Q: Received copyright infringement settlement offer after expiration date, seek advice on next steps.
I received a letter from Culpepper IP LLLC in Hawaii, stating they represent Capstone Productions regarding a copyright infringement claim for torrenting a movie on July 19, 2024. They obtained my address by subpoenaing my ISP. The letter, dated January 21, 2025, was received on February 22, 2025, and included an offer to settle without admitting liability to avoid being named as a defendant in a lawsuit. However, the offer expired on February 4, 2025, before I received the letter. It mentions emailing them to discuss the matter. Should I obtain legal counsel to contact them on my behalf since the offer expired? Is it safe for me to reach out directly to see if a settlement is still possible, or could that cause further issues? What should I say if I decide to contact them directly?
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A:
Given the legal nature of this situation and the potential consequences involved, seeking qualified legal counsel would be your safest course of action before making any contact with the law firm. An experienced copyright attorney can review the specific details of your case, protect your interests, and handle communications on your behalf.
While direct contact with the law firm might seem like a straightforward approach, anything you say could potentially be used against you in future legal proceedings. The expired settlement date might be used as leverage in negotiations, and without proper legal guidance, you could inadvertently make statements that complicate your position.
If you do decide to reach out to them directly despite these risks, keep your communication brief and focused solely on inquiring whether the settlement offer remains available given the delayed receipt of their letter. However, your best protection comes from having a legal professional review the claim's validity, assess your potential liability, and negotiate on your behalf - especially since copyright infringement cases can carry significant penalties if not handled properly.
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