What To Do If You See Your Content Stolen Online: Using DMCA Notices to Protect Your Work

Have you ever searched your brand, blog, or product online only to find someone else using your content without permission? Whether it’s your photos, videos, blog posts, music, or even your product descriptions, online content theft is more common than most people realize.

The good news is that you have powerful tools at your disposal. One of the most effective is the DMCA takedown notice. In this article, we’ll walk you through:

How to know if your content has been stolen

What to do first when you spot infringement

How DMCA notices work and why they protect creators

How KeepMyMark can guide you through the process

Step 1: Confirm That Your Content Was Copied

Not every similar post is a violation. Sometimes content overlaps naturally. But if you see your original blog post, photo, video, or design copied word-for-word or used without permission, you’re likely dealing with copyright infringement.

Pro tip: Run a quick search on Google Images, Copyscape, or plagiarism checkers to confirm duplicates. Many creators also use content monitoring services to automatically detect stolen material.

Step 2: Document the Infringement

Before you take action, gather proof. Take screenshots, save the page link, and note the date. This makes your case stronger if the infringer disputes your claim.

This step is crucial because DMCA takedowns are legal notices, you want your evidence ready.

Step 3: Decide How You Want to Handle It

You have two main options:

Reach Out Directly – Sometimes a polite email asking them to remove your content works. This is a good first step if you think the person didn’t realize they were infringing.

File a DMCA Takedown Notice – If the content thief refuses to cooperate, filing a DMCA notice with their hosting provider, search engines, or social media platform can get your stolen content removed quickly.

Step 4: How to File a DMCA Takedown Notice

A DMCA takedown notice is a legal request that forces websites, platforms, and even Google to remove stolen content. Most major platforms—like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Shopify, and WordPress, have built-in DMCA request forms.

Your notice typically includes:

Your contact information

A description of the copyrighted content

The infringing URL(s)

A statement that you own the rights

Your signature (digital is fine)

Once filed, hosting providers are legally required to take down the infringing material or risk liability.

Why DMCA Notices Work in Your Favor

Using the DMCA process can:

Remove stolen content from search results

Protect your SEO ranking (Google favors original content)

Safeguard your brand reputation

Stop competitors from unfairly profiting from your work

Need Help? KeepMyMark Can Guide You

Filing DMCA notices on your own can be stressful, especially if the infringer is overseas or using multiple platforms. That’s where KeepMyMark comes in.

We help creators, models, businesses, and brands:

Monitor for stolen content

File effective DMCA takedowns

Protect SEO rankings and brand value

Save time by handling the process start to finish

If you’ve spotted your work being used without permission, contact KeepMyMark today, we’ll guide you step by step and make sure your rights are protected.

Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Online Content

Finding your work stolen online can be frustrating, but you’re not powerless. DMCA notices give you a fast, legal, and effective way to remove infringing content and protect your brand.

Don’t wait, take action today. And if you want professional guidance, KeepMyMark is here to help.