Why Are You Getting a Letter from Frommer Legal from Germany?
Receiving a copyright warning letter from a German law firm like Frommer Legal can be confusing – especially if you’re not even living in Germany. The letter likely accuses you of sharing a movie or series via BitTorrent, and demands both a cease and desist declaration and a hefty payment.
But is this legit? And what should you know before reacting?
This article helps you understand:
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Who Frommer Legal is (and isn’t)
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What these letters mean under German law
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How to spot real vs. fake warnings
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What international recipients should consider
Who is Frommer Legal – And Are They Legit?
Frommer Legal is a well-known German law firm based in Munich. They act on behalf of major film and music companies like Warner Bros., Sony Music, and Universal.
They send out thousands of legal letters per year – mostly regarding alleged copyright violations through file sharing (especially via P2P platforms like BitTorrent).
✅ Yes – the firm is real.
But that doesn’t automatically mean you’re legally required to pay, especially if:
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You didn’t download the content yourself
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You’re not located in Germany
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The demand exceeds legal boundaries for private users
How Do You Know If the Letter Is Fake or Real?
There are now scam versions of Frommer Legal letters circulating — often mimicking the tone and formatting of the originals. Here’s how to tell the difference:
| Element | Real Frommer Legal | Fake or Scam |
|---|---|---|
| Letterhead | German address, clear legal references | May include broken English |
| Legal citations | Refers to § 97a UrhG | Often vague or missing |
| Format | PDF or printed on firm stationery | Screenshot, email body |
| Payment instructions | Via German bank account | Crypto, PayPal, foreign accounts |
Still unsure? You can submit your case for free review here – no payment or obligation required.
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Why Germany Allows These Letters (German Copyright Law Explained)
Under § 97a of the German Copyright Act (UrhG), rights holders are allowed to send a formal written warning (called “Abmahnung”) instead of going directly to court. It’s meant to reduce legal costs – but in practice, many firms exploit this system.
That’s how mass warning letters have become standard.
📘 Read § 97a UrhG here (in German)
Why You Might Receive a Letter Even If You’re Not Guilty
Here’s what happens technically:
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You or someone using your internet connection downloads a movie via a torrent client
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While downloading, your IP address automatically shares small parts of the file with others
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Frommer Legal tracks that IP, gets user data via court order, and sends a warning
Even if you didn’t realize it, this upload – however brief – is seen as illegal distribution under German law.
Are You Legally Obliged to Respond?
If you live in Germany, ignoring the letter is risky.
If you live abroad (e.g. in the UK, US, Canada, Poland), the situation is more nuanced. While Frommer Legal may not have immediate legal reach outside Germany, ignoring the matter entirely may:
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Lead to debt collection attempts in your country
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Affect future travel or legal actions within the EU
👉 It’s safest to have your case reviewed first, then decide.
How to Get Safe, Free Help (No Lawyers Involved)
If you’re unsure whether your Frommer Legal warning letter is real, fake, or legally binding, you don’t need to guess or panic.
We provide a free, no-obligation case check – fast, discreet, and with no upfront cost. Our mediators specialize in out-of-court settlements and can explain your options clearly.
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