Ask HN: Can I build a business issuing DMCA notices for developers?

[AlexMuir]

Would it work? Is anyone else doing it?

We all know DMCA are useless against certain types of piracy, but they are very powerful in two specific markets that I have in mind. These markets are already large, and are growing rapidly. I would be targeting specific 'content distributors' to protect clients content from illegal sharing.

[martey]

I think that there is a bit of a stigma around those who distribute DMCA notices since they are often used not to prevent illegal sharing, but to restrict distribution of negative information or constrain fair use. If I was working in such a business, I think I would find it difficult to balance the needs of my customers with the rights of the public.

[gte910h → martey]

I honestly think I'd say: Constrain your clients. Only offer to do X Y or Z, not whatever the hell they tell you to.

Make sure X Y and Z are all in the realm of good stuff.

[AlexMuir → gte910h]

I'd be offering quite a limited service - not some sort of anti-libel service. We'd just get streamlined at removing specific software from specific websites, and then go to those developers and say 'Hey, we can prevent people stealing your stuff.'

[gte910h → AlexMuir]

As an iPhone developer, I'd certainly think about using you if we had something with significant pirate traction (Especially something that utilized server resources).

[AlexMuir → gte910h]

I'm working on it right now.

[CatalystFactory]

There a lot of people in this space. The problem is that how companies deal with DMCA request varies a lot.

A lot of PR capital can be wasted on one bad DMCA complaint gone wrong.

[AlexMuir → CatalystFactory]

true, true - and that might be a strong argument to use a specialist.

[GrandMasterBirt]

A simple point. DMCA notices may be good, but you got to show that your services are worth the effort. Large companies don't need you, small companies might not care whatsoever.