ACTING ON behalf of DISH Network, NagraStar (aka “Satscams”) sends demand letters to numerous individuals, accusing them of satellite piracy. The demand letters are sent via email, usually from satscams@nagrastar.com, as well as USPS Certified Mail. DISH Network and NagraStar, and sometimes Echostar, sometimes also file federal lawsuits against the people for the same allegations.
The Satscams emails, NagraStar demand letters, and DISH Network lawsuits generally allege violations of three federal legal claims, all of which revolve around alleged satellite TV piracy:
- Circumventing an access control measure in violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DCMA), 17 U.S.C. § 1201(a)(1), which makes it illegal to circumvent a copyright owner’s security measures to gain unauthorized access to the owner’s copyrighted work(s), or works it exclusively licenses;
- Receipt of satellite signals without authorization in violation of the Federal Communications Act (FCA), 47 U.S.C. § 605(a), which prohibits receipt of unauthorized “interstate or foreign communication by radio” for ones own benefit; and
- Intercepting satellite signals in violation of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), 18 U.S.C. §§ 2511(1)(a) and 2520, for receiving satellite signals without authorization.
How NagraStar/Satscams gets names and information
NagraStar/Satscams and DISH Network accuse people of having purchased IKS passcodes “for pirate television services.” IKS stands for “Internet key sharing,” the process of using one “smart card” to serve multiple receivers. After pressuring and filing lawsuits, and sometimes obtaining judgments, against parties who distribute, sell, or resell IKS passcodes, NagraStar and DISH Network obtain, from those sellers, just enough client information to identify and pursue claims against the individual end-users. That is how NagraStar/Satscams gets the names and contact information of the individuals against whom it sends its demand letters — or files its lawsuits.
Attorneys representing individuals accused of piracy
The Attorneys at Cynthia Conlin & Associates represent individuals who have received NagraStar letters and Satscams emails, as well as defendants who have been sued by DISH Network and NagraStar in the federal courts in Florida. In many cases, our legal team helps subscribers negotiate settlements they can reasonably afford, as well as negotiated settlement agreement/releases. We also examine the unique facts of each situation to advise our clients what legal defenses may be available. Attorney Cynthia Conlin is admitted to all three United States District Courts in Florida: the Middle District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, and Northern District of Florida.
If you receive a demand letter, email, or summons and complaint from NagraStar, Satscams, or DISH Network, contact our office or call us at 407-965-5519 to consult about your matter.
