YouTube terms

Copyright Takedown Notice

A request to remove copyrighted content from YouTube.

What is a copyright takedown notice in YouTube?

A copyright takedown notice in YouTube is a formal communication sent by a copyright owner or their representative to YouTube, alleging that a user has infringed upon their copyright. This notice is issued under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), a U.S. law that provides copyright owners with a mechanism to address alleged copyright infringement on online platforms.

When YouTube receives a valid takedown notice, it is legally obligated to remove the content in question. The user who posted the content is then notified of the takedown and given the opportunity to submit a counter-notice if they believe the content was mistakenly taken down. If the user's counter-notice is valid, YouTube may reinstate the content. However, repeated copyright violations can lead to the termination of the user's YouTube account.

How do I file a Copyright Takedown Notice on YouTube?

Filing a Copyright Takedown Notice on YouTube involves a few steps. First, you need to go to the YouTube Copyright Complaint Form. You can find this by going to the YouTube website, scrolling down to the bottom of the page, and clicking on "Copyright". From there, click on "Submit a copyright complaint". You will be asked to provide information about the copyrighted work that you believe has been infringed upon, as well as information about the video that you believe infringes upon your copyright.

After filling out the necessary information, you will be asked to read and agree to the statements in the "Legal Acknowledgment" section. This includes acknowledging that you 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. Once you have read and agreed to these statements, you can submit your complaint. YouTube will then review your complaint and, if it is found to be valid, the infringing video will be removed.

What happens after I submit a Copyright Takedown Notice on YouTube?

After you submit a Copyright Takedown Notice on YouTube, the platform's team will review your request to ensure it complies with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). If your request is valid and complete, YouTube will proceed to remove the infringing content. The user who posted the content will be notified about the takedown and the reason behind it. They will also receive a copyright strike, which can lead to the termination of their account if they receive multiple strikes.

However, the user has the right to submit a counter-notification if they believe the content was mistakenly taken down. If a counter-notification is filed, you will be notified and will have 10 business days to provide proof that you've initiated a court action to keep the content down. If you don't provide such proof, YouTube may reinstate the content. It's important to note that YouTube cannot adjudicate copyright disputes, and these issues may need to be resolved in court.

Can my YouTube account be suspended for receiving a Copyright Takedown Notice?

Yes, your YouTube account can be suspended if you receive a Copyright Takedown Notice. This typically happens when you've uploaded content that infringes on someone else's copyright. The copyright owner can request YouTube to remove your content, and if YouTube finds the claim valid, they will not only take down the content but also issue a copyright strike against your account.

If you receive three copyright strikes, YouTube will suspend your account, and all your videos will be removed. You can also lose the ability to create new accounts. Therefore, it's crucial to respect copyright laws and only upload content that you have the rights to.

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