Illegal file-sharer fined £16,000

A woman who uploaded games and films on to the internet for the purpose of illegal file-sharing has been ordered to pay £16,000.

The woman, who has not been named, was taken to court by Topware Interactive, a computer games manufacturer responsible for the popular computer game Dream Pinball 3D.

She has been ordered to pay the company costs of £10,000 and damages of £6,000 by the Patents County Court in London.

This could be the first in a long series of court cases. Last month Davenport Lyons, the law firm representing Topware Interactive launched civil proceedings against 100 people suspected of illegally uploading copyrighted content.

The High Court has ordered ISPs to release several thousand names and addresses of suspected file-sharers.

David Gore, a partner at law firm Davenport Lyons, said: "Illegal file-sharing is a very serious issue resulting in millions of pounds of losses to copyright owners."

"The damages and costs ordered by the court are significant and should act as a deterrent. This shows that taking direct steps against infringers is an important and effective weapon in the battle against online piracy," he added.

ISPs such as Virgin Media have engaged in an education campaign sending out thousands of warning letters to customers who download illegally.

The BPI, a music industry body in the UK, says that illegal file-sharing is responsible for a more than 20 per cent decline in music sales over the last decade.

www.topware.com