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If a website copied your content and its page appears in Google search, you can file a Google copyright removal request to have that URL removed from search results. This doesn't delete the page from the internet, but it can stop it from competing with your original.
When to use it
- Your original text, images or videos are copied on another website
- The copy appears (or could appear) in Google search
- The owner and host haven't removed it, or you want faster results alongside contacting them
For personal information, a different process applies. See remove personal information from Google.
How to file
- Go to Google's "Report content on Google" / legal removal help pages
- Choose the product (Google Search) and the issue (intellectual property → copyright)
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Fill in: - Your contact details and the copyright owner you represent - Description of the copyrighted work - Where your original is located (URL) - Infringing URLs (exact pages, one per line) - Sworn statements and signature
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Submit and note the reference number
Google's forms and wording change over time. Follow the current on-screen steps.
Tips for approval
- List exact URLs, not just domains
- Make sure the infringing pages are accessible (not already removed)
- Clearly show your original location and date
- Don't include URLs that merely link to or discuss your content
Transparency
Google may send a copy of notices to third-party transparency projects (such as Lumen) with personal details redacted. Consider this before submitting.
After removal
- The page owner may file a counter-notice
- Removed URLs disappear from search results but remain online. Continue with the host. See report copyright infringement
Other Google products
YouTube, Blogger, Google Images and Google Drive have their own reporting flows within the same legal help system. See YouTube copyright claim vs strike.
FAQs
How long does Google take?
It varies; many requests are processed within days to a few weeks.
Can I remove a competitor's page just because it's better than mine?
No. Requests must involve genuine infringement. False requests can be rejected and may carry consequences.
This article is general information, not legal advice.
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