Google provides translated versions of our Help Centre, although they are not meant to change the content of our policies. The English version is the official language that we use to enforce our policies. To view this article in a different language, use the language drop-down at the bottom of the page.
Display & Video 360 users must comply with this Google Ads policy. Visit the Display & Video 360 help centre for additional restrictions.
For subtitles in your language, turn on YouTube captions. Select the settings icon at the bottom of the video player, then select 'Subtitles/CC' and choose your language.
We abide by local copyright laws and protect the rights of copyright holders, so we don’t allow ads that are unauthorised to use copyrighted content. If you are legally authorised to use copyrighted content, apply for certification (or here for DV360) to advertise. If you see unauthorised content, submit a copyright-related complaint.
Below are some examples of what to avoid in your ads.
Copyrighted content
Unauthorised sites or software that capture, copy or provide access to copyrighted content
Examples: Sites, software or toolbars that enable unauthorised streaming, sharing, copying or downloading of audio guides, eBooks, anime, games, films, mp3 ringtones, music, software, TV shows, works by independent artists, record labels or other content creators
Examples: Sites that distribute unauthorised physical copies of copyrighted CDs, DVDs or software
Examples: Products or services (such as Blu-ray or DVD rippers, burners and converters) that provide access to copyrighted content by stripping or bypassing DRM technology on audio, video, eBooks or software
Troubleshooter: Copyrighted content
If you aren't able to fix these violations, or you choose not to, please remove your ad to help prevent your account from becoming suspended in the future for having too many disapproved ads.
- Send us your copyright documentation. If you believe that you're legally authorised to advertise copyrighted content, fill in an application to be certified. We'll review it and let you know if we can run your ads. Note that a separate copyright certification is required for every domain to which ads drive. This includes country domains (for example, copyright.com vs. copyright.co.uk). You do not need a separate copyright certification for any country which is being served by the same domain.
- Remove copyrighted content from the ad’s destination. If you can’t fix the ad’s destination, update the ad with a new destination that complies with this policy.
Edit the ad. Remove any copyrighted content. If your ad already complies with the policy but you made changes to the ad’s destination, make an edit in the ad and save it. This will resubmit the ad and its destination for review.
Most ads are reviewed within one working day, though some can take longer if they need a more complex review.
DMCA complaint
If Google receives a DMCA complaint on the content of an ad or an ad’s destination, the ad may be disapproved.
How a DMCA complaint works
What is the DMCA?
The DMCA is the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, a United States copyright law passed in October of 1998. Learn more about the DMCA at http://copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf.
What are DMCA notifications?
DMCA notifications are allegations of copyright infringement filed by copyright holders in accordance with the requirements of the DMCA notice-and-take-down procedures. It's Google's policy to respond to such allegations of copyright infringement.
Who can file a DMCA notification?
Only the copyright owner or an authorised representative can file a DMCA infringement notice.
What does a DMCA notification look like?
View the example of a DMCA notification.
If my ads have been disapproved due to DMCA violations, can they be resubmitted?
In order to resubmit your ads for approval, you must file a counter-notification that complies with all of the requirements of the DMCA. To file a counter-notification, please fill in our DMCA counter-notification form.
Note that you can be liable for damages (including costs and lawyers' fees) if you materially misrepresent that the material or activity is not infringing the copyrights of others. If you aren't sure whether certain material infringes the copyrights of others, we suggest that you first contact a lawyer. If you resubmit your ads without filing a valid DMCA counter-notification, your account may be terminated due to violation of our repeat infringement policy.
Will Google disapprove my ads if legal proceedings concerning the copyright are underway?
If you submit a valid DMCA counter-notification, but the person claiming copyright to the content in question initiates legal proceedings against you, Google won't re-approve your ads until a court order has been issued ruling in your favour.