When content is removed due to a copyright removal request, the uploader of that content, or an authorized representative, may submit a copyright counter notification. This is a legal request to reinstate content that was removed due to an alleged mistake or misidentification.
Counter notifications are forwarded to the claimant (who submitted the original removal request) for response if:
- All legal requirements are met
- The uploader clearly explains their right to use the content
Claimants have 10 US business days to reply to the counter notification email with the required evidence of legal action. If the claimant doesn’t reply within 10 days, the content at issue may be reinstated to YouTube.
YouTube may re-remove content if we receive evidence of legal action after the 10 US business days or after a video has been reinstated by counter notification. In these cases, copyright strikes won’t be applied while legal action is ongoing but may be reassessed after a court decision has been issued.
Get evidence of legal action
To respond to a counter notification, claimants must include evidence that one of the following legal actions has been taken:
- An action seeking a court order against the uploader to restrain the allegedly infringing activity.
- An action seeking to restrain the allegedly infringing activity filed with the United States Copyright Office's Copyright Claims Board (CCB) if the uploader is based within the United States.
Acceptable evidence could include a copy of one of the following:
- Lawsuit
- Court order
- CCB claim
- Determination of infringement from the CCB
Lawsuits should be filed in courts that have the jurisdiction to review copyright cases. For lawsuits filed in the United States, we can only accept filings in US federal courts.
While legal action is pending, the content at issue will not be reinstated to YouTube. Also, YouTube may resolve associated copyright strikes while keeping content removed from the site.
Respond via email
To respond to a counter notification:
- Get a copy of the evidence of legal action as described above.
- Links to cloud stored files, such as Google Drive links, cannot be accepted.
- Go to the counter notification email forwarded from YouTube.
- Counter notifications are sent to the email address that was used to submit the original removal request.
- Reply directly to the email with the copy of the evidence.
- Do not send your reply as a new email to YouTube.