Is DMCA.com the Government?

DMCA.com is a content protection service company. It designs, builds and sells products and services which help content owners protect their content online.

There are essentially two groups of services:

1. Professionally Managed Takedown services
2. Protection Pro

Each of these groups have a suite of additional services, both free and paid, offered within them.

DMCA is Digital Millennium Copyright Act. It is a part of the US Copyright Law and relates to a defined process in removing content from the internet.

The DMCA is most commonly connected to process known as a DMCA Takedown.

Click here to start a DMCA Takedown

Why is DMCA important?

As part of the U.S. copyright law, the DMCA addresses the rights and obligations of owners of copyrighted material who believe their rights under U.S. copyright law have been infringed, particularly but not limited to, on the Internet. DMCA also addresses the rights and obligations of OSP / ISP (Internet Service Providers) on whose servers or networks the infringing material may be found. This law clearly provides a framework, called the DMCA Takedown (Section 512 (c)(3)), for a process between two parties for the request and removal of copied content found online.

Most websites, ISP's, OSP's, hosting companies have adopted the DMCA Takedown process to handle requests for the removal of illegally hosted content on websites within their control. If you think you can use the DMCA takedown process to get your content removed. Click here to file a DMCA Takedown

If you want to learn more about DMCA Takedowns please see our other FAQ on this specific issue here What is a DMCA Takedown.

What does DMCA.com need to request takedown?

Three pieces of information are needed to file a DMCA Takedown Notice

1. Infringing URL - where on the internet (or platform like Facebook or TikTok) is your stolen content located. What is the link?
2. Source URL - where was your content located when it was stolen. If it was not online you can reference cell phone, computer, cloud storage or camera etc.
3. Description of Ownership - The owner's name and if you do know how was it stolen. How is this content yours? How do you own it? Created it, bought it, copyright etc. Who is claiming ownership of the content? Who is authorized to file the DMCA Takedown Notice?

If you are unsure on how to answer about any of these three information categories the Professional Takedown Team at DMCA.com can help with the answers.

DMCA Fast Tip

If a website does not clearly state they follow DMCA you can still process a DMCA Takedown Notice to remove your stolen content. There can be many reasons a website does not reference the DMCA directly.

Is DMCA.com for the USA only?

While the DMCA is part of USA Copyright Law. The DMCA Takedown process described within the law is widely used throughout the world. Most countries accept the standard DMCA Takedown Notice form and process. Although the DMCA Takedown is part of US Copyright law, a DMCA Takedown Notice is often used and accepted throughout the world and not exclusive to the United States. However, many countries have their own copyright laws specifically related to the removal of content from internet service providers and site owners within their borders. Which service providers do and do not accept the standard DMCA takedown notice form and process is dynamic and constantly changing. DMCA.com professionals are aware of these constant changes and are able to convert the information submitted through the standard DMCA Takedown signup form to suit specific countries and/or service providers within the legal process they require.

How can I see if a website uses DMCA?

If a website uses the DMCA they will usually place a reference in the footer of the website. The clickthrough should clearly state the conditions of the DMCA Takedown process. Many websites reference the DMCA.com Takedown Notice form on this website directly. If you are unsure or the website unclear, click here to complete your takedown request: DMCA Takedown Form. Our professional team will connect your takedown request to the right website.

DMCA Takedown Testimonial

Thank you to DMCA.com who assisted quickly when a fake website was set-up using my name, my images, material I had written and published elsewhere and, more perniciously, soliciting funds for a product that didn't exist. The situation was resolved within 96 hours over a long weekend which is very appreciated.

Can I add DMCA to my website?

DMCA.com's first recommendation is to contact a lawyer or law firm in the legal jurisdiction of your company or website to determine what is the appropriate legal communication. DMCA.com does not offer any legal advice or specific recommendation regarding any copyright practice.

DMCA.com has two programs to help content creators, publishers and UGC platforms:

1. Content Publishers or Platforms of User Generated Content (UGC) should use the DMCA Compliance program - Get Compliant - adding a compliance badge to your site instantly takes the guess work and time out of processing DMCA Takedown notices on your site.
2. Content Creators and Publishers (without UGC) should use DMCA.com Protection Pro - Content Protection - it is essential to add an ownership statement to all your content. Registering and adding your content and website to this program is click through easy. There is even a Free program so getting started is easy.

If you are unsure what program is best for your situation by all means reach out and one of the DMCA.com team can provide support: Help Me Choose the right option.

For more information you can visit: www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf.

Related DMCA Takedown FAQ's

1. What is the DMCA Protected Badge
2. What is DMCA Protection
3. What is DMCA Takedowns
4. What is DMCA.com
5. What is DMCA Protected Certificate
6. What is DMCA Website Certificate
7. What is DMCA Website Status Page and Protection Certificate