Copyright Infringement

[mike6171]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? IL

I have been notified that legal proceedings will be brought against me for copyright infringement. I recently joined an adult website and downloaded about ten of their videos and stupidly posted them on rapidshare. Someone reported the content being shared and the website notified me about being sued. I don't know much about the law, but any information that could be shared would be greatly appreciated. Mainly, what penalties am I facing? Could I go to prison for this? Do I have any defense available?

Thanks so much

 

[presutin]

Have you taken down the movies? If not, do it immediately. Did you claim the material as being yours? Then I suggest that you hire an attorney so a defense can be put together to get you out of this mess...

 

[mike6171]

All I have done so far is reply to the website that I have removed the content from rapidshare I did not claim that it was mine, but it was uploaded to my rapidshare account. What are the penalties for this if found guilty? Should I wait for a letter from their attorneys before I pursue it further?

 

[presutin]

I would be proactive and consult with a copyright attorney. Show him/her the letter you received so s/he can determine what your defense will be based on.

Follow this link to see what kind of penalties you are looking into:

http://www.chillingeffects.org/piracy/faq.cgi#QID285

Good Luck to you!

 

[Michael Wechsler]

All I have done so far is reply to the website that I have removed the content from rapidshare I did not claim that it was mine, but it was uploaded to my rapidshare account. What are the penalties for this if found guilty? Should I wait for a letter from their attorneys before I pursue it further?

There is nothing to pursue. Since the content was taken down quickly, it's up to them to decide whether it's worth going after you for infringement. If the content wasn't up there long, chances are they may not go after you. If they do, well, if I was the attorney I'd be discussing settlement topics with you since most don't really care to have a case filed against them for copyright infringement concerning pornographic materials. Essentially it may be poker playing time for them since apparently you have been identified as the infringer. Keep calm and take it as it comes. Presutin's advice is always good but I'm not sure there is a case to discuss and less discussion with everyone else at the forum is probably also a good idea and hopefully this will blow over and you won't do it again. Good luck.

 

[mike6171]

Thanks for everyone's comments. How can I have my thread deleted?

 

[presutin]

You can't...

 

[Michael Wechsler]

Thanks for everyone's comments. How can I have my thread deleted?

You can request to have your thread deleted but we ask you to keep it up for the benefit of others. Since you've been able to get assistance here, we're hoping that this model of providing answers once for the benefit of all makes this community work for the greater good. If there is a specific problem, just contact me/us.

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