How to Report a Copyright Violation

Copyright infringement occurs when someone reproduces, distributes, displays, or performs copyrighted work without authorization. Common examples include unauthorized reproduction of written materials, unauthorized distribution of music or videos, copying of software code, and use of artistic designs without permission. To identify whether a violation has occurred, you must establish that you own the copyright, that the work is protected by copyright law, and that the defendant actually copied and used your work. Documentation of your original creation, registration records, and evidence of the unauthorized use are essential for proving infringement.

Before reporting a copyright violation, collect comprehensive evidence demonstrating the infringement. Take screenshots of websites displaying your work, save digital copies of the infringing material, document dates and times when you discovered the violation, and preserve communications related to the infringement. Record the URL or location where the violation occurred and note any metadata that proves ownership of your original work. This evidence becomes critical when pursuing legal action or filing formal complaints with appropriate authorities.

A cease and desist letter should clearly identify the copyrighted work, describe how it is being infringed, provide evidence of your ownership, and demand that the infringement stop within a specified timeframe. The letter should be sent to the responsible party or their legal representative through certified mail to create a documented record. Include your contact information and specify the consequences of continued infringement, such as civil litigation or damages claims. Professional legal counsel can ensure your notice complies with New York law and maximizes the likelihood of prompt compliance.

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act provides a mechanism for copyright holders to request removal of infringing content from online platforms. To file a DMCA takedown notice, identify the specific URL or location of the infringing material, provide detailed information about your copyright ownership, and submit the notice to the platform's designated agent. Most major platforms have established procedures for receiving and processing these notices, which typically require removal within days. Platforms that comply with DMCA requirements receive liability protection, making this process highly effective for removing unauthorized content from the internet.

When informal resolution fails, copyright holders can file civil lawsuits in New York courts under federal copyright law. Civil litigation allows you to seek injunctive relief preventing future infringement, actual damages representing lost profits or the infringer's profits, or statutory damages ranging from seven hundred fifty dollars to thirty thousand dollars per work infringed. Willful infringement can result in enhanced damages up to one hundred fifty thousand dollars per work. Software copyright cases often involve particularly complex litigation involving technical evidence and expert testimony about the nature of the copying.

In cases involving commercial piracy or organized copyright infringement, you may report violations to federal agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice. The FBI's Intellectual Property Rights program investigates large scale copyright violations and counterfeiting operations. Additionally, the International Trade Commission addresses imports of counterfeit goods and infringing products. These agencies can pursue criminal prosecution in cases involving willful infringement for commercial advantage, which carries potential imprisonment and substantial fines. Proper documentation and detailed reporting to appropriate authorities ensures that serious violations receive the attention they deserve and can result in criminal penalties against repeat offenders

You should consult a copyright attorney when you discover significant infringement of your work, when initial informal resolution attempts fail, or when the infringing activity involves commercial use of your copyrighted material. An attorney can assess whether your work qualifies for copyright protection, whether infringement has actually occurred, and what remedies are available under applicable law. Underreporting allegations of infringement can result in missed opportunities for enforcement, making early professional consultation valuable. Legal counsel ensures that you understand your rights, pursue appropriate remedies, and comply with procedural requirements that protect your interests throughout the enforcement process.

Maintaining thorough documentation of your copyrighted works strengthens your ability to report a copyright violation effectively. Keep detailed records of creation dates, registration certificates, communications with infringers, and evidence of infringement. Organize this information in a format that can be quickly provided to legal professionals or authorities when needed. Proper record keeping demonstrates the value of your work and supports your claims for damages when pursuing legal remedies for copyright violations.