Someone is defaming, harassing, or extorting you online, or perhaps infringing your copyrighted content online – but you don’t know who! How do you sue someone if you don’t even know who they are? Is it worth it? Can you uncover the identity of the anonymous poster?  

Can You Sue An Anonymous Blogger, Website, or user? 

Yes, you absolutely can. Depending on the circumstances of your situation, you may have the option to file a John Doe defamation lawsuit.  

John Doe Lawsuit Definition  

What is a John Doe Lawsuit? Defining a John Doe Lawsuit… 

When you take legal action against an unknown party, it is referred to as a “John Doe” Lawsuit or an unknown defendant lawsuit. These types of lawsuits usually occur when a plaintiff is legally “wronged” in one way or the other by an anonymous website, blog, or social media account. Filing these types of lawsuits may also help you in the process of uncovering the identity of the unknown defendant.  

John Doe Lawsuit Example 

Someone has written a fake or defamatory review about your business on Yelp!, Google or another platform. Now, your business is suffering, and you want to file a defamation lawsuit to get the fake or defamatory review removed or discover who posted the anonymous review. John Doe lawsuits are also used when an anonymous poster creates a defamatory YouTube video, website, or defamatory commentary on your social media page. Since you don’t know the identity of the person who wrote the review, you can file a John Doe lawsuit.  

Filing A John Doe Lawsuit  

When should I file a John Doe Lawsuit? 

You should file a John Doe lawsuit as soon as you can. Even though you don’t yet know the identity of the defendant, it is best to file your lawsuit as quickly as possible, because the statute of limitations may run out, and important evidence may get deleted or removed from internet servers. This is another reason why John Doe lawsuits are helpful. They allow you to file and preserve your evidence and claims before it’s too late.  

Reasons to File A John Doe Lawsuit  

• An Anonymous Blogger is defaming you or your business 
• Fake Google or Yelp! Review 

• False Rip Off Report Listing  
• Copyright Infringement Online  
• Cyberbullying  
• Revenge Porn  
• Sextortion  

• False #MeToo Allegation  
• Personal Injury – Hit and Run  

Steps of a John Doe Defamation Lawsuit  

Make Sure Your Defamation Claim is Legit  

First, make sure you have all the necessary elements to file a defamation lawsuit AND make sure the Statute of Limitations for defamation claims in your state have not run out.  

Hire an Internet Defamation Attorney 

This process can be complicated, especially since cases like these are unique and not every attorney is experienced in Internet law. It is best to Contact an Experienced Internet Defamation Attorney to make sure all your bases are covered.  

Prepare a Complaint  

You attorney will then evaluate your case and prepare a compliant based on the severity of the situation and what kind of damages you would like to seek.  

Even though you don’t know the actual identity of the defendant, you need to send them a copy of the complaint on the same platform or website they are harassing you on. If they defamed you via Twitter, DM them on Twitter. If they wrote an anonymous blog about you, send the complaint in their contact page, or attach it in the comments if possible. If an anonymous poster wrote a Rip Off Report about you, you need to post the complaint on Rip Off Report. You get the idea.  

Uncovering the Identity of The Anonymous User  

Once you have made the unknown defendant aware that you are seeking their identity, you can begin the process of obtaining a subpoena to uncover their identity. In Arizona, the requirements to uncover an anonymous poster’s identity with a subpoena is stated in The Mobilisa v. Doe case, but the process is similar for other states as well.  

Hypothetical Summary Judgement  

Your lawyer will ensure that you have legit claims. As mentioned before, you must meet all the requirements for defamation and the statute of limitations have not run out. This means that you must be able to show a judge that your case can pass the summary judgment requirements without the identify of the anonymous poster.  

Balancing Test  

Then, your attorney will conduct a balancing test in which you would evaluate whether you could identify this user any other way and whether there any other circumstances that weigh toward protecting the author’s anonymous rights. Basically, making sure there are no reasons a judge should have to stop you from obtaining the subpoena.  

Obtain and Issue a subpoena. 

Issue the Subpoena to the website or platform where the defamatory content is being hosted as well as the Internet Service Provider (ISP). In many cases, this may include GoDaddy as many websites are registered with GoDaddy or with GoDaddy’s “Domains by Poxy”. Domains By Proxy is a service that hides the name of the person who owns the site. Since GoDaddy’s headquarters are located in Arizona, it is important that your attorney follows the required steps outlined in the Mobilisa V. Doe case mentioned above.  

Within the subpoena, it is important to request all of the necessary information that would help you obtain the anonymous defendant’s identity. But you have to be careful not to request information in a subpoena that is too broad. Examples of the type of information to ask for when issuing a subpoena to an online platform are as follows:  

• Email addresses   

• IP Addresses   
• Browser type    
• Operating System   
• Times accessed    
• Time on Site    

• Service provider    
• Any info from Google Analytics, etc.    

Then, if you are able to Uncover the Anonymous User’s Identity, we can amend the complain and switch out the “John Doe” for the defendant’s actual name!  

If you are seeking to file a John Doe lawsuit, or if you need to issue a subpoena to GoDaddy or other domain registration company, get in contact with an experienced Internet Lawyer today. Our firm has experience with these types of cases and can help you to try and uncover an anonymous identity, sue for defamation and ultimately, get the content removed from online.  

Contact An RM Warner Internet Defamation Attorney