Copyright disputes can arise for various reasons in the music industry. This guide explains how to handle claims against your music and how to make claims when your rights are infringed.
When Someone Claims Your Music
Common Claim Types
Content ID Match
- Automated system (like YouTube's Content ID) flags similarity
- May result in monetization being diverted or content being blocked
- Not necessarily a formal legal claim
DMCA Takedown
- Formal notice claiming copyright infringement
- Requires platforms to remove content temporarily
- Legal process under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act
Direct Infringement Allegation
- Communication directly from a rightsholder or their representative
- May come as a cease and desist letter
- Could be the first step toward legal action
Immediate Steps to Take
- Don't Panic
- Claims are common and don't automatically mean you've done anything wrong
- Many claims are automated or mistakes
- Don't Ignore It
- Ignoring legitimate claims can escalate problems
- Timeframes for response are often limited
- Document Everything
- Save all communications
- Take screenshots of relevant information
- Compile evidence of your ownership
- Assess the Claim Validity
- Determine if the claim could have merit
- Check if you've used any samples, similar melodies, or cover songs
- Confirm you have proper licenses for all content
Responding to Invalid Claims
If you believe the claim is invalid:
- Gather Your Evidence
- Original project files showing creation date
- Copyright registration documents
- Documentation showing you created the work independently
- File a Counter-Notice
- For DMCA takedowns, you can file a counter-notice
- SeemDistro can help you with the process
- Include all evidence supporting your ownership
- Contact the Claimant
- Sometimes direct communication can resolve misunderstandings
- Remain professional and factual
- Document all interactions
- Seek Support
- Contact SeemDistro's copyright team at copyright@seemdistro.com
- We can help evaluate the claim and assist with responses
- For serious disputes, consult an intellectual property attorney
For Potentially Valid Claims
If the claim may be valid (e.g., you used a sample or interpolation):
- Consider Settlement Options
- License negotiations
- Revenue sharing arrangements
- Credit attribution
- Modify Your Work
- Remove the disputed element if possible
- Create an alternative version
- Learn From the Experience
- Ensure proper clearance for future works
- Maintain better documentation
Making Claims Against Infringement
If you discover someone using your music without permission:
Verification Steps
- Confirm the Infringement
- Verify similarity is substantial, not coincidental
- Document the unauthorized use with screenshots, recordings, etc.
- Note where and when the infringement occurred
- Assess the Scope
- Is it a single instance or widespread?
- Is it commercial use or personal/educational?
- How much potential revenue impact exists?
Resolution Options
Informal Approach
- Direct contact with the user
- Polite notification of your ownership
- Request for proper attribution, licensing, or removal
Platform-Specific Tools
- YouTube Content ID claims
- Facebook Rights Manager
- TikTok rights management
- SeemDistro offers automated monitoring across major platforms
DMCA Takedown Notice
- Formal legal notice
- SeemDistro can file these on your behalf
- Requires specific legal language and declarations
Formal Legal Action
- Cease and desist letters
- Copyright infringement lawsuits
- Typically requires an attorney
SeemDistro's Infringement Protection
As a SeemDistro artist, you have access to:
- Automated Content Monitoring
- Scans major platforms for unauthorized use
- Identifies potential infringement
- Available for Premium and Pro plans
- DMCA Filing Assistance
- Help preparing proper documentation
- Filing on your behalf
- Follow-up on responses
- Dispute Resolution Support
- Guidance on handling complex situations
- Assistance communicating with platforms
- Documentation preparation
- Educational Resources
- Prevention best practices
- Documentation templates
- Rights management guidance
Preventing Future Disputes
Documentation Best Practices
- Save all original project files with creation dates
- Register important works with copyright offices
- Keep records of writing and recording sessions
- Document all collaborations with split sheets
- Maintain a catalog of your compositions and recordings
Sample and Interpolation Protocol
- Always secure proper licenses before release
- Keep records of all clearances
- When in doubt, don't use material without permission
- Consider sample-free production to avoid issues
Collaboration Protection
- Use written agreements for all collaborations
- Clearly define ownership percentages
- Document roles and contributions
- Address copyright ownership explicitly
For assistance with copyright disputes, contact our copyright team at copyright@seemdistro.com.