Step 3: Taking action.
After you feel you have enough information, and after you've calmed down a bit, it's time to decide what action to take. If you are guilty of the allegations in the letter, we can only advise you to get legal advice - we do not condone piracy and we support the rightsholders' right to enforcing their copyright (we just wish they used a better way than this dragnet of letters).
If you are innocent of the allegations in the letter, it is best to respond and deny the accusation. First, download and read the guide to writing and understanding your LOD. On the Templates & contacts page you will find a template for a first Letter of Denial (commonly referred to as LOD by the regulars). You can use this template and modify it to suit your needs (use the LOD guide for guidance). Feel free to make changes to it but keep the following in mind:
What's next?
After you have sent your LOD, please consider how you can help others who are going through the same thing. Here are some very simple ways you can help:
Hopefully this has been helpful. The big link at the bottom of the page will take you to the regular site portal. This has links to all the resources that were discussed in these 3 steps. Good luck, stay calm and remember: you are not alone.
If you are innocent of the allegations in the letter, it is best to respond and deny the accusation. First, download and read the guide to writing and understanding your LOD. On the Templates & contacts page you will find a template for a first Letter of Denial (commonly referred to as LOD by the regulars). You can use this template and modify it to suit your needs (use the LOD guide for guidance). Feel free to make changes to it but keep the following in mind:
- Don't get put on the defensive. While it may be very tempting to try and come up with explanations why you couldn't have done what you are accused of, that information would be part of your defence should you ever be taken to court - save it for later. Also, consider what has been done with the information they have about you so far. It resulted in a very upsetting letter - do you really want to hand over more information? Keep it brief and simple.
- Sign your LOD. This will make it a binding statement.
- Send your LOD by registered post. The other party will tell you this is not necessary, but it is better to have independent proof that your letter was received. Registered post only costs a little bit extra - a small price to pay for some peace of mind.
- You have been given a certain amount of time to respond. Take the time you need to educate yourself; don't rush. You do not want to write this letter while you are upset and confused so give yourself a couple of days to calm down and process everything. Of course you should make sure you respond within the time mentioned in the letter of claim.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions in the chatroom or on the forums. Many people have been sending several LODs already, and they are more than happy to help you with any problems or questions you might have about composing your own LOD. Alternatively, you could ask your Citizen's Advice Bureau for legal advice if you want some official advice.
What's next?
After you have sent your LOD, please consider how you can help others who are going through the same thing. Here are some very simple ways you can help:
- Write about your letter to your local press, your MP, your MEP, consumer organisations and anyone else who will listen. Complain. The more attention we can generate for this issue, the better we can fight it.
- Try to help others who are going through the same initial panic you went through! Spend some time in the chatroom answering their questions, or answer questions in forum threads. Others were there for you to calm you down, so please return the favour to new people.
- Research! Share any interesting new information you find.
Hopefully this has been helpful. The big link at the bottom of the page will take you to the regular site portal. This has links to all the resources that were discussed in these 3 steps. Good luck, stay calm and remember: you are not alone.
DISCLAIMER
This consumer information website is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice - you will have to see a solicitor for that. This website does not accept any responsibility or legal liability resulting from the use or misuse of the information presented in any of the pages or linked resources. The views and opinions in these pages and in the linked resources do not necessarily represent the views of the site author.
