Prenda Law

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Prenda Law's Paul Hansmeier Loses $1.5M Restitution Appeal

The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals filed last week a decision upholding the verdict and sentencing in the fraud case against Prenda Law’s Paul Hansmeier.

Prenda Law's John Steele Sentenced to 60 Months for Fraud

Federal judge Joan Ericksen has sentenced Prenda Law’s John Steele today to 60 months in prison for fraud.

Prenda Law's Paul Hansmeier Sentenced to 14 Years for Fraud

Federal judge Joan Ericksen has sentenced Paul Hansmeier today to 14 years in prison for fraud.

U.S. DA Recommends 12.5 Year Sentence for Prenda Law Mastermind Paul Hansmeier

Erica MacDonald, the U.S. District Attorney for Minnesota, filed last Monday a strongly worded sentencing recommendation document asking for a 150-month (12.5 years) sentence for former Prenda Law mastermind Paul Hansmeier.

Prenda Attorney Admits Guilt in Porn-Trolling Operation

John Steele, the former Prenda Law partner who allegedly made millions of dollars suing hundreds for illegally downloading adult films, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, as well as conspiracy to launder money.

Prenda Attorneys Enter Not Guilty Pleas

Former Prenda Law attorneys John Steele and Paul Hansmeier both faced a magistrate judge in separate arraignment hearings this month.

Prenda Attorneys Indicted, Arrested Over Porn Piracy Program

Former Prenda Law attorneys John Steele and Paul Hansmeier have been arrested and charged in an 18-count indictment over the law firm's porn piracy program.

File-sharing Lawsuits in 2016 Take Nosedive, Researchers Say

File-sharing litigation appears to have been a “short-lived trend,” according to Lex Machina, a legal research firm operated by Lexis-Nexis.

Porn Copyright Trolling Law Firm Loses $230K Sanction Appeal

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday upheld more than $230,000 in sanctions against the attorneys who for years operated the porn copyright trolling law firm Prenda Law.

Judge Orders Liquidation of Prenda Attorney’s Assets

A federal bankruptcy court judge yesterday ordered the liquidation of former Prenda Law attorney Paul Hansmeier’s assets, ruling that he had sought bankruptcy protection with one purpose — “to thwart the collection efforts of his creditors.”

Another Prenda Attorney Faces an Ethics Complaint

A Minnesota state board that probes attorney ethics complaints is seeking to suspend or disbar Paul Hansmeier, a former partner of now-dissolved Prenda Law firm, which was notorious for exacting payments from porn piracy defendants through court-approved subpoenas.

Ill. Attorney Discipline Board Charges Prenda Attorney

Illinois’ attorney discipline board today filed a seven-count complaint against former Prenda Law attorney John Steele.

Former Prenda Law Counsel Loses Appeal in Minn.

A Minnesota appeals court today found that former Prenda Law attorney Paul Hansmeier should be held liable along with others for defendants’ attorneys fees and costs stemming from a porn piracy case.

Former Prenda Law Attorney Paul Duffy Dies

Former Prenda Law Attorney Paul Duffy, 55, died Monday from heart and alcohol-related conditions.

Former Prenda Law Attorneys Get Socked Again

Attorneys John Steele and Paul Duffy, who in June were ordered to pay $65,000 in sanctions for obstructing discovery proceedings in a case they filed on behalf of adult company Lightspeed Media Corp., were ordered today to pay an additional $29,000 in additional legal expenses incurred against the case's defendant who was sued for copyright infringement.

FBI Reportedly Investigating Prenda Law

Prenda Law attorneys have reportedly been on the FBI’s radar for more than a year.

Prenda Law Attorneys Found in Contempt, Ordered to Pay $65,000

A federal judge in Chicago today found Prenda Law attorneys John Steele and Paul Hansmeier in contempt, ordering them to pay $65,000 for obstructing discovery proceedings in a case they filed on behalf of adult company Lightspeed Media Corp.

Prenda Law’s Strategy at 9th Circuit Baffles Legal Peers

Prenda Law awaits a ruling from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that most legal experts say won’t favor the firm.

Prenda Law’s ‘Copyright Trolling’ Operation Blasted at the 9th Circuit

A 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel today heard an appeal made by the now-defunct “copyright trolling” Prenda Law Firm, which two years ago was ordered to pay $81,000 in sanctions after a federal judge ruled that it engaged in fraud while coercing those who allegedly downloaded porn videos illegally into financial settlements.

Prenda Law Loses Another Appeal; $63K Judgment Upheld

In another stinging defeat, Prenda Law counsel lost an appeal over attorneys fees sought by porn piracy defendants.