Original Content is Essential
by Erika Pitera
Google Cracks Down on Plagiarism
Search engines are constantly evolving, and Google is certainly no exception. The goal of any successful search engine is to provide results of the highest quality and relevance. As part of an ongoing effort to improve search engine results, and in accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, Google is stepping up its response to notices of alleged copyright infringement.
As an Internet business owner, you work hard to provide your customers with fresh, original content on a regular basis - this is how you effectively maintain your niche. However, some sites don't take the time or the effort to create their own unique content, often stealing valuable information from competitors. The good news is that if another person or business entity plagiarizes your original content, there will now be repercussions from Google.
Originality Counts
Google now recognizes the inherent value in original web content and will no longer allow plagiarized content to achieve high search engine rankings. In extreme circumstances, Google will terminate repeat infringers.
By filing an official infringement notification with Google, they may remove or disable access to the content in question. In short, a web site can be banned from the search engine for copyright infringement. Web masters are given the opportunity to file a counter notification, and if the site in question removes the plagiarized content in good faith, the problem will be resolved.
Take Action
According to Google, you should follow these steps (with each section numbered appropriately) to properly file an infringement notification:
- Identify the copyrighted work you believe has been infringed upon in explicit detail.
- Identify the material you claim is infringing the copyrighted work listed in number one.
- Provide contact information for Google to get in touch (your e-mail address is preferred).
- Provide contact information for Google to get in touch with the owner or administrator of the allegedly infringing web site.
- Include this statement: "I have a good faith belief that use of the copyrighted materials described above as allegedly infringing is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law."
- Include this statement: "I swear, under penalty of perjury, that the information in the notification is accurate and that I am the copyright owner or am authorized to act on behalf of the owner of an exclusive right that is allegedly infringed."
- Sign the written statement.
Mail the statement to:
Google, Inc.
Attn: Google Legal Support, DMCA Complaints
1600 Amphitheatre Parkway
Mountain View, CA 94043
Or fax to: (650) 963-3255, Attn: Google Legal Support, DMCA Complaints
