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Intellectual Property

Apr. 24, 2026

Copyright silencing: A practitioner's framework

A copyright lawsuit over critical YouTube videos has been cited as part of a growing "copyright silencing" trend, raising concerns that infringement claims are being used to deter speech rather than protect markets.

Amanda Harris

Associate
Jassy Vick Carolan LLP

First Amendment, copyright, and general litigation

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Copyright silencing: A practitioner's framework
Shutterstock

On Dec. 19, 2025, Rapid Relief Team Ltd., the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, sued Cheryl Bawtenheimer, a former member and vocal critic of the church, for copyright infringement in the Northern District of California. Rapid Relief Team Ltd. v. Bawtenheimer, No. 4:25-cv-10864 (N.D. Cal. filed Dec. 19, 2025). The Rapid Relief Team's Complaint alleges that Bawtenheimer's YouTube videos infringe its copyright in its website and its "Cookie ...

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