DMCA & Intellectual Property Policy

Overview

This platform is operated by Epic Games, Inc. ("Epic Games") as the official channel for reporting intellectual property infringement involving Epic Games content, brands, and technology. Reports submitted through this platform are reviewed by Epic Games' legal and IP enforcement team in accordance with applicable intellectual property law, including the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

Epic Games is committed to protecting its intellectual property while respecting the rights of content creators, fair use principles, and the creative community. This policy outlines the procedures, requirements, and legal framework governing the enforcement process.

Scope & Coverage

This policy applies to all forms of intellectual property owned or controlled by Epic Games, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including but not limited to:

• Copyrights - Game software, source code, artwork, character designs, cinematics, music, sound effects, documentation, and marketing materials
• Trademarks - The Epic Games name and logo, Fortnite, Unreal Engine, Epic Games Store, Rocket League, Fall Guys, and all associated brand elements, trade dress, and service marks
• Trade Secrets - Proprietary technology, algorithms, development tools, and internal processes
• Other IP - Patents, design rights, and any other intellectual property rights recognized under applicable law

Infringement may occur on any platform or medium, including but not limited to websites, video platforms (YouTube, TikTok, Twitch), social media, e-commerce marketplaces, mobile app stores, and physical products.

DMCA Process

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) provides a structured legal process for copyright holders to request removal of infringing content from online platforms. Epic Games complies with and utilizes this process to protect its copyrighted works.

Required Statutory Elements (17 U.S.C. § 512(c)(3))

A valid DMCA takedown notice must contain all of the following:

• A physical or electronic signature of a person authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner
• Identification of the copyrighted work(s) claimed to be infringed
• Identification of the material that is claimed to be infringing and information sufficient to locate the material
• Contact information for the complaining party (address, telephone number, email)
• A statement that the complaining party has a good faith belief that use of the material is not authorized
• A statement that the information in the notification is accurate, and under penalty of perjury, that the complaining party is authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner

Filing Requirements

To ensure efficient processing, every infringement report submitted through this platform must include:

Location of Infringing Material

A direct, publicly accessible URL to the specific infringing content. Reports referencing entire domains, channels, or profiles without identifying specific infringing items may not be actionable.

Type of Infringement

Select the category that best describes the infringement: copyright violation, trademark misuse, counterfeit products, unauthorized software distribution, content misuse, or domain/impersonation.

Affected IP

Identify which specific Epic Games intellectual property is being infringed (e.g., Fortnite characters, Unreal Engine branding, Epic Games logo).

Description

A detailed written description of the infringement, explaining how the material violates Epic Games' IP rights.

Review Procedure

All submissions are reviewed by Epic Games' IP enforcement team, operating under the supervision of Epic Games legal counsel. The review process includes:

• Intake validation - Completeness check and assignment of case identifier
• Substantive review - Evaluation of the claim against applicable intellectual property law and Epic Games' policies
• Decision - Determination of appropriate enforcement action, or denial with reasoning
• Execution - Filing of takedown notices, platform reports, cease-and-desist letters, or other legal action

Enforcement Actions

Where a report is validated, Epic Games may take one or more of the following actions at its sole discretion and subject to applicable law:

• DMCA takedown notice to the hosting platform or service provider
• Cease-and-desist letter to the infringing party
• Report to the relevant platform's intellectual property or Trust & Safety team
• Referral to external legal counsel for further proceedings
• Filing of court action for injunctive relief and/or damages
• Coordination with law enforcement where criminal activity is suspected

Counter-Notification

If you believe your content was removed in error or is subject to misidentification, you may file a DMCA counter-notification. A valid counter-notice must include the statutory elements under 17 U.S.C. § 512(g), including:

• Your physical or electronic signature
• Identification of the material that was removed and its location before removal
• A statement under penalty of perjury that you have a good faith belief the material was removed by mistake or misidentification
• Your name, address, and telephone number
• Consent to jurisdiction of the federal court in the district where your address is located (or the Western District of North Carolina if outside the U.S.)
• A statement that you will accept service of process from the person who provided the original notification

Upon receipt of a valid counter-notice, Epic Games will notify the original claimant. Unless the claimant initiates court proceedings within 10 to 14 business days, the content may be restored in accordance with the DMCA.

Fair Use & Fan Content

Epic Games recognizes and respects fair use under 17 U.S.C. § 107 and equivalent doctrines in other jurisdictions. Before filing a report, reporters should consider whether the content at issue constitutes:

• Commentary, criticism, or review
• News reporting
• Educational or research use
• Parody or satire
• Transformative works

Additionally, Epic Games maintains a Fan Content Policy that permits non-commercial fan creations, gameplay videos, streaming, and community content. Content that falls within these permitted uses should not be reported through this platform. Reports filed against clearly permissible content will be rejected.

Repeat Infringers

Epic Games maintains a repeat infringer policy in accordance with 17 U.S.C. § 512(i). Parties subject to multiple validated IP infringement claims may face escalating enforcement actions, including permanent takedowns, platform bans, and legal proceedings.

Liability & False Claims

Under 17 U.S.C. § 512(f), any person who knowingly materially misrepresents that material is infringing, or that material was removed by mistake, may be liable for damages including costs and attorneys' fees incurred by the alleged infringer, by any copyright owner, or by the service provider. Epic Games treats the integrity of IP claims with the utmost seriousness.

Contact for IP Notices

Intellectual property infringement notices and related correspondence may be sent to the following contact channel. Formal DMCA notices should be directed to Epic Games' designated agent on record with the U.S. Copyright Office DMCA Agent Directory.