The EFF's Subpoena Defense resource list is being put to good use. It lists dozens of attorneys who are willing to help confront the nearly 20,000 John Doe lawsuits instigated by the US Copyright Group against alleged BitTorrent pirates. There has been opposition, but it has been sporadic and disorganized. However, that may soon change.

Yesterday, a notice of appearance was filed in the West Bay One case (producers of The Steam Experiment) by the Law Offices of Carey N. Lening. The document informed the court that 6 John Does would be represented by Ms. Lening. This is the first we've seen several John Does organized together. Six isn't enough you say? Well hold on.

John Does accused of sharing Far Cry are teaming up with legal counsel as well. We looked into the matter a bit deeper, and found out from Ms. Lening that so far, 25 total John Does are being represented. Her firm is working with several other lawyers that appear on the EFF's resource list, and motions in opposition to the USCG's campaign will be filed as early as Friday.

Among the most voluminous cases are from producers Achte/Neunte and West Bay One, with nearly 4,577 and 1,653 John Doe defendants each. Several individuals have filed motions in quash in these cases; unfortunately these motions have been poorly formulated. In many instances defendants will use their real name and address (when the effort is to stay anonymous), submitting hand written motions, or representing themselves - all recipes for failure.

With competent legal backing, however, the fortunes of the accused may change, while the legal price tag for the USCG continues to cut into their bottom line.

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