📋 Overview

You've received a demand letter related to your streaming activities - whether from a platform, sponsor, MCN, or other party. Streaming disputes are complex because they involve platform Terms of Service, sponsorship agreements, potentially multi-party contracts, and rapidly evolving industry norms. This guide will help you understand your position and respond effectively.

Platform Bans

If you've been banned from a platform, sponsors and MCNs may claim breach. Platform actions are often outside your control - a key defense.

MCN Contracts

Many MCN contracts are aggressively one-sided. California's 7-year limit on personal service contracts and unconscionability doctrine may help.

Sponsor Disputes

Streaming sponsors often expect guaranteed results, but unless you promised specific metrics, viewership variance is their business risk.

Common Streamer Platform Claims

  • Sponsor breach - Allegation you didn't deliver agreed streaming obligations
  • MCN/agency disputes - Claim you violated exclusivity or contract terms
  • Platform ban consequences - Third parties claiming damages from your ban
  • Viewership disputes - Claims your numbers were inflated or dropped
  • Exclusivity violations - Allegations you streamed on competing platforms
  • Content violations - Claims you violated sponsor brand guidelines
  • Payment disputes - Sponsors or MCNs claiming you owe money
$450
Professional Response on Letterhead

Case review, response letter addressing platform and contract issues, and strategic guidance for your situation.

Schedule Review

🔍 Evaluate the Claim

Streaming disputes often involve multiple contracts and parties. Carefully analyze which agreement applies and what it actually requires.

Risk Assessment Matrix

Claim Type Potential Exposure Risk Level
MCN Claiming Revenue Share Percentage of earnings during contract period + penalties HIGH
Sponsor Breach (Major Brand) Full sponsorship value + consequential damages HIGH
Exclusivity Violation Contract penalties + lost opportunity damages MEDIUM
Viewership Shortfall Partial refund or make-good obligation MEDIUM
Platform Ban Fallout Varies by contract - often limited if ban was unexpected MEDIUM

📄 Contract Documents

  • ✓ Signed agreement with claiming party
  • ✓ Platform Terms of Service (at signing time)
  • ✓ Campaign brief or insertion order
  • ✓ Any amendments or modifications

📝 Performance Evidence

  • ✓ VODs/clips of sponsored streams
  • ✓ Analytics/viewership data
  • ✓ Streaming schedule records
  • ✓ Communications confirming deliverables

Archive Your Content Now

If you're in a dispute, immediately archive your VODs, clips, and analytics data. Platform data can be deleted or become inaccessible. Export everything from your dashboard and save screenshots of key metrics.

🛡 Defense Strategies

Streaming disputes often involve unique defenses based on platform dynamics and the nature of content creation.

Platform Action Beyond Your Control

If you were banned, demonetized, or restricted by a platform, you couldn't control this action. Platform moderation decisions are often arbitrary and don't necessarily mean you did anything wrong. This can excuse non-performance under force majeure or impossibility doctrines.

When to use: Your ability to perform was prevented by platform action.

MCN Contract Unconscionability

Many MCN contracts are drafted to heavily favor the network, with long terms, broad exclusivity, and minimal obligations on the MCN's part. California courts can void or modify unconscionable contracts, especially those signed by young creators without legal advice.

When to use: MCN contract was extremely one-sided and you had no bargaining power.

California 7-Year Rule

California Labor Code Section 2855 limits personal service contracts to 7 years. If your MCN or exclusive streaming contract has a longer term, it may be unenforceable after 7 years. This is the same law that protects musicians and actors.

When to use: Contract term exceeds 7 years.

No Guaranteed Viewership

Unless you specifically guaranteed viewer numbers (which most experienced streamers avoid), viewership fluctuation is inherent in streaming. Algorithm changes, platform trends, and audience behavior are outside your control.

When to use: Sponsor claims viewership was lower than expected but you made no guarantees.

Claimant's Prior Breach

If the MCN didn't provide promised services, the sponsor didn't pay on time, or the platform violated its own TOS, their breach may excuse your performance. The first breaching party often loses the right to enforce the contract.

When to use: The party suing you failed their obligations first.

Weak Defenses to Avoid

  • "I didn't read the contract" - You're bound by what you signed
  • "Everyone does it" - Industry practice doesn't excuse breach
  • "The platform favors me" - Irrelevant to contract obligations
  • "I have lots of followers" - Fame doesn't create legal immunity

⚖ Response Options

Choose your response strategy based on who's making the claim and the strength of your defenses.

Challenge Contract Validity

If the contract itself is problematic (unconscionable terms, exceeded 7 years, fraud in inducement), attack the agreement's enforceability rather than just the specific claim.

  • Can void entire obligation
  • Strong in California
  • Changes negotiation dynamic

Defend on Performance

If you delivered what was agreed, respond with evidence: stream archives, analytics, schedule documentation. Complete performance is a defense to breach claims.

  • Documentation is key
  • Objective evidence helps
  • Often resolves disputes

Assert Counterclaims

If they owe you money, failed to provide services, or breached first, your own claims may exceed theirs. Counterclaims change the negotiation leverage.

  • Recovers your losses
  • Creates leverage
  • Discourages litigation

Negotiate Exit

Sometimes the best outcome is a clean break. Negotiate release from the contract in exchange for settling the current dispute. Get a mutual release.

  • Ends ongoing obligations
  • Clean slate for future
  • Avoids prolonged conflict

Our Response Services

  • 📄 Demand letter: Flat fee $450
  • ⏱️ Extended negotiation: $240/hr
  • 📊 Contingency: 33-40% for strong claims

Career Considerations

The streaming industry is interconnected. Agencies, sponsors, and platforms share information. Consider how your response affects future opportunities. Sometimes a reasonable settlement preserves relationships and reputation better than a legal victory.

📝 Sample Response Letter

Customize this response template for your situation.

Streamer Platform Claim Response Letter
Re: Response to Demand Letter - [STREAMING CHANNEL NAME] Dear [CLAIMANT NAME]: We acknowledge receipt of your letter dated [DATE] regarding [GENERAL CLAIM DESCRIPTION]. We respond as follows. [IF PERFORMANCE DEFENSE: Per our agreement dated [DATE], we were obligated to [SPECIFIC DELIVERABLES]. Our records confirm complete performance: - [NUMBER] sponsored streams completed between [DATES] - Average viewership of [NUMBER] concurrent viewers - Total hours streamed: [NUMBER] - All required sponsor mentions and disclosures made Archives of these streams remain available at [LOCATION/LINKS]. Analytics from [PLATFORM] confirm these metrics. We have fully performed our contractual obligations.] [IF PLATFORM BAN: We note that our [PLATFORM] account was [suspended/terminated] on [DATE] due to [REASON IF KNOWN]. This platform action was beyond our control and prevented further performance. Under the doctrine of impossibility and any force majeure provisions in our agreement, we are excused from performance rendered impossible by third-party action.] [IF MCN DISPUTE: We dispute the enforceability of the referenced agreement. The contract contains terms that are unconscionable under California law, including [SPECIFIC TERMS]. Additionally, California Labor Code Section 2855 limits personal service contracts to 7 years, and [EXPLAIN IF APPLICABLE]. We believe this agreement is unenforceable and reserve all rights.] [IF COUNTERCLAIM: We further note that you have failed to [PAY AGREED AMOUNTS / PROVIDE PROMISED SERVICES / MEET YOUR OBLIGATIONS] as required under our agreement. Your prior material breach excuses our performance and entitles us to damages of $[AMOUNT] for [DESCRIPTION].] We are prepared to discuss this matter in good faith, but we dispute your claims as outlined above. Sincerely, [YOUR NAME / CHANNEL NAME]

Related Resources

Influencer Response Hub Podcast Sponsorship Response Platform Dispute Response

🚀 Next Steps

Immediate actions to protect your streaming career and legal position.

Step 1: Archive Everything

Export VODs, analytics, and communications NOW before they become unavailable or are deleted.

Step 2: Review All Contracts

Gather every agreement you've signed - MCN, platform, sponsors - and read them carefully.

Step 3: Respond in Writing

Don't ignore demand letters. Send a professional written response within 30 days.

Step 4: Assess Counterclaims

Consider whether the claiming party owes you money or failed their obligations.

If Threatened with Lawsuit

  • Check jurisdiction clause - Where would the suit be filed?
  • Review arbitration provisions - Many contracts require arbitration
  • Calculate your exposure - What's the realistic maximum damage?
  • Evaluate settlement value - Sometimes settling is strategically better

Protecting Your Career

  • Keep streaming (if possible) - Don't abandon your audience during disputes
  • Avoid public drama - Social media rants can become evidence
  • Document everything - Going forward, confirm all business discussions in writing
  • Get contracts reviewed - Before signing future agreements

Protect Your Streaming Career

Platform and sponsorship disputes can derail your content creation business. Get professional help responding strategically.

Schedule Consultation - $450

Resources

  • Twitch Terms of Service: twitch.tv/legal/terms-of-service
  • YouTube Partner Terms: youtube.com/t/terms_partner_program
  • California Labor Code 2855: 7-year contract limitation
  • FTC Endorsement Guides: ftc.gov/endorsement-guides