Frequently stolen content like videos and photos are found on Shopify. They are published illegally and without the permission of the person within the content or the content creator, owner or distributor. Whether the content has been copyrighted or not, there are options to help get this illegally shared content taken down.
DMCA.com provides two methods to file a DMCA Takedown notice:
Full-Service Takedowns
The DMCA.com Takedown team does all the work. Social Media or UCG (User Generated Content) Platforms often have special Takedown procedures. Our Professional team of Takedown Specialist know these specific requirements and can expedite your takedown request. Filling out the takedown form takes less than 3 minutes!
Click here to start your takedown Shopify DMCA Takedown.
Learn more: www.dmca.com/Takedowns
(DIY) Do it Yourself Takedowns
Ideal for webmasters and internet professionals. This includes the templates and a complete toolkit to research, create and process Takedown notices. DIY Takedown Service Signup
Learn more: www.dmca.com/Takedowns/DIY
Both takedown service options above allow for the creation of notices using the stipulations laid out in the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. However, DMCA.com does provide other takedown formats according to the country (legal jurisdiction) of notice recipient(s).
Please reach out with any questions! Ask a question
Note: although the DMCA is part of US Copyright law, a DMCA Takedown does not always require the content to be copyrighted in order to process a takedown notice and for the content to be taken down by the website owner or OSP.
In other words, the fact the content is yours, or if the subject in the photo or video is you, it can be sufficient enough to process a takedown notice AND for the content to be taken down.
DMCA.com Fast Tip
If a website uses the DMCA they will usually place a reference in the footer of the website. The clickthrough should clearly state the conditions of the DMCA Takedown Notice process. Many websites reference the DMCA.com Takedown Notice form on this website directly.
Shopify and DMCA Takedown Notices: Safeguarding Intellectual Property Rights
Shopify has emerged as a popular platform that allows individuals to establish and manage their own stores. However, with the growth of digital marketplaces comes the need to address trademark infringement and protect intellectual property rights. To combat this issue, Shopify has implemented an effective system that enables copyright holders to protect their creations through DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) copyright takedown notices.
Intellectual property refers to intangible creations, such as trademarks, copyrights, and patents, which are protected by law. Trademark infringement occurs when someone uses a trademark without permission, potentially causing confusion among consumers. In the digital realm, trademark infringement can occur easily, posing a threat to brand identity and market integrity. Therefore, it is crucial to take proactive measures to address and prevent such infringements.
What is needed to takedown from a Shopify store?
Three main points are needed to process a takedown:
1. Infringing or Stolen Link
Where on the internet is your stolen content located? What is the link that the content is visible on? Be sure to provide the URL or website/webpage link of the content to be removed. If the stolen content is an image or video located on a website provide the direct link of the content contained in the site. Copy and paste the infringing text, or provide the URL of the infringing image if required.
An example link would look like: https://www.badguy_site.com/webpage/image_2
2. Source or Original Link
Where was your content located when it was stolen? Was it on your social media profile? Was it from your own website? Provide the exact URL where it was stolen from, even if the content has already been removed from its original location. The original URL is still valuable to the notice. If it was not online, describe where it was stolen from. Such as, cell phone, computer, or camera etc. If it was online such as a website or cloud storage provide the link to the exact page it was stolen from. Upload the original content to a cloud storage service and provide that URL with an explanation of where it was originally stolen from.
An example link would look like: https://share.icloud.com/photos/my_original_content
3. Description of Theft
What is the content owner's name and how was the content stolen? How was the content created, purchased, copyrighted? Who is claiming ownership of the content? Who is authorized to file the DMCA Takedown? When was the content created and when was the content stolen?
An example description would sound like: "My photo I took of myself on my camera was stolen from my Google Drive and was posted on this website without my knowledge and I would like it removed."
The Professional Takedown Team at DMCA.com can help with these questions and answers. Click here to ask us about your situation.
Who would process a Shopify DMCA notice?
Infringing content is removed or "taken down" from some of the following examples:
- From a UCG (User Generated Content) Platform, upon receipt of a DMCA Takedown Notice sent by or on behalf of the content owner, distributor, publisher etc.
- By the website owner, upon receipt of a DMCA Takedown Notice from the website owner's ISP / Hosting company. This would occur when ISP / Hosting company receives a notice sent by or on behalf of the content owner, distributor, publisher etc.
- By the website owner upon receipt of a DMCA Takedown Notice from the, or on behalf of, the content owner, distributor, publisher etc.
- By the by the ISP or Hosting company of the website that is publishing the infringing content. This occurs because the website owner has not voluntarily complied with a DMCA Notice and the ISP or Hosting company must comply with the Takedown notice.
- When an infringing website is taken down or taken "offline" by its ISP or Hosting company. This occurs because the website owner does not voluntarily comply with a Takedown notice as described above.
These Takedown actions occur upon receipt of a DMCA Takedown Notice which uses stipulations laid out in the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. (DMCA). This Act directly addresses the take down of (copyright) infringed content from a website which is publishing content in violation of copyright protection act or content being used without permission or not in accordance to the sworn statement of the content owner.
DMCA.com Testimonial
I am really proud and glad to work with DMCA.com where such authority helped us in removing and taking down more than 5 websites copying our copyrighted content. Their professionalism, quick reply and dedicated support make them the only people that I first contact for any help in the Internet and world wide web industry. Great Job, thanks DMCA.com team. Best Regards, -Roudi H. General Manager of SKYMIND
Who is authorized to file a DMCA Takedown Notice through Shopify?
Two parties are authorized to send Takedown Notices:
- The owner of the content described in the takedown notice.
- An authorized agent of the owner of the content described in the takedown notice.
Furthermore, if the owner of the content chooses an agent to act on their behalf to send the takedown notice they must first swear by (legally state):
- They own the content contained in the takedown notice.
- They have authorized the agent to act on their behalf.
Note: DMCA.com requires this sworn statement from every one of its paying Professionally Managed Clients. See example here: Takedown Notice Sign up form - in order to complete this form users must legally swear they are authorized to submit a takedown notice. DMCA.com has also added the same safety feature within the DIY program. There are specific statements within the DIY takedown notice regarding abuse of the service.
Which content owners can file DMCA Takedown Notices through Shopify?
- social media users and participants
- copyright owners
- content creators/owners
- content publishers or distributors (with permission of the content or copyright owners)
- code writers and publishers
- NFT owners
- subject contained within the content and published without permission (special considerations may be required)
If the lists above don't describe your situation by all means ask. Click here to Ask a question!
Related DMCA Takedown Notice FAQ's
- What is a DMCA Takedown?
- What is DMCA.com?
- Can DMCA.com remove plagiarism?
- How can I file a DMCA Takedown notice?