DMCA filing — operator checklist
Before and after a platform copyright / DMCA notice for unauthorized use of Mailbox content. Pair with the DMCA notice template.
Not legal advice. Counsel should confirm standing, wording, and any counter-notice response.
Quick path
Confirm no valid media@ approval → gather canonical letter URL + infringing URLs → fill template → file via the platform’s official channel → log and archive → if counter-notice, counsel immediately.
Before you file
| # | Check | Done |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Unauthorized: Good-faith belief the use is not covered by a valid media@ approval (search mail + Drive Media Approvals for letter ID / creator). | ☐ |
| 2 | Right work: You can identify the letter (public ID, title, or short excerpt) and the canonical URL on dearnobody.org (or “last known” if removed). | ☐ |
| 3 | Infringing URLs: You have full, stable URLs to each unauthorized copy; screenshots archived with date for your records. | ☐ |
| 4 | Platform: You are using the platform’s official copyright / DMCA channel (not only a DM to the uploader). | ☐ |
| 5 | Agent match: Contact email in the notice matches the designated DMCA agent (or address) in terms.html and platform expectations. | ☐ |
| 6 | Template filled: Every [bracket] in the DMCA template is completed; no placeholder text remains. | ☐ |
| 7 | Perjury / good faith: Statements in §3–§4 of the notice are accurate to the best of your knowledge; you are authorized to submit on behalf of the rights asserted (per counsel). | ☐ |
| 8 | Timing: Filing within 5–7 business days of discovery when appropriate (internal policy—adjust per counsel). | ☐ |
Filing
| # | Check | Done |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Submission copy: PDF or export of the filed notice + platform receipt (if any) saved to Drive _Enforcement/ or equivalent. | ☐ |
| 10 | Decision log: Row or note added for DMCA filed (date, platform, letter ID, links) if you use the decision log. | ☐ |
After you file
| # | Check | Done |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | Monitor: Watch for platform counter-notice or uploader reply. Counter-notice → counsel immediately—do not re-notice or argue jurisdiction alone. | ☐ |
| 12 | Outcome: Update log / Drive note when content is removed, restored, or disputed. | ☐ |
| 13 | Pattern: If the same channel repeats infringement, flag for policy / repeat-filer handling per counsel. | ☐ |
Stop and escalate (do not file without counsel)
- Counter-notice already filed or threatened.
- Use may be fair use or licensed and facts are unclear.
- Journalism / criticism context you are unsure how to characterize.
- Platform requires court order or additional documentation you do not have.