My software stolen and distributed

[JonnyOThan]

My state: Michigan

I wrote a software program, placed a copyright notice on it, and distributed it to two people, who I instructed not to distribute the program further. One of them did pass it along to a few of their friends, and them to their friends, etc. It was still not what I would call widely distributed, until one person edited the compiled program, replacing my name* with his (or hers) and deleting the copyright notice. He (or she) then proceeded to actively advertise the program as their own, and now distribution of it is very widespread. Unfortunately, I did not register the copyright before distributing the program to those two people. However, I know that I am still entitled to some damages. Here are my current questions:

I only know this user's e-mail address, but it is in the AOL domain, so AOL must have their full name and address. How do I get a subpoena to find out this person's true identity?

After I have their name, where should I file a complaint? I assume that if they do not live in the same district (or even state) as I, that I would have to file with a federal court of some kind.

*The name that I put on the program was an alias that I use online, and the name that it was replaced with was also an alias.

Thanks for your help,
Jonathan Cable

 

[hexeliebe]

You should do nothing except pick up the phone and call a copyright attorney. This is not something that a layman can or should ever attempt without legal counsel.

Unless you have about $150,000 laying around and about 10 years to spend on it.

 

[divgradcurl]

hexeliebe is 100% correct. In addition, if you are at all serious about pursuing things, you should register your work with the Copyright office ASAP -- it's not too (it never is, as long as the copyright hasn't expired) late and, in fact, you will have to register the copyright before you can go to court anyway, so might as well do it sooner rather than later.

"How do I get a subpoena to find out this person's true identity?"

Gotta file a lawsuit before you can subpoena info. Follow hexeliebe's advice and see a lawyer.