Content Removal Request

A Content Removal Request is a document through which someone can request that unauthorized written content be removed from a website or mobile app.

Usually, Content Removal Requests are sent when the sender of the letter owns the copyright in the written content and the recipient of the letter has posted it online without the sender's permission. This isn't always the case, though, as Content Removal Requests can be sent for other reasons, as well.

This Content Removal Request is distinct from an Intellectual Property Cease & Desist letter. There, an official legal demand is being made to cease and desist the infringement or face further legal consequences. Here, the sender is simply asking for unauthorized content to be removed from a website or mobile app. If the sender owns the copyright, they may take further action, but the main purpose of this letter is just to get the content removed. It is similar to an Image Removal Request, but in that case, only an image is being targeted for removal, not written content.

How to use this document

This document is quite short and simple. It will only request basic identifying details about the sender and the recipient of the removal request, as well as the URL or app name where the unauthorized content is hosted, and the reason why the removal request is being made.

It is possible that after this letter is received, the recipient will not immediately remove the content. If that happens, the sender may have to consider taking further legal action, if the content is copyrighted and being infringed.

This document can be sent as an email or a regular letter. If it is sent as a letter, it can be printed and signed. If the user wishes, they can attach a copy of material they wish to be removed. This is a good practice. Then, it should be put in the mail. If it will go out as an email, it can simply be sent to the recipient.

Applicable law

There are no specific laws that govern what must be put into a Content Removal Request. However, it's a good idea to give the recipient of the request as much information as possible to help them quickly find and remove the unauthorized content.

How to modify the template

You fill out a form. The document is created before your eyes as you respond to the questions.

At the end, you receive it in Word and PDF formats. You can modify it and reuse it.