How Is Trademark Infringement Reported? Differences Between DMCA, KVKK and Platforms

⏱️ Reading time: 9 minutes · 📁 Category: Digital Law & Brand Protection

4️⃣ Reporting trademark infringement: DMCA, KVKK and platform differences

You have found an account using an image or content without permission, or a fake listing offering your brand’s name, logo or product. So what should happen next? Three main legal frameworks may apply: DMCA (copyright), KVKK (personal data) and platform brand-protection policies.

Each covers different violations and procedures. This article explains how to choose the right framework and run an effective takedown process.

⚖️ 1️⃣ DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act)

The DMCA is a global framework against digital copyright infringement. Although based in the US, almost all major platforms (YouTube, Meta, X, Amazon, Google, TikTok) operate DMCA procedures.

• When is it used? When original content such as visual, video, text, packaging design, product photo is used without permission.
• Who may submit a request? The work’s rights holder or authorised representative, such as a brand representative.
• What evidence is needed? A file, registration certificate or timestamp proving ownership of the original content.
• Result Time: Depending on the platform, a preliminary assessment is made within 24 to 72 hours.

DMCA protects copyright only; trademark infringement requires a separate notice.

🧾 2. KVKK (Law on the Protection of Personal Data)

The KVKK applies to unauthorised sharing or disclosure of personal data. For brands this often involves two scenarios:

• A user has shared employees’ photographs or contact details without permission.
• A social media account has created a "false representative account" using personal data.

The brand can report impersonation to the platform and apply directly to the Turkish Personal Data Protection Authority (KVKK).

• Over the Platform: Use the Identity Impersonation or Fake Account reporting options.
• Request to the authority: Requests to exercise rights under KVKK Article 11 may be submitted in writing or through e-Devlet.

KVKK requests cover only personal data within Turkey; international platforms assess this as privacy infringement.

🛒 3️⃣ Platform-specific trademark reports

Each major marketplace or social media platform has its own IP Protection system. These systems allow brands to remove products, advertisements or content directly:

• Amazon Brand Registry: Use Report a Violation to remove counterfeit products or unauthorised sellers associated with your brand.
• Trendyol Brand Protection Portal: Verify your TÜRKPATENT registration number to request closure of unauthorised listings.
• Meta Rights Manager: Automatically detects unauthorised use of your brand's images on Facebook and Instagram.
• Google Ads / YouTube: You can prevent your brand from being used in ads through the "Trademark Complaint Form".

📈 4. Which Notice Should You Use?

Status	The Appropriate Legal Framework	Submission channel
Use of unauthorised visual/video	DMCA	The platform's "Report Copyright Infringement" form
Unauthorised use of the brand name	Platform IP Policy	Brand Registry / IP Protection / Brand Portal
Personal data or identity sharing	KVKK	Platform "Identity" form or KVKK Institution

This table clarifies which legal basis to use based on the type of breach. The right legal framework choice directly affects both the speed of the process and the success rate.

Conclusion: Brand infringement notifications are no longer handled manually, but with automated systems. B10 Digital Takedown Engine combines DMCA, KVKK and platform policies to provide brands with 360° protection. Have you found unauthorised use of an image? The next step is now clear.

Discover B10 Digital’s automated takedown infrastructure