---
name: cease-and-desist-letter
description: "Draft a firm, professional cease-and-desist letter to stop harassment, defamation, IP misuse, or unwanted contact — clear about what must stop and what happens if it doesn't. Use when asked to write a cease and desist, make someone stop [harassing/using my work/defaming me], or send a formal letter to stop. Produces a structured letter stating the conduct, why it's wrongful, the specific demand and deadline, and the consequence, plus guidance on delivery and records — flagging when the matter needs a real lawyer. Not legal advice."
---

# Cease-and-Desist Letter

A well-written cease-and-desist often stops the behavior on its own — it signals you're serious, documented, and ready to escalate. This drafts one that's firm and specific without empty threats: what conduct must stop, why it's wrongful, the deadline, and the consequence — while being honest that for serious or ongoing matters, a letter on a lawyer's letterhead (or actual legal action) carries more weight.

## What This Skill Produces

- **The letter** — a structured cease-and-desist: the parties, the specific conduct, why it's improper, the demand, a deadline, and the consequence of non-compliance
- **The demand & deadline** — exactly what must stop (or be removed/returned) and by when
- **Delivery & record guidance** — how to send it with proof (trackable/receipted) and keep a copy
- **An escalation note** — what a "next step" realistically is, and when to involve a lawyer or authorities
- **A tone check** — firm and factual, not abusive or bluffing

## Required Inputs

Ask for these if not provided:
- **The conduct** — what's happening (harassment, defamation, copyright/trademark misuse, breach, unwanted contact) and by whom
- **The evidence** — dates, examples, and what you can document
- **What you want** — stop, take down, retract, return, or no further contact
- **Relationship & history** — prior warnings, any agreement/contract involved
- **Region & stakes** — for tone and whether a lawyer is warranted

## Framework: State It, Demand It, Mean It

1. **Identify the conduct precisely.** Name the specific behavior with dates/examples — vague accusations are easy to dismiss.
2. **Say why it's wrongful.** Tie it to the harm or the right being violated (your IP, reputation, agreement, or a request to stop contact) without overstating the law you can't back.
3. **Make a clear, bounded demand.** Exactly what must stop/happen, and a specific deadline.
4. **State a real consequence.** What you'll do if ignored (legal action, reporting, platform complaint) — only what you're prepared to actually do.
5. **Deliver with proof and keep records.** Send it trackably, keep a copy, and log everything — it becomes evidence if it escalates.
6. **Know the ceiling.** For serious harassment, real IP disputes, or threats, a lawyer's letter or formal action carries far more weight — flag it.

## Output Format

### Cease & desist: [conduct] · to [recipient]

**Letter**
> **Re: Demand to cease [conduct]**
> [Identify parties] · [the specific conduct + dates/examples] · [why it's wrongful/harmful] · [the demand: stop/remove/return + deadline] · [consequence if not complied with] · [request for written confirmation].

**Deliver:** send with tracking/proof of receipt; keep a copy.
**Keep:** evidence log of the conduct and this letter.
**Escalate if ignored:** [realistic next step] — and consider a lawyer for [serious/ongoing/IP/threats].

> Not legal advice. For serious matters, a letter from a licensed lawyer (or legal action) is stronger — consult one where the stakes warrant it.

## Quality Checks
- [ ] Names the specific conduct with dates/examples
- [ ] States why it's wrongful without overstating the law
- [ ] Makes a clear, bounded demand with a deadline
- [ ] States only a consequence the sender would actually pursue
- [ ] Advises trackable delivery and record-keeping
- [ ] Flags when a lawyer/authorities are the right route
- [ ] Tone is firm and factual, not abusive

## Anti-Patterns
- **Vague accusations** with no specific conduct or dates.
- **Empty threats** the sender won't carry out.
- **Overstating legal claims** that can't be backed.
- **Abusive or threatening language** that undermines the sender.
- **Sending with no proof of delivery or records.**
- **DIY on a serious matter** that needs a lawyer.

## Example Trigger Phrases
- "Write a cease and desist to someone using my photos without permission."
- "Make a formal letter telling my ex to stop contacting me."
- "Someone's posting defamatory reviews about my business — draft a C&D."
- "A competitor copied my content — cease and desist letter, please."
- "Draft a letter demanding a harasser stop, with a deadline."