Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

The Corporate CounselorLJN NewslettersNewsSections

Cybervillains and How to Find Them: Obtaining the Identity of Anonymous Internet Users

By Jason H. Fisher

Many corporate executives and in-house attorneys have complained about acts done “anonymously” over the Internet and the lack of accountability for Internet users. Each has seemingly been harmed by various online conduct, such as defamation, trade libel, trade secret leakage and other acts that occur because of Internet use and abuse. This use and abuse seems to arise most commonly in online message boards and when using “anonymous” free e-mail accounts. Most of these people believe there is nothing that can be done because of the anonymity inherent in the nature of the online medium. Because of this appearance of anonymity, many perpetrators behave differently than they normally would had they known they could be held accountable. Many Internet users do not realize that an experienced lawyer can actually find their identity, location, and the situs of the damaging action(s). Each computer on the Internet has been assigned an “IP Address.” This IP Address is a unique identifier of that computer ' synonymous with the street address of real property.

IP Addresses are comprised of four numbers that range between 0 and 255. (An example of an IP Address is “164.67.0.1″). These IP Addresses serve as unique identifiers to each computer on the Internet and can be used to track Internet users who have done tortuous or otherwise harmful activity (this can also be a useful general investigation tool ' it goes without saying that the discovery process and power to subpoena should not be abused) while seemingly being anonymous.

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
The Article 8 Opt In Image

The Article 8 opt-in election adds an additional layer of complexity to the already labyrinthine rules governing perfection of security interests under the UCC. A lender that is unaware of the nuances created by the opt in (may find its security interest vulnerable to being primed by another party that has taken steps to perfect in a superior manner under the circumstances.

Beach Boys Songs Written Decades Ago Triggered Current Quarrel With Lawyers Image

There's current litigation in the ongoing Beach Boys litigation saga. A lawsuit filed in 2019 against Nevada residents Mike Love and his wife Jacquelyne in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada that alleges inaccurate payment by the Loves under the retainer agreement and seeks $84.5 million in damages.

Major Differences In UK, U.S. Copyright Laws Image

This article highlights how copyright law in the United Kingdom differs from U.S. copyright law, and points out differences that may be crucial to entertainment and media businesses familiar with U.S law that are interested in operating in the United Kingdom or under UK law. The article also briefly addresses contrasts in UK and U.S. trademark law.

Strategy vs. Tactics: Two Sides of a Difficult Coin Image

With each successive large-scale cyber attack, it is slowly becoming clear that ransomware attacks are targeting the critical infrastructure of the most powerful country on the planet. Understanding the strategy, and tactics of our opponents, as well as the strategy and the tactics we implement as a response are vital to victory.

Transfer Tax Implications on Real Property Leases Image

The real property transfer tax does not apply to all leases, and understanding the tax rules of the applicable jurisdiction can allow parties to plan ahead to avoid unnecessary tax liability.