HBO is optimistic about the potential success of its upcoming Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon, aiming to replicate the triumph of its predecessor. However, in the short term, the company faces a significant challenge. A Reddit user has purportedly leaked plot summaries for every episode, further supported by the suspension of two Reddit accounts. Additionally, documents acquired by TorrentFreak indicate that HBO’s legal team in California is poised to lend further credibility to these leaks.
The legacy of HBO’s hit TV series, Game of Thrones, remains etched in the minds of many, characterized by its monumental success and widespread acclaim.
Beyond its staggering viewership numbers, the fantasy epic garnered attention for its association with piracy-related controversies, including leaked episodes and the establishment of piracy records that caused a global surge in internet traffic.
In the early stages, HBO embraced these challenges, with an executive even referring to massive piracy as a form of ‘compliment.’ However, nearly a decade later, a new controversy has emerged surrounding HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon, prior to its official release.
This time, HBO’s response appears less accommodating.
Reddit User Reveals Plot Details:
Reddit’s /r/freefolk subreddit, known for its lenient moderation policies regarding Game of Thrones and related leaks, became a focal point of attention. However, last week, a user named ‘HOTDleaks’ stirred controversy with a post titled: ‘Leaked plot summary for every episode of House of the Dragon.’ While some comments supported the credibility of the post, skepticism lingered among others.
Shortly thereafter, Reddit suspended the ‘HOTDleaks’ account, sparking further speculation and debate within the community.
The suspension of an account often signals that nerves have been struck, and the emergence of a brand new user, ‘HOTDleak2’, immediately following the suspension of ‘HOTDleaks’, seemed to acknowledge this fact. “HOTD LEAKS VERIFIED BY COPYRIGHT STRIKE,” they boldly proclaimed, carrying on the work of the suspended user.
However, ‘HOTDleak2’ didn’t last long either. “My original account just got removed by Reddit’s legal team. How do you address this?” they lamented.
The question arises: who ordered these account suspensions? After an extensive search through court records in the US, it’s evident that HBO isn’t treating copyright infringement as a compliment this time.
HBO Sends Multiple DMCA Notices to Reddit:
Documents filed in a California court by Home Box Office, Inc. include a declaration by Patrick Perkins, Senior Vice President, Chief Intellectual Property Counsel for Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. Perkins reveals his responsibility for anti-piracy enforcement at HBO.
The filing comprises 20 pages of communications with Reddit dating back to August 4, 2022, concerning several DMCA takedown notices sent by Warner. The initial notice targets the original post by ‘HOTDleaks’, claiming it contained a “Leaked full summary of episode 1 of the upcoming HBO series HOUSE OF THE DRAGON.”
“Please remove immediately,” the notice insisted.
Subsequent DMCA notices aimed at dozens of Reddit posts are less specific, citing “Leaked plot information for the upcoming HBO original series HOUSE OF THE DRAGON” as grounds for takedown. However, the significance of these notices lies not in their content but in their potential repercussions.
By notifying Reddit first and then presenting the notices to the court, HBO can seek a DMCA subpoena requiring Reddit to disclose the details of alleged infringers. And that’s precisely what the company intends to do.
HBO Seeks the Leaker’s Personal Details:
In theory, HBO could target numerous users responsible for posting or reposting House of the Dragon leaks on Reddit. However, it appears the company has narrowed its focus to just two users. If the court grants the DMCA subpoena and Reddit complies, HBO will be well-positioned to ascertain the identity of the leaker.
Citing 17 U.S. Code § 512, HBO says the court must order Reddit to disclose identifying information on the operators of the above usernames, from “any and all sources.” In any event the information should include names, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, account numbers, IP addresses and all other contact information.
What HBO will do with the information is unknown, but it must only be used to protect its copyrights. For the Reddit user/s targeted, that probably won’t be much of a comfort.
