Quick summary: Search for unique signals (token/phrases), confirm the copy is real (not just similar), then collect proof (timestamps + matches) before sending a takedown request.
Step 1 — Search for unique signals
Start with the most reliable signals:
- Unique token/fingerprint (best proof if you use one)
- Exact title + a distinctive phrase from your post
- 3–5 unique sentences (avoid generic lines)
Step 2 — Confirm it’s actually copied
Search results often include false positives. Before you take action:
- Open the page and check whether your content appears on the page (not just in the snippet).
- Check whether they copied the structure, headings, or unique examples.
- If it’s paraphrased, you need similarity evidence (not just “looks similar”).
Step 3 — Collect evidence (do this before contacting anyone)
Evidence improves takedown success dramatically. Collect:
- Original URL and copied URL
- Archive proof (timestamped page snapshots)
- Matched signal: token found, matching phrases, or similarity score
- Optional: screenshots (useful for some platforms)
Step 4 — Send the right takedown notice (DMCA vs EU vs International)
Use the correct template based on where the site is hosted and the platform you’re contacting:
- DMCA (US) — common for US hosts and many platforms
- EU — useful when the host/platform is in the EU
- International — fallback wording when neither is a perfect fit
See the full guide here: Takedown Guide (DMCA/EU)
Want this workflow inside WordPress?
ContentTrace combines fingerprints + matching and generates takedown templates with evidence.
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