YouTube Copyright Law: Strikes, Takedowns, and DMCA Drama

With the explosion of user-generated content and digital-first businesses, attorneys are increasingly called upon to advise clients on copyright issues involving platforms like YouTube. This program equips legal professionals with the knowledge to navigate YouTube’s copyright enforcement system, how to challenge content theft or wrongful claims, and what remedies are available both on- and off-platform. This course has essential knowledge for any attorney whose clients create or monetize content online.

Attorneys will gain a comprehensive understanding of YouTube’s Content ID and copyright strike systems, the takedown and dispute process, and how to advise clients when their work is stolen or when they are wrongfully accused. The course will also cover legal recourse outside the platform, including DMCA takedown notices and potential litigation for copyright infringement or bad faith claims.

This course is designed for attorneys with some experience. Intellectual property attorneys, media and entertainment lawyers, solo practitioners with content creator clients, and in-house counsel for influencer agencies, production companies, or digital brands may find this course salient to their practice.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify how YouTube’s Content ID and copyright strike system functions and its legal implications.
2. Advise clients on how to respond when their copyrighted content is copied or reposted.
3. Navigate YouTube’s internal takedown and dispute processes, including counter-notifications.
4. Analyze when a copyright strike may be retaliatory or exploitative, and assess legal remedies.
5. Apply DMCA takedown procedures and evaluate whether to escalate to litigation.