Copyright Cease and Desist Letter

Free Copyright Cease and Desist Letter Template

A Cease and Desist Letter is sent from (or on behalf of) a copyright holder requesting that the recipient stops engaging in infringing activity and seeks specific remedies and assurances from the alleged infringement. 

A Cease and Desist Letter is designed for use as a first step when enforcing intellectual property rights.

Letters of cease and desist are sometimes known as “letters of claim” and “letters before action.” If you or your company becomes aware that another party is infringing on your copyright, you should respond quickly once you have all of the relevant facts. 

A cease and desist letter serves to notify an infringement that their infringing actions have been identified and aims to resolve the situation without resorting to costly and potentially time-consuming legal action.

What does a Copyright Cease and Desist Letter include?

A basic Cease and Desist Letter should include:

• Details of the copyright violation
• An order to cease infringement
• An order to deliver up or destroy all infringing materials
• A demand to stop infringing action in future
• Threat of further legal action

Is a Copyright Cease and Desist Letter legally binding?

A Cease and Desist Letter is not legally binding, it simply expresses the opinion of an individual or attorney. A Copyright Cease and Desist Letter warns an offender that legal action may be taken if the activity continues.

Who can send a Copyright Cease and Desist Letter?

You do not need to hire a legal professional to send a Copyright Cease and Desist Letter. Anyone (whether the complaint is well-founded or not) can send out a cease and desist letter.

However, there are circumstances when you may want legal assistance from someone who specializes in copyright laws to at least review your letter before sending it out.

How do I write a Copyright Cease and Desist Letter?

Because the letter is not a legal document, you can write and send it without the assistance of a legal professional.

However, it is always a good idea to seek legal advice especially if yours is a complicated case. To help you write your own Cease and Desist Letter you can start with our free easy to use template.