Create Document
Fill & Sign
Adobe PDF
Microsoft Word
OpenDocument
Necessary Information
- Title of copyrighted work
- Copyright registration number (if registered)
- Details about how the copyright was improperly used
- Actions required to resolve the dispute
What Work is Protected by Copyright
Copyright protection covers original works of authorship, including music, movies, photographs, novels, and paintings. This protection exists as soon as the work is “fixed” in a tangible medium, like when a song is recorded, a picture is taken, or a poem is written.[1]
Copyright Registration – Although copyright protection is automatic, the work must be registered before an infringement lawsuit (for U.S. works) can be filed in court.[2]
Sample
Download: PDF, Word (.docx), OpenDocument
NOTICE TO CEASE AND DESIST
[SENDER’S NAME]
[SENDER’S STREET]
[SENDER’S CITY, STATE, & ZIP]
Date: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Re: Copyright Infringement
Dear [RECIPIENT’S NAME],
It has been determined that you have made an unauthorized use of my work entitled [TITLE OF COPYRIGHTED WORK & REGISTRATION NO. (IF ANY)] (the “Work”), which is copyrighted work in accordance with Title 17 of the U.S. Code.
I have found the unauthorized use of my Work at [DESCRIBE WHERE COPYRIGHTED WORK IS BEING USED].
Accordingly, I demand that you immediately remove the material and cease any further use of the Work, including any other infringements. If you fail to comply, you could be liable for statutory damages as high as $150,000 as set forth in Section 504(c)(2) therein.
If you do not cease the use of the aforementioned copyrighted material, a lawsuit will be commenced against you.
Furthermore, I demand that you immediately cease the use and distribution of all infringing works derived from the Work, including all copies, both physical and electronic, of same, and deliver to me, if applicable, all unused, undistributed copies of same, or destroy such copies immediately, and desist from this or any other infringement of my rights in the future.
If I have not received an affirmative response from you by [DATE] indicating that you have fully complied with these requirements, I shall consider taking any and all legal remedies available to rectify this situation.
Sincerely,
________________________
[PRINTED NAME]