How to send a DMCA to Google

What is a DMCA?

DMCA, or Digitial Millennium Copyright Act, helps you protect original and copyrighted material and content from thieves. There is a vast amount of information available on DMCA, we suggest reading more on Wikipedia.

Two ways to file a DMCA.

The first way, you are able to file DMCA for free via Google. There is also several paid services, one being dmca.com.

Google DMCA Removal Request

Google handles DMCA complaints, calling them Copyright Removal Notices, and you can file using the removal dashboard via your Webmaster Tools account.

Google does not guarantee removals

It takes up to 10 days for Google to process requests, either accepting or rejecting. After verification, Google will instantly remove the pages without notice to the recipient or requester. You are able to check the status of the request from the removal dashboard while the recipient receives an email after the takedown of the page from search results.

All complaints Google receives are recorded in the Lumen Database and also shown in the search results.

Preparing your complaint

• URL of the original content (where you have hosted this content to prove ownership)
• Copyright infringed URL (URL of stolen content)
• Copyrighted content up to 500 words length.

You are able to submit each page separately, and after you file your complaint you are able to combine all notices into one notice, or keep each notice separate.

File your DMCA Removal Request Notice

After gathering the necessary details for your request, go to your Google Dashboard and access the removal dashboard, login with your Google account. The dashboard will show you details of all previous notices if you have any.

Click on 'Create a New Notice'. You will see a warning informing you to only file legitimate complaints and any false complaints may result in penalties.

Filling out Contact Information

Be sure to fill out all the requested information and that all information is accurate. You will be required to state your name, address, company name (optional) and phone number. Select the copyright holder as "Self" and enter your email address. Choose your country from the dropdown menu provided. Be sure to select a country where you have the ability to handle legal matters in case of counter-notices.

Filling out Copyrighted Details

Describe your copyrighted work. Copy and paste the exact copy of the infringed content available on the original as well as the stolen pages. This is the proof you are providing Google to take action and any error here will result in Google rejecting your notice
Authorized Example of Owned Material - Fill out the URL of the original source of the content (must be available for Google to view)
Location of Infringing Material - Fill out the URL of the stolen content.

Creating Multiple Requests

If you wish to file multiple URL infringements in a single DMCA Removal Notice, click on 'Add a new group' Link.

This will open another form, allowing you to add more details of copyright infringement. Follow the steps listed above for filing your DMCA removal request.

Sworn Statements

This last section is your digital signature confirming all the information you provided is accurate to the best of your knowledge. Click on any captcha actions available and submit your request.

Tracking Removal Notices

After filing the request, Google will not send you any notification. You need to manually track the notices from the removal dashboard.

Confirming the removal

The recipient of the Removal request will receive the DMCA removal notice, and choose to either counter the request or simply remove the content. If they decide to counter, Google will record all complaints within the Lumen Database for reference.