DMCA for Creators: Using Stelais Proofs
The DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) gives creators a legal tool to remove infringing content from the internet. Stelais proofs strengthen your DMCA claims by providing verifiable evidence of when you created your work.
A DMCA takedown notice is a legal request to remove content that infringes your copyright. To be effective, you need evidence that you're the original creator. Stelais provides blockchain-anchored timestamps and cryptographic proofs that serve as strong, third-party-verifiable evidence for DMCA claims and other infringement actions.
Understanding DMCA Takedowns
Required Elements of a DMCA Notice
- Identification of copyrighted work: Description or link to your original content
- Identification of infringing material: URL or location of the copied content
- Contact information: Your name, email, and physical address
- Good faith statement: Declaration that you believe the use is unauthorized
- Accuracy statement: Declaration under penalty of perjury that the information is accurate
- Signature: Physical or electronic signature
How Stelais Strengthens DMCA Claims
The challenge with DMCA takedowns is proving you're the original creator—especially when both parties claim authorship. Stelais proofs provide objective evidence:
Immutable Timestamp
Your Stelais proof shows the exact date and time you registered your content, verified by the blockchain. This can't be backdated or forged.
Cryptographic Fingerprint
The content hash proves exactly what you registered. If your original matches the hash, it confirms the content existed at the timestamp.
Third-Party Verification
Anyone can independently verify your proof against the Arweave blockchain—no reliance on Stelais servers.
Using Stelais Proofs for DMCA Takedowns
- 1
Locate Your Stelais Proof
Find the proof record for the content being infringed. Each proof has a unique URL you can reference in your takedown notice.
- 2
Document the Infringement
Screenshot or archive the infringing content with its URL. Note the date you discovered it.
- 3
Draft Your DMCA Notice
Include all required elements (listed above). Reference your Stelais proof URL and the blockchain timestamp as evidence of your prior creation.
- 4
Submit to the Platform
Send your notice to the platform's designated DMCA agent. Most major platforms have online forms for this purpose.
- 5
Follow Up
Platforms typically respond within 1-14 days. Keep records of all communications.
Important Considerations
DMCA Notices Are Legal Statements
Filing a false DMCA notice can have legal consequences. Only file takedowns for content you genuinely own the rights to.
Counter-Notices Exist
The accused party can file a counter-notice disputing your claim. Having blockchain-verified proof from Stelais strengthens your position in such disputes.
Consider Legal Counsel
For significant infringement or complex situations, consult an intellectual property attorney. Stelais proofs are evidence—not legal advice.