Protect Your Privacy and Resolve Your Case Quickly with Experienced Federal Copyright Defense Attorneys
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Antonelli Law primarily defends individuals accused of downloading copyrighted content through file-sharing programs.
Since 2010, we’ve represented over 5,000 clients nationwide, including 50+ copyright plaintiffs, and have handled over 2,000 Strike 3 Holdings cases. We understand the panic and fear you’re experiencing, and we know how to manage this.
Right now, the plaintiff only knows an IP address. Once your ISP releases your name, settlement costs may increase significantly and your options narrow. Act while you’re still anonymous.
A subpoena from your ISP isn’t just a warning: it’s the first step in a federal copyright lawsuit that carries serious consequences if ignored or mishandled.
Copyright law allows statutory damages ranging from $750 to $30,000 per infringed work. For willful infringement, that range increases to $150,000 per work. Even a single movie can trigger five-figure liability. Multiple titles multiply that exposure quickly.
If you ignore a court summons after your identity is released, the plaintiff can obtain a default judgment. This becomes a permanent public record and is enforceable like any court judgment: wage garnishment, bank levies, property liens.
Federal lawsuits are public record. Your name, address, and the allegations become searchable online. For professionals in education, healthcare, law, or government, this exposure can threaten licensure, employment, and reputation.
You typically have 30 days or less from receiving the ISP notice to act while your identity remains protected. After that deadline, your ISP releases your information to the plaintiff’s attorneys. Once identified, settlement amounts increase, negotiating leverage decreases, and anonymity is lost.
Schedule Your Free, Confidential Consultation – Call (312) 201-8310
Not all attorneys are equipped to handle federal BitTorrent copyright cases. These cases exist at the intersection of copyright law, digital forensics, federal procedure, and plaintiff-specific litigation patterns. Choosing an attorney without the right background can result in higher settlement costs, lost anonymity, or missed defense opportunities. Here’s what actually matters:
| Critical Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Federal Copyright Experience | These are federal cases, not state court matters. General litigation experience doesn’t translate; you need someone who understands copyright law, DMCA subpoenas, and BitTorrent forensics. |
| Volume with These Specific Plaintiffs | Strike 3 Holdings negotiates differently from Malibu Media. Each plaintiff has patterns, weaknesses, and settlement ranges. Volume creates pattern recognition. |
| Anonymous Settlement Process | Your strongest position is when you’re anonymous. Attorneys unfamiliar with this process may inadvertently expose your identity or miss the negotiation window. |
| Litigation Credibility | Even if you plan to settle, your attorney’s willingness and ability to go to trial creates negotiating leverage. Plaintiffs offer better terms to attorneys they know will fight. |
| Flat Fee Structure | Hourly billing creates uncertainty and financial anxiety during an already stressful situation. Flat fees provide cost certainty from day one. |
| Availability Nationwide | Federal practice allows attorneys to appear in any federal court. You don’t need a “local lawyer”; you need niche expertise regardless of location. |
Schedule Your Free, Confidential Consultation – Call (312) 201-8310
We’ve perfected anonymous settlement for over 5,000+ clients. We negotiate using your IP address as an identifier and sign agreements as your agent; your name never appears in settlement documents. In 15 years, we’ve never seen movie companies share client information to trigger additional lawsuits. Your professional reputation remains completely protected. Most clients resolve within 2-3 weeks with flat fee pricing.
We’ve represented over 5,000 clients in federal BitTorrent copyright cases since 2010, including 2,000+ Strike 3 Holdings cases. This volume creates pattern recognition across every scenario—we know how each plaintiff operates, what they’ll negotiate, and where their weaknesses lie. Your case isn’t our learning curve; it’s part of a massive experience base that informs strategy from consultation to resolution.
We focus primarily on defending BitTorrent copyright cases, not divorces, DUIs, or general litigation. Most local attorneys have never handled a federal copyright case and will research on your dime. We already know the plaintiffs, understand the technology, and have established relationships with opposing counsel. Our focus means faster resolution, better outcomes, and no time wasted learning basics.
Our federal litigation experience since 2005 creates real negotiating power. Plaintiffs know we’re not afraid of a trial. We have courtroom skills to challenge their evidence, cross-examine experts, and identify fatal flaws. This credibility translates directly into lower settlement amounts because opposing counsel knows we’re prepared to fight if the terms aren’t reasonable. Our litigation background is your negotiating advantage.
Schedule Your Free, Confidential Consultation – Call (312) 201-8310
The process begins when a copyright holder identifies an IP address allegedly downloading their content via BitTorrent. They file a federal lawsuit against “John Doe” and request a subpoena to force your ISP to release the name and address associated with that IP address. Your ISP sends you the notice; this is your window to act while you’re still anonymous to the plaintiff.
| Timeline Stage | Your Status | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1-30 | Anonymous to plaintiff | ISP notice received; you have time to hire an attorney and negotiate anonymously |
| Day 30+ | ISP releases your info | Plaintiff receives your name and address from the ISP |
| Post-Release | Plaintiff decides next step | Case may be dismissed OR you may be served with a summons |
| If Served | Formal defendant | Options narrow; settlement costs increase; 21 days to respond |
You typically have 30 days or less from receiving the notice to decide your approach. During this window, your identity remains protected. Once this deadline passes, your ISP releases your information to the plaintiff’s attorneys. From there, the plaintiff decides whether to dismiss your case or file an amended complaint with your real name and serve you with a summons.
Schedule Your Free, Confidential Consultation – Call (312) 201-8310
From your first call through final resolution, you’ll have a clear path forward.
Step 01
We review your case number, identify plaintiff patterns, and explain all options.
Honest assessment of pros/cons for each strategy.
Step 02
We contact the plaintiff’s attorneys upon hiring.
Your anonymity is protected; we become your buffer.
Step 03
Execute your chosen strategy with no direct contact required from you.
All communication is handled by us.
Step 04
Execute your chosen strategy with no direct contact required from you. All communication is handled by us.
Peace of mind; case resolved (typically 2-3 weeks).
Schedule Your Free, Confidential Consultation – Call (312) 201-8310
Key points to protect your position and avoid mistakes that can increase risk or settlement pressure.
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These cases occur exclusively in federal court, where electronic filing has been standard for nearly two decades, and post-COVID proceedings typically happen via Zoom or telephone. We’re admitted to federal courts across the country and can represent you regardless of where you live. The misconception that you need a “local lawyer” doesn’t apply to federal copyright cases. Federal practice is inherently national.
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If you delete allegedly downloaded content from your devices, it can make penalties worse and appear as an admission of guilt. Leave everything as-is and consult with us before taking any action.
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If you receive paperwork from the plaintiff requesting your signature, don’t sign it until you’ve consulted with an attorney representing your interests who can explain the implications.
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Your strongest negotiating position exists while you’re still anonymous. The longer you wait, the fewer options you have. If you’re served with a summons, settlement demands increase significantly, and your timeframe for response shrinks to 21 days.
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Everything you discuss during your consultation with us is completely confidential and covered by attorney-client privilege, even if you don’t hire us. You can speak freely about your situation.
Yes. We settle cases using your IP address as the identifier, exactly as the court does in the original lawsuit. Only one person was assigned that IP address on the specific date and time listed, making it a valid identifier. We sign settlement agreements as your agent and attorney, protecting your anonymity throughout.
Your ISP will release your information to the plaintiff’s attorneys. From there, they may dismiss your case, or they may file an amended complaint with your real name and serve you with a summons. We have not identified a clear pattern for why some cases are dismissed while others proceed. If you’re served with a summons, your options narrow, your negotiating power decreases, and potential settlement amounts increase significantly. You should never ignore a court summons; doing so can result in a default judgment against you.
Yes. Copyright infringement is a federal matter, so we can represent you anywhere in the United States. We’re admitted to federal courts nationwide and have represented clients from Hawaii to New York. Most local attorneys have no background in federal copyright cases—our experience benefits you regardless of your location.
Most clients who choose to settle resolve their cases within 2-3 weeks of hiring us. Nearly 100% of our clients resolve without going to court.