UPDATED 7/27:
Malibu Media has filed 54 66 new federal copyright lawsuits after a three month hiatus. No, not a relaxing vacation for the largest filer of new copyright litigation in history. Rather, (allegedly) a long-brewing dispute over money became a sticking point between Malibu’s owners and their (now former) attorney, Keith Lipscomb. That dispute seems be mostly about Lipscomb’s representation and retention of client funds and makes for a good read.
With two remarkable exceptions, these new lawsuits mirror the same tactics used in the previous operation, demanding compensation for copyright infringement, not sharing or distribution, and accumulating at least a dozen infringements before suit. 31 suits were filed in the Eastern District of California and 21 in the Southern District of New York. These districts are likely the safest places to resume filing for their new firm, Pillar Law Group.
But then there’s two twelve new cases in Connecticut. These are the first two Malibu Media cases ever filed in CT, meaning that Malibu’s local counsel, Jackie James, is breaking new ground.
Defendants in the newest of these lawsuits can expect to begin receiving notices of the subpoenas from their service providers shortly, in not already. These subpoenas seek the subscribers’ names and addresses. Plaintiffs typically use the identities to pursue settlements or further litigation.
If you have received a notice in one of these cases, please don’t hesitate to call me immediately at 888.801.8681. If calling after-hours, please leave a message; I do return calls after-hours.
I have a ton of experience defending file-sharing lawsuits and can help you achieve the best outcome possible. I have defeated several copyright plaintiffs in lawsuits around the U.S. and I fought Malibu in their first trial. I’ve represented over 400 defendants in both settling and litigating Malibu Media lawsuits. I’ve written a subpoena defense guide for your information, as well.
I look forward to speaking with you and helping you put this matter behind you. Please don’t hesitate to call. 888.801.8681.
Yours,
Leonard French