Updated June 23, 2023
An intellectual property cease and desist letter is to give notice to an individual or entity that it is using proprietary information without the consent of its owner. The letter will threaten to the recipient that unless they stop all usage of the intellectual property that a lawsuit may be brought against them. The infringing party will have a set time period to respond to the party that sent the letter to either claim that they’ve stopped using the intellectual property or defend their rights to their rightful use of it.
Certified Mail – Be sure to send the cease and desist via certified mail to the recipient as this will act as proof the recipient was given the letter.
How to Write
Step 1 – Download in PDF, Microsoft Word (.docx), or Open Document Text (.odt).
Step 2 – Fill in the header and the date fields with the applicable information.
Step 3 – Following “Dear,” the addressee’s name can be inserted. The owner of the intellectual property must be identified as well.
Step 4 – In the next fields, the actions which violated the contract must be identified.
Step 5 – What the addressee must cease and desist can be detailed in the third paragraph.
Step 6 – The number of days that the party has to comply must be supplied before the letter can be signed and sent.
Related Letters
Copyright Cease and Desist – Commonly used in regards to works of art such as movies, songs, content, etc.
Trademark Cease and Desist – When an individual or entity is using a federally registered trademark without with the authorization of its owner.