B P Collins Solicitors: talk to the experts
Gerrards Cross: +44(0) 1753 889995
Beaconsfield: +44(0) 1494 675363
Related stories
People 'unaware of intellectual property rights'
3 December 2008
Data sharing powers 'granted to government'
26 November 2008
Domain name disputes need "new norm"
31 October 2008
ICO 'calls for effective data protection'
30 October 2008
Virgin Media blames "administrative oversight" for file-sharing threats
07 July 2008
Virgin Media has blamed an "administrative oversight" for the stickers warning customers that their internet connections could be cut off due to illegal file-sharing.
Some 800 letters were sent to broadband users, bearing a red sticker on the envelope which read: "Important - if you don't read this, your broadband could be disconnected."
The letters said Virgin Media had received a report that copyrighted music had been shared using a computer linked to the customer's internet account.
But the firm has now said the letters were part of an educational campaign in association with the British Phonographic Industry and the wrong stickers had been used.
In the letters, Virgin Media wrote: "As we're sure you'll know, many files that can be saved on your computer are protected by copyright.
"While it may be okay to store them for personal use, it's unlawful to download or share them without the permission of the copyright owner.
"Otherwise it's a copyright infringement which can lead to legal action being taken against the person responsible."
Virgin Media said it has no intention of cutting off any of its customers.
