DMCA Takedowns: Issuing & Responding [Live Workshop]
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).
It’s an old law given how fast technology moves, but it is still effective for protecting your creative work. Arguably, it is even more effective now with the establishment of the Copyright Claims Board.
As a writer, artist, or creative entrepreneur, you are engaged in a constant struggle to protect your work from online theft. The DMCA was designed to help you do just that in the face of all the social media platforms and websites built on user-generated content.
Those users should not be generating your content, but they do. Those platforms will not protect you, and they don’t.
You must protect yourself.
Many creatives don’t bother with the DMCA for whatever reason. But those who use it regularly find that their work gets ripped-off less and less over time.
The reality is that the DMCA is easy to use.
In this month’s workshop in the Creative Law Center, you will learn how to put the DMCA to work for you. We will cover:
- what the DMCA is, putting it into historical context
- how to issue a takedown notice that works, including
- how to identify infringing content
- how to locate the appropriate contact for sending the notice
- drafting a clear and concise notice that includes all required information
- how to respond to a takedown notice without overreacting, including
- evaluating fair use
- when to send a counter notice
- counter notice requirements
- legal options after a counter notice is sent
Our Guest this Month
Our guest this month is Jonathan Bailey, an experienced copyright consultant, plagiarism expert and founder of Copybyte. Although not an attorney, Jonathan has spent more than a decade helping individuals and businesses protect their intellectual property rights. He knows how the DMCA works for individual creatives better than most lawyers I know.
This workshop is being offered as a stand alone opportunity. You do not have to be a member of the Creative Law Center to attend it (members will have access, of course, and need not purchase the workshop separately). You’ll get an email with the Zoom link for Wednesday, May 17th at 1 p.m., ET once you sign up. You will have access to the replay for at least a year. Many of the Creative Law Center Workshops have been available for much longer than that.
This is a live, interactive workshop using Zoom. You will be able to ask questions of Jonathan and me in real time, so bring your list.
Protect Your Work and Navigate Takedowns with Confidence.
The DMCA is an creative rights enforcement tool that belongs in your tool kit. Don’t let this tool rust or collect dust. Keep it oiled and polished and it will serve you well.
Join us on May 17 at 1 p.m. ET.
