First, record what happened
Save the page URL, the date you found it, and a safe record of the infringement. Keep the original file and evidence of your rights. Avoid downloading suspicious files or paying an unknown site to remove content. Do not submit private content through our application form.
Hosting removal and search removal are different
A host controls the copy on its service. A search engine controls whether a URL appears in its search results. A request to one does not automatically resolve the other. Google explains the distinction in its legal removal process.
For US copyright notices, the US Copyright Office’s Section 512 guidance explains the notice-and-takedown framework, required notice elements, and counter-notices. Use an accurate notice from the rights holder or an authorized representative. A disputed rights claim may need a lawyer.
Agree the scope of protection
| Ask about | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Monitoring | Which sites, search engines, aliases, and formats are covered? |
| Authorization | Who sends notices, and what information is disclosed? |
| Evidence | How are originals and suspected copies documented? |
| Follow-up | Who tracks responses, repeat copies, and counter-notices? |
| Reporting | Does “removed” mean host deletion or search delisting? |
| Limits | What happens when a host refuses or does not respond? |
What a useful case log contains
Record each URL once, the rights involved, the notice recipient, submission date, response, and next action. Mark unavailable pages separately from confirmed removals. Avoid success percentages without a clearly defined denominator and review period.
[MISSING FACT: monitoring frequency, provider, included notice volume, authorization process, and escalation fees]. Check pricing for the distinction between agency support and outside legal costs.
Prevention and a response plan
Review your privacy checklist and file access controls. No workflow can promise that a published asset will never be copied. Plan who you will contact, what evidence you will retain, and when to seek legal or safety support.
Service categories follow the operator’s published service menu. Exact deliverables require a written scope.