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Webmaster Tools Copyright Removal?

by art72
4 replies
Recently I filed a DMCA request with "G" using their webmaster tools interface, whereby I submitted the required information to have several of my copyrighted review articles that were being used on the blogspot platform illegally by another user (thief) removed. (*Via URL Removal request)

To my dismay, despite the "Thief" having stolen my (pre-dated) article nearly word for word, and is now holding several competitive spots on page one (as is the original article) - they rejected my URL removal requests for 4 stolen versions of my article being displayed on page 1.

Since I have never actually tried to go after a person for copyright infringement, and I understand it is a legal matter really, I was wondering;

Is there an easy way to have this persons "Blogspot' accounts shut down, outside of reporting it to Google through the Webmaster Tools Copyright Removal Page?

Lastly, it's not really that big of a deal, I just want to know; what should I do, as it's clear this guy is getting affiliate sales (potentially my sales) using my writings, and has more links on page one than I do!

For the record, he has 3 differents sites ranking on page one, whereas, I remain in the second slot...so my article is still holding a slightly higher rank, yet his are duplicate content, and still showing on page one?

I am really confused as to "How" these duplicated (and stolen versions of my original work) are even ranking so high?

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks,

Art

PS - I posted something similar a couple days ago, and was advised to report the copyright infringement to G, but they have mysteriously rejected my requests to remove those URL's (*all of which reside on their BlogSpot/Blogger platform)
#copyright #removal #tools #webmaster
  • Profile picture of the author Jesus Perez
    I'm not sure how you submitted the request, but it needs to go through the process explained here:

    https://support.google.com/legal/tro...=en#ts=1115645

    It's worked for me in the past, but your submitted details get published on ChillingEffects.org. So be careful what personal information you disclose (address, phone, etc).

    Edit: correct link is here: https://support.google.com/legal/con...roduct=blogger

    Also, it's not immediate. It took me a few weeks. But the old process involved actually mailing docs.
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  • Profile picture of the author art72
    Jesus,

    Thanks, that is the page I used, and was unaware my personal information would be visible, as it was required to file the removal requests.

    Yesterday, all the URL's that I identified as having my original article being used illegally (*or infringed upon) were stated as being "pending requests" in the dashboard.

    Today, I see the websites are still 'active' and all my requests for removal were rejected... without explanation, of course.

    Funny thing is, I've been getting a few random sales from an the old review article (the article in question) after having long forgotten about that affiliate promotion (it's 3 years old).

    So, I actually was trying to figure out what was causing these recent spikes in sales, only to find my article (and slight variations of it) holding top slots on page 1 for multiple keywords.

    Only 3 or more of the (copies) on page 1 are still my work, only now being displyed there with this guy's affiliate i.d.
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    Atop a tree with Buddha ain't a bad place to take rest!
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  • Profile picture of the author Jesus Perez
    If you were denied, you might have worded the DMCA incorrectly. They'll reject them for the smallest, silliest details. Keep trying.

    You can see the exact template I used here:
    How to Remove Your Stolen Products from Hacker, Warez and Download Sites…
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  • Profile picture of the author amalgam
    I have had great success in past years doing the following to stop idiots stealing my content.

    1. First, I would try to contact the person and talk some sense into them and let them know what they are doing is copyright infringement. You would be surprised how many people think it is ok to take someone’s content and use it without repercussions. So at first I give people the benefit of the doubt they are uniformed rather than a thief.

    2. Of course, there are always a few who just ignore you assuming you cannot do anything about it or will not spend the time, money and effort to try. Then I send a letter to the company hosting their website. This worked in all cases except one. The hosting company in that case was small, no phone number etc. However, once properly notified; the hosting company is required to take down the infringing content or risk legal liability. In all cases but one, the web hosting took down the infringing material within 72 hours of receiving my letter.


    PLEASE NOTE:

    You cannot just send the webhosting company a letter saying, hey; this person ripped off my content, please make them take it down. If the letter does not considerably meet specific requirements, the letter WILL NOT be considered as an “actual notice” served. The letter of a complaining party, must meet certain requirements. Here is a general overview of the requirements the complaining letter should contain:

    1. An electronic or physical signature of the owner or a person authorized to act on behalf of the owner; (I always prefer to mail a letter with my physical signature).

    2. Identification of the copyright work claimed to have been infringed.

    3. Identification of the material that is claimed to be infringing and that is to be removed or disabled, and information reasonably sufficient to allow the webhosting company to locate the material;

    4. Information reasonably sufficient to allow the webhosting company to contact the complaining party, including a name, address, telephone number and if available, an email address;

    5. A statement the complaining party has a good-faith belief that use of the material in the manner complained of is not authorized by the copyright owner, or its agent; and

    6. A statement the information in the notification is accurate and, under penalty of perjury; the complaining party is authorized to act on behalf of the owner of an exclusive right that is allegedly infringed.

    This letter type of letter has been very effective for me in past years.

    If you PM me I will send you the letter I have used in the past without my company info. You can easily enter your own information.
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