How to Write a Cease and Desist Letter

 by: Jefferson Highway, General Counsel

A Cease and Desist letter is one of the simplest legal forms in use today. With the spread of the web, and the copyright infringement that has brought, C&D's (as they are known) have become very common. The problem is, a standard C&D can cost $50 or more if sent from a lawyer, and you may find, if you have any kind of business at all, that you can't afford this on an on-going basis. So here is the solution - a Cease and Desist form of your very own.

[ INSERT YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS HERE ]

URGENT

Dear Sirs,

Re: [ INSERT TOPIC HERE - A WEBSITE NAME FOR EXAMPLE ]

It has come to our attention that you are [ ENTER THE COMPLAINT HERE - AN EXAMPLE WOULD BE "copying entire pages from our website at www.???.com and publishing them on your own website, www.!!!.com in direct breach of our rights under International Copyright Law" ].

You have [ INSERT TIME LIMIT HERE - EG "10 Days" ] to [ INSERT THE ACTION THEY MUST TAKE HERE - EG "Remove the offending pages, listed below, and confirm in writing to the address at the head of the letter that you will not repeat this infringement" ]

Failing this, we will apply for an injunction, and will also seek to recover costs and damages (plus interest) for your tortious acts and conduct.

This is our final communication to you on this matter, and we look forward to hearing from you as a matter of urgency.

Yours faithfully

So there you have it. Plug in your own company details and send away!

Important - Nothing in the above information establishes any attorney-client relationship, and the information herein is intended only as general information and should not be relied upon for the purpose of taking legal action. You should always contact an attorney for specific information and advice. Laws differ from State to State and country to country.