Frequently Asked Questions about Copyrights and the DMCA

ARCHIVED 2025-08-06, DATE APPROXIMATE · VERSION 20250806_rev01 · COMPARED WITH 20240408_rev01

Full text changes — 20240408_rev01 to 20250806_rev01

COLOUR MARKS THE SEVERITY OF A FLAGGED CLAUSE · + AND − MARK ADDED AND REMOVED

 ## **Policies**
 ## **Does Scribd allow copyright infringements on Scribd and SlideShare?**
+**No.** Copyright infringement is illegal and not permitted under any circumstances.
+No. Copyright infringement is illegal and not permitted under any circumstances.
 ## **Does Scribd delete accounts with infringing content?**
+**Yes.** Scribd automatically deletes the account of repeat infringers on a three-strikes basis. Scribd does not act on requests or demands to remove suspected infringers.
+Yes. Scribd deletes the accounts and content of repeat infringers in appropriate circumstances as determined in its sole discretion.
 ## **Why does Scribd allow anyone to upload documents?**
 Scribd understands that some of the most compelling and innovative authors do not have a publishing deal with a major publisher, and that independent authors are in need of services that help empower their ability to distribute their content. While Scribd understands that an "open door" policy occasionally leads to abuse, including copyright infringement, such uses are in the minority. Scribd's services are available to everyone.
 ## **Can Scribd determine copyright ownership?**
+No. Scribd is not able to determine which items on Scribd and SlideShare may or may not infringe copyright. A valid DMCA notification is the minimum that Scribd can accept as proof-of-copyright, even if you reside outside the United States.
+No. Scribd is not able to determine which items on Scribd and SlideShare may or may not infringe a third party's copyright. A valid DMCA notification is the minimum that Scribd can accept as proof-of-copyright, even if you reside outside the United States.
+## **Can I demand the removal of a Scribd member that infringes my content?**
+## **Will Scribd act on my request that it terminate a user who infringes my content?**
+No. Scribd does not act on requests or demands to remove suspected infringers. Repeat infringers, however, are removed automatically on a three-strikes basis.
+No. Scribd does not terminate users based solely on requests or demands alleging infringement. Scribd, however, will terminate the accounts of repeat infringers in appropriate circumstances as determined in its sole discretion.
 ## **How do I request permission to use content that I find on Scribd?**
 Scribd's members retain the rights to the content they upload to Scribd and SlideShare. Scribd does not serve as a right agent or broker for matters related to permissions and licensing. All queries regarding the licensing of specific documents should be directed to the person that uploaded the content. Many members provide contact information on their profile page, but Scribd cannot provide additional contact information. Many authors and publishers feature copyright information and permission instructions on their websites.
 ## **Copyright**
 Researching the copyright status of a creative work can be difficult and challenging. While the US copyright office provides a search of its database at [http://www.copyright.gov/records/](http://www.copyright.gov/records/), the records may not be complete and should not be considered a definitive source.
 The basic rule of thumb is, if you did not create a work yourself and you are unsure whether it is copyrighted, then do not upload it.
 ## **Reporting copyright infringements**
+Contents on Scribd.com and in the Scribd app are provided by Scribd's members without pre-approval by Scribd. Scribd takes intellectual property rights very seriously and complies as a service provider with all applicable provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) of 1998. We expeditiously remove infringing material when notified and we also terminate repeat infringers pursuant to a "three-strikes" policy. Since Scribd is based in the United States, a notification that complies with DMCA criteria is the minimum that Scribd can accept as proof-of-copyright, even if your country operates under different laws. Scribd cannot process notifications that disregard DMCA criteria and provide incomplete information.
+Scribd is fully compliant with the DMCA and complies with all applicable laws. Scribd responds to valid notifications of copyright infringement within 2 business days. Scribd has also developed BookID, an automated copyright protection system that helps to safeguard intellectual property on Scribd.com and in the Scribd mobile app. BookID scans every document uploaded to Scribd and removes those that have the same, or a substantially similar, fingerprint. BookID intermittently scans the entire Scribd library to remove matching content that was uploaded prior to fingerprinting. BookID's approach reduces misidentifications and enables the detection of infringing works even if they have been altered to some degree.
 ## **How do I report an infringement of my copyright on Scribd or SlideShare?**
 Use [this form](https://support.scribd.com/hc/en-us/articles/210129146).
 ## **Who can report copyright infringements?**
 - A statement under penalty of perjury that the subscriber has a good faith belief that the material was removed or disabled as a result of mistake or misidentification of the material to be removed or disabled.
 - The subscriber's name, address, and telephone number, and a statement that the subscriber consents to the jurisdiction of Federal District Court for the judicial district in which the address is located, or if the subscriber's address is outside of the United States, for any judicial district in which Scribd may be found, and that the subscriber will accept service of process from the person who provided notification under subsection (c)(1)(C) or an agent of such person.
 - A physical or electronic signature of the subscriber.
 Scribd will forward your counter-notification to the original complainant. Scribd is not authorized to mediate or adjudicate your dispute with the complainant.
+Once the complainant receives your counter-notification, they can choose to resolve the issue with you directly, voluntary rescind their complaint, or ignore your counter-notification. Scribd can then restore the content to the site once the complainant rescinds their notification or if they ignore your counter-notification for more than fourteen (14) days,
+Once the complainant receives your counter-notification, they can choose to resolve the issue with you directly, voluntarily rescind their complaint, or ignore your counter-notification. Scribd can then restore the content to the site once the complainant rescinds their notification or if they ignore your counter-notification for more than fourteen (14) days,
 Counter-notifications can be sent by mail to:
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 Scribd, Inc.
 Attn: Scribd DMCA copyright infringement notification