Andre Yoskowitz
19 Aug 2008 14:50
Topware Interactive has announced they have won over £16,000 from a British woman who was accused of uploading and sharing a copy of Dream Pinball 3D on file-sharing networks.
Three other alleged uploaders are still awaiting damages hearings. Now backed by this one victory, the company says it will go after thousands of other British citizens that are accused of sharing the game.
"The damages and costs ordered by the Court are significant and should act as a deterrent," said David Gore, a partner at Davenport Lyons, the firm acting on behalf of Topware.
"This shows that taking direct steps against infringers is an important and effective weapon in the battle against online piracy."
"This is the first of many," added Mr Gore. "It was always intended that there would be a lot more."
Topware's campaign against pirates of its Pinball game began early last year with over 500 letters sent out to suspected file sharers using eMule, eDonkey, Gnutella and other networks to share the game. The letters asked for £300 settlements to stop further legal action but at least 4 users decided to fight the charges. One just lost in court and now must pay over £16,000. Lets see how the rest fare.