Cease and desist letter to stop harassment, copying or misuse
Someone is using your photos without permission, posting false claims about your business or contacting you after you asked them to stop. This prompt has your todo.is agent draft a cease and desist letter that states the facts, what must stop, the deadline and your possible next steps, in a tone that is firm without overreaching.
The prompt
- Write a cease and desist letter from [YOUR NAME OR BUSINESS AND ADDRESS] to [RECIPIENT NAME AND ADDRESS OR EMAIL]. The issue is [TYPE OF ISSUE]. What they did, with dates and links: [FACTS AND EVIDENCE]. I want them to [WHAT THEY MUST DO] by [DEADLINE]. If they do not, I may [POSSIBLE NEXT STEP]. I am in [STATE OR COUNTRY]. Keep it firm, factual and under one page, no exaggeration and no threats I cannot back up. Include a list of evidence attached. Give me a Word file and a PDF, and a short note on when I should have a lawyer send it instead.
What to change
- [YOUR NAME OR BUSINESS AND ADDRESS]: Your name or company and address, e.g. "Lena Brooks Photography, Portland, OR".
- [RECIPIENT NAME AND ADDRESS OR EMAIL]: Who should stop, e.g. "Coastline Café, 12 Pier Ave" or "the owner of the account @x".
- [TYPE OF ISSUE]: E.g. "copyright: using my photos", "harassment", "false reviews", "trademark", "debt collector calls".
- [FACTS AND EVIDENCE]: E.g. "since 3 September, 4 of my photos on their website and menu: [links]". Attach screenshots.
- [WHAT THEY MUST DO]: E.g. "remove the photos from all channels and confirm in writing", or "stop contacting me".
- [DEADLINE]: E.g. "within 10 days, by 20 October 2026".
- [POSSIBLE NEXT STEP]: E.g. "send a DMCA takedown to their host", "seek damages", "report to the police".
- [STATE OR COUNTRY]: Where you are, e.g. "Oregon, USA" or "England".
Example result
- Cease and desist letter
- Lena Brooks Photography
- 233 Alder Street, Portland, OR 97204
- lena@lenabrooks.example
- 10 October 2026
- Coastline Café
- Attn: Owner
- 12 Pier Avenue, Cannon Beach, OR 97110
- Re: Unauthorized use of copyrighted photographs. Demand to cease and desist.
- Dear Owner,
- I am a professional photographer and the copyright owner of the four photographs listed below. I have not licensed these images to Coastline Café.
- Since at least 3 September 2026, these photographs have appeared on your website homepage, your online menu and your Instagram account. Screenshots with dates and links are enclosed.
- I ask that you:
- 1. Remove all four photographs from your website, menu, social media and any printed materials
- 2. Stop any further use of my work
- 3. Confirm in writing by 20 October 2026 that you have done so
- If you would like to keep using the photographs, I am open to discussing a license. Please contact me at the email above.
- If I do not receive your confirmation by 20 October 2026, I may send takedown notices to your website host and social media platforms and consider my other legal options.
- Sincerely,
- Lena Brooks
- Evidence enclosed
- 1. Original files with metadata and dates
- 2. Screenshots of the website homepage and menu, 3 September 2026
- 3. Screenshots of 2 Instagram posts, 15 September 2026
- Types of cease and desist letters
- • Copyright or trademark: your work or brand used without permission
- • Harassment: repeated unwanted contact or messages
- • Defamation: false statements of fact that harm your reputation
- • Debt collection: in the US, asking a collector in writing to stop contacting you
- When to get a lawyer
- A letter from a lawyer carries more weight, and it is wise for serious harm, large sums or a business dispute. Stick to facts: overstating claims can backfire. This is a draft, not legal advice. Check local rules.
How to do it with todo.is
- Copy the prompt and fill in what happened, with dates and links.
- Paste it into todo.is and attach screenshots or documents as evidence.
- Your agent writes a firm one-page letter with clear demands, a deadline and an evidence list.
- Review it, ask for changes like "add a license offer" or "softer tone", and send it with proof of delivery.
Tips for a better result
- Describe what happened with dates, links and screenshots. Facts persuade more than strong words.
- Ask for specific actions and a written confirmation, not just "stop it".
- Do not threaten actions you are not willing or able to take.
- For copyright on websites, a takedown notice to the host or platform is often faster than waiting for a reply.
- Assume the letter may be published or shown in court. Keep it calm.
cease and desist letter: FAQ
- Is a cease and desist letter legally binding? No. It is a formal request, not a court order. But it shows you warned the other side, which can matter if you take legal action later.
- Can I write a cease and desist letter myself? Yes. Many people send their own. For serious harm or large amounts, a letter from a lawyer is more effective.
- What should a cease and desist letter include? Who you are, what the other person did with dates and evidence, what you want them to stop or do, a deadline and what you may do next.
- How do I stop a debt collector from contacting me? In the US, you can ask a collector in writing to stop contacting you. They may still contact you to confirm or to tell you about a specific action like a lawsuit.
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