Responding to a copyright notice-and-notice or takedown demand
Advice and a reply when you receive a copyright notice about content on your website or platform.
Timing depends on any response date in the demand or notice; the lawyer confirms the timeline in writing before work starts. Ontario Done by an Ontario lawyer, by referral
What is included
Explains who owns the work and what rights apply
Registers copyright with CIPO where useful
Sends or answers infringement demands and takedown requests
Responds to notices forwarded by your internet provider
Advises AI developers on training data and licensing
What is not included
Government filing and registration fees and other disbursements
Foreign lawyers or agents for protection outside Canada
Appeals, or court proceedings not covered by the lawyer's written retainer
Technical, valuation or accounting work
Who this service is for
Writers, artists, photographers and software developers
Businesses whose content was copied
People who received a copyright notice or demand
Information to have ready
1Copies of the work and proof of when it was created
2The notice, demand or takedown received
3Any licences or agreements covering the work
4Screenshots or links showing the copying
How a referral works
1Tell us in a few words what the matter is about, and who else is involved, so we can check for a conflict of interest.
2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
4You pay the lawyer's fee to the lawyer. Any referral fee comes out of it, is disclosed to you in writing, and never increases what you pay.
A typical Ontario fee for this service is $500–$1,500, plus HST. The lawyer quotes the actual fee before any work starts. You pay the lawyer directly; the referral itself costs you nothing.
Do I have to register copyright to own it?+
No. In Canada copyright arises automatically when an original work is created. Registration is optional but can help prove ownership in a dispute.
I got a copyright notice from my internet provider. Am I being sued?+
Not necessarily. Under Canada's notice-and-notice system, providers forward a rights holder's notice without deciding anyone is liable. Get advice before responding to any settlement demand.
General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Important limitations
No outcome can be guaranteed, including registration or allowance by an examiner
Protection in Canada does not automatically protect you in other countries
Filing and response deadlines must be met; give the lawyer every date you know of