Our position
Top Lawyer publishes original reporting and commentary. We do not host user-uploaded libraries and we do not knowingly publish material that infringes another person's copyright. Images used for illustration are generated for this site or licensed for editorial use.
How to send a takedown notice
Send a written notice to contact us with the subject line "DMCA Notice". Include: your physical or electronic signature; identification of the copyrighted work; the exact URL of the material you say is infringing; your contact details; a statement that you have a good-faith belief the use is unauthorised; and a statement, under penalty of perjury, that the information is accurate and that you are the owner or authorised to act for the owner.
Incomplete notices may be returned. We may ask for clarification before acting.
What happens next
When we receive a valid notice, we will review the identified material promptly and remove or disable access if the claim is substantiated. We will notify the person responsible for the content where appropriate and keep a record of the action. If we conclude the use is lawful, we will explain why and identify the basis, such as fair use, a licence or public-domain status.
Counter-notice
If you believe material was removed by mistake or misidentification, you may send a counter-notice to the same address. Include your contact details, identification of the removed material and its previous location, a statement under penalty of perjury that you have a good-faith belief the material was removed in error, and your consent to the jurisdiction of the appropriate court. We may restore the material if the original complainant does not file a court action within the statutory period.
Repeat infringement
We maintain a record of valid notices. Accounts or contributors who repeatedly infringe may be suspended or removed. We also reserve the right to remove material that creates a legal risk even where a formal notice has not been received.
Questions about editorial use of an image? Email contact us before filing a notice; most issues are resolved faster that way.