> ## Knowledge Base Index > Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.ammlabs.io/sitemap.xml > Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further. > Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash). # Copyright claims and counter-notices If someone files a copyright notice against one of your releases, we open a case on the **DMCA cases** page and email the account's admins and owner. You respond there: either agree to the takedown, or contest the claim with evidence. If we approve it, you can then file a formal counter-notice. ## What happens when a notice arrives * We email the account's owner and admins. * The account gets a **strike**, and account activity is usually **frozen** while the case is open. You can still view everything and respond to the claim, but other changes are blocked. * A banner at the top of the app shows your standing, for example "1 out of 2 strikes", with a link to **Review DMCA cases**. * The affected release shows a **Copyright notice** box and a **DMCA · response & evidence** tab. ||| An account with 2 strikes is permanently locked. Respond to every notice, and don't release music you don't have the rights to. ## Respond to a claim Only the account's owner and admins can respond. 1. Open **DMCA cases** from the banner or the release. Pick the case on the left. 2. Read the claim: who filed it, the claim type, the territory and the products named. Open **Complete original notice** to read it in full. 3. Decide how to respond: * **If the claim is right**, for example a sample wasn't cleared, explain what went wrong in the text box and click **Yes, I consent to takedown**. * **If the claim is wrong**, upload your evidence, explain why you contest it, and click **I contest this claim**. ![A DMCA case with the evidence upload, the explanation box and the contest button](https://ammdistro.com/helpdesk/distro-dmca-case.webp =1200xauto) Your explanation must be at least 20 characters. To contest, you must upload at least one document first. ### Evidence that helps Upload PDFs, images, MP4, MP3, WAV or text files, up to 100 MB each. The page asks for: * Project files and videos of you making the song * Exclusive licenses for instrumentals or beats * Sample and composition clearances * Proof of original marketing: dated promotional posts, campaigns or release announcements showing you created and marketed the song Explain any missing marketing evidence. Bootlegs intended to profit from another artist's success are not acceptable. ## Counter-notices After you contest, our team reviews your evidence. If we allow a counter-notice, a **Counter-notification and indemnity** form appears on the case. A counter-notice is a formal legal step. It significantly escalates the dispute and can lead to a lawsuit. Submit one only if you can document your rights and are prepared to defend them in court. The form asks for: * The copyright owner's full legal name, company name, address, country, email and phone * Every release, track, artist name, UPC and ISRC in the claim, and where the content was before removal (a link or Spotify URI) * Why the claim is mistaken * Your authority to sign for the company * Your electronic signature: your full legal name, typed exactly as above You also confirm statements about ownership, an indemnity, consent to court jurisdiction, and a statement under penalty of perjury. The copyright owner must complete and sign it personally. Click **Sign and submit to admin for review**. Our team reviews it before anything is sent, and you can download a copy of the signed records. Submitting a counter-notice doesn't put your release back in stores automatically. ## How a case ends Our team can resolve a case, remove a strike, lift a freeze, or confirm a takedown, depending on the outcome. The case page shows its current state, and **Case history** lists every step. ## Common questions ### My own song got a claim from someone I don't know Contest it with your evidence: project files, your original upload dates and your marketing. If a beat or sample is involved, include your license. ### I used a sample I didn't clear Consent to the takedown and explain. We can help you look at clearing it or other ways to release the song. See **Samples, covers and permissions**. ### I got a Content ID claim on my own YouTube video That's a different process from a copyright notice against your release. Contact support with the video link. **Related:** [Why is my account suspended, under review or frozen?](https://help.ammlabs.io/en/article/08-account-holds-and-reviews-p3v6qa/) · [Samples, covers and permissions](https://help.ammlabs.io/en/article/04-samples-covers-and-permissions-aao9x/) · [Who owns my music?](https://help.ammlabs.io/en/article/05-who-owns-my-music-5fskxd/) · [Contact support](https://help.ammlabs.io/en/article/06-contact-support-fqfzhd/)