DMCA Takedown Request Policy

Effective Date: 12/16/2024

At Open Cottage, we respect the intellectual property rights of others and are committed to complying with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). If you believe that content on our platform infringes your copyright, this page explains how to report such content and outlines the steps you should take.

We encourage you to contact Open Cottage directly before submitting a formal DMCA takedown request for faster resolution. By contacting us first, we can address your concerns quickly and remove the content if necessary without delay.

1. Reporting Copyright Infringement

If you believe your copyrighted material is being used without authorization on Open Cottage, follow these steps:

Step 1: Contact Open Cottage Directly

  • Preferred Contact Method: Email us at admin@opencottage.net with the following details:
  • Subject should be DMCA Takedown Request
  • Your name, address, phone number, and email address.
  • A description of the copyrighted material you claim is being infringed.
  • The specific URL(s) of the content in question.
  • A statement that you have a good faith belief that the use of the material is unauthorized.
  • A statement under penalty of perjury that the information in your notice is accurate and that you are the copyright owner or authorized to act on their behalf.
  • Your electronic or physical signature.

We strive to respond to direct inquiries within 2 business days, often faster.

Step 2: File a Formal DMCA Takedown Request

If we do not resolve your concern or you prefer to submit a formal DMCA takedown request, send your notice to our designated DMCA agent:

DMCA Agent Contact Information:

  • Name: DMCA Agent, Open Cottage
  • Email: dmca@opencottage.net
  • Address: 539 W Commerce St., Dallas, TX 75208

To be valid, your DMCA notice must include all the required elements specified in Section 512(c)(3) of the DMCA:

  • Your contact information (name, address, phone, email).
  • A detailed description of the copyrighted work that you believe is infringed.
  • The exact URL or location of the allegedly infringing material on our platform.
  • A statement of good faith belief that the use of the material is not authorized.
  • A statement under penalty of perjury that your notice is accurate and that you are authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner.
  • Your signature (physical or electronic).

2. Counter-Notification Process

If your content has been removed due to a DMCA notice and you believe this was a mistake or you have authorization, you may file a counter-notice. To do so, include the following in your communication:

  • Your name, address, phone number, and email address.
  • Identification of the content that was removed and where it was located before removal.
  • A statement under penalty of perjury that you have a good faith belief that the content was removed as a result of mistake or misidentification.
  • A statement consenting to the jurisdiction of the federal court in your district (or Dallas, TX, if outside the U.S.).
  • Your electronic or physical signature.

Send your counter-notice to dmca@opencottage.net. If your counter-notice meets all legal requirements, we may restore the content unless the original complainant files a court action against you within 10-14 business days.

3. Google and Other External Takedown Requests

If the content you believe is infringing appears in Google Search results or on other third-party platforms, you may file a takedown request directly with them. Below are links to Google’s copyright removal tools:

We recommend contacting Open Cottage first for a faster resolution before pursuing external action.

4. Important Information

  • False Claims: Filing a false DMCA takedown notice or counter-notice is a serious legal matter and may result in legal and financial penalties.
  • Repeat Infringers: Accounts found to repeatedly upload infringing content may face suspension or termination.
  • Educational Resources: For more information about copyright law and your rights, visit U.S. Copyright Office.

If you have questions or need further assistance, contact us at admin@opencottage.net.