When someone copies your photos, videos, music, artwork, or written content without permission, it can feel frustrating and invasive. Under U.S. copyright law, you have powerful rights the moment your work is created. Whether you are a creator, photographer, business owner, musician, or designer, you are legally entitled to control how your work is used.
Here is what you should do immediately if someone steals your copyrighted work.
1. Document Everything
Before confronting the other party, collect evidence. This protects your claim and gives your attorney what they need to move quickly.
Save:
- Full-page screenshots of the infringement
- The URL where the work appears
- Dates the content was posted
- Any sales pages, ads, or social media posts showing your work
- Copies of your original files with creation dates
The more evidence you gather, the stronger your case becomes.
2. Confirm Your Ownership
Copyright protection is automatic when you create something original, but registration gives you real legal power.
If your work is registered with the U.S. Copyright Office, you can pursue:
- Statutory damages
- Attorney’s fees
- Federal litigation
If you haven’t registered yet, a lawyer can help you secure fast registration so you can enforce your rights.
3. Contact an Attorney Before Reaching Out to the Infringer
Many creators make the mistake of sending an angry DM or comment first. This can damage your claim, especially if the infringer deletes evidence or tries to cover their tracks.
An experienced copyright attorney can:
- Send a formal cease-and-desist
- File a takedown under the DMCA
- Contact the infringer’s host, payment processor, or marketplace
- Stop ongoing financial benefit from your work
The goal is to remove the infringement quickly and permanently.
4. Use DMCA Takedown Procedures
If the stolen content appears on:
- YouTube
- Etsy
- Amazon
- Shopify
- Any website hosted by a major provider
…your attorney can issue a DMCA takedown notice.
This forces the platform to remove the infringing material or risk losing safe-harbor protections under federal law.
Your attorney should prepare and send these on your behalf to ensure compliance.
5. Evaluate Your Legal Options
If the infringement caused financial harm or was willful, you may be entitled to damages. Depending on the case, legal remedies may include:
- Removal of the infringing material
- Recovery of profits earned using your work
- Monetary damages
- Injunctions stopping future use
- Litigation in federal court
Fast action is critical — especially if the infringer is still earning money from your work.
6. Protect Your Work Going Forward
An Atlanta copyright lawyer can help you prevent future issues by:
- Registering your entire catalog of works
- Auditing websites and social media for misuse
- Drafting licensing agreements
- Creating contracts that secure ownership
- Sending notices on your behalf
Proactive steps are often the best defense.
Speak With an Atlanta Copyright Lawyer
If someone has stolen or is still using your work without permission, you do not have to handle it alone. Landry Legal protects creators, brands, photographers, musicians, and businesses across Georgia and New York.
For help, call 888-914-0011, email contact@landrypllc.com, or visit https://landrypllc.com/trademark-services/ to learn more.