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Dealing With Copyright Infringement Online: How to Get Stolen Content Removed

How to Handle Copyright Infringement. A Guide to getting stollen content removed

Reviewed by Joseph Chierotti, CEO, Defamation Defenders · Updated October 2026 · 7 min read

Short answer

If someone copies your photos, videos, or writing without permission, send a DMCA takedown notice to the site’s designated agent or its web host, and file Google’s copyright removal request to drop the copies from search. A valid notice identifies your original work, the infringing URLs, and includes a good-faith statement, an accuracy statement under penalty of perjury, and your signature.

Key takeaways
  • You own copyright in your original photos, videos, and writing as soon as you create them.
  • The DMCA notice-and-takedown process works with most US platforms and hosts.
  • Google has its own copyright removal form for search results.
  • The uploader can file a counter-notice; then you may need to sue to keep it down.
  • Don’t file false claims; misrepresentation can make you liable.

What counts as copyright infringement online?

  • Your photos or selfies reposted without permission, including on impersonation profiles
  • Your videos re-uploaded to other channels or adult sites
  • Your articles, product descriptions, or website copy copied word for word
  • Your paid content (courses, OnlyFans, Patreon) leaked to other sites
Copyright protects the creator, which is usually whoever took the photo or recorded the video. If someone else took a photo of you, they may own the copyright, and privacy or other removal routes may work better.

How to file a DMCA takedown notice

1
Find the right recipient
Look for the site’s DMCA or copyright page and its designated agent. If there isn’t one, contact the web host.
2
Identify your original
Link to or describe your original work.
3
List the infringing URLs
Every page and file where your work appears.
4
Include the required statements
A good-faith belief the use isn’t authorized, and a statement that the notice is accurate under penalty of perjury.
5
Sign and send
Include your contact information and signature.
Leaked or stolen content?

We file takedowns across sites, hosts, and Google, and keep monitoring for re-uploads.

See Leak RemovalCall 1-800-785-1749

Removing infringing content from Google

Google’s copyright removal form lets you request removal of infringing URLs from search results. This is useful when a site ignores your notice, but it doesn’t delete the content from the site itself.

What happens after a counter-notice

If the uploader files a counter-notice, the platform may restore the content after a waiting period unless you file a lawsuit. Talk to an intellectual property attorney if that happens.

Copyright removal FAQs

How do I get my stolen photos removed?

Send a DMCA takedown notice to the site or its host and file Google’s copyright removal request.

Do I need to register my copyright?

Not to send a DMCA notice. Registration matters if you sue in the US.

How long does a DMCA takedown take?

Many platforms act within days; some hosts take longer.

What if the site is outside the US?

Many foreign hosts still honor DMCA notices, and Google can remove the URLs from search.

Can I remove a photo someone else took of me?

Usually not by copyright, but privacy, harassment, or intimate-image rules may apply.

Get your stolen content removed

Send us the links. We’ll file the takedowns and remove the copies from Google.

Get My Free ReviewCall 1-800-785-1749

Defamation Defenders is an online reputation management company, not a law firm. This article is general information, not legal advice.

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