• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

"Notice of Claim of Copyright Infringement"

LittleNemoNES

Diamond Member
Ouch,

I just got sent an email from comcast about my IP being used for Copyright infringement.
what happened is that they said I downloaded Medal of Honor: Airborne (WTF?)

It turns out my 16 yr old bro and his friend, who spent the weekend over, downloaded this game and some other shiz and I got served this warning.

Should I be concerned?

Title: Medal of Honor

Infringement Source: BitTorrent
Infringement Timestamp: 27 Jan 2008 04:53:36 GMT
Infringement Last Documented: 27 Jan 2008 04:53:36 GMT
Infringer Username:
Infringing Filename: Medal of honor Airborne [PC-DVD] [Multi9] [www.topetorrent.com]
Infringing Filesize: 7992004634
Infringer IP Address: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
Infringer DNS Name: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxcomcast.net
Infringing URL: http://vip.tracker.thepiratebay.org/announce
 
Yes. Be VERY worried.

Your next letter will probably be a demand letter for $2500 from whatever RIAA-type of group handles this section of theft.
 
Wow, they actually do that?

Shit, better stop downloadin the pron.

Anyone know how they catch you? Is it certain sites or something?
 
Originally posted by: oynaz
Well, if you own the game it is not an infringement.

Yes, it is, because by nature of it being a torrent, the file was also uploaded.

I wouldn't worry too much, OP, just make sure it doesn't happen again. And start running PeerGuardian as well, just in case.
 
I have to admit I almost shit my pants when I saw the letter.
It doesn't, however ask for any action on my part.
That said, I DID delete any and all traces of bittorrent and the game (eww...MoH:A is a terrible game...)

Kinda funny that of all things I could get in trouble for it was for such a mediocre game.
I bet sales suck and the publisher won't admit that it has anything to do with the game being blah.
 
If you are really worried, and you have a wireless router, just tell them that you had unrestricted access to your wireless (for "troubleshooting") over the weekend. It worked against the RIAA, as I recall. 😉
 
Originally posted by: Rage187
Originally posted by: mh47g
Peerguardian FTW


absolutely

Yes PeerGuardian keeps your computer from uploading to any suspect IP addresses. Downloading isn't what gets you in trouble, it's uploading. If you have uploaded to the wrong address they have all the proof they need.
 
Originally posted by: child of wonder
It's when the game/movie/song is finished downloading and begins seeding (uploading) when you get in trouble.

Uhhh no.

The second you load the torrent file, if requested you will upload parts of whatever has downloaded so far to other users. It does not begin after you're finished downloading.
 
My roommate got one of those over a month ago. It was a DMCA letter from Charter Communications on behalf of the ESA. It's just a warning. It just said to delete the offending data and make sure it is no longer being shared, else further action may be taken.

His was for some Oblivion add-on, which is funny cause it was just that little one, he already owns the major expansion (Knights of the Nine I think it is?). And turns out it wasn't even completed downloading. haha

When using BitTorrent, as soon as you have even a little bit of data, you could potentially be uploading that to someone else. So no, waiting till it's 100% complete then stopping it doesn't avoid it. It's not like Limewire or other p2p programs, and you shouldn't do that anyway (quit before sufficient seeding). Pretty much anytime you use BT you are susceptible. They still only go after the uploaders, but with BT, obviously that is everyone on the torrent.

And ip filters like the uTorrent ipfilter, Azureus plugin, and PeerGuardian don't make you immune. It'll prevent you from connecting to them and uploading, which is good, but even though those lists are updated fairly often and if you updated them constantly, it's still possible for new or unknown ip ranges of anti-piracy orgs to get through. Really it just lowers your chances of getting caught.

When you pirate, you risk getting caught, so don't be too surprised. I'm sure the RIAA, MPAA, ESA, and others are having a way easier time catching people with the popularity of BT. I mean just connect to a popular torrent and check the IPs of people tranferring to you and you'll get dozens pretty easily. People who jump on those massive torrents of the latest movie... damn, that is like playing with fire.

edit: The Charter letter noted that even if it wasn't you who did it, that you the account holder are responsible for everything that happens over your connection. So keep that in mind for anyone of you who share the connection in your name with roommates who use BT. I also think it means that "someone hacked my wireless/used without permission" is not a valid defense, at least for the Charter terms of agreement.
 
Back
Top