Finding abuses of your intellectual property (IP) on social media can be hugely frustrating, and instances are on the rise with frequent scams on Facebook Marketplace and the launch of Facebook Shops last year.

Fortunately, they do have a simple process for reporting copyright and trademark infringements. Here is our step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Go to their online reporting form here

First, you will need to let them know what is being infringed. If it’s your photographs, literary works, music or artwork for example, select copyright. If they have copied your registered intellectual property, for example your logo, brand name or strapline, select trademark.

Step 2: Fill out your contact information

It is important to note, that only the IP owner or a representative can file a report, and you will be asked to clarify who you are. You will need details of who the owner is, and where they are based.

Also important to note, is that the person who posted the infringing content will be notified, and may be supplied with your name, contact details, and contents of the report – so you may want to provide a generic company email. Alternatively, you may consider reaching out to the poster personally, before going through Facebook’s official process.

Here, you should also provide proof that you own the copyrighted work by providing links to your website, or wherever you host the content that is being infringed (social media etc).

Step 3: Provide details of the content you want to report

Next you will need to detail the content, and how it infringes on your intellectual property. When you spot violating content, make sure you take note of:

• The type of content you are reporting, e.g. a photo, video or advert
• A link to the content
• The name of the poster
• A description of the content, and where it can be found
• A screenshot of the content

Provide as much detail as you can on the content you are reporting, and how it infringes on your copyright or trademarks. This will prevent any delays in having the offending content removed.

If you are reporting a trademark infringement, you will be asked to provide your trademark registration number, and it is often useful to attach your certificate, or a screenshot of your certificate.

You will then be asked to provide an electronic signature before submitting your report.

What happens next?

After you have submitted your form, you will receive a confirmation email providing the details of your report and a unique reference number – make sure you take note of this in case you need to check on the status of your report.

If they require more information to progress, you will receive an email from Facebook explaining where they may need some clarity. This is why providing as much detail as possible in your report is important.

If Facebook decides to remove the reported content, you will be notified along with the content poster. The poster then has the right to appeal the removal of the content, and they may contact you directly to discuss the matter.

If you are based in the USA, the content poster could also submit a counter-notification under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)

What if this seems like too much work?

We know that keeping on top of online fakes can be draining, time-consuming and frustrating. At SnapDragon brand protection is our day job, and we defend our clients day-in-day out from online fakes on social media, ecommerce and the web. With our AI–powered software and talented multi-lingual team we detect, report and take down the fakes – protecting your revenue, reputation and customers. For more information or a free demo, get in touch today.