If you downloaded a copy of a copyrighted work without the permission of the copyright owner, that is copyright infringement, regardless whose network you used to download it.

A number of companies and lawyers are squeezing people for $1,500 to $2,000 settlements for illegal downloads. Although this is difficult to stomach, particularly given that the studio's profit on a legal DVD of the same work is less than $20, the cost of defending the case is much higher than the settlement being demanded. Moreover, if the download was illegal the defense won't likely be successful.

But be careful. Although it may make sense to pay such a claim to avoid the hassle, there are a lot of scams as well. If you are going to settle, get a release that discharges the claim.