DMCA Takedown Guide for Artists: How to Get Stolen Art Removed

Found your art stolen? Here's exactly how to file a DMCA takedown notice and get it removed — for free.

What is a DMCA Takedown?

The DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) is a US law that requires hosting providers and websites to remove copyrighted content when the owner files a valid takedown notice. It works for websites hosted in the US and many international sites.

Step 1: Gather Evidence

Before filing, collect:

• URL of the stolen content
• Screenshot of the infringing page
• Your original file (proof you created it)
• C2PA certificate if you have one (CVBER provides these free)
• Timestamp of when you first published the work

Step 2: Write the DMCA Notice

A valid DMCA notice must include:

1. Your contact information — Name, email, address
2. Identification of your copyrighted work — URL where your original work is located
3. Location of the infringing material — Exact URL of the stolen copy
4. Good faith statement — "I have a good faith belief that the use of the material is not authorized by the copyright owner"
5. Accuracy statement — "The information in this notification is accurate"
6. Your signature — Physical or electronic signature

DMCA Notice Template

DMCA TAKEDOWN NOTICE

To: [Platform's DMCA Agent]

I am the copyright owner of the following work:
- Original work: [Your Name] - [Title] 
- URL of original: [Your portfolio URL]
- Date of creation: [Date]

The following material is infringing on my copyright:
- URL of infringing material: [Stolen content URL]
- Description: [Description of stolen content]

I have a good faith belief that the use of the material 
is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or 
the law.

I declare under penalty of perjury that the information 
in this notification is accurate and that I am the 
copyright owner.

Signature: [Your Name]
Date: [Today's Date]
Email: [Your Email]

Step 3: Send the Notice

Find the platform's DMCA agent:

• Instagram: copyright@fb.com or use the in-app reporting
• DeviantArt: copyright@deviantart.com
• Reddit: copyright@reddit.com
• Pinterest: copyright@pinterest.com
• TikTok: copyright@tiktok.com
• YouTube: Use the Copyright Claims Studio
• Twitter/X: Use the copyright reporting form

Timeline

Most platforms respond within:

• Instagram: 24-48 hours
• YouTube: 24 hours
• DeviantArt: 2-5 business days
• Reddit: 3-5 business days
• Pinterest: 3-7 business days

What if They Ignore It?

If a site ignores your DMCA notice:

1. File a DMCA notice with their hosting provider (find it via who.is)
2. File a DMCA notice with their domain registrar
3. Report to Google to remove from search results
4. Consider legal action for willful infringement

CVBER Automates This

CVBER's Watchtower detects stolen art and automatically generates DMCA notices with all required information. You just review and send.