London - A German video game publisher has hired a London-based law firm to target about 500 British citizens who are alleged to have illegally shared its as yet unreleased "Dream Pinball 3D" game, The Register reported.

Zuxxez hired the law firm of Davenport Lyons to collect IP addresses used to distribute the game, and sent letters to 500 alleged file-swappers in recent weeks that recommend paying around $1,170 to settle the matter or else face potential court costs of "tens of thousands of pounds."

One recipient of such a letter told The Register that he replied by saying he doesn't like playing pinball, could not find the game on his computer, and also discovered a virus on his machine.

"In relation to your claim that your computer was hacked into, we regret that the security of your computer is not our concern," Davenport said, in a letter responding to the alleged file-swapper's reply. "It is your responsibility to ensure that your computer is protected at all times."

A partner at Davenport told The Register the firm has other publishers interested in its services.

Related Links:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/03/28/uk_share_hunt

http://www.davenportlyons.com

http://www.zuxxez.com