If a published release infringes your copyright or trademark rights, contact the artist first. This can often lead to an amicable solution.
If that doesn't work, submit an official report to the platform where the content is hosted.
You can report here:
- Spotify: https://support.spotify.com/report-content/
- Apple Music: https://www.apple.com/legal/contact/copyright-infringement.html
- YouTube Music: https://www.youtube.com/copyright_complaint_form
- Beatport: https://support.beatport.com/hc/en-us/articles/4412316230036-Violation-of-Intellectual-Property-Rights
- Deezer: dmca@deezer.com
It's enough to report to one platform. As soon as the distributor is informed of the report by a store, the process applies to all platforms.
What happens next:
The platform reviews the case, takes the content offline and informs the distributor. The artist concerned then has to prove within a deadline that they hold the rights to the release:
- 5 business days for reports from Spotify or Apple Music
- 2 business days for reports from all other platforms
If the artist doesn't respond in time or confirms that they don't hold the rights, the release will be removed from all platforms. If they submit proof, the distributor forwards it to the platform. The platform decides whether the content is reinstated.
Please note: Some platforms, including Spotify, may keep the content blocked until you have reached an agreement, even if proof has been submitted. In such disputes, the distributor has to remain neutral and follow the platforms' procedures. It therefore cannot actively mediate.