Warner Bros sending $20 settlement fees to pirates illegally downloading ‘Friends’

MOVE over Dallas Buyers Club, there is a new piracy scandal sweeping the world. This time, Friends fans are in the crosshairs.

Central perk Cafe in Friends TV Show

MOVE over Dallas Buyers Club, there is new piracy scandal sweeping the world by storm.

Over the past few weeks, Warner Bros has been going after pirates using various torrent websites to illegally download the sitcom Friends.

The movie studio has been sending settlement demands to those in question, which requests they pay a $20 fee for illegally downloading the show.

One particular notice, obtained by Torrent Freak, was sent after an internet subscriber who downloaded an episode from season two of the hit sitcom.

“Your ISP account has been used to download, upload or offer for upload copyrighted content in a manner that infringes the rights our client Warner Bros Entertainment,” the notice reads.

“Although WB understands and appreciates that you are a fan of its content, the unauthorised uploading and downloading of its copyrighted content is a serious matter.”

The notice then details the penalties the user could face before offering the $20 settlement.

“As part of the settlement, you agree to cease and desist from the unauthorised copying and/or distribution of WB content, including over the internet from your computer,” the notice reads.

“The damage to WB from your conduct substantially exceeds $20, but in the interest of having you stop your infringement of WB content permanently, WB is prepared to make you this settlement offer.”

Torrent Freak said this was the first time it had seen pirates being targeted for downloading content that is more than 20 years old.

“Friends’ age makes it a rather unusual target, but also suggests that Warner Bros is still generating decent revenue from the series,” Torrent Freak wrote.