Copyright repeat infringer policy

In order to protect the rights of copyright holders, Google implements a copyright repeat infringer policy under which we may take action against users who repeatedly misuse our services by violating Google’s copyright standards and local laws.


Our repeat infringer policy is implemented seriously to take timely actions upon notice against users who repeatedly misuse our services in this way. 

Who is a repeat infringer and how is it determined?

Under Google’s policy, a ‘repeat infringer’ is any user who consistently fails to adhere to Google's repeat infringer policy. This may be due to multiple successful copyright complaints against them within a stipulated period of time and could result in the repeat infringer’s account being restricted.
 

If we receive a valid copyright complaint identifying infringing content published on any of Google’s products, the content is removed. If this happens too often, we will take action against the account and the user will be notified. Once we take action against an account, the user may be prevented or restricted from accessing Google’s services until a successful appeal is received and processed. 

 

What constitutes too many violations and what will result in account action varies by product. Our decision to restrict an account will be based on all available evidence, including such considerations as the copyright holder’s allegations, whether the content was removed expeditiously, and any successful appeals against individual infringements or against the account restriction.

Are there any appeal options?

We are committed to making our platforms accessible to users. Hence, we take retractions and appeals into consideration when implementing our repeat infringer policy.

Retractions 

A retraction is a request that a complainant submits to Google to withdraw the copyright complaint that they originally made. Google will assess retractions and restore the content previously removed where appropriate. Retractions are only considered if they are submitted by the original complainant with a valid justification. We encourage users to contact the complainant directly to seek a retraction or negotiate an agreement, before filing an appeal to Google. 

Appeals

Appeal an individual copyright complaint

If your content across any one of Google’s products has been removed due to a copyright complaint and you believe that there has been an error or you have cleared the rights to use the copyright-protected material, you may appeal in order to avoid being a repeat infringer. Please follow these instructions to do so:

  • If your content was removed pursuant to a DMCA complaint, you may file a counter-notice here. Please understand that filing a counter-notice may lead to legal proceedings between you and the complainant party. After we receive your counter-notice, we will forward it to the party who submitted the original claim of copyright infringement. You can read more about counter-notices in our FAQ.
  • If your content was removed pursuant to a local copyright law complaint, you may dispute the notification here.

Appeal an account restriction 

If your Google Account was restricted under our repeat infringer policy due to multiple legitimate copyright complaints, you may file an appeal here. Please note that you may be required to fix all the copyright violations that have led to the restriction of your account prior to reinstatement. 

We only reinstate accounts under compelling circumstances. Therefore, it is important that you take the time to be thorough, accurate and honest. Once  we process your appeal and are convinced that the restrictions are no longer needed, they will be removed immediately. If your appeal is unsuccessful, your account will continue to remain restricted until you amend all copyright violations and file a new appeal.


 
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