How to Write a Cease and Desist Letter (Free Template)

Someone stealing your photos? Harassing you? You generally don’t need a $500/hour lawyer to make them stop. A formally written Cease and Desist Letter is your first line of defense. Here is a legally sound template you can use, plus the one delivery mistake that often ruins your case in court.

BMT Legal Team BMT Legal Team · 📅 Jan 2026 · ⏱️ 5 min read · LEGAL › PROTECTION
Cost
$0
DIY TemplateFree
Delivery
USPS
Certified MailMust
Effect
Warning
Pre-LawsuitTool

1. The “Shot Across the Bow”

A Cease and Desist is not a lawsuit. It is a threat of a lawsuit. It serves two specific legal purposes:

1. Establish Knowledge
It proves the offender knew they were doing something wrong. They can no longer claim “innocent infringement” or ignorance in court.
2. Offer Resolution
It gives them a chance to stop quietly. Most rational people back down once they see formal legal language.

2. The Free Template (Copy & Paste)

Use this template for general harassment, copyright infringement, or breach of contract. Fill in the bracketed info carefully.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip]
[Date]

VIA CERTIFIED MAIL RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED

TO:
[Offender’s Name]
[Offender’s Address]

RE: CEASE AND DESIST DEMAND

Dear [Offender’s Name],

I am writing to formally demand that you immediately CEASE AND DESIST [describe the illegal activity, e.g., “using my copyrighted photo on your website”].

This activity is unlawful and actionable under [State/Federal] law. Specifically, your actions constitute [name the legal issue, e.g., “Copyright Infringement” or “Defamation”].

If you do not stop this activity immediately by [Deadline Date], I will pursue all available legal remedies, including filing a lawsuit seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief.

This letter serves as your final warning.

Sincerely,

[Your Signature]

[Your Printed Name]

3. Delivery Method: Does It Carry Weight?

How you send the letter determines if it ends up in the trash or on a lawyer’s desk. See the impact difference below.

Method Cost Legal Impact (Fear Factor)
Email / DM $0
Weak (Ignored)
Certified Mail ~$5
Strong (Signed)
Lawyer Letterhead ~$300
Maximum (Panic)
Turbocharge Your Letter
Pro Tip: If the DIY letter is ignored, hiring a lawyer just to re-send the exact same letter on their letterhead often yields immediate results. It signals you are ready to spend money to fight.

4. Strategy: Keep It Cold

The biggest mistake people make is writing an emotional letter.

  • Be Boring: Use factual language. “You posted photo X on date Y.”
  • No Insults: Do not call them names. It can be used against you in court as harassment.
  • Set a Deadline: Give them 3–5 business days to comply. A vague “stop it soon” is ineffective.

5. Warning: Do Not Commit Extortion

There is a fine line between a legal demand and a crime.

⛔ Illegal Threats

  • ❌ “Pay me $5,000 or I will tell your boss/spouse.” (Blackmail)
  • ❌ “Stop or I will break your legs.” (Criminal Threat)
  • ✅ “Pay me for the license or I will sue for copyright infringement.” (Legal Demand)

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Is this letter legally binding?
Generally, no. It is not a court order. The recipient can ignore it. However, ignoring it establishes “Willful Infringement,” which can increase damages later.
Do I need to notarize it?
No. A notary only verifies your identity, not the truth of the letter. Sending it via Certified Mail is far more important than notarization.
What if they are in another country?
International enforcement is difficult and expensive. You may need to file a DMCA takedown with their hosting provider (e.g., Google, AWS) instead of sending a letter.