Ask HN: Can I build a business issuing DMCA notices for developers? | Hacker News Reader

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

3 pointsAlexMuir8 comments

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.

View on HN

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.

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.

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.'

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).

I'm working on it right now.

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.

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

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.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com