Producers of the blockbuster “London Has Fallen” targeted file-sharers with settlement demands after a high quality Blu-Ray rip of the movie appeared on the Internet prior to the official release. Within a week, hundreds of thousands of users have pirated the movie, and the studios decided to compensate the potential revenue loss by filing lawsuits against more than 1,000 people. So far, the cases are being filed against “does” who are only known by their IP-address. After the ISPs disclose their personal details, the accused users will get a settlement offer, which can be up to several thousands dollars.

Aside from the lawsuits, the producers have started sending automated settlement demands as part of a DMCA notice to American Internet users offering them to bypass the courts. Some ISPs voluntarily forward these notices to the account holders associated with the file-sharing IP-addresses.

The notices list the evidence and warn that the subscribers could face a potential lawsuit. They further offer a way out by settling the case and paying $300 within a hard deadline that expires after a few days. If the company doesn’t receive a response within the prescribed time period, it refers the matter to attorneys for legal action. In this case, the original settlement offer will no longer be an option. Those infringers who agree to settle receive the link directing them to the settlement page where their dues can be paid directly through a credit or debit card.

Nevertheless, thousands of people continue to share “London Has Fallen”, so there is enough potential for more lawsuits and automated fines out there.

Thanks to TorrentFreak for providing the source of the article.