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FAQ
Do not take action based on any information obtained from copyrightsettlements.com and/or Copyright Enforcement Group (CEG) without first consulting with your own attorney.
To view answers to frequently asked questions please select one of the two infringement categories listed below.For cases starting with the prefix "P" eg. P12345 or starting with a digit eg. 12345 please select Peer-to-Peer Infringement.
For cases starting with the prefix "I" eg. I123345 please select Website Infringement.
Peer-to-Peer Infringement FAQ
Q: What is CopyrightSettlements.com and who is Copyright Enforcement Group (CEG)?A: CopyrightSettlements.com is the settlement portal for the Copyright Enforcement Group ("CEG"). CEG provides first-in-class copyright protection, offering comprehensive anti-piracy solutions and in-depth business intelligence to copyright owners worldwide. Cutting edge technology enables us to track, monetize, and analyze all forms of copyrighted content - audio, video, image, text, video games and software - across multiple Peer-to-Peer protocols (P2P) and websites. CopyrightSettlements.com offers infringers a myriad of options when compared to other intellectual property protection companies.
Q: Why me, why did I receive a notice?
A: You received a notice because a copyright infringement involving your Internet Service Provider (ISP) account was detected for one or more of the copyrights that we represent.
Q: What are the benefits of settling?
A: CopyrightSettlements.com offers infringers a myriad of options when compared to other intellectual property protection companies.
|
Feature |
CEG |
Others |
|
Small one-time settlement |
Yes |
No |
|
Option to purchase a physical copy (DVD, CD, Book, Image) of the title that was infringed upon for an additional fee - option varies by copyright owner |
Yes |
No |
|
Option to purchase a digital copy (MPEG, MP3, PDF, JPEG) of the title that was infringed upon for an additional fee - option varies by copyright owner |
Yes |
No |
|
Remain anonymous and protect your privacy |
Yes |
No |
|
Instantaneously receive a full & unconditional release of liability after settling |
Yes |
No |
|
Avoid the expense of litigation |
Yes |
No |
|
Avoid paying attorney's fees and court costs |
Yes |
No |
|
Avoid civil damages that could total up to either $30,000 per infringement, or $150,000 per willful infringement, plus plaintiff's attorney's fees |
Yes |
No |
|
Avoid Internet Service Provider (ISP) or website host disconnection |
Yes |
No |
|
Settle online, by mail or via phone |
Yes |
No |
Note: Settlement options vary based on title, copyright owner, and availability. Individual copyright owners may not participate in all settlement programs.
Q: Will I remain anonymous and will my privacy be protected if I settle?
A: Your personal information will be kept confidential if the matter is settled prior to the filing of a lawsuit. However, once a lawsuit is filed the information contained in the pleadings may become a matter of public record.
Q: Has my privacy been violated?
A: No. A copyright infringement was detected over the public Internet or a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Network involving your Internet connection.
Q: I haven't infringed on a copyright, why did I receive a notice?
A: If you are unfamiliar with the copyright protected file or content, we normally find that the infringement was the result of a spouse, child, roommate, employee, or business associate uploading, downloading or otherwise sharing or displaying the copyright protected material over your Internet connection. Infringements can also result from an unsecured wireless network. In any of these scenarios the Internet Service Provider (ISP) account holder is/or may be legally responsible for the infringement(s) and settlement(s). To better protect yourself in the future we suggest visiting our Education & Resources page, and you should consult with your own attorney.
Q: I can't find the file on my computer; do I still have to settle?
A: If you cannot locate the file on your computer, someone with access to your computer may have deleted it or the infringement could be the result of a spouse, child, roommate, employee, or business associate uploading, downloading or otherwise sharing the copyright protected material over your Internet connection. As a result, the file may not reside on your personal computer. Infringements can also result from an unsecured wireless network. In any of these scenarios the Internet Service Provider (ISP) account holder is/or may be legally responsible for the infringement(s) and settlement(s). To better protect yourself in the future we suggest visiting our Education & Resources page, and you should consult with your own attorney.
Q: What if I have an unsecured wireless network/router?
A: Even so the Internet Service Provider (ISP) account holder is/or may be legally responsible for the infringement(s) and settlement(s). To better protect yourself in the future we suggest visiting our Education & Resources page, and you should consult with your own attorney.
Q: What if I own a business and an employee infringed on a copyright?
A: Even so the Internet Service Provider (ISP) account holder is/or may be legally responsible for the infringement(s) and settlement(s). To better protect yourself in the future we suggest visiting our Education & Resources page, and you should consult with your own attorney.
Q: Will this go away if I just remove the file(s) from my computer(s)?
A: No. Infringement occurs even if the copied work is not read, watched, and/or listened to. Also, removing the file(s) associated with your case(s) before settlement is reached may be a breach of your obligation to preserve electronic evidence.
Q: I found the item(s) in question on the Internet and thought they were free or did know they were copyright protected?
A: Unfortunately, this doesn't absolve your liability. You are still liable for the infringement(s). To better protect yourself in the future we suggest visiting our Education & Resources page, and you should consult with your own attorney.
Q: How can I secure my wireless network/router?
A: For information on securing your wireless network/router please visit the Education & Resources page of our website and you should consult with your own attorney.
Q: I purchased a file-sharing program or subscription to a website, why did I receive a notice?
A: The rights you purchased were for the file-sharing software or subscription service itself, not the rights to upload, download or otherwise share copyright protected materials. Read the fine print and/or user agreement associated with the file-sharing program or subscription you purchased. You will likely find a clause that places the liability on you as the end user and references the fact that uploading, downloading or otherwise sharing copyright protected materials is illegal.
Q: Is Copyright Enforcement Group (CEG) suing me?
A: At this point a lawsuit has not been filed. We are offering you a time-sensitive pre-litigation settlement that is significantly lower than the expenses, fees and substantial monetary damages associated with litigation.
Q: How do I know that the IP Address listed in the notice is mine and not a fake?
A: The notice, IP Address, and associated account holder have all been correlated by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) a third party organization that is not associated with CEG.
Q: How do I make this go away?
A: Settling online or via phone will immediately release you from liability and close the case.
Q: How do I know that you are legally authorized act on behalf of the copyright owner?
A: In all CEG notices we declare under penalty of perjury that we are legally authorized by the copyright owner(s) to act on their behalf. If you wish to receive additional information proving that we are legally authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner(s) please contact us.
Q: Do I need to hire an attorney?
A: The decision to hire an attorney is completely up to you. In most cases the settlement offered by CEG is significantly lower than the costs associated with hiring an attorney. A person should always consider consulting with an attorney.
Q: What if I don't have money to settle right now?
A: CEG offers a 60 day settlement plan. To review the terms and initiate a settlement plan please sign in to the settlement system using your case number and password.
Q: Why are copyright lawsuits normally filed?
A: Copyright owners normally file lawsuits because they have no other way to recover revenues lost to digital piracy. CEG is changing the way copyright owners interact with infringers by offering fair and practical settlements to avoid the expense and exposure of lawsuits.
Q: What if I infringed on copyrights but didn't receive a notice?
A: CEG only distributes notices for copyright owners that we are legally authorized to represent. Also, copyright owners and agents are not required to send a notice and typically do so as a courtesy to provide and opportunity for an early and less costly settlement.
Q: I received a notice; can you tell me if more are on the way?
A: Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is responsible for identifying the IP Address and associated account holder. CEG cannot advise you on the status of additional notices.
Q: Can I settle multiple cases at one time?
A: Yes, once you have signed in to the settlement system you have the option to settle multiple cases simultaneously
Q: Is CopyrightSettlements.com a secure settlement site?
A: Yes, CopyrightSettlements.com transactions are secured by a third party organization, VeriSign. VeriSign is the leading Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificate Authority enabling secure e-commerce communications.
Q: Why did my Internet Service Provider (ISP) disconnect my service?
A: Some Internet Service Providers (ISP) disconnect subscribers for infringing on copyrights and/or require that the case is settled prior to reconnecting your service. For more information on disconnections please contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) directly.
Q: Can I review the text of the liability release prior to settling?
A: Yes, the text of the liability release is available for review by clicking here.
Q: Where are my Case # and Password located?
A: Your Case # and Password are located within the text of the notice you received. For an example please click here.
Website Infringement FAQ
Q: What is CopyrightSettlements.com and who is Copyright Enforcement Group (CEG)?A: CopyrightSettlements.com is the settlement portal for the Copyright Enforcement Group ("CEG"). CEG provides first-in-class copyright protection, offering comprehensive anti-piracy solutions and in-depth business intelligence to copyright owners worldwide. Cutting edge technology enables us to track, monetize, and analyze all forms of copyrighted content - audio, video, image, text, video games and software - across multiple Peer-to-Peer protocols (P2P) and websites. CopyrightSettlements.com offers infringers a myriad of options when compared to other intellectual property protection companies.
Q: Why me, why did I receive a notice?
A: You received a notice because a copyright infringement involving your website was detected for one or more of the copyrights that we represent.
Q: What are the benefits of settling?
A: CopyrightSettlements.com offers infringers a myriad of options when compared to other intellectual property protection companies.
|
Feature |
CEG |
Others |
|
Small one-time settlement |
Yes |
No |
|
Option to purchase a physical copy (DVD, CD, Book, Image) of the title that was infringed upon for an additional fee - option varies by copyright owner |
Yes |
No |
|
Option to purchase a digital copy (MPEG, MP3, PDF, JPEG) of the title that was infringed upon for an additional fee - option varies by copyright owner |
Yes |
No |
|
Remain anonymous and protect your privacy |
Yes |
No |
|
Instantaneously receive a full & unconditional release of liability after settling |
Yes |
No |
|
Avoid the expense of litigation |
Yes |
No |
|
Avoid paying attorney's fees and court costs |
Yes |
No |
|
Avoid civil damages that could total up to either $30,000 per infringement, or $150,000 per willful infringement, plus plaintiff's attorney's fees |
Yes |
No |
|
Avoid Internet Service Provider (ISP) or website host disconnection |
Yes |
No |
|
Settle online, by mail or via phone |
Yes |
No |
Note: Settlement options vary based on title, copyright owner, and availability. Individual copyright owners may not participate in all settlement programs.
Q: Will I remain anonymous and will my privacy be protected if I settle?
A: Your personal information will be kept confidential if the matter is settled prior to the filing of a lawsuit. However, once a lawsuit is filed the information contained in the pleadings may become a matter of public record.
Q: Has my privacy been violated?
A: No. A copyright infringement was detected over the Internet involving your website.
Q: What if I own a business and an employee infringed on a copyright?
A: The website owner is responsible for content displayed on the site and is/or may be legally responsible for any infringement(s) that occur. To better protect yourself in the future we suggest visiting our Education & Resources page, and you should consult with your own attorney.
Q: What if someone else created the website for me?
A: The website owner is responsible for the content displayed on the site and is/or may be legally responsible for any infringement(s) that occur. We recommended that you contact the party responsible for creating the site and confirm if any licenses exists for use of the content in question. If a valid license does exist please contact us and we will research accordingly.
Q: Will this go away if I just remove the file(s) from my website?
A: No. The infringement case will remain open until the matter is settled or litigated. In either case you will be required to immediately and permanently cease and desist the unauthorized use.
Q: I found the item(s) in question on the Internet and thought they were free?
A: This doesn't absolve you from liability. Although many items are available on the Internet it is the website owner's responsibility to ensure that valid licenses are obtained prior to using the content on the website. To better protect yourself in the future we suggest visiting our Education & Resources page, and you should consult with your own attorney.
Q: I didn't know the item(s) in question had to be licensed.
A: Unfortunately, this doesn't absolve your liability. You must have a valid license. To better protect yourself in the future we suggest visiting our Education & Resources page, and you should consult with your own attorney.
Q: I purchased and have proof of a valid license for the item(s) in question.
A: Please contact us to produce proof of license(s) for the item(s) in question and we will research accordingly.
Q: Is Copyright Enforcement Group (CEG) suing me?
A: At this point a lawsuit has not been filed. We are offering you a time-sensitive pre-litigation settlement that is significantly lower than the expenses, fees and substantial monetary damages associated with litigation.
Q: How do I make this go away?
A: Paying the settlement fee online or via phone will immediately release you from liability and close the case.
Q: How do I know that you are legally authorized act on behalf of the copyright owner?
A: In all CEG notices we declare under penalty of perjury that we are legally authorized by the copyright owner(s) to act on their behalf. If you wish to receive additional information proving that we are legally authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner(s) please contact us.
Q: Do I need to hire an attorney?
A: The decision to hire an attorney is completely up to you. In most cases the settlement offered by CEG is significantly lower than the costs associated with hiring an attorney. A person should always consider consulting with an attorney.
Q: What if I don't have money to settle right now?
A: CEG offers a 60 day settlement plan. To review the terms and initiate a settlement plan please sign in to the settlement system using your case number and password.
Q: Why are copyright lawsuits normally filed?
A: Copyright owners normally file lawsuits because they have no other way to recover revenues lost to digital piracy. CEG is changing the way copyright owners interact with infringers by offering fair and practical settlements to avoid the expense and exposure of lawsuits.
Q: What if I infringed on copyrights but didn't receive a notice?
A: CEG only distributes notices for copyright owners that we are legally authorized to represent. Also, copyright owners and agents are not required to send a notice and typically do so as a courtesy to provide and opportunity for an early and less costly settlement.
Q: I received a notice; can you tell me if more are on the way?
A: Yes, please contact us and we may be able to tell you additional cases are outstanding for your website.
Q: Can I settle multiple cases at one time?
A: Yes, once you have signed in to the settlement system you have the option to settle multiple cases simultaneously.
Q: Is CopyrightSettlements.com a secure settlement site?
A: Yes, CopyrightSettlements.com transactions are secured by a third party organization, VeriSign. VeriSign is the leading Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificate Authority enabling secure e-commerce communications.
Q: Why did my website host disconnect my service?
A: Some website hosts disconnect subscribers for infringing on copyrights and/or require that the case is settled prior to reconnecting your service. For more information on disconnections please contact your website host directly.
Q: Can I review the text of the liability release prior to settling?
A: Yes, the text of the liability release is available for review by clicking here.
Q: Where are my Case # and Password located?
A: Your Case # and Password are located within the text of the notice you received. For an example please click here.
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