Infringement Notification Template for the United States

An Infringement Notification is your formal legal tool for addressing unauthorized use of copyrighted material under United States law. This document, primarily governed by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), provides a standardized process for copyright owners to request removal of infringing content from online platforms and service providers while ensuring compliance with federal requirements.

When do you need this document?

You need an Infringement Notification when you discover unauthorized use of your copyrighted works on websites, social media platforms, file-sharing services, or other online venues. This includes situations where someone has copied your written content, images, videos, music, or software without permission. The document is particularly crucial for addressing infringement on platforms that comply with DMCA safe harbor provisions, as it triggers their obligation to remove or disable access to the allegedly infringing material. You also need this notification when building a paper trail for potential legal action, as it demonstrates your good faith effort to resolve the matter before pursuing litigation.

Key legal considerations

Your Infringement Notification must include specific elements to be legally valid under DMCA Section 512(c)(3). These include your complete contact information, identification of the copyrighted work claimed to be infringed, specific location of the infringing material with sufficient detail for removal, a good faith statement that use is not authorized, a statement that the information is accurate and that you are authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner, and your physical or electronic signature. Be aware that submitting a false DMCA notice can result in perjury charges and potential liability for damages. The notification should be precise and factual, avoiding overly broad claims that could constitute abuse of the DMCA process. Consider that the alleged infringer may file a counter-notification, which could lead to restoration of the content unless you file a lawsuit within ten business days.

Legal requirements in United States

Under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and broader U.S. copyright law, your notification must comply with strict formatting and content requirements to receive safe harbor protection for service providers. The Copyright Act of 1976 establishes the foundation for your infringement claims, while DMCA Section 512 provides the specific procedural framework for online enforcement. You must identify your copyrighted work with sufficient detail, including registration numbers when available, and provide URLs or other specific location information for the allegedly infringing content. The good faith statement and accuracy statement are legally binding declarations that subject you to potential perjury liability. Your signature requirement can be satisfied through electronic signature methods that comply with federal electronic signature laws. Service providers typically have their own additional requirements for submission format and delivery methods, which you should review before sending your notification.