August 2026 Enforcement Report

Digital enforcement across YouTube, Google Search, Instagram, Spotify, Google Photos, and Telegram.

The digital enforcement landscape continues to demand agility and precision. As infringement tactics evolve, rights holders must rely on partners who understand both the legal frameworks and the unique mechanics of each platform. Throughout August 2026, Pellonia's enforcement team delivered decisive results across a broad spectrum of platforms, from video-sharing giants and streaming services to social media, cloud storage, and messaging applications.

This report highlights a selection of representative enforcement actions undertaken during the month, organized by the platforms where infringement was detected and removed, illustrating the comprehensive scope of our work and our ability to deliver tailored solutions across the digital ecosystem.

YouTube Enforcement: Multi-Client Actions and Counter-Notification Defense

As the world's largest video platform, YouTube remains a primary battleground for intellectual property enforcement. Its massive scale makes it a prime destination for unauthorized uploads, where infringing content can quickly accumulate millions of views, diverting revenue and undermining official releases.

Throughout August 2026, Pellonia executed a substantial number of copyright takedowns on YouTube for multiple clients, with notable actions including:

Taraneh Records

We represented this prominent Persian music label in a comprehensive enforcement campaign targeting unauthorized uploads of their catalog. We identified and removed numerous infringing videos, including full-album uploads, and lyric videos that had been captured and re-uploaded without permission. These infringing videos competed directly with the label's official content, fragmenting their audience and channeling ad revenue to bad actors.

In the music space, enforcement requires a nuanced understanding of the fine line between fair use and actual infringement. Fair use protections typically allow limited use of copyrighted material for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research, but these exceptions are narrowly construed and depend heavily on factors such as the purpose of use, the nature of the work, the amount used, and the effect on the potential market.

While we aggressively pursue unauthorized uploads of our clients' music, we also recognize that not every use constitutes infringement, cover songs, for instance, are generally permissible under compulsory licensing frameworks, and we do not target legitimate cover performances that comply with applicable licensing requirements. Our approach carefully distinguishes between bona fide fair use, properly licensed covers, and outright piracy, ensuring that our enforcement actions are legally sound and appropriately targeted.

PT Digital

Our client PT Digital specializes in cosmetic video tutorials and medical education content related to skincare, acne treatment, and aesthetic procedures. This month, we faced a unique challenge: after we submitted DMCA takedown requests for unauthorized uploads of PT Digital's content, several infringers filed counter-notifications claiming their use was non-infringing or that the takedowns were submitted in error.

Our team rose to the challenge, preparing and submitting robust counter-responses with additional evidence and legal arguments to uphold the original takedowns. We engaged directly with YouTube's legal team to ensure the counter-notifications were properly reviewed and rejected where infringement was clear.

Andropay

We also took action for Andropay, a digital service platform with a significant social media presence, which provides services for earning income from YouTube, monetizing YouTube revenue, and offering YouTube education and consulting. We identified and removed unauthorized uploads of Andropay's video content, including tutorials and promotional videos that had been re-uploaded without permission and were competing directly with the brand's official channel.

Multiple infringing videos featuring copyrighted music, educational content, and brand assets were removed from YouTube, with counter-notifications successfully defended. Restored exclusivity was restored to rights holders, protecting their streaming revenue and brand integrity.

YouTube enforcement requires ongoing vigilance. Pellonia provides comprehensive services including repeat infringer monitoring and Content ID strategy to ensure lasting protection.

Google Search De-Indexing: Removing Infringing Links from Search Results

Beyond the content-hosting platforms themselves, search engines play a critical role in directing users to infringing material. Even when content is hosted on third-party websites, its visibility in search results can drive significant traffic and revenue to infringers.

This month, Pellonia secured the de-indexing of multiple URLs in Google Search results for:

Taraneh Records

We identified numerous search results pointing to unauthorized copies of Taraneh Records' music on third-party websites. By submitting precise DMCA requests through Google's legal reporting system, we ensured these links were removed from search results, making infringing content effectively invisible to consumers even where host files persist.

Kenhub

For our client Kenhub, a leading provider of human anatomy resources, we identified and removed multiple Google Search results that directed users to unauthorized copies of their proprietary educational materials, including worksheets, diagrams, and study guides.

Numerous infringing URLs were de-indexed from Google Search results across both clients, significantly reducing the discoverability of unauthorized content.

Search engine de-indexing is a powerful tool in the enforcement arsenal. Pellonia ensures infringing links do not benefit from search visibility.

Instagram Enforcement: Protecting Brand Assets and Educational Content

Instagram's visual nature and massive user base make it a popular platform for sharing copyrighted images, videos, and brand assets. Infringers can quickly build audiences by reposting content that does not belong to them.

This month, Pellonia executed significant Instagram takedowns for multiple clients:

Taraneh Records

We identified and successfully removed an infringing Instagram posts that had been systematically sharing Taraneh Records' content without authorization, building a substantial audience on the label's intellectual property.

Andropay

Despite their strong brand presence, Andropay's original content, including promotional graphics, video tutorials, and marketing materials, was being systematically copied and reposted without permission. We filed verified copyright takedown requests through Instagram's official system, ensuring each claim was supported by proper documentation.

Infringing content was removed from Instagram for both clients, restoring exclusive control over their brand assets and eliminating unauthorized competition for their audience.

For brands with significant social media followings, content theft undermines authenticity and dilutes audience engagement. Pellonia provides comprehensive social media enforcement.

Spotify Takedowns: Combating Unauthorized Music Uploads

Streaming platforms represent a critical revenue stream for music labels and artists. Unauthorized uploads on services like Spotify can directly divert royalties and confuse listeners.

In August, Pellonia detected and successfully removed unauthorized uploads of Taraneh Records' music on Spotify. These infringing tracks were competing directly with the label's official releases, fragmenting their streaming audience and channeling revenue to bad actors.

Our team navigated Spotify's content protection procedures, submitting comprehensive takedown requests supported by clear ownership documentation and precise source verification.

Multiple unauthorized tracks were removed from Spotify, protecting Taraneh Records' streaming revenue and ensuring listeners were directed to official releases.

Streaming enforcement requires platform-specific expertise. Pellonia tailors its approach to each service's unique procedures.

Google Photos Takedown: Shutting Down Cloud-Based Content Sharing

Cloud storage and photo-sharing platforms have become increasingly common vectors for the unauthorized distribution of educational materials. Google Photos, in particular, is exploited to share entire courses, worksheets, and study guides through shared albums.

This month, Pellonia identified a significant infringement on Google Photos involving proprietary educational content belonging to Kenhub. An unauthorized user had created a shared album containing dozens of Kenhub's copyrighted worksheets, diagrams, and study guides, distributing them widely to students without permission.

Our team navigated Google's legal reporting procedures, submitting a precise DMCA request that clearly identified the infringing files and shared album, verified Kenhub's ownership of the copyrighted materials, and provided comprehensive documentation supporting the removal request.

The infringing content was successfully removed from Google Photos, shutting down this vector of unauthorized distribution and protecting Kenhub's exclusive educational materials.

Cloud storage platforms are a growing threat. Pellonia's enforcement capabilities extend to all major file-sharing and storage services.

Telegram Enforcement: Removing Channels and Posts Across Clients

Telegram remains one of the most persistent challenges for IP enforcement. Its architecture allows infringers to create large channels and groups where copyrighted content is shared with thousands of users almost instantly.

Throughout August, Pellonia executed takedowns on Telegram for multiple clients:

Kenhub

We identified and successfully shut down multiple Telegram channels and individual posts dedicated to the unauthorized distribution of Kenhub's educational materials. These channels had hundreds of subscribers, representing a significant threat to Kenhub's revenue and brand value. Our team meticulously documented infringing links, channel usernames, and shared files before submitting comprehensive, high-priority reports to Telegram.

Taraneh Records

We also targeted Telegram channels engaged in distributing Taraneh Records' music, ensuring that leaked and unauthorized tracks were removed from the platform.

Multiple infringing Telegram channels and individual posts were taken down for both clients, significantly reducing the flow of unauthorized content.

When your content is being shared on messaging platforms, speed is critical. Pellonia provides the rapid-response enforcement needed to protect your valuable assets.

Enforcement Results and Impact

The broad spectrum of enforcement actions carried out in August 2026 resulted in:

• Substantial YouTube takedowns across multiple clients, including successful defense against counter-notifications for PT Digital
• De-indexing of infringing Google Search results for Taraneh Records and Kenhub
• Removal of infringing Instagram content for Taraneh Records and Andropay
• Spotify takedowns protecting Taraneh Records' streaming revenue
• Google Photos content removal shutting down unauthorized distribution of Kenhub materials
• Shutdown of multiple Telegram channels and posts for Kenhub and Taraneh Records
• Significantly reduced risk of further unlawful dissemination and brand dilution for all clients

Ongoing Monitoring and Preventive Enforcement

Digital infringement is relentless. A single takedown is rarely a permanent solution, as infringers often re-upload content or create new accounts.

For all clients mentioned in this report, Pellonia provides continuous monitoring and follow-up enforcement to ensure lasting protection.

Our approach combines proactive legal strategy with deep, practical platform knowledge to deliver sustainable, long-term results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is a counter-notification on YouTube, and how do you defend against one?

A: When a video is removed via DMCA, the uploader can file a counter-notification claiming the takedown was in error. Defending against this requires additional evidence and legal arguments to uphold the original takedown. Pellonia prepares comprehensive counter-responses and engages directly with YouTube's legal team to ensure your rights are protected.

Q: Why is Google Photos a growing concern for educational content creators?

A: Google Photos allows users to create shared albums that can be distributed widely. Educators and course providers are increasingly finding their worksheets, diagrams, and study guides being shared without permission through these albums.

Q: How does enforcement on Spotify differ from YouTube?

A: Spotify's enforcement process is distinct, requiring specific documentation and engagement with their content protection teams. We tailor our approach to each platform's unique procedures.

Q: What is the value of Google Search de-indexing?

A: Even when infringing content remains hosted on third-party websites, removing it from search results makes it effectively invisible to consumers, dramatically reducing traffic and revenue to infringers.

Q: Andropay has a large following, does that make them more vulnerable to infringement?

A: Yes. Brands with significant audiences often see their content copied and reposted by accounts seeking to build their own followings or redirect engagement. Proactive enforcement is essential for protecting audience loyalty and brand authenticity.

Whether you are a music label fighting leaks, an educator protecting courses, or a brand safeguarding your social media assets, the challenges of IP protection can be overwhelming. You do not have to face them alone.

At Pellonia, we combine sharp legal expertise with practical platform knowledge to deliver swift and sustainable results at scale. From urgent, high-volume takedowns to defending against counter-notifications, our team is ready to build a tailored protection strategy for you.

Contact us today to discuss your intellectual property needs and learn how we can help secure your creative and commercial assets.