Landmark Ruling: Court Orders Disclosure of Identity Behind IP Address in Copyright Infringement Case
Brooklyn, NY – September 10, 2025 – In a significant development within the realm of digital copyright law, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York has issued an order compelling an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to reveal the identity of a subscriber linked to a specific IP address. The case, Strike 3 Holdings, LLC v. John Doe subscriber assigned IP address 24.187.188.147, filed in the Eastern District of New York, marks a notable step in copyright holders’ efforts to address alleged online infringement.
The legal action was initiated by Strike 3 Holdings, LLC, a company that asserts ownership and distribution rights over various copyrighted materials. Strike 3 Holdings alleges that the subscriber associated with the IP address 24.187.188.147 engaged in unauthorized downloading and distribution of their copyrighted content, a practice commonly referred to as copyright infringement.
Typically, when copyright holders suspect infringement tied to an IP address, they are faced with the challenge of identifying the individual user who was utilizing that address at a specific time. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) hold the crucial subscriber information, but are generally bound by privacy regulations from disclosing this data without a court order.
In this particular instance, Strike 3 Holdings successfully petitioned the court for a subpoena or similar order, demonstrating a reasonable basis for their claim. The court, after reviewing the evidence presented, has now mandated that the ISP associated with IP address 24.187.188.147 provide subscriber information to Strike 3 Holdings. This information is expected to include the name, address, and potentially other contact details of the individual or entity subscribed to that IP address during the period in question.
This ruling underscores the legal mechanisms available to copyright holders to pursue alleged infringers in the digital space. It highlights the court’s willingness to balance the rights of copyright owners with the privacy interests of internet users, requiring a showing of good cause before mandating disclosure.
The implications of this decision extend beyond this specific case. It reinforces the understanding that while the internet offers a degree of anonymity, it is not an impenetrable shield against legal accountability for copyright infringement. The ability for copyright holders to identify alleged infringers through their IP addresses, with judicial oversight, can serve as a deterrent and a necessary tool for enforcing intellectual property rights in the modern digital landscape.
The proceedings within the Eastern District of New York are ongoing, and further developments are anticipated as Strike 3 Holdings proceeds with its investigation and potential legal actions based on the information obtained. This case serves as a reminder of the evolving legal framework governing online copyright and the diligent efforts being made to protect creative works in the digital age.
25-2491 – Strike 3 Holdings, LLC v. John Doe subscriber assigned IP address 24.187.188.147
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