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Legal Guide

What to Do If Someone Steals Your Etsy Photos

Step-by-step action plan to get your stolen images removed within 24-48 hours. Includes templates and real examples.

Don't Panic - You Have Rights

Image theft is frustrating but solvable. With the right approach, most stolen images are removed within 48 hours. Here's exactly what to do.

The 24-Hour Action Plan

Hour 1: Document Everything

Before you do anything else, collect evidence:

  1. Screenshot the infringement:
    • • Full page screenshot showing entire listing
    • • Close-up of your stolen image
    • • URL visible in browser
    • • Date/timestamp (use timestamp tools if needed)
  2. Save the listing details:
    • • Seller's shop name and URL
    • • Listing URL and item number
    • • Any contact information visible
  3. Prove ownership:
    • • Find your original high-resolution image file
    • • Check file creation date (proves you had it first)
    • • Locate your original listing URL
    • • Save watermarked and unwatermarked versions

Hour 2: Choose Your Approach

You have three escalating options. Start with #1, move to #2 if no response, use #3 for serious cases:

Option 1: Direct Contact (Fastest, 50% success rate)

Send this message via Etsy:

Subject: Copyright Infringement - Immediate Removal Required

Hi [Seller Name],

I've discovered that your listing [LISTING URL] is using my copyrighted product photography without permission. These images were created by me and are protected under copyright law.

I'm requesting that you remove all of my images from your listing within 24 hours. If you do not comply, I will file a formal DMCA takedown notice with Etsy, which may result in account suspension.

Original listing: [YOUR LISTING URL]
Proof of ownership: [Mention file creation dates, watermarks, etc.]

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.

Why this works: Many sellers don't realize they're infringing. A polite but firm message often gets images removed without formal action.

Option 2: Etsy Report (Official, 90% success rate)

File an intellectual property complaint:

  1. 1. Go to the infringing listing
  2. 2. Scroll to bottom, click "Report this item to Etsy"
  3. 3. Select "Intellectual property infringement"
  4. 4. Choose "Copyright infringement"
  5. 5. Fill out the form with:
    • • Your contact information
    • • URL of your original work
    • • URL of the infringement
    • • Description of your copyrighted work
    • • Statement that you own the copyright
    • • Good faith belief statement
    • • Electronic signature
  6. 6. Upload proof (screenshots, original files)
  7. 7. Submit and save confirmation number

Timeline: Etsy typically responds within 24-48 hours. They'll either remove the listing or request more information.

Option 3: DMCA Takedown (For external sites, 95% success rate)

If images are on non-Etsy sites:

Send a DMCA notice to the website's hosting provider:

Subject: DMCA Takedown Notice - Copyright Infringement

To Whom It May Concern,

I am the copyright owner of original photographic works that are being infringed upon at the following URL: [INFRINGING URL]

The original copyrighted works can be found at: [YOUR URLs]

I have a good faith belief that the use of this material is not authorized by me, my agent, or the law.

I swear, under penalty of perjury, that the information in this notification is accurate and that I am the copyright owner.

Contact Information:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone]

Electronic Signature: [Your Name]

Date: [Current Date]

Where to send: Find the website's host using whois.com, then email their abuse@domain.com or dmca@domain.com address.

Hours 3-24: Follow Up

  • 12 hours: Check if images have been removed
  • 24 hours: If direct message sent, follow up or escalate to Etsy report
  • 48 hours: Follow up on Etsy/DMCA notices
  • 7 days: If no response, re-file or contact Etsy support directly

Real Success Stories

Jessica - Jewelry Seller

Found 8 shops using her photos. Sent direct messages to all. 6 removed images within 12 hours. Filed Etsy reports for the other 2 - removed within 36 hours. Total time: 2 hours of work.

Michael - Home Decor

Discovered AliExpress seller using his photos on 20+ listings. Filed DMCA with AliExpress. All listings removed within 5 days. Seller's account suspended.

Sarah - Digital Art

Found her art on Instagram ads. Used Instagram's copyright reporting tool. Ad removed same day, advertiser's account disabled.

What If They Don't Comply?

Escalation Steps:

  1. Etsy didn't act:
    • • Contact Etsy Support directly with case number
    • • Provide additional proof of ownership
    • • Request escalation to legal team
  2. Repeated offender:
    • • File multiple reports to establish pattern
    • • Document all infringement instances
    • • Mention repeat infringement in reports
  3. Serious financial harm:
    • • Consult with IP attorney (many offer free consultations)
    • • Consider cease and desist letter
    • • Evaluate lawsuit for damages (if significant sales lost)

Prevent Future Theft

After dealing with theft, protect yourself:

  • □ Watermark all product photos (center or diagonal placement)
  • □ Add copyright notices to listings and policies
  • □ Set monthly calendar reminder for reverse image searches
  • □ Lower image resolution to 1200-1500px (still looks great, harder to print)
  • □ Join Etsy seller forums to report serial infringers
  • □ Save original files with metadata as ongoing proof

Quick Reference Checklist

When You Discover Theft:

  1. □ Take screenshots (full page + close-up + URL)
  2. □ Save infringer's contact info and listing details
  3. □ Find your original file with creation date
  4. □ Send direct message (polite but firm)
  5. □ Wait 24 hours for response
  6. □ If no response, file Etsy report or DMCA
  7. □ Follow up at 48 hours
  8. □ Document outcome for future reference

Protect Your Images From Day One

The best defense is prevention. Watermark your photos before uploading to make theft less appealing and easier to prove.

Start Watermarking Free

Related Resources

→ Complete Image Theft Prevention Guide→ Copyright Guide for Etsy Sellers→ How Top Sellers Protect Their Photos→ Choosing the Right Watermark Style