Think your content is protected just because it’s yours? Think again.
If someone has copied your work and it’s showing up on Google, you have the right to get it taken down. Google’s DMCA removal tool helps you do just that.
Here’s how it works, and how to do it right.
What Is a DMCA Copyright Takedown?
A DMCA takedown is a formal request to remove content that infringes on your copyright.
It’s based on the U.S. Digital Millennium Copyright Act, but Google accepts requests from around the world.
If someone copied your blog post, photo, video, design, or other creative work and posted it without permission, this is the form you use.
For a deeper dive into all your options for removing Google search results, check out our complete guide on How to Delete Google Search Results and our guide on all of Google’s Content Removal Tools.
What Can You Report?
You can report any of the following if it’s your original work:
- Text copied from your article, website, or book
- Images or videos reposted without credit or permission
- Audio, artwork, or designs used without rights
- Source code, software, or apps cloned or republished
- Streams of live events shared without authorization
You must be the copyright owner or an authorized agent. If not, your request will be rejected.
Step-by-Step: How to File a DMCA Takedown with Google
Filing takes about 10–15 minutes. Here’s what you’ll need to provide.
1. Identify Yourself
You’ll be asked for:
- Your full legal name
- Company name (if applicable)
- Country
- Whether you are the copyright owner or an authorized agent
You must sign the request with your full name as a digital signature.
2. Describe the Original Work
Give Google a clear description of what was stolen.
Examples:
“The product description from our official landing page”
“A photograph of the Sydney Opera House published on [mywebsite].com”
“The first chapter of my book, Title Goes Here”
You’ll also need to provide a live URL that proves ownership, such as your original blog post, online portfolio, or official site.
3. List the Infringing URLs
Paste one URL per line. These are the direct links to the pages or sites where your content appears without permission.
Double-check that the content actually matches your original work.
Important: Don’t just submit the homepage. Use the full, direct URL to the copied content.
4. Swear to the Facts
Google asks you to agree to the following legal statements:
- You believe the use is not authorized
- Your claim is accurate
- You are the copyright owner or acting on behalf of one
- You understand your notice may be shared with the Lumen database
You’ll also select the submission date and provide a digital signature.
What Happens After You Submit?
Once submitted, Google will:
- Review your claim for completeness and validity
- Remove or delist the content from Search if approved
- Notify the site owner, who may file a counter notice
If a counter notice is filed, Google may restore the content unless you take further legal action.
You’ll get updates sent to the Gmail account you were signed in with when submitting. If you want to use a different email, sign out and fill out the form again.
Will Google Remove It Globally?
Most requests are reviewed within a few days.
If Google needs more info or your request is incomplete, you may be contacted for clarification.
If everything checks out, infringing links can be removed from Google Search results in as little as 2–5 business days.
A Note About Lumen
Google may send a copy of your request to Lumen, a public database that tracks content removal efforts online.
Your personal contact info is usually removed before publication.
Your name may still appear unless you’re reporting defamation or there’s a reason to keep it private. You’ll be notified if that happens.
What If Someone Falsely Claims Your Content?
If your content is wrongly taken down, you can submit a Counter Notice.
This starts a legal process where you can request reinstatement.
You can read more about counter notices and legal requests here: How to Submit a Legal Removal Rquest to Google (Court Orders, Copyright, Counterfeits & More)
Things to Watch Out For
- Don’t fake it. Submitting a false claim can make you liable for damages
- Use the right form. DMCA is for copyright only. For defamation or impersonation, use Google’s legal troubleshooter
- Check for fair use. If the content is transformative, commentary, or a parody, it may not be infringing. Consult a lawyer if you’re unsure
You don’t need to pay anyone to file a DMCA request.
But if the case is complicated, or it keeps showing up on new sites, working with a reputation management service can help remove or suppress it faster.
