1. Evidence before allegation
Atlantic distinguishes a technical match from a verified rights claim. Source files, ownership, publication history, licence context, responsible entity, defenses and jurisdiction should be reviewed before a formal notice.
2. Initial factual contact
The preferred first step is a factual, non-public inquiry that identifies the image, observed location, rights holder, representative capacity and secure method to submit a licence, correction or explanation.
3. Formal notice
If the record remains unresolved, a formal notice may describe the verified evidence, requested response, proposed amicable options, deadline and reservation of rights. It must not state that liability has been judicially determined when it has not.
4. Notice to an online service
Where lawful and proportionate, a specific notice may be sent to the platform, host, search service or designated copyright agent identifying the exact material, location, protected work, claimant authority, contact details, good-faith belief and accuracy statement required by the applicable process.
5. DMCA and comparable regimes
For United States services, a notice may follow 17 U.S.C. § 512. Other countries and providers apply different legal tests and procedures, including EU notice-and-action mechanisms. No single template is valid worldwide.
6. Counter-notice and appeal
A service provider or user may contest a notice, provide a licence, invoke an exception, identify an error or submit a counter-notice. Atlantic and the rights holder must assess the response before further action and preserve both inculpatory and exculpatory records.
7. Scope of requested action
Atlantic ordinarily requests removal or restriction of the specifically identified image or URL, not deletion of an entire lawful website. Broader action may be requested only when supported by law, repeated conduct, platform policy and verified proportionality.
8. Misrepresentation and abuse prevention
Knowingly material misrepresentations can create liability. Notices must account for licences, exceptions such as fair use or fair dealing where applicable, ownership disputes and mistaken identity. Automated sending without review is prohibited.
9. Legal escalation
If voluntary and platform processes do not resolve a verified matter, Atlantic may organize a file for qualified counsel. Only a competent court or authority can impose judicial remedies, and formal proceedings require jurisdiction-specific review, authorization, service and evidence rules.
