Free DMCA Takedown Notice Template Generator
Generate a legally compliant DMCA notice in seconds. Just add the infringing URLs and your details.
Filing yourself? Your contact info will be shared with the infringer and published publicly.
Or file anonymously through usDMCA Notice Requirements Under 17 U.S.C. § 512
A valid DMCA takedown notice must include these six elements to be legally effective.
Copyrighted Work Identification
Description of your original work and where it was first published
Infringing URLs
Specific URLs where your content appears without permission
Contact Information
Your name, address, and email for the website to respond
Good Faith Statement
Declaration that you believe the use is unauthorized
Accuracy Statement
Sworn statement that your information is accurate, under penalty of perjury
Signature
Physical or electronic signature of the copyright owner or authorized agent
Where to Send Your DMCA Takedown Notice
1. Website's Designated DMCA Agent
Look for "DMCA", "Copyright", or "Legal" links in the footer. The U.S. Copyright Office maintains a directory of DMCA agents for registered service providers.
2. Hosting Provider's Abuse Department
If the website ignores you, find their host via WHOIS lookup and send to abuse@[host].com. Hosts must act on valid DMCA notices or lose their safe harbor protection.
3. Google Search Console
Even if the site won't remove content, request Google deindex the pages. This removes them from search results, cutting off most traffic.
What Happens After You File a DMCA Notice
1. Platform reviews your notice
Most platforms remove content within 24-72 hours of receiving a valid DMCA notice. Some sites are slower or ignore requests entirely — check removal success rates before filing.
2. Infringer may file a counter-notice
The alleged infringer receives your contact information and can dispute the takedown by filing a DMCA counter-notice. This is rare but possible, especially if they believe your claim is invalid.
3. You have 10-14 days to sue (if counter-notice filed)
If a counter-notice is filed, you must file a federal lawsuit within 10-14 business days or the content gets restored. Most infringers don't file counter-notices because it requires revealing their identity and consenting to be sued.
DMCA Takedown Notice FAQ
- What is a DMCA takedown notice?
- A DMCA takedown notice is a legal request under 17 U.S.C. § 512 demanding a website remove content that infringes your copyright. It must include specific elements: identification of your work, the infringing URLs, your contact information, and sworn statements.
- Will my personal information become public when I file?
- Yes. When you file a DMCA notice yourself, your name, address, and contact details are shared with the alleged infringer and typically published in public databases like Lumen. This is a legal requirement. Our professional service files on your behalf using our contact information to protect your privacy.
- What happens after I send a DMCA takedown notice?
- The website must remove the content expeditiously or risk losing safe harbor protection. Most platforms respond within 24-72 hours. The alleged infringer may file a counter-notice, which could restore the content unless you pursue legal action within 10-14 business days.
- Can I file a DMCA notice for content I don't own?
- No. Filing a false DMCA claim is perjury under federal law and can result in significant legal liability. You must own the copyright or be legally authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner.
- What if the website ignores my DMCA takedown notice?
- First, check the site's removal success rate. Then escalate to their hosting provider (findable via WHOIS lookup), domain registrar, or CDN provider. You can also file with Google to deindex the pages. Some offshore sites ignore all requests - our professional service has more leverage with payment processors and ad networks.
- Is this DMCA template valid for international websites?
- The DMCA is U.S. law, but most major platforms worldwide honor DMCA notices because they want access to U.S. markets. For EU-based platforms, you may need to reference local copyright directives, though many still accept DMCA-formatted notices.
File DMCA Notices Without Exposing Your Identity
When you file yourself, your name and address become public record in databases like Lumen. We file using our contact details so your identity stays completely private.
Filing yourself
Your real name, address, and email published publicly
Using our service
Our business details used - your identity stays hidden