Copyright Cease and Desist Letter - Free Legal Template
Updated 17 October 2025
This template is a Cease and Desist letter for copyright infringement. It is used by a copyright holder to demand that an infringing party immediately stop unauthorized use and distribution of copyrighted work, remove the content, and halt any further infringements. The letter warns of potential legal action and statutory damages if compliance is not met by a specified deadline.
CEASE AND DESIST
Type Address Here
123 Main Street
Anytown
USA 01234
Date: [date of letter]
Re: Copyright Infringement
Dear [infringing party],
We have determined that you have used [name of copyright works] (the "Work") without our permission, which is a copyrighted work under law.
We have identified an unauthorised use of our work at [location or platform of infringement].
As a result, we demand that you immediately remove the content and halt any additional infringements of our Work, including any other infringements, or you may face legal action and consequent statutory damages.
A lawsuit will be filed against you if you do not stop using the aforementioned copyrighted content.
Furthermore, we demand that you immediately stop using and distributing all infringing works derived from the Work, as well as all copies, including electronic copies, of same, if applicable, you must also deliver all unused, undistributed copies of the Work to us, or destroy or delete such copies immediately, and that you refrain from future infringements of our rights.
Should we not receive confirmation of your full compliance by [DEADLINE DATE], we will initiate legal action against you to address the matter.
Sincerely,
[copyright holder]
\ (Your signature if sending a hard copy)
About this template
What is this template?
Copyright Cease and Desist Letter - Free Legal Template is a free, ready-to-use IP template you can open, customize, and download on GitLaw. It gives you a professionally structured starting point, so you never have to draft from a blank page. The wording is plain and modern, organized into clear sections that are easy to read, edit, and adapt to your own situation before you share or sign it.
When should you use it?
Reach for this IP template whenever you need a reliable agreement quickly and want to be sure the essentials are covered. It suits individuals, freelancers, startups, and established businesses alike. Instead of paying for a document drafted from scratch, you can start here, tailor the details to your arrangement, and have a polished draft ready in minutes. This version is drafted with United States of America in mind, though you should always review the final wording against the laws that apply to you.
What's typically included?
A well-drafted IP usually sets out the parties involved, the scope of the agreement, and each side's rights and responsibilities. Expect sections covering key terms and definitions, how long the agreement lasts, how it can be ended, and what happens if something goes wrong. This template brings those building blocks together in a sensible order, so you can focus on the specifics rather than worrying about what to include. Open it to read the full document, then sign up to edit, negotiate, and e-sign it directly in GitLaw.