diff --git a/concepts/legal-docs.mdx b/concepts/legal-docs.mdx index 679a01d..d97ae90 100644 --- a/concepts/legal-docs.mdx +++ b/concepts/legal-docs.mdx @@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ description: "Understanding legal documentation for takedown requests" **Legal documents** are official documents that prove a company's ownership rights, authorization, or identity when requesting the removal of harmful or fraudulent content. -Many online platforms require verified legal documentation before they will act on a takedown request, especially when dealing with impersonation, trademark misuse, or brand-related abuse. +Many online platforms require verified legal documentation before they will act on a takedown request. ### Why They're Required @@ -19,6 +19,14 @@ These documents help providers confirm that the takedown request is legitimate a - **Prove Ownership** - Demonstrate legitimate ownership of brand or trademark - **Establish Authority** - Show authorization to request content removal +## Required Documents for Takedowns + +For all takedown requests (including automated takedowns), ChainPatrol only requires a **Letter of Authorization (LOA)** from the customer. + + +ChainPatrol does **not** use Power of Attorney (POA) documents. Any references to POA requirements in older documentation are outdated. + + ## Types of Legal Documents ChainPatrol typically works with the following categories of legal documentation: @@ -50,7 +58,7 @@ Providers often require this when content is impersonating a brand or misusing p ### Letter of Authorization (LOA) -A document in which the brand owner declares that ChainPatrol is authorized to submit takedown requests on their behalf. +A document in which the brand owner declares that ChainPatrol is authorized to submit takedown requests on their behalf. This is the only authorization document required for takedowns. **Key Components:** - Organization's legal name and details @@ -69,43 +77,15 @@ A document in which the brand owner declares that ChainPatrol is authorized to s **Example Statement:** > "[Organization Name] hereby authorizes ChainPatrol to submit takedown requests, abuse reports, and content removal requests on our behalf for the purpose of protecting our brand and trademarks from impersonation, fraud, and unauthorized use." -LOAs are typically simpler and faster to obtain than Power of Attorney documents. - -### Power of Attorney (POA) - -A formal legal authorization allowing ChainPatrol to act for the organization in a broader or more formal capacity. - -**Key Differences from LOA:** -- More formal legal standing -- Broader scope of authority -- Often notarized or witnessed -- Recognized across more jurisdictions -- Required for high-impact actions - -**When It's Required:** -- Domain suspensions -- TLD-level takedowns -- Registrar-level actions -- High-impact or escalated cases -- International jurisdictions - -**What It Authorizes:** -- Filing formal legal complaints -- Representing the organization in takedown proceedings -- Making binding statements on behalf of the organization -- Escalating to legal authorities if needed - -Some providers require a POA for escalated or high-impact takedowns such as domain suspensions. - ### Document Usage Across Platforms -**Website Takedowns** (hosting providers and registrars) typically require trademark registration, LOA or POA, and business registration documents to verify legitimate brand ownership and confirm authorization to request removal. +**Website Takedowns** (hosting providers and registrars) typically require trademark registration, LOA, and business registration documents to verify legitimate brand ownership and confirm authorization to request removal. -**Social Media Takedowns** (Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram) typically require LOA (especially for Twitter/X), trademark registration (for verified impersonation), and government-issued ID (for individual impersonation) to prevent abuse of reporting systems and verify authorized representatives. +**Social Media Takedowns** (Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram) typically require LOA, trademark registration (for verified impersonation), and government-issued ID (for individual impersonation) to prevent abuse of reporting systems and verify authorized representatives. -**App Store Takedowns** (Google Play, Apple App Store) typically require trademark registration, LOA or POA, and proof of brand ownership to verify app infringement and confirm authorization to request removal. +**App Store Takedowns** (Google Play, Apple App Store) typically require trademark registration, LOA, and proof of brand ownership to verify app infringement and confirm authorization to request removal. -**TLD-Level Takedowns** (top-level domain registries) typically require POA (formal authorization), trademark registration, and detailed evidence of abuse due to the high-impact nature of entire domain suspension and legal liability considerations. +**TLD-Level Takedowns** (top-level domain registries) typically require LOA (formal authorization), trademark registration, and detailed evidence of abuse due to the high-impact nature of entire domain suspension and legal liability considerations. ## What Legal Documents Are Used For @@ -170,9 +150,9 @@ This approach minimizes unnecessary exposure of sensitive documents while ensuri ## Document Management Best Practices -**Keep Documents Current** - Update POA/LOA documents annually, refresh after organizational changes, update contact information promptly, and renew before expiration dates. Expired or outdated documents can delay takedown processing. +**Keep Documents Current** - Update LOA documents annually, refresh after organizational changes, update contact information promptly, and renew before expiration dates. Expired or outdated documents can delay takedown processing. -**Maintain Multiple Formats** - Keep documents in PDF (most common), scanned originals, notarized copies (for POA), and translated versions (for international takedowns) since different providers have different requirements. +**Maintain Multiple Formats** - Keep documents in PDF (most common), scanned originals, notarized copies, and translated versions (for international takedowns) since different providers have different requirements. **Coordinate with Legal Team** - Have legal team review documents, ensure authorized signatories, verify scope of authorization, and confirm compliance with company policies. @@ -181,6 +161,6 @@ This approach minimizes unnecessary exposure of sensitive documents while ensuri ## Key Takeaways - Legal documentation gates takedown success: Most providers require proof of ownership and authority before removing content, so having documents ready accelerates response times -- Different providers demand different documents: Domain registrars typically want trademark registration, social platforms often need POA, and some hosting providers accept LOA +- Different providers demand different documents: Domain registrars typically want trademark registration, social platforms often need LOA, and some hosting providers accept LOA - Current documents prevent delays: Expired trademarks or outdated authorizations will be rejected, forcing resubmission and extending the time malicious content stays live -- Security is critical for sensitive documents: Trademark registrations and POAs contain business-critical information, so proper encryption and access controls protect against leaks +- Security is critical for sensitive documents: Trademark registrations and LOAs contain business-critical information, so proper encryption and access controls protect against leaks \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/getting-started/how-it-works/takedown.mdx b/getting-started/how-it-works/takedown.mdx index 20cf339..58dd3f8 100644 --- a/getting-started/how-it-works/takedown.mdx +++ b/getting-started/how-it-works/takedown.mdx @@ -7,6 +7,14 @@ description: "How ChainPatrol removes malicious content through coordinated take A takedown is the process of requesting that a platform, host, or provider remove harmful content. This page explains how takedowns move through their lifecycle in ChainPatrol, how they're submitted and monitored, and how retractions work when an asset is identified as legitimate. +## Legal Documentation + +For all takedown requests, ChainPatrol requires a **Letter of Authorization (LOA)** from the customer. This document provides the necessary legal authority to request content removal on behalf of your organization. + + +Only an LOA is required - ChainPatrol does not use Power of Attorney (POA) documents for takedown requests. + + ### Platform-Specific Considerations #### Google Safe Browsing @@ -187,7 +195,7 @@ If previously removed content reappears, the existing takedown is **reactivated* No provider guarantees removal in all cases, but ChainPatrol works to maximize success through consistent, accurate submissions and continuous monitoring. Our success rates vary by provider but are typically very high for legitimate threats. **What documentation do I need to provide?** -Most takedowns require legal documents such as Letter of Authorization, Power of Attorney, Trademark registration, and Business registration documents. Requirements vary by provider and will be communicated during onboarding. +For takedowns, ChainPatrol requires a Letter of Authorization (LOA) from the customer. This document provides the necessary legal authority to request content removal on behalf of your organization. Requirements may vary by provider and will be communicated during onboarding. ## Key Takeaways