Summary

The website content provides guidance on how to address content theft, including steps to file a takedown notice and protect one's intellectual property.

Abstract

The article titled "What To Do If Someone Steals Your Content" offers a comprehensive approach for writers and content creators dealing with the unauthorized use of their work. It outlines the process of filing a takedown notice, starting with documenting the infringement by taking screenshots. The author advises first contacting the plagiarist to request the removal of the stolen content, followed by reaching out to the web host or service provider if the writer does not comply. The article emphasizes the inevitability of content theft on the internet and provides a template for a DMCA takedown request to enforce copyright laws. The piece concludes with a call to action for readers to join Medium for further writing advice and to share the story to help others protect their creative work.

Opinions

The author acknowledges the emotional impact of content theft and the unfairness experienced by creators.
It is suggested that some individuals will inevitably engage in unethical behavior, such as copyright infringement, regardless of its immoral nature.
The article implies that new writers may struggle with navigating content protection, and the author expresses a desire to assist them by sharing knowledge.
The author expresses confidence in the effectiveness of the DMCA takedown process, indicating that it is a robust legal tool for content creators.
There is an underlying tone of community and mutual support, encouraging readers to share the information and join Medium to become better writers.

What To Do If Someone Steals Your Content

How to file a takedown notice

I’ve been a writer and editor here at Medium for a while, and I‘m often asked questions about social media and Medium in general.

I know it’s possible to find answers online, but I remember what it was like when I first arrived. I was so new, some things were very tricky, and I was grateful for any tips.

Well, here’s me, paying it forward.

This is a recent question from a writer and reader:

“Please help me understand how words I write may be stolen (used by another?) I am talented at creating new ideas but do not want my ideas to be taken and used by another. How do you protect yourself from this happening to you?”

This is my answer:

First, I’m sorry this is happening to you. I know you worked hard to write and polish your content, and it’s unfair. But there are steps you can take to get the content removed.

There’s really no way to prevent people on the internet from stealing your words. If they’re going to copy your content, you can’t stop them.

It’s unethical, and a good writer would never do that. Copyright infringement has been a problem since the beginning of the written word. Some people are just thieves.

If you do find your article posted on another website, you can usually get it taken down.

Screenshot everything.

Capture an image of your original content with the publication date. Also, take a shot of the stolen post with the name of the site owner.

First, contact the writer.

Ask them politely to take the post down (screenshot that as well). They may not understand that it’s not ok to copy someone’s content.
It helps to include a link to your original post with the publish date. You’ll need to clearly state that you are the owner and creator of the post and you didn’t give permission for it to be published on another site.

Second, contact the web host/service provider.

You can look up the owner of the site using their URL.
There’s a non-profit partnership, ICANN, that takes care of some functions in the core infrastructure of the internet. The partnership is dedicated to keeping the internet secure, stable, and interoperable.
ICANN has a great lookup tool that will help you find the web host/service provider's contact information.

Enter the website URL in ICANN’S lookup tool and get the contact information of the hosting service.
Send an email with information about the plagiarism and include your screenshots. Be sure to mention that you contacted the writer with the same information.

Third, it’s time to take the gloves off.

File an official takedown request with the web host/service provider.
Most web hosts and search engines have a specific email address for copyright complaints.
Contact Google and other search engines or social networks where the content appears.
The DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) requires host companies to follow strict rules around removing copyright infringements.

DMCA Takedown Request Template

Subject Line: Takedown Notice Pursuant to the Digital Millenium Copyright Act of 1998

My name is [NAME], and I’m the [POSITION] at [COMPANY].

This is a notice in accordance with Section 512 of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (”DMCA”) requesting that you immediately cease to provide access to the following copyrighted material. A website that your company hosts (according to WHOIS information) is infringing on copyrighted material owned by our company.

The original [CONTENT/IMAGES], of which we own the exclusive copyrights, can be found at these URLs:

— [EXACT CONTENT/IMAGE LOCATION]
—
—

The unauthorized and infringing [CONTENT/IMAGES] can be found at this IP address/URLs: IP address:

— [EXACT CONTENT/IMAGE LOCATION]
—
—

My contact information is:

Name Company Address Phone

I have good faith belief that the use of the described material in the manner complained of is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or by operation of law. The information in this notice is accurate, and up to date, and I can confirm that [COMPANY] is the copyright owner.

Should you wish to discuss this further, please contact me directly.

Signed: Name Date:

*thanks to Kinsta, for offering the use of this takedown notice template.

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