How To Submit A Google DMCA Takedown Notice

Stolen content often appears in Google search results. Not only can this potentially tarnish your personal reputation and brand, but publishing copyrighted materials without permission is illegal. Thankfully, copyright holders can file a Google DMCA complaint to remove the content from search results.

This is a critical tool for reputation management and preventing unauthorized use of your content. Here’s how to submit a DMCA on Google:

About Google DMCA

Google allows content owners to request the removal of copyright-infringed material from its platforms. This follows the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), which protects copyrighted materials like articles, images, and more.

However, Digital Millennium Copyright Act does not apply in certain situations:

• Fair Use: Content used for commentary, criticism, education, research, or parody may be exempt.
• Non-U.S. Sites: This law applies to websites hosted in the United States. Other countries have their own copyright laws.
• You Don’t Own the Copyright: If you didn’t create the content, you don’t hold the copyright, even if you appear in it.

In these situations, search engine suppression and professional reputation management can address unwanted online content.

How to Submit a DMCA Complaint On Google

Step 1: Create a report in the Google DMCA dashboard

Log into your account and visit the Google DMCA Dashboard. Click “Create a Report”, then select “New DMCA Report”. You can return to this dashboard at any time to see all your reports in one place.

Keep in mind: You must submit a separate report for each Google Product where the copyrighted materials appear. This  includes Search, YouTube, Maps, Ads, Drive, and more. For a full list, visit the Report Content page.

Step 2: Fill out the DMCA complaint form

Next, you must carefully fill out the complaint form with accurate details. Enter your first and last name, as well as company name if applicable.

Under “Copyright holder you represent”, click “Myself”. Then click the confirmation box.

Enter your email address in the relevant box and select your region.

Step 3: Identify and describe the Google copyright infringement

The next section of the form is about your copyrighted works.

Under “Is the submission related to an unauthorized stream of an upcoming live-event?”, select yes or no.

Then, identify and describe the copyrighted work. Include any relevant information like creation date and ownership. In this section, only give details about one infringed work, even if you have multiple.

Next, you must provide a URL to view an example of the copyrighted work. This would be a link to your own website, blog, or original post where the work appears. Their team will use this for verification purposes.

Next, provide the URL to the infringing content. If you have multiple infringing works to report, click the blue “Add a new group” button to submit another link. However, remember you can only provide links from a single Product, like Search Results.

Step 4: Sworn statements and signatures

At the bottom of the form, check off the three sworn statements.

Next, you must provide a digital signature. Select today’s date and type your full name where it says “Signature”.

Below, complete the CAPTCHA and click the “Submit” button.

Step 5: Google will review your request

Once you file the DMCA takedown notice on Google, they will:

• Review your submission to ensure it meets Digital Millennium Copyright Act requirements.
• Remove the infringing content from the relevant platform if your request is valid.
• Notify the individual who posted the stolen content.

If the other party disputes your claim, they may file a counter-notice, giving you 14 days to take legal action.

Conclusion: DMCA Takedown on Google

Copyright infringement is rampant on the internet, but thankfully you have options to protect yourself. Follow the steps above to protect you intellectual property.

If you need additional assistance, contact the experts at Reputation911. We provide a range of online reputation management services, including content removal and suppression. Contact us for a free consultation.

About The Author

William DiAntonio

William DiAntonio is the Founder & CEO of Reputation911, a reputation management firm he founded in 2010 that has earned the trust of its clients for over a decade by helping individuals, businesses and brands control their online search results.