" the infringing content identified in a DMCA Takedown notice.
A DMCA Takedown notice is the preferred method for this process. The DMCA contained within the USA Copyright Act is clear on the process that must be followed before an infringing website can be taken off line.
DMCA.com's professional, qualified, experienced case management staff can conduct this takedown notice on your behalf. To get started you can submit your request with DMCA.com here: DMCA Takedown Form. Be sure to note in the request you are asking for removal of the entire infringing website so our DMCA.com Professionals can ensure to process the notice based on this request.
DMCA Fast Tip
For full site removal requests make sure to provide a list of 20 or more infringing URL's matched to the original URL's from your website. The DMCA.com Takedown Form will assist you with this process.
What do I need to provide to get a website taken down?
Three pieces of information are needed to get started filing a DMCA Takedown Notice:
1: Infringing Links
Where on the internet (or platform like Facebook or TikTok) is your stolen content located? What is the link that you want the content removed from? Be sure to provide the URL or website/webpage link of the content you want removed. If the stolen content is an image or video located on a website provide the direct link of the content contained in the site. Copy and paste the infringing text, or provide the URL of the infringing image if required. You must provide around 20 or more of these to show the entire site is infringing.
An example link would look like: https://www.badguy_site.com/webpage/image_2
2: Source Links
Where was your content located when it was stolen? Was it on you social media profile like Facebook or Reddit? Was it from your own website? Provide the exact URL where it was stolen from, even if the content has already been removed from it's original location. The original URL is still valuable to the notice. If it was not online you can reference cell phone, computer, or camera etc. If it was online such as a website or cloud storage provide the link to the exact page it was stolen from. You can upload the original content to a cloud storage service and provide that URL with an expalanation of where it was originally stolen from. You must provide around 20 or more of these, matched the the infringing links as described above to show the entire site is infringing.
An example link would look like: https://share.icloud.com/photos/my_original_content
3: Infringement Descriptions
What is the content owner's name and how was the content stolen? How is this content yours? How do you own it? Did you create it, buy it, copyright it? Who is claiming ownership of the content? Who is authorized to file the DMCA Takedown? When did you create the content and when was the content stolen?
An example description would sound like: "My photo I took of myself on my camera was stolen from my Google Drive and was posted on this website without my knowledge and I would like it removed."
If you are unsure how to collect the information for these three categories the Professional Takedown Team at DMCA.com can help with the answers. Click here to ask us about your situation.
Who can file a DMCA Takedown Notice?
- content creators/owners
- copyright owners
- content publishers or distributors (with permission of the content or copyright owners)
- NFT owners
- code writers and publishers
- social media users and participants
- subject contained within the content and published without permission (special considerations may be required)
If the list above does not appear to describe your situation by all means ask. Click here to Ask us about your situation
What types of content can be stolen from my website?
Some examples of content that is often stolen is:
- Games
- Pictures
- Advertising
- Videos
- Applications
- Graphics
- Text
- Programs
- Profiles or Bio's - personal or corporate
DMCA Takedown Testimonial
My partner discovered someone had copied my entire blog and had called it an almost identical name but had added an 's' on the end. I was shocked to see that they had pulled eight years worth of content from my blog. I found the DMCA.COM website and paid for a professional takedown. It took four working days to take it down. It was a very nerve-wracking experience and I couldn't relax until the take down had happened. I can now get back to blogging and feeling happy. Thanks DMCA.COM.
Is DMCA for the USA only?
While the DMCA is part of USA Copyright Law. The DMCA Takedown process described within the law is widely used throughout the world. Most countries accept the standard DMCA Takedown Notice form and process. Although the DMCA Takedown is part of US Copyright law, a DMCA Takedown Notice is often used and accepted throughout the world and not exclusive to the United States. However, many countries have their own copyright laws specifically related to the removal of content from internet service providers and site owners within their borders. Which service providers do and do not accept the standard DMCA takedown notice form and process is dynamic and constantly changing. DMCA.com professionals are aware of these constant changes and are able to convert the information submitted through the standard DMCA Takedown signup form to suit specific countries and/or service providers within the legal process they require.
How can I add the DMCA to my website?
DMCA.com's first recommendation is to contact a lawyer or law firm in the legal jurisdiction of your company or website to determine what is the appropriate legal communication. DMCA.com does not offer any legal advice or specific recommendation regarding any copyright practice.
DMCA.com has two programs to help content creators, publishers and UGC platforms:
- Content Publishers or Platforms of User Generated Content (UGC) should use the DMCA Compliance program - Get Compliant - adding a compliance badge to your site instantly takes the guess work and time out of processing DMCA Takedown notices on your site.
- Content Creators and Publishers (without UGC) should use DMCA.com Protection Pro - Content Protection - it is essential to add an ownership statement to all your content. Registering and adding your content and website to this program is click through easy. There is even a Free program so getting started is easy.
If you are unsure what program is best for your situation by all means reach out and one of the DMCA.com team can provide support: Help Me Choose the right option.
Related DMCA Takedown FAQ's
- What is the DMCA Protected Badge
- What is DMCA Protection
- What is DMCA Takedowns
- What is DMCA.com
- What is DMCA Protected Certificate
- What is DMCA Website Certificate
- What is DMCA Website Status Page and Protection Certificate