Adire Law Office Launches Relief Service for Torrent-Related Disclosure Requests and Damage Claims

Adire Law Office (Toshima-ku, Tokyo; Representative Attorney: Tatsumi Suzuki; hereinafter "Adire") has launched a relief service for individuals who have received requests for sender information disclosure or claims for damages due to the use of P2P file-sharing software such as torrent services (BitTorrent, μTorrent, Bit Comet).

Torrent Mechanisms and Hidden Risks Torrent is a P2P (peer-to-peer) communication protocol that allows for the efficient distribution and acquisition of large files. By installing dedicated client software on PCs or smartphones, users can exchange data fragments with users worldwide. This technology itself is a legitimate means of data transfer, and using it is not inherently illegal.

However, torrents have a unique characteristic: "while downloading fragments of a file, the software automatically uploads those fragments to other users simultaneously."

Even if a user believes they have "only watched or saved a video," the mechanism results in the unauthorized uploading of copyrighted material to the internet, creating a risk of becoming an infringer of copyright.

Current Status of Rapidly Increasing Legal Troubles In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in cases where individuals are suddenly involved in legal trouble after downloading copyrighted works using torrents. Specifically, there has been a series of incidents where users receive "Inquiry Letters Regarding Disclosure of Sender Information" from their internet service providers asking whether personal information such as names and addresses should be disclosed, or "Notices of Disclosure Orders" issued by courts. After information is disclosed, cases have emerged where copyright holders directly send notices demanding large sums of money, highlighting the reality that unconscious use can lead to serious legal liability.

While it is possible to resolve these issues by paying the requested damages on one's own, there is a danger of assuming excessive responsibility or leaving behind risks of future criminal penalties.

Three Features of Adire Law Office's Relief Service 1. Outsourcing Complex Negotiations and Legal Procedures: Attorneys negotiate based on legal grounds and prepare legally sound documents to reduce psychological burden and aim for an early, appropriate resolution. 2. Avoiding Criminal Charges and Future Legal Risks: By prioritizing swift settlements through attorneys, the firm works to avoid serious situations such as criminal charges for copyright infringement and resolve long-term anxieties. 3. Strict Confidentiality and Privacy Protection: By designating attorneys as the point of contact and document recipients, the firm aims to resolve issues safely without the risk of others finding out.

Free Consultations for Torrent-Related Issues Adire Law Office offers free consultations for legal troubles related to torrent use. Whether you have personal knowledge of the situation, are unsure, or are concerned about a family member's use, you can consult for free.