What has Strike 3 Filed?
Plaintiff Strike 3 Holdings has filed 27 new Federal lawsuits in the Connecticut (6 cases), Maryland (12 cases), Washington DC (3 cases), and Virginia (6 cases). This is part of a nationwide blitz of almost 500 cases since the new year. Normally, handling so many lawsuits across so many states at once would be a daunting task, but it’s standard practice for Strike 3. Each lawsuit is nearly identical, usually filed by Attorney Jacqueline James (DC, Virginia, and Connecticut), Attorney Dawn Sciarrino (Virginia), or Attorney Jessica Fernandez (Maryland), and alleges that an investigator recorded an IP address infringing on Strike 3’s copyrights by downloading Vixen, Tushy, or Blacked films through BitTorrent networks. Strike 3 then asks the court to grant a subpoena for the name of the internet account holder behind the IP address.
Motions to Quash
When an internet service provider, such as Verizon Fios, Comcast, or Cox Communications receives the subpoena, they’re obligated to alert the subscriber. This is when most people find out about the lawsuit and the need to file a Motion to Quash to challenge the subpoena.
If you’re considering a Motion to Quash, please contact me. I’ve defended over 1,000 people against plaintiffs like Strike 3 Holdings, and have significant experience with Motions to Quash. I can help explain when they can be helpful, and when they could be potentially harmful.
What Should I Do?
Although Strike 3 files thousands of lawsuits every year, they take each one seriously, and the consequences can be significant. If not defended against, these lawsuits can have damages of at least $750 per infringement, but the Plaintiff can ask for more. This can make a typical Strike 3 Holdings case worth $10,000s, if not $100,000s in damages. These cases shouldn’t be ignored. Recently in New York, Strike 3 Holdings won a $108,750 default judgment against a defendant who did not defend themselves in court.
The Plaintiff is often willing to settle or even dismiss the case when a defendant has an adequate defense. That’s why it’s so important to contact an experienced attorney immediately. I can provide valuable information based on my years of experience. If you contact my office, you’ll be speaking with me directly. I strive to make sure that everyone who contacts me is informed, and understands their situation and all of the options available to them.
I can explain to you your options for defense, and recommend the best way forward for your situation. I’ve represented more than 1,000 people across the country, and I focus my practice on defending against BitTorrent-based lawsuits. I work with a team of lawyers to make sure that I can represent you, no matter where you are. I’m very familiar with this Plaintiff, and I can give you individualized guidance for your case.
I have years 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.; I also fought Malibu Media (i.e., the Plaintiff Strike 3 Holdings based their strategy on) in their first trial. I’ve represented over 1,000 defendants in both settling and litigating file-sharing lawsuits. I’ve written a subpoena defense guide for your information, as well. I’m happy to represent clients for both negotiating a settlement and fighting the case in court.
I understand most people haven’t prepared for large, unexpected legal expenses and strive to respect clients’ time and money. I offer flat fees for negotiating settlements to give my clients certainty. I’ve also represented lower income clients both in negotiations and in court, and will do my best to work within your means. I’m happy to speak with you to help advise you on what strategy is best in your situation.
I look forward to speaking with you and helping you put this matter behind you.
Yours,
Leonard French