About 2 months ago, I found a stolen copy of my UGC item, uploaded by a group notorious for UGC theft.
I filed a DMCA takedown against their copy, and it was taken down after a few hours. A day later, they filed a false counter-claim, asserting ownership of the design I originally created . For reference, this is THE COPY
When I asked Roblox for sufficient contact details (phone number) (as required by DMCA, 17 U.S. Code § 512 (g)(3)(D) ) so I could verify whether the person who filed the counter-claim actually lived at the address they provided (which would enable me to pursue legal action), I was refused. (For PII, yet I was given an address? This is a legal matter, PII is required)
This entire situation makes it clear that Roblox is not invested enough in the protection of artists and creators on the platform and have dropped the ball. Not only was my stolen item reinstated through a fraudulent counter-claim, but the copy is now being recommended directly under my own original item and even shown to me personally in recommendations, as if Roblox is favouring the exploiters.
This is NOT an isolated case, and I speak for many UGC creators. The group responsible has exploited tens of UGC creators in theexact same way, and despite reports and clear evidence of theft nothing has been done.
Until decisive action is taken, the message being sent by Roblox is that theft is tolerated, and honest creators are on their own.
Can I add that I urge any other affected creators on Roblox to comment below with your story. I don’t intend for this post to fall on deaf ears.
Roblox complying with counter-claims is completely normal. You now have to take the group to court as they claim that the asset is theirs, as asset copyright is not Roblox’ responsibility to determine.
You can also just make up information and use it in the counter claim. Nothing is properly verified. Bad actors are routinely using false information to hide from legal accountability
Yes but that’s not Roblox’ responsibility. How do you even want Roblox to find out their real address?
Make a complaint against ‘X’ or something, it will be the court/law enforcement’s job to find the person.
I think you’re missing the point entirely.
Whether or not you want to argue the fine print of Roblox’s responsibility under DMCA, the reality is simple: my work was stolen, re-uploaded, and then protected by a false counter-claim.
When creators can’t rely on Roblox to stop stolen content from being reinstated, and when those same stolen copies are actively recommended under our original items, it doesn’t matter what “should” or “shouldnt” be roblox’s responsibility. The end result is that creators are left exposed and exploiters are rewarded.
If you don’t have anything constructive to add in support of addressing asset theft, whether it’s sharing your own experience, proposing solutions, or engaging with the issue itself, then I’d kindly and with the utmost respect ask you not to respond further. This thread is for creators who are being affected and for pushing toward a fix, not for dismissing the problem.
I’m not dismissing the problem – you just seem to have no idea how copyright laws and law enforcement in general works.
As per your wishes, I won’t answer further.
I find it discouraging that this platform opens the door so wide to asset thieves – not only all models and textures can be easily downloaded and copied, but there are also simple ways to avoid any consequences. On other platforms (like CGTrader, for example), DMCA agents adjudicate many cases, and only the truly controversial ones go to court (and not just that, if CGTrader DMCA agents find strong evidence of theft, they will ban the account.). Sometimes it’s really obvious who stole from whom, and it doesn’t take a court hearing to determine it., but it’s easier to just press the delete and restore buttons without analyzing anything.
Can I ask what the solution would be? Or, what you’d prefer?
Roblox is likely to direct you to the Rights Manager and laws they’re restricted by. Not that that makes it good. My assumption is that Roblox eventually does this protection automatically with AI in their system.
I mean to stress nuance and solution-oriented thinking. Note: I do see the feature request above, but it’s a whole novel long and it’s specific to your issue.
same issue with me , counter notices are being accepted without any proper check up on verifying if the address is real , same happens to 2D clothing designers
Thanks for sharing. It’s so disheartening as creators that we pour hours into our original ideas and not only are we taxed through the nose, thieves are allowed to thrive on the backs of our hard work.
This is a legal matter, PII is required)
