Dismissal in Virginia

Fighting Copyright Trolls, the best blog to get this information, posted today a decision in Virginia. The decision is by Judge Tommy E. Miller. Judge Miller dismissed the action for improper joinder. Moreover, Judge Miller makes a note about the phone calls the defendants are receiving, the "opportunity to settle before being named in the Complaint."

"On October 13, 2011, another anonymous Doe Defendant (“Doe Defendant X”) filed a letter under seal with the Court. Letter, ECF No. 16. In this letter, Doe Defendant X stated that he had been contacted by John Steele, Esq. regarding this matter. During the phone call, Mr. Steele offered Anonymous the ‘opportunity’ to settle for $3,400 by October 18th. Mr. Steele informed Doe Defendant X that Doe Defendant X would be named as a defendant in the case should this settlement offer be rejected."

In the case I represent, I am being contacted by a man, who is not an attorney, offering my client the opportunity to settle before being named in the complaint. The man is either affiliated with the studio or with the lawfirm).

11 Cv 00345 HCM TEM Document 19 Order