A reckless Google search deindexing sweep targeting the word ‘Artemis’ lists dozens of completely innocent sites for DMCA takedowns.
Unfortunately, DMCA abuse rarely has consequences for those behind it.
Oh look! The actual problem is buried at the end of the article.
It’s my understanding that filing a DMCA request requires that you certify that you have reviewed the content, and confirm that you believe the content to be infringing.
Here’s an excerpt from a sample takedown notice, provided by Georgetown University:
I am providing this notice in good faith and with the reasonable belief that my rights as the exclusive rights holder are being infringed.
Under penalty of perjury, I certify that the information contained in this notification is both true and accurate
I know that “reasonable belief” gives a lot of wiggle room from a legal standpoint, but c’mon. If no one pushes back on that, of course it will be abused!
You should not be allowed to do DMCA searches on words that are over two thousand years old.
I mean, I understand you need to make money but if you choose to use the name of an ancient Greek Goddess as your trade name, you can’t get exclusivity. You just can’t.
