Generate cease-and-desist letters

Effective cease-and-desist letters balance firmness with professionalism. They demonstrate you understand the law, have documented the violation, and are prepared to litigate if necessary. Weak C&D letters either threaten too much (losing credibility) or too little (appearing weak). Strong C&D letters clearly identify your rights, specify exactly what conduct must stop, demand specific remedial action with deadlines, and outline realistic litigation consequences. Courts sometimes see C&D letters later. Write every letter as if a judge will read it.

Specificity matters enormously. Vague demands like 'stop violating our rights' are ineffective. Effective demands specify: stop using the ACME trademark, cease selling infringing products, remove all website content containing our copyrighted images, destroy all infringing materials, provide written confirmation of compliance by specific date. The more specific your demands, the easier compliance becomes and the harder it is for the recipient to claim misunderstanding. Specificity also demonstrates you've investigated thoroughly and know exactly what's happening.

Common mistakes include excessive emotion (C&D letters should be professional, not angry), overstatement of rights (claiming rights you don't have undermines credibility), vague demands (recipient can't comply with unclear demands), unrealistic deadlines (too short appears unreasonable), and threatening litigation you're not prepared to pursue. Also avoid sending C&D letters before confirming facts. If you get facts wrong or accuse someone who isn't actually violating, you may face defamation claims yourself. Investigate thoroughly before sending.