About copyright infringement and DA rules
When it comes to digital files, an "art theft" is called copyright infringement. It's better to know the right term when you have to find information about it. You can find the DeviantArt's Copyright Policy on the bottom of your profile page or notification center.
You can also find in the help section more info about the subject:
FAQ #32: Fair Use and Your Submission
FAQ #814: Should I put a signature, watermark or copyright notice on my art before submitting it?
FAQ #743: Can I sell fan art as prints?
FAQ #751: Is permission needed when using collaborative artwork for commercial sales?
FAQ #752: If my print contains an image that isn't mine, can I still use it for print?
FAQ #157: Can I use things created by other people in my submissions?
FAQ #193: How do I prove that I had permission to use someone's work?
FAQ #257: What sort of permission do I need to use someone else's work?
FAQ #304: Do you remove copies and trace-over art?
FAQ #306: Does "Crediting" let me use whatever I want?
How to properly report a copyright infringement
DeviantArt will only take reports from the owner of the stolen art. If you are not the owner of the stolen art, just send a private note to the original owner to let them know their art was stolen. You can also link them this journal so they can have all the information needed to report the infringement. If you don't know the original owner of a piece of art, or if it's something like a game/movie/TV screenshot, sadly there's nothing you can do. DeviantArt won't remove an artwork without a proper report from the owner.
Before reporting a copyright infringement, you might try sending a polite private note to the person who took your art and try the settle things on your own. Maybe the person found your art on a "stock" site and doesn't know it's not actually stock.
The first method is to use the report button on the right sidebar in the deviation page. It's the easy way but also the less effective one because your report will fall in line in a huge pile of reports.
FAQ #155: How do I report a deviation which I think breaks the rules?
FAQ #302: How does the staff decide to take action? Why does it seem inconsistent?
FAQ #215: I have not received a response to my Help Desk Inquiry? What could be the reason or reasons for this?
The only method left is to file a DMCA takedown notice. For younger users, you might want the help of an adult for this one. The info about the DMCA takedown notice can be found in the Copyright Policy page.
What not to do!
- Do not ask a community volunteer (CV) or a senior member to take down the art or deactivate a user account. CV and seniors don't have the access to do those.
- Do not send your complaints directly to a DA staff member. Not all the employees can take care of this topic and those who do must follow the procedure. Writing to DA employees will only slow the general process and you might never receive any answer.
- Do not send a report if you are not the original owner. You will only receive an answer that you cannot report on behalf of the owner. Again, sending reports will only flood the system, slowing the resolution process for everyone.
- In this regard, do not ask your watchers to send reports thinking it will accelerate things.
- Do not engage in hostile activities with the person who used your art or someone else's art (no spamming them with hateful comments and no call out journals). Not only it's very harmful for the community (trolling and drama), but you can get into trouble for doing so. DeviantArt has policies about harassing people, even if you think you're doing it for a valid reason.
From the Etiquette PolicyProhibited Commentary
Prohibited commentary is typically considered to be inherently disrespectful, aggressive, or otherwise abusive.
We must insist that you refrain from comments which are racist, bigoted, or which otherwise offensively target a philosophy or religion. In addition we ask that our members avoid making offensive remarks based on gender or sexual preference and that you do not make any remark, comment or critique which is intended to be a direct insult to an individual, group, or genre of artwork. Hate propaganda is met with zero tolerance. Comments which are overly aggressive, personally insulting or needlessly abusive are also prohibited.
If you feel that you have been the target of harassment, personal insults or other severe behavior please notify the staff by using the official DeviantArt helpdesk. Please be aware that the staff will only directly intervene in cases which are considered severe; minor situations may be dealt with using tools made available to all registered members.
Discouraged Commentary
Discouraged commentary is typically considered to have the potential to escalate into an aggressive or abusive situation.
While not strictly prohibited we must insist that all personal arguments, disagreements, and other volatile "personal" issues within be confined to private communications such as Notes, emails, or Instant Messaging programs. Likewise we discourage public accusations and other similar situations; please bring all issues of this nature to the attention of the staff by notifying the official DeviantArt helpdesk.
FAQ #931: What is the policy concerning deviations of screenshots used to call out other deviants?
FAQ #238: How do I report people for abuse, harassment, or another issue I think is a problem?
By following the proper protocole, DeviantArt users can help lower the Help Desk workload, allowing them to process more valid reports.
