DMCA Takedown Policy

Last Updated: May of 2026

1. Introduction

This Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) Takedown Policy outlines The News of Salem County LLC’s procedures for responding to notifications of alleged copyright infringement in accordance with the DMCA. We respect intellectual property rights and expect our users to do the same.

2. Designated Agent

2.1 Contact Information

DMCA notifications should be submitted to The News of Salem County LLC’s Designated Copyright Agent:

2.2 Availability

Our Copyright Agent is available:

  • Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM EST
  • Response Time: Within 2 business days
  • Emergency Contact: For urgent matters outside business hours, Please contact Pat Stutzenburg, Editor via Email

3. DMCA Takedown Notice Requirements

3.1 Required Information

DMCA Notices

If you believe that your copyrighted work has been copied in a way that constitutes copyright infringement and is accessible via our publication, please notify The News of Salem County LLC’s copyright agent, as set forth in the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 (“DMCA”). For your complaint to be valid under the DMCA, you must provide the following information in writing:

  1. An electronic or physical signature of a person authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner:
  2. Identification of the copyrighted work that you claim has been infringed:
  3. Identification of the material that is claimed to be infringing and where it is located on our publication:
  4. Information reasonably sufficient to permit The News of Salem County LLC to contact you, such as your address, telephone number, and, e-mail address:
  5. A statement that you have a good faith belief that use of the material in the manner complained of is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or law, and
  6. A statement, made under penalty of perjury, that the above information is accurate, and that you are the copyright owner or are authorized to act on behalf of the owner (Dated & Timestamped).

The above information must be submitted to the aforementioned DMCA Agent.

UNDER FEDERAL LAW, IF YOU KNOWINGLY MISREPRESENT THAT ONLINE MATERIAL IS INFRINGING, YOU MAY BE SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION FOR PERJURY AND CIVIL PENALTIES, INCLUDING MONETARY DAMAGES, COURT COSTS, AND ATTORNEYS’ FEES.

3.2 Submission Format

DMCA Notices should be:

  • In writing
  • In English or with certified translation
  • Clearly formatted and legible
  • Submitted through approved channels
  • Complete with all required elements
  • Signed by authorized party
  • Dated and timestamped

4. Processing Procedures

4.1 Initial Review

Upon receipt, The News of Salem County LLC will:

  • Verify notice completeness (if missing any required information we will promptly notify sender and request the missing details 1-2 business day)
  • Confirm copyright ownership
  • Locate specified content
  • Determine claim validity
  • Document submission
  • Assign a case number
  • Acknowledge receipt

4.2 Response Timeline

Our standard processing timeline:

  • Initial acknowledgment: 1 business day
  • Preliminary review: 1-2 business days
  • Content removal (if warranted): 2 business days
  • Counter-notice processing: 10-14 business days
  • Content restoration (if applicable): 10-14 business days after receiving counter-notice
  • Case resolution: Varies based on complexity & legal details

5. Content Removal Process

5.1 Temporary Removal

When content is initially removed:

  • Content is immediately disabled
  • URL is preserved for reference
  • Metadata is retained
  • Access is suspended
  • Notice is posted at location
  • User is notified
  • Records are updated

5.2 Documentation

The News of Salem County LLC maintains records of:

  • Original takedown notice
  • Removed content
  • Removal date and time
  • Acting personnel
  • Related communications
  • Counter-notices
  • Resolution details

6. Counter-Notice Procedures

6.1 Counter-Notice Requirements

A valid counter-notice must include the following:

  • Physical or electronic signature
  • Identification of removed content
  • Statement of good faith belief in error
  • Consent to federal court jurisdiction
  • Contact information
  • Statement under penalty of perjury
  • Agreement to accept service of process

6.2 Processing Counter-Notices

Upon receipt of counter-notice:

  • Verify completeness
  • Forward to original complainant
  • Wait statutory period (10-14 business days)
  • Restore content if no legal action filed (10-14 business days)
  • Document resolution
  • Update records
  • Notify parties

7. Repeat Infringer Policy

7.1 Definition of Repeat Infringer

A repeat infringer is:

  • User with multiple valid takedown notices
  • Account holder with pattern of violations
  • Individual with repeated copyright complaints
  • Entity demonstrating disregard for policy
  • Person circumventing restrictions
  • Business with multiple infractions
  • Systematic copyright violator

7.2 Consequences

Actions taken may include:

  • Account suspension
  • Permanent termination
  • Content removal
  • Access restriction
  • Feature limitation
  • Monitoring implementation
  • Legal referral

8. Good Faith Requirements

8.1 Notice Requirements

All parties must act in good faith:

  • Accurate representations
  • Truthful statements
  • Proper authority
  • Legitimate claims
  • Reasonable belief
  • Honest assessment
  • Fair dealing

8.2 Misrepresentations

Consequences of misrepresentation:

  • Legal liability
  • Damages payment
  • Cost reimbursement
  • Account termination
  • Report to authorities
  • Reputation damage
  • Future restrictions

9. Fair Use Considerations

9.1 Fair Use Factors

The News of Salem County LLC takes these into consideration:

  • Purpose and character of use
  • Nature of copyrighted work
  • Amount and substantiality used
  • Effect on potential market
  • Transformative elements
  • Educational purposes
  • Commentary/criticism aspects

9.2 Review Process

Fair use assessment includes:

  • Factor analysis
  • Context evaluation
  • Industry standards
  • Legal precedent
  • Expert consultation
  • Documentation review

10. Record Keeping

10.1 Documentation Requirements

We maintain records of:

  • All notices received
  • Actions taken
  • Communications
  • Resolutions
  • Time stamps
  • Personnel involved
  • Related materials

11. Glossary

Key Terms Defined

  • DMCA: Digital Millennium Copyright Act
  • Takedown Notice: Formal request to remove infringing content
  • Counter-Notice: Response challenging takedown claim
  • Fair Use: Legal doctrine allowing limited use of copyrighted material
  • Designated Agent: Official contact for DMCA matters
  • Infringement: Unauthorized use of copyrighted material
  • Safe Harbor: Legal protection for service providers
  • Repeat Infringer: User with multiple copyright violations