How to Report Copyright Infringement on X (Twitter)

Common Mistakes That Delay This Process

The most common reason an X complaint stalls is a profile link instead of the specific post URL. X's process is built around individual posts and its policy says a profile page link is not enough to identify the material. The second is filing the same complaint again while the first is still open, which X says delays processing. Wait for the ticket confirmation email instead. The third is using the copyright form for something that is really a trademark or impersonation problem. Use of your brand name falls under X's trademark policy and parody, commentary or fan accounts fall under a separate policy.

What Happens After You File

X reviews each complaint for accuracy, validity and completeness. If it acts, the post or media is withheld and viewers see a notice that it was withheld in response to a copyright complaint. X notifies the account holder, sends them a full copy of your complaint (including your contact details) and explains how to file a counter-notice. From that point the other user has three options: ask you to retract, file a counter-notice or leave the removal in place.

Before you file, X suggests considering whether the use could be fair use and reaching out to the user first. A reply or Direct Message asking them to remove your content sometimes resolves things without a formal complaint. Keep in mind that under 17 U.S.C. § 512(f) you can be liable for damages if you knowingly misrepresent that something is infringing.

If You Received an X Copyright Complaint: Retraction, Counter-Notice or Appeal

If your post was removed and you believe the complaint is wrong, X gives you three routes. Pick the one that fits your situation.

Ask for a retraction. The complaint you received includes the reporter's contact details. X describes a retraction as the fastest way to resolve a complaint, but only the original reporter can issue one, using X's DMCA retraction form.

File a counter-notice. Use this if you believe the material was misidentified or removed by mistake. X's counter-notice form asks for your signature, full name, address, phone number, X username and account email, identification of the removed material, a statement under penalty of perjury and a consent-to-jurisdiction statement. A counter-notice is a legal step. Your contact details go to the reporter and you agree to the jurisdiction of a U.S. federal court. If X is not told within 10 business days that the reporter is seeking a court order, it may restore the material.

Appeal a suspension. Accounts suspended under X's Repeat Infringer Policy can file an appeal through X's suspension appeal form. X notes that an appeal does not guarantee reinstatement.

Whichever route you take, do not repost the removed content. X warns that reposting material removed after a copyright complaint can lead to permanent suspension. Deleting the rest of a partly withheld post does not resolve the complaint either.

Repeat Infringement and Account Consequences

X's policy does not describe a fixed number of strikes. Instead, its Repeat Infringer Policy lets X suspend an account when it receives multiple copyright complaints about it or sees other evidence of a pattern. Valid retractions and counter-notices are taken into account. If the same account reposts your content after a successful complaint, file a new complaint for the new post. Each post needs its own report. X also says that reposting removed material or pointing people to infringing copies on other sites can lead to permanent suspension.