Response to Cease and Desist Letter Templates and Samples

What Is a Cease and Desist Response Letter?

A Response to Cease and Desist Letter is a document sent to the person or company that mailed you a Cease and Desist Letter containing a request to stop allegedly illegal activities – for instance, breach of copyright or trademark, plagiarizing intellectual property, libel or slander. If the sender thinks your actions somehow affect their rights and interests, you may receive such a letter – then it is time to decide how to protect yourself.

A response to a trademark Cease and Desist Letter, for example, can include your promise to refrain from using the intellectual property in the future until you and the other party resolve the issue.

Response to Cease and Desist Letter Types

1. Generic Response to Cease and Desist Letter. Tell the person or entity that sent you a Cease and Desist Letter you agree with their statements and are ready to fix your mistake - alternatively, you may say the information they provided you with is incomplete and you are going to need more time to resolve the issue or, if you believe their position is wrong, challenge their letter by stating the facts as you know them to be.
2. Sample Response to Cease and Desist Letter. You may use this template for reference when composing your own Cease and Desist Response - accept the claims made by the addressee in their message, certify you are willing to respect their rights and will immediately cease the activity they have deemed wrongful, and indicate your contact details to let the other party remain in touch with you to see the problem is dealt with properly.

Do I Need to Respond to a Cease and Desist Letter?

Although a Cease and Desist Letter may be a huge surprise for you, it is important to choose a course of action as soon as you can. Examine the letter thoroughly to assess whether the individual or entity who sent you the letter has the rights to the intellectual property you allegedly infringed, whether you are the intended recipient of the claim, whether the allegations in the letter are valid and enforceable, and what are the financial consequences of any decision you make will be. Whatever option you choose – comply with the sender’s demands, disagree with them, or offer to negotiate a mutually sustainable outcome for both parties – you should compose a letter and let the sender know your position. Even if you think the demands do not have any ground, respond anyway – establish your point of view and explain the reasons for non-compliance.

Not what you were looking for? Take a look at these similar templates:

• Cease and Desist Letter;
• Claim Letter;
• Complaint Letter.