Everything About Copyright Claims in 2025: What You Need to Know

Are you dealing with copyright issues and looking for everything you need to know about copyright claims in 2025? This comprehensive article covers the entire process from A to Z, including procedures, common types of claims, and the most effective ways to handle them according to the latest legal regulations. If you want to protect your intellectual property or resolve related disputes professionally, don’t miss this all-in-one guide.

What is a copyright claim?

A copyright claim is the process by which a copyright or intellectual property owner requests the removal or resolution of unauthorized use of their content. This can involve submitting takedown requests or using tools like Content ID to detect and protect their rights.

How to identify copyright infringement

Copyright violations can involve visuals, audio, or both within a video. When detected, YouTube usually sends an email alert asking you to review the uploaded content. If necessary, you may file a dispute to prove ownership.

YouTube notifications will specify which videos are flagged and who holds the copyright. In YouTube Studio, affected videos will be marked and flagged directly in your VIDEO list.

How to File a Copyright Claim via Content ID

Content ID is YouTube’s automated system designed to detect and manage copyrighted material. With this tool, rights holders can easily identify videos using their content. When a match is found, YouTube notifies the owner and offers three options:

• Monetize the video through ads and share the revenue.
• Allow the video without monetization.
• Request removal of the video.

If a video is flagged via Content ID, uploaders will see “Contains copyrighted content” in YouTube Studio. If removed, a “Video taken down: copyright strike” message will be sent.

Disputing a Content ID Claim

To dispute or appeal a Content ID claim:

• Step 1: Verify ownership – Review the Content ID match in Studio.
• Step 2: Submit a dispute – You have three options:
  • Accept the claim (no further action needed).
  • Dispute the claim; the copyright holder may release or uphold it. If upheld, you can either accept or file a formal appeal.
  • Skip the dispute and submit a formal appeal immediately.

Note: Only legal copyright holders may submit a formal claim. In all cases, copyright owners retain the right to remove content if they can prove legal ownership.

Risks of Copyright Infringement

Copyright infringement can lead to serious consequences depending on severity, national law, and platform policies. Under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), common consequences include:

• Content disabled: Platforms like YouTube or Facebook may block or hide infringing content.
• Content removed: Videos, posts, or files with unauthorized content may be deleted.
• Account warnings or restrictions: Repeated violations may result in limited features or permanent bans.
• Legal action and fines: Rights holders can sue individuals or organizations. In countries like the U.S., civil penalties may reach up to $150,000 per infringing work, plus potential criminal charges in severe cases.

Understanding and complying with copyright laws helps prevent legal troubles and supports sustainable digital creativity. Always check content usage rights before publishing and follow platform community guidelines.

How to Submit a Takedown Request for Copyright Infringement

If your copyrighted work is used without permission on YouTube, you can request a takedown through the platform’s legal process.

Before You Submit a Request

• Only copyright owners or authorized representatives can file.
• Online forms are the fastest and most efficient method, though YouTube also accepts requests via email, fax, or mail.
• Consider exceptions like “fair use” – takedown requests for legally exempted content may be rejected.
• Provide your name and email – this may be shared with the uploader.
• You may schedule a takedown to allow the uploader 7 days to voluntarily delete the content.

How to File a Takedown Request

• Online form: Access the takedown request form on your computer.
• YouTube Studio:
  • Sign in to YouTube Studio.
  • Select Copyright from the left menu.
  • Click New Removal Request to begin.

Note: The form does not apply to non-video content (e.g., channel banners). Follow separate instructions for those.

Manage Submitted Requests

• Go to YouTube Studio → Copyright → Removal Requests to track the status of your submissions.
• Frequent users may qualify for advanced rights management tools.

Block Reuploads of Removed Content

You can enable a setting to prevent others from re-uploading removed videos. This may result in your name and email being shared with the blocked party. Consider this carefully before enabling.

How to Retract a Copyright Complaint

If you change your mind or realize the reported content doesn’t infringe, you can retract your claim.

If You Deleted the Video After Filing

You can still retract the complaint via:

• The Retraction Request Page (if submitted using a Google account).
• The corresponding retraction channel for CVP or CMS users.

Note: Once a complaint is retracted and the video deleted, you cannot refile a claim for that video.

If You Didn’t Use a Google Account

Send an email request including:

• A clear statement that you wish to retract the complaint (e.g., “I wish to retract my copyright complaint.”)
• The exact link to the reported video.
• An electronic signature (your full name).

Email: copyright@youtube.com – Use the same email you used to submit the original complaint, or YouTube may not process your request.

If Your Video Was Removed Due to a Copyright Claim

If your video is removed due to a copyright claim:

• Contact the claimant directly to request a retraction. Some creators list their contact info on their channel.
• Refer to YouTube’s guide for contacting other users.

Note: YouTube only accepts retraction requests from the same email/domain used to file the original complaint.

YouTube Copyright Claims

What is a Copyright-Claimed Video on YouTube?

This occurs when a rights holder reports your video for using copyrighted material without permission. It constitutes copyright infringement under platform rules and the law.

YouTube will issue a copyright strike. Each strike negatively affects your channel:

• Monetization restrictions or suspension.
• Livestream limitations or bans.
• If your channel gets three strikes within 90 days, it may be permanently deleted.

Strict compliance with copyright rules is essential to sustain and grow your channel.

Are YouTube Copyright Claims Serious?

The impact of copyright claims can significantly hinder your channel’s success:

• Loss of monetization: Your channel may be removed from the YouTube Partner Program, eliminating ad, membership, and Super Chat revenue.
• Limited reach: Blocked or restricted videos will receive fewer views and lower engagement.
• Loss of control: Unjustified claims or system abuse can temporarily lock you out of your video, limiting your ability to edit or optimize it.

Creators must understand copyright rules, be cautious when using third-party content, and resolve disputes proactively to protect their channels and creative efforts.

Conclusion
Copyright claims are a vital tool for individuals and organizations to protect their intellectual property online. Whether you’re a musician, content creator, or distributor, understanding the claim process ensures prompt and lawful resolution. If you need assistance with documentation, procedures, or platform representation (YouTube, Facebook, TikTok…), BHMEDIA – a pioneer in digital copyright in Vietnam – is ready to support you in any situation.