how-to guide
Someone Filed a Copyright Complaint Against My Ad — Now What?
Copyright issues (a reused photo, a lifted testimonial) go through a legal complaint process, not a simple edit-and-resubmit.
Unlike an editorial or content-policy disapproval, a copyright complaint is a legal removal process initiated by the rights holder, not an automated policy check.
Steps
- Read the notice carefully to understand exactly what content was flagged — a specific image, piece of copy, or testimonial reused without permission.
- If the material genuinely wasn't licensed for use (a stock photo used past its terms, a competitor's customer testimonial, borrowed copy), replace it rather than trying to argue the flag.
- If you believe the complaint is mistaken, there's a formal counter-notice process, separate from an ordinary policy appeal — this is a legal process, not a Google Ads support ticket.
- Going forward, keep records of where images and testimonials come from to avoid a repeat.
ask datanephew
Someone says I used their photo or testimonial without permission — is this the same as a normal ad disapproval?
No — a copyright complaint is a legal process rather than a standard policy review. Datanephew can show you which specific ad or asset was flagged, but resolving the underlying rights question isn't something it can do for you.