Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Traverse Internet Law Federal Court Report: November 2009 Hacking Lawsuits


The facts are unproven allegations of the Plaintiff and all commentary is based upon the allegations, the truthfulness and accuracy of which are likely in dispute.


WARNER BROS, ENTERTAINMENT INC. v. JOHN DOES 1-10
CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA (LOS ANGELES)
2:09-CV-08622
FILED: 11/23/2009

It would perhaps be appropriate to point out that the abilities of hackers from all around the world have typically evolved far beyond what most of the public believes. Cyber attacks have proliferated and many in the security industry believe that World War III will be a cyber war. Keep this in mind: Most businesses are not “hacker proof”.

Unknown Defendants accessed the Warner Bros’ servers and copied images and other information that apparently related to motion pictures and television series that are entitled to copyright protection. There aren’t many details in the lawsuit as to the exact programs or motion pictures that were misappropriated or the manner in which they might have been published on the web.

The lawsuit alleges violations of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, violation of the California Penal Code 502, and trespass to chattels. The claim for relief includes a request for the entry of permanent injunctions prohibiting access to Warner Bros’ properties or use of infringing materials, an order requiring the return of all data obtained from Warner Bros’ servers and monetary awards of compensatory damages, statutory damages, punitive damages, prejudgment and post-judgment interest, costs and attorneys fees. Traverse Internet Law Cross-Reference Number 1382.