How Strike 3 Holdings Anonymous Settlements Really Work
A common concern we hear during consultations is: “If I settle anonymously, how do I know I won’t get sued again for other alleged downloads?”
It’s a smart question. You may have read warnings online or even heard other lawyers say you should be cautious. At Antonelli Law, we don’t believe in scare tactics or half-answers. We believe in giving you the full picture so you understand how these settlements really work.
Why the Settlement Agreement Uses “John Doe Subscriber”
When you settle with Antonelli Law, the agreement gives a complete release of claims against you – under any IP address you had in your home – as well as your household, and related parties. That means the matter is closed, not just for the downloads listed in the lawsuit, but for any alleged downloads that happened prior to the settlement.
So why does the paperwork say something like: “Defendant John Doe Subscriber assigned IP address xxx.xx.xx”?
That’s not about the IP address itself. It’s simply a way to identify you anonymously. At the exact dates and times in the subpoena, only one internet subscriber in the world could have been assigned that IP address, and that’s the person who benefits from the settlement.
Think of It Like Celebrities Hiding Ownership Through Land Trusts
A good example is the way wealthy or famous people keep their property ownership private through land trusts.
A land trust company (often a bank affiliate) records the property under something like “Wells Fargo Land & Trust Number 1035406.” If you check the public record, you’ll only see that trust number, not the actual owner’s name.
That trust number identifies just one property in the world. If contracts are signed, the paperwork names the trust, not the person. But if there’s ever a justified need to know who owns the land, say the Coast Guard needs access to oceanfront property, a court can order disclosure. Even then, the court usually issues a protective order to keep that information private.
How This Protects You in a Strike 3 Case
The “John Doe Subscriber” language works the same way. It’s an anonymous label that points only to you. If Strike 3 ever tried to raise new allegations after your settlement, we could go to court and file a petition in the same way someone might petition about a land trust.
The petition would read something like: “On behalf of Petitioner John Doe, assigned IP address xxx.xx.xx.”
The purpose would be to enforce your settlement agreement and protect you from any further claims, whether about the same IP address or any other IP address.
Why You Can Feel Confident in Your Anonymous Settlement with Strike 3 Holdings
An anonymous settlement with Antonelli Law is not a loophole or a technicality. It’s a legally binding resolution that closes the book on all past claims. The identifying language may look strange at first, but it’s just a tool, no different than a tax PIN or a land trust number.
At Antonelli Law, we’ll walk you through this process step by step before you even decide to hire us. That way, you’ll know exactly how you’re protected and feel confident moving forward.