How to Appeal a DMCA Takedown on Google Sites

Introduction

If your Google Site or a specific page on it was removed, unpublished, or restricted due to a DMCA copyright complaint, this page will guide you through the appeal process.

This guide is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you're unsure about your rights, please consult a legal professional.

What Is a DMCA Takedown?

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) is a U.S. law that allows copyright holders to request the removal of content that they believe infringes on their rights.

Google, as a U.S.-based company, is required by law to comply with DMCA takedown notices.

⚠️ If someone files a valid DMCA complaint against your Google Site, Google may:

• Temporarily remove or disable your content
  
  

• Issue a warning to your Google account
  
  

• Request a counter-notice if you believe the takedown was in error
  
  

Reasons You Might Receive a DMCA Takedown

• Hosting copyrighted images, logos, or videos without permission
  
  

• Copying written content from another website or book
  
  

• Embedding unauthorized YouTube videos
  
  

• Using music, fonts, or graphics without a valid license
  
  

• Impersonating another brand or company
  
  

Even if it was unintentional, Google must take action when they receive a valid complaint.

Your Options After a Takedown

1. ✅ Remove the Infringing Content and Do Nothing Else

If the takedown is accurate, this is the safest option.
You can:

• Delete the copyrighted content
  
  

• Rebuild your site with original or licensed assets
  
  

• Re-publish your site after cleanup
  
  

No further action is needed unless you plan to dispute the takedown.

2. 📝 File a DMCA Counter-Notification

If you believe the takedown was a mistake or misuse, you have the legal right to appeal using a counter-notice.

How to File a DMCA Counter-Notice with Google

🔗 Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Go to Google’s DMCA Counter Notice form:
   👉 https://support.google.com/legal/contact/lr_counternotice?product=sites
   
   

2. Fill in all required information, including:
   
   

   • Your full legal name
     
     

   • Contact email and phone number
     
     

   • The exact URL(s) of the removed Google Sites content
     
     

   • A statement explaining why the content was wrongly removed
     
     

Add the following legal statements as required by law:

css
CopyEdit
I swear, under penalty of perjury, that I have a good faith belief that the material was removed due to a mistake or misidentification.

I consent to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Federal District Court for the district in which my address is located.

I will accept service of process from the person who provided the original DMCA notice or an agent of such person.

3. 
   

4. Sign it electronically by typing your full legal name.
   
   

5. Submit the form.
   
   

⚠️ Important Legal Notices

• Submitting a false counter-notice is perjury under U.S. law.
  
  

• Google may forward your information to the person who filed the takedown.
  
  

• If the copyright holder does not respond within 10–14 business days, your content may be reinstated.
  
  

• If they file a lawsuit, your content will remain down pending the outcome.
  
  

✅ Good Reasons to Submit a Counter-Notice

You may submit a counter-notice if:

• The content you posted is your original work
  
  

• You had written permission or a license to use it
  
  

• The takedown was sent in bad faith
  
  

• The content is protected under fair use or is in the public domain
  
  

📌 Note: Simply not knowing you infringed is not a valid reason for a counter-notice.

❌ Do Not Submit a Counter-Notice If:

• You did copy protected content without a license
  
  

• You're not sure if your use qualifies as fair use
  
  

• You don't understand the claim but think it “doesn’t matter”
  
  

🛑 Filing a false counter-notice can result in legal action and termination of your Google Account.

✅ What to Do After Submitting

• Watch your inbox for updates from Google Legal.
  
  

• Be prepared for direct contact from the copyright holder.
  
  

• Do not re-upload the same content elsewhere.
  
  

🧾 Legal Resources and References

• Google Copyright Policy
  
  

• Google DMCA Takedown Form
  
  

• U.S. Copyright Office – DMCA Info
  
  

• Google Sites Content Policy
  
  

📋 Summary Checklist

✅ Did you verify that your content was original or legal to use?
✅ Are you confident the takedown was a mistake or misuse?
✅ Did you fill out all fields of the counter-notice accurately?
✅ Are you prepared for the content to be reinstated or face a legal response?

📢 Final Advice

• Be honest, clear, and specific in your appeal.
  
  

• If you're not sure whether your case qualifies for a counter-notice, consult an attorney.
  
  

• Moving forward, always use original or licensed content on your Google Site.