Spectrum Copyright Notice
Most clients resolve their Spectrum copyright case in 2 to 3 weeks after hiring us, while keeping their name out of the public court record.
A copyright notice from Spectrum can arrive without warning, and the language can sound intimidating. Before you do anything else, find out which type of notice you received. One is an infringement alert with no lawsuit behind it. The other means a movie company has filed a federal lawsuit over activity tied to your IP address. In this situation, a judge has ordered Spectrum to release your name and address by a specific deadline.
Antonelli Law® has defended BitTorrent copyright cases since 2010 and has represented more than 5,000 clients against 50+ copyright plaintiffs. We have also handled more than 2,300 Strike 3 Holdings cases since 2017. Strike 3 regularly sends subpoenas to Spectrum to obtain customer information, so we know how these cases work for Spectrum customers.
The Two Types of Spectrum
Copyright Notices
Spectrum, owned by Charter Communications, sends two kinds of copyright notices. Your next step depends on which one you received. The table below shows how to tell them apart:
| Notice Type | What It Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| DMCA infringement alert (email or mailed letter with a reference number, viewable at notices.spectrum.com) | A copyright owner reported activity associated with your IP address. No lawsuit is behind the alert, though repeated alerts may cause Spectrum to suspend your service. | Secure your WiFi and stop any file sharing on your network. No court deadline applies. |
| Subpoena notification letter | A movie company such as Strike 3 Holdings filed a federal lawsuit against “John Doe” at your IP address. A judge ordered Spectrum to release your name and address. | Speak with a copyright defense attorney before the deadline in your letter. You remain anonymous for now, so there is still time to address the case before Spectrum releases your information. |
If your letter references a federal case number and a deadline to file a motion to quash, you received the second type. The rest of this page applies to you.
The Problems a Spectrum Subpoena Creates,
and How We Address Them
Spectrum subscribers who call us after receiving this letter share many of the same fears. Here is how we address each one:
We can settle cases using only your IP address and case number, the same identifiers the federal court uses, so your name stays off the public record.
We handle all communication with the plaintiff’s attorneys for you. Your consultation stays confidential and is protected by attorney-client privilege, even if you never hire us.
We help you identify the compliance deadline during your free consultation. Spectrum letters contain multiple dates, and each one means something different.
Our flat fee for settlement, typically $3,000, tells you what you will pay from the start. (Litigation fees would be based on hours worked on the case)
We give you answers based on our experience handling 2,300 Strike 3 Holdings cases.
Our Process for Spectrum
Subpoena Cases
Step 1: Free, Confidential Consultation
Every case starts with a free, confidential consultation. We pull the federal court filings and find the exact number of movies listed in Exhibit A. The subpoena itself does not list that number. Strike 3 lawsuits typically allege at least 23 movies and often between 25 and 75. That number can affect both your options and the amount the plaintiff may seek. We explain those options honestly and never pressure you to hire us on the spot.
Step 2: We Handle All Contact With the Plaintiff’s Attorneys
Once you hire us, we handle all contact with the plaintiff’s attorneys. Strike 3’s opening demand is $750 per movie before Spectrum discloses your identity. Acting early gives us a chance to negotiate before the plaintiff learns your name. Jeff Antonelli has practiced since 2000 and has been admitted to federal court since 2006. That litigation experience helps us negotiate your case.
Step 3: Settlement and Resolution
Settlement funds go from our Client Trust Account to the movie company, so the plaintiff does not see your payment details. Most clients resolve their cases within 2–3 weeks of hiring us, and nearly 100% resolve without going to court.
Our Best Practices for
Every Spectrum Case
These are the habits that separate our approach to Spectrum subpoena cases from a typical firm’s:
- Antonelli Law looks at your financial situation when negotiating your settlement. Every one of our clients gets a strategy based on their circumstances.
- We check the court docket directly for the key dates. You do not have to figure out the gap between them on your own.
- By communicating directly with the plaintiff’s attorneys, you’re never at risk of saying the wrong thing.
Key Things to Know
About Your Spectrum Letter
Here are some things to know if you’ve received a Spectrum subpoena notification letter:
Your Letter Contains Two Separate Dates
Your Spectrum letter may list both a disclosure date and a subpoena compliance date. These dates serve different purposes. If the compliance date comes after the disclosure date, contact us for a free consultation so we can explain what that may mean for your case.
The Notice Proves Less Than It Implies
Strike 3 identified your IP address in connection with the alleged activity. However, that does not prove you downloaded anything. Someone else in your household could have used your connection. Federal courts have held that being the subscriber does not, by itself, make you liable for the alleged infringement.
Waiting Costs You Money
Strike 3 typically demands about $1,500 per movie after filing an amended complaint and serving you. Settlements after service typically cost 20% to 40% more than early anonymous settlements. If Spectrum releases your information and you are served with a summons and amended complaint, never ignore them. Contact a copyright defense attorney promptly. Default judgments in these cases have reached six figures.
Your 2 Settlement Paths
Most people resolve a Spectrum subpoena case through one of two settlement structures. The right choice depends on how much privacy you need from the movie company itself. Our breakdown in the table below compares them:
| Settlement Path | How It Protects You | Timeline | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Confidential settlement | In virtually every case, unless your name was already revealed in the public version of the Amended Complaint before we were hired, a confidential settlement keeps your name off the public court record permanently. To secure the best possible settlement, we may share your financial information with the plaintiff’s attorneys under a strict confidentiality agreement. | 2-3 weeks | Clients who want a fast resolution and privacy at the lowest total cost |
| Totally anonymous settlement | This keeps your identity from the public and the movie company. No name or financial information reaches the plaintiff, so these settlements run higher. | 2-3 weeks | Clients who want absolute privacy, or whose high income would not help negotiations |
Why Choose Antonelli Law for
Your Spectrum Copyright Notice
Here are some reasons you may want to work with us:
Experience
Antonelli Law has handled nearly every type of copyright case. That experience helps us customize your strategy, and every case gets a different approach. We do not push every client toward Strike 3’s opening demand.
Nationwide representation
We represent clients across the country and file defense papers electronically in any federal district. You do not need a local lawyer for a Spectrum subpoena case.
No-pressure guidance
Some attorneys use fear to pressure you. We take a different approach by helping you understand your situation and giving you honest advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Resolve Your Spectrum Subpoena Notice Now
If the deadline in your Spectrum subpoena letter is approaching, now is the time to get advice. Call (312) 201-8310 or reach us through our contact form, whichever feels more comfortable. Everything you share stays confidential and is protected by attorney-client privilege, even if you never hire us.