Note: This is from my evil twin: I strongly denounce such methods - how can someone even think of this? Copy the whole files of some well-known site (eg: CNN), and create a site, say, www.mycopiedsite.info - use a different domain registrar and a different free host. Place your email prominently on your web site. Place a "suitable" address. Create another email, and send a mail to CNN (or whoever you have copied from) and tell them that www.mycopiedsite.info has copied their files and are operating a similar site. You should soon receive a mail from them, asking you to C&D. Take the site down. Let them know that you have taken it down. Assure them that you have complied. Now, .....take that C&D letter you have received - it is the result of the effort put in by expert lawyers. That is your template - make changes, and you have your own C&D letter! Again, I think doing it is evil So, don't do it, ever, especially those who are cash-strapped! Denouncing all that is evil, Me.
I have posted C&D letters on DP that I have received from major pharmaceutical companies. There is no reason to engage in copyright infringement and fraud just to see what a C&D looks like. Further, you can find them all over the Internet without needing to put out bait to get one.
Just google it, no reason to go through the possible lawsuit.. Lol. http: //www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGLJ,GGLJ:2006-32,GGLJ:en&q=cease+and+desist+template
A C&D doesn't have to be from a lawyer. It's a simple Cease and Desist letter. Some write overly complex letters but the basics are this. "I am the owner of trademark X or copyright Y. You are using my TM or Copyright without my permission and in violation of state and federal laws. I wish for you to immediately remove the offending material. You have X days to remove said items or I will pursue further legal action." That's about it. Some explain in detail the laws or exactly what is being violated but in reality...that's about all you need. C&D's don't have to be formal. You can email them or you can snail mail them. As a copyright or TM holder you are under no legal obligation to send a C&D before starting legal action...so it doesn't really matter if the person gets the C&D. In most cases though intellectual property holders simply want the offending material removed and a C&D happens to be the cheapest and usually most effective manner. Enjoy.
C&D templates are available easily - I actually posted a couple of sites just now, in response to another post. The way I mentioned is definitely convoluted - and I wasn't telling anyone to do that! Just thought of it, and decided it was funny, that is all! Obviously, people started taking it seriously Peace, brothers!