These template cease and desist letters are for copyright and trademark infringement.  If another person or business has stolen your photograph(s), stolen your website copy, stolen your Instagram post, or stolen your graphic design, you can send them a cease and desist letter for copyright infringement. Remember, copyright protection starts from the moment of creation of the work but if you do intend to file suit for copyright infringement, you will need to register your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office.

If you have a brand name or service name that you've used for commercial purposes (such as your business name), this is called a trademark. If you have goodwill associated with your brand name (aka people liken your business name to specific services/products) and someone uses your name illegally, you can send a cease and desist letter.  Even if you don't own a registered federal trademark, you still have rights under common law for trademark infringement.

**The Legal Paige suggests you use these templates to send your initial cease and desist letter, and then work with a copyright or trademark attorney if you need to take further legal action.