Copyright Cease and Desist Letter

Summary

This document is a template for a copyright cease and desist letter, also known as a demand letter. It is intended for use by a copyright owner who needs to notify a third party that they are unlawfully using copyrighted material without authorization. Such unauthorized use typically violates one or more of the copyright owner's exclusive rights under U.S. copyright law. This letter demands that the infringing party stop the unauthorized activity and may include other actions, such as removing content or providing assurances of non-repetition. Drafting notes are included with the template to guide customization based on the specific situation. For additional support and strategic content, several related resources may be helpful. The Motion Picture Production Resource Kit offers a broad range of legal tools and considerations specifically for film and media projects. Before sending a cease and desist letter, practitioners should review the Pre-suit Considerations in Copyright Litigation, which outlines the advantages, disadvantages, and strategic implications of sending such a letter versus pursuing alternative legal actions. For those preparing to initiate litigation, the Copyright Infringement Complaint Checklist and Complaint (Copyright Infringement) provide detailed guidance and a framework for filing a formal complaint. A broader understanding of the legal landscape can be gained through the Copyright Fundamentals resources, which explains key principles of copyright law, enforcement mechanisms, and available remedies. To better understand the scope of legal protection, practitioners should consult Exclusive Rights of Copyright Owners, which outlines the specific rights granted by copyright law. The Copyright Enforcement Resource Kit provides practical insights into asserting infringement claims and understanding common defenses. Attorneys managing intellectual property (IP) portfolios in a corporate or in-house setting can benefit from the In-House Intellectual Property & Technology Resource Kit, which covers best practices for strategic IP management. For authoritative commentary, Nimmer on Copyright § 32.01 offers in-depth legal analysis on cease and desist letters and enforcement strategies. Finally, attorneys working in or with the federal government can reference the Intellectual Property for Federal Government Attorneys Resource Kit, which includes specialized guidance on handling copyright and other IP matters in the public sector.