My friend’s account (crxzip) was recently deactivated due to “repeat infringement” based on multiple DMCA takedowns. I discovered a systemic legal failure during the appeals process for these takedowns regarding how Roblox handles DMCA Counter-Notices and complies with federal DMCA Safe Harbor rules.
Backstory
I was issued several DMCA strikes for my 3D UGC creations (Pixel 8-Bit Bread, Golden Apple, Mace). The claimant asserted I was infringing on their 3D models. The problem is that the foundational 2D IP upon which my models are based belongs exclusively to Microsoft/Mojang (Minecraft). I did not copy the claimant’s work; rather, the claimant and I independently traced the exact same publicly accessible 2D sprites from Minecraft into 3D models, naturally resulting in very similar geometry.
Botted Appeals System
I prepared a legally compliant DMCA Counter-Notice to dispute these takedowns. My counter-notice included multiple screenshots of my 3D modeling software (Blender) showing the layers, UV mapping, non-texturized geometry, and the background reference images (the Minecraft sprites) clearly indicating I built the models from scratch.
I first posted on the DevForum and some Roblox Staff Members gave me advice. They told me to contact copyright_agent@roblox.com.
I did what they said. It did not work out. The ticket was closed automatically by Zendesk without anyone looking at the evidence I sent.
Physical Mail & Written Rejection
So I decided to mail the Counter-Notice and the evidence to the Copyright Agent at Roblox Headquarters in San Mateo. I used USPS Certified Mail. The Counter-Notice had all the information as required by 17 U.S.C. 512(G) and I signed it under penalty of perjury.
On July 14 2026 I got an email from Roblox Support. They said they got my mail. They would not process the Counter-Notice. They said the content in question is the same as the other persons and my upload date is later. They wanted evidence but they did not say what kind of evidence or how to proceed.
“we note that the materials at issue are identical or nearly identical, with your content having a later upload date than the reporter’s. Given this, we will not be able to process your request without additional supporting evidence…”
I have tried several times. I get this bland, no effort cookie-cutter response EVERY SINGLE TIME. I have not heard from a single human.
The Legal Violation
This email is proof that Roblox is not following law.
According to 17 U.S.C. 512(G) of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act Roblox should just send the Counter-Notice to the person who made the claim. Then they have to wait 10 to 14 business days before doing anything
Roblox cannot decide who is right or wrong in a copyright dispute; they cannot look at the evidence, say if something was created independently, compare upload dates, or reject a signed legal document because it looks similar, to something else.
I told copyright_agent@roblox.com that they were not following the law.. They have not responded for several days.
By trying to decide if a copyright claim is valid and rejecting a submitted Roblox Counter-Notice Roblox is giving up its DMCA Safe Harbor protections under 17 U.S.C. 512(C). I am sharing this information so everyone knows what is going on and so that this situation can be handled correctly by the people. The Roblox Counter-Notice is a document and the Copyright Agent should handle the Roblox Counter-Notice properly.
