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How to File a DMCA Takedown on Google Images

When someone republishes your photos, artwork, or product shots, Google Images is usually where the copies get discovered, and where clients, fans, and customers see them first. Google accepts DMCA notices for Search, including Google Images, through a single copyright removal form. A successful notice de-indexes the infringing results, but it does not delete the file from the site hosting it, so treat this as one half of the job.

Before you start

  • Proof of ownership, your original files, the URL where the work first appeared, or copyright registration details if you have them.
  • The infringing URLs. For each result you will want both the page URL and the direct image address.
  • A Google account to sign in to the form and track your requests.
  • Your contact details, full name and a monitored email address.
  • Whether you are the rights owner or an authorized representative filing on the owner's behalf.

Step 1: Collect the page and image URLs

In Google Images, click the infringing result to open the preview panel. Copy the URL of the page that displays your image (the "Visit" link), then right-click the image itself and choose Copy image address to grab the direct file URL. Do this for every copy, Google removes exactly the URLs you list, nothing more.

Step 2: Open Google's copyright removal form

Go to https://reportcontent.google.com/forms/dmca_search and sign in with your Google account. This is Google's DMCA form for Search, and it covers Google Images results. If you arrive through the general "Report content on Google" flow instead, pick Google Search as the product and copyright infringement as the reason, you end up in the same place.

Step 3: Add your contact information

Fill in your full legal name, email address, and country, and state whether you are the copyright owner or an authorized representative such as an agent or attorney. Representatives should be ready to show evidence of authorization if Google asks.

Step 4: Identify your copyrighted work

Describe the work that was copied and provide a URL where an authorized copy lives, your portfolio, online store, or social profile. A short, specific description like "my original product photograph, first published on my website on [date]" works better than a general complaint about a site.

Step 5: List the infringing URLs

Paste every page URL and direct image URL you collected in Step 1, one per line. If the same image appears on ten pages, list all ten. Vague descriptions slow the review down; exact URLs are what get removed.

Step 6: Sign the statements and submit

Check the standard DMCA declarations, good-faith belief that the use is unauthorized, accuracy of the information, and, under penalty of perjury, that you are the owner or authorized to act for them. Type your full name as your signature and submit.

What happens after you file

You will get a confirmation email, and each URL appears in your removals dashboard with a status you can track. Straightforward requests are often actioned within days. Google may forward your notice to the site operator and to the Lumen database, and the site owner can file a counter-notification. Remember that the image is still live at the source, send a notice to the website or its hosting provider next, and re-check Google Images periodically, because fresh copies get indexed all the time. If tracking every new copy across search engines and host sites is more than you want to take on, Rulta is a done-for-you takedown service that monitors for stolen images and files the notices for you.

This guide is educational information, not legal advice.

Need the notice text?Generate a complete DMCA notice for Google Images — free, one minute

Exhibit A — official takedown formhttps://reportcontent.google.com/forms/dmca_search

Frequently asked questions

Does a Google Images takedown delete the image from the internet?

No. A successful notice removes the image and page from Google's search results, but the file stays live on the website hosting it. File a separate notice with that site or its hosting provider to get the copy itself removed.

Do I need a Google account to file?

Yes. The copyright removal form at reportcontent.google.com requires you to sign in with a Google account so you can track your requests.

Should I submit the page URL or the direct image URL?

Both. Submit the URL of the page displaying your image and the direct image file address. Listing both gives Google everything it needs to remove the result cleanly.

How long does Google take to act on a copyright notice?

Straightforward requests are often processed within a few days. You can watch the status of every URL in the removals dashboard tied to your Google account.

Will the website owner see my complaint?

Usually yes. Google forwards notices to the site operator where possible and may share them with the Lumen database, which publishes takedown notices with some personal details redacted.