How Do I Dispute a Copyright Infringement Charge Against My YouTube Account?

If you have recently had a copyright infringement charge laid against something you posted on YouTube then you have probably had your content removed. You may also face other consequences, up to and including the termination of your account. If you believe the charge was made in error then you probably want to dispute it, especially if you are monetizing your YouTube account. This article will teach you how to do that.

Types of Copyright Infringement Charge

There are actually two different kinds of copyright infringement charges on YouTube: content ID claims and copyright strikes. A content ID claim is automatically generated when all or part of a video you uploaded matches all or part of a video that YouTube has in its content ID system. When you get a content ID claim made against you, the content you upload may be blocked or monetized for the owner of the copyright. A copyright strike is a legal takedown request made against you by the owner of the copyright. It will result in your video being removed. If you get three or more copyright strikes your account will be terminated, all your videos will be removed, and you won't be allowed to create any new channels. Each type of charge has a different method for disputing it.

Legitimate and Illegitimate Reasons for Disputing a Copyright Claim

Before you make the dispute, it's a good idea to understand what basis you may have for disputing the claim. These things are not legitimate reasons for a dispute:

• Giving credit: Just because you gave credit to the owner of the video does not mean you get to ignore copyright law. Even if you ask viewers to support the official release.
• Owning a copy of the video: The copy is for your viewing only, by law.
• Not monetizing the video: This also does not absolve you of a need to follow copyright law.

These are some good legitimate reasons for a dispute:

• Mistaken identity: If you received a content ID claim, your video was flagged by an automated system. This system is pretty good at identifying videos, but it is not as good as people. If you know you are the owner of the video, there's a good chance that YouTube's content ID system just made a mistake.
• Parody: If your video uses characters, events, or clips from another work in a parodic fashion, you could argue that it is protected by fair use laws as a parody.
• If your video uses characters, events, or clips from another work for teaching or commentary purposes, you could also argue fair use.

How to Dispute a Content ID Claim

To submit a content ID dispute, follow these steps:

1. Go to YouTube and sign into your account.
2. Click on the Content option in the menu on the left hand side.
3. Click on the Videos tab.
4. Find the video with the claim you want to dispute.
5. Hover over the Copyright Claim option under the Restrictions header.
6. Click on See Details.
7. Find the claim,
8. Click on Actions.
9. Click on Dispute.
10. Follow the instructions to finish submitting the dispute.

Once you submit your dispute, the person who filed the claim has 30 days to respond.

How to Dispute a Copyright Strike

To dispute a copyright strike, follow these steps:

1. Follow steps 1 through 8 in the instructions above.
2. Click on Submit Counter Notification.
3. Check the relevant boxes for your case.
4. Click on Continue.
5. Enter your contact information.
6. Click on Continue.
7. Enter the reason for the dispute.
8. Click on continue.
9. Enter your name.
10. Click on Submit.

Contacting YouTube

If you need help, you can reach a YouTube customer service representative on the phone or help forum.