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Originally Posted by Elektraman
Newbie here.
On saturday I was served with a draft writ from the BPI representing 11 major record companies. Apparently I am a serious offender because i shared some MP3's and they want......£10.5K compensation within 2 weeks or else!!!
Thing is I used Limewire to download 4000 MP3's and unwittingly had sharing switched on. BPI downloaded 3 files from my PC as "proof" of breaking the law. By the way an injunction was sought against BT to get my IP address.
There are 31 other people getting the same writ.
Help!!! Any possible defences???
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Take it easy for a start.
See a solicitor and check the wording of the letter carefully.
If they are demanding money it's possible they are breaking the law.
Civil law in Britain is a very complicated thing.
If you make an offer £1 a week say.
Only do this after legal advice,you might be admitting guilt.
Sometimes a judge will rule against the company if they press the case after you've shown willing.
The important thing to remember is it's civil action.
It's very rare to be jailed for civil action.
You can drag these things out for years and years.
I did this with the poll tax and it's still going on 15yrs later.
I agreed to pay so much a month off the arrears..
I pay one month,then leave it till I get a letter reminding me.
I then pay another month.
The gaps between the letters gets bigger and bigger.
I made the agreement six years ago.
I have made 8 payments in all and still have 192 payments to make.
Some how I thinks they'll give up before me.
You'll be surprised how the system forgets you in time.
I still have fines from 25 yrs ago outstanding.
If your payments are high pay less,at least your showing willing.
If you have children even better.
No judge is going to make you pay and leave your kids short.
They won't even cut your gas and electricity off,if you have children.
Worst case,get signed off with stress they will suspend payments.
Then never say when you go back.
There are loads and loads of ways to mess about with civil payments.
Good luck and why don't you keep us all informed.