If your release has been removed due to a copyright claim, the next steps depend on who issued the claim. There are three main sources of copyright takedowns:
- A copyright owner or third party reporting directly to a streaming platform
- A platform’s internal audit team
- LANDR’s own distribution team
Here’s what happens in each case, and what you can do:
1. A claim submitted directly to a streaming platform by a copyright owner or third party
When a platform receives a copyright claim, they will immediately remove the content and notify LANDR. They’ll also provide the claimant’s contact information. LANDR will then:
- Remove the release from all other platforms
- Reach out to you with details of the takedown
- Ask if you’d like to contest the claim
If you choose to contest, you’ll need to provide proof of rights (e.g., licenses, contracts, ownership documentation). Our team will review your materials. If your claim appears valid, we can connect you directly with the claimant — because only they can retract the claim and allow the platform to accept a redelivery of your release.
Please note: streaming platforms will not reinstate content that is still under dispute. If you want to escalate the matter further, you’ll need to consult independent legal counsel.
2. A claim issued by a platform’s internal audit team
This works similarly, but there is no external claimant. If you want to contest the takedown:
- Submit your proof of rights to us
- We will send the materials to the platform on your behalf
The platform will then decide, at their own discretion, whether they’re willing to accept the legal liability of reinstating the content. As with direct claims, further escalation would require you to seek legal representation.
3. A claim or removal initiated by LANDR’s distribution team
If LANDR’s internal team flags and removes a release, you may still contest the decision. To do this:
- Submit your proof of rights and any relevant explanations
- Our team will review your submission (sometimes escalated internally for further review)
Please be aware that contesting a removal does not guarantee redistribution. LANDR reserves the right to decide whether your claim appears legitimate and whether the risk of redistribution is acceptable.
In all cases, the more complete and clear your proof of rights is, the better chance you have of resolving the issue.
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