BitTorrent Subpoena Defense

Individuals can join a “swarm” and download pieces of copyrighted material over time using BitTorrent or similar peer-to-peer file sharing applications. Additionally, BitTorrent subpoena defense may entail accusations of breaching a website’s terms & conditions (T&C) or terms of service (TOS), or violating state or federal computer laws (such as “hacking”).

Peer-to-peer file sharing, efficient for data distribution, exposes users to copyright infringement lawsuits. The software reveals unique identifying information like IP addresses, aiding ISPs in identification. Individuals named in BitTorrent lawsuits may be innocent bystanders, not involved in alleged infringement. They may be implicated solely because they own a house with Wi-Fi, enabling others like roommates, houseguests, or neighbors to download copyrighted material. Willful infringement can incur fines up to $150,000 per act.

Settlement demand letters from the copyright troll law firms are usually intimidating; they’re intended to raise your anxiety by mentioning the potential statutory damages, and then offer you a way out by paying a settlement that represents a fraction of the amount of the maximum statutory damages. In many cases, however, the copyright trolls don’t even hold valid copyrights, or lack some other essential element of a claim for copyright infringement. That is just one reason that you should not respond to or have any direct contact with them, or with their attorneys.

When you contact them, copyright trolls will discover your real identity and employ aggressive tactics to pressure you into settling. Your options and leverage decrease significantly once they know who you are.

Deciding to settle or fight a lawsuit should be a careful choice made after consulting with a qualified BitTorrent defense attorney who can assess your situation and advise you on the risks. At The Privacy Firm, we verify if the copyright troll holds a valid copyright registration for the material and check for any deficiencies. If deficiencies exist, the troll may not be entitled to receive anything from you.

If you choose to settle, we can help you negotiate a much lower amount and often maintain anonymity. At The Privacy Firm, we exclusively defend BitTorrent and copyright troll lawsuits, ensuring your identity and information remain confidential. You can trust us because we don’t work for the copyright trolls.

Because we handle these cases routinely, we are able to provide you with first-class representation for a reasonable flat fee, which represents a substantial discount from the hourly rates charged by most law firms. Call us or email us today to find out how we can help you.

You may receive a notice from your Internet Service Provider, or ISP (e.g., Cablevision, Charter Communications, Comcast, Cox, Verizon DSL/FiOS, WOW! Cable Internet & Phone) that they received a subpoena demanding that they release your name and address. If you do nothing, your ISP will release your name and address to the plaintiff’s attorneys on the indicated date. The plaintiff and its attorney may then sue you directly for copyright infringement or allege a breach of the website’s terms of service or hacking into their computers. To safeguard your rights, contact a qualified ISP subpoena defense attorney immediately. Don’t assume your ISP will act on your behalf—they won’t!

Don’t wait until you’re personally named in a lawsuit. The plaintiff’s attorney may start emailing and calling your house or place of business with recorded accusations of illegal downloading of pornographic or other illicit copyrighted materials.

At The Privacy Firm, we solely defend ISP subpoenas – we don’t issue them. When you speak with one of our attorneys or staff, rest assured that your identity and information remain strictly confidential. You can trust us because we don’t work for the copyright trolls. Handling these cases routinely, we offer a first-class defense at a reasonable flat fee, a substantial discount from typical law firms’ hourly rates. Contact us today via call or email to discover how we can assist you.

If you have received a notice from your ISP or a summons and complaint naming you in a federal court copyright infringement lawsuit involving a BitTorrent, you may feel confused. It’s crucial that you consult with an attorney who knows this area of law so that you can preserve your rights and decide the best course of action for you based on your individual circumstances.

Settling through an attorney not only provides peace of mind but also allows for anonymous settlement and ensures a profit for the plaintiff. Failure to settle may result in the need to appear in court and the potential for substantial liability. By not settling, the plaintiff must prove its case in court, which may or may not be feasible. IGNORING A SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT COULD LEAD TO A SUBSTANTIAL DEFAULT JUDGMENT AGAINST YOU. For effective protection, consider BitTorrent Subpoena Defense.