DMCA and Handling International Platforms to Remove Infringing Content

Even if you are a Saudi company and your infringers are in China, their content on YouTube or Google falls under U.S. DMCA. This means you can remove infringing content with one fast action, without resorting to international courts.

What Is DMCA?

The DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) is a 1998 U.S. law regulating copyright on the internet.

It obliges U.S. internet platforms to remove infringing content within 24–72 hours of a valid notice. This is the platform's "Safe Harbor" if they comply.

Applies to: YouTube, Google, Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr — any platform with a U.S. legal presence.

When Can You Use DMCA?

You need: a copyrighted work (text, image, video, audio, code), proof of ownership, a link to the infringing content, your legal signature.

Does not work for: trademark infringements (separate notice systems exist), rumors and defamation, privacy violations.

How to Write a Valid DMCA Notice

Your identity and contact info.

Description of the protected work and where it appears originally.

Specific URLs of infringing content.

Affirmation of "good faith" that the use is unauthorized.

Electronic signature and confirmation of accuracy under penalty.

Every platform has a ready form on its "Copyright" or "IP Reports" page.

Responding to a DMCA Notice

If you receive a notice against your content and believe it is mistaken, you have the right to file a "counter-notice."

A counter-notice restores the content after 10–14 days, unless the notifier files a U.S. lawsuit.

Warning: a counter-notice subjects you to U.S. court jurisdiction. Do not file unless you are sure of your right.

DMCA Limits

Protects copyright only. For trademarks, use dedicated systems (Amazon Brand Registry, Meta Brand Protection).

Does not apply to fully non-U.S. platforms (VK in Russia, Weibo in China). You need local mechanisms.

Misuse (false notices) triggers legal penalties in the U.S.

Alternatives in Saudi Arabia

Direct notices to platform management via local channels.

Infringement action before the Riyadh Commercial Court if the infringer is locally known.

Notification of a competent government body (Communications and Information Technology Commission) for administrative action.

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