New Strike 3 Holdings Lawsuits in the Eastern District of New York: Magistrate Judge Steven I. Locke Handling Many Cases – What Defendants Need to Know
By Attorney Jeffrey Antonelli, Antonelli Law | August 2026
Strike 3 Holdings, LLC has filed another significant wave of “John Doe” copyright infringement lawsuits in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. These cases, filed primarily on or around July 21, 2026, target individuals identified only by IP address and allege unauthorized downloading and distribution of adult films via BitTorrent.
The cases are proceeding in both the Brooklyn courthouse (225 Cadman Plaza East) and the Central Islip courthouse on Long Island (100 Federal Plaza). A notable feature of this group of filings is that Magistrate Judge Steven I. Locke has been referred a substantial number of these matters under several different district judges.
Magistrate Judge Steven I. Locke’s Role
Magistrate Judge Locke is currently handling discovery and related issues in numerous Strike 3 cases assigned to district judges including Gary R. Brown, Joan M. Azrack, Joanna Seybert, Nusrat J. Choudhury, Sanket J. Bulsara, and others. This concentration is similar to patterns we have previously observed in other districts where a single magistrate judge becomes the primary point of contact for early-stage issues, particularly motions for expedited discovery and protective orders.
Recent Cases and Discovery Orders
Many of the July 2026 filings have already received orders granting limited early discovery. These orders generally permit Strike 3 to serve a Rule 45 subpoena on the relevant internet service provider (Spectrum, Verizon Fios, or Optimum Online) for the limited purpose of obtaining the name and address of the subscriber associated with the listed IP address.
Importantly, the protective language in these orders is consistent with prior practice in the Eastern District of New York and includes meaningful privacy safeguards.
Typical provisions include:
• The subpoena is limited to the subscriber’s name and address only.
• Strike 3 is not permitted to seek phone numbers or email addresses without further court order.
• The ISP must first notify the subscriber and provide a 60-day window to contest the subpoena or seek to proceed anonymously before any identifying information is released.
• If a motion to quash or a request to remain anonymous is filed, the ISP may not release the information until the court rules.
• Any information obtained may be used solely for purposes of the lawsuit.
These protections are valuable, but they are not automatic shields. The 60-day period after the ISP notifies the subscriber is a critical window during which timely action can still make a meaningful difference.
Representative Recent Filings (July 21, 2026 wave)
Cases are pending before a range of district judges with referrals to Magistrate Judge Locke and other magistrates (including Taryn A. Merkl, Peggy Kuo, Lara K. Eshkenazi, and others). ISPs involved include Spectrum, Verizon Fios, and Optimum Online. The number of works alleged varies significantly from case to case (ranging from the mid-20s to well over 100 in some instances).
Counsel appearing for Strike 3 in many of these matters includes John C. Atkin (and in some filings, other attorneys associated with the plaintiff).
What We Deliver – Permanent Dismissal Order With No Name Disclosed
See this recent case dismissal permanently dismissing the Strike 3 Holdings lawsuit pursuant to settlement (“with prejudice”). Notice the Defendant’s name is nowhere to be found:
- Strike 3 Holdings Lawsuit Signed Dismissal Order with Prejudice by District Judge – Antonelli Law
- SDNY: Strike 3 Holdings Lawsuit Signed Dismissal Order with Prejudice by District Judge – Antonelli Law
Read here from the American Bar Association why it is so important to make sure your case’s dismissal is explicitly stated as “with prejudice”.
What Should You Do If You Received an ISP Notice?
Receiving a letter from your internet service provider about a subpoena in a Strike 3 Holdings case can be stressful. Here is calm, practical guidance:
1. Do not ignore the notice. The timelines in these cases move forward whether or not you respond.
2. Do not contact Strike 3 or its attorneys directly. Anything you say can be used in the case.
3. Preserve the letter and any related documents. Keep clear records of dates and communications.
4. Contact experienced counsel promptly. The earlier a knowledgeable attorney reviews your specific situation, the more options are typically available.
5. Understand that an IP address identifies a connection, not necessarily a person. Shared networks, household members, guests, and other factual circumstances are often relevant.
Our Approach
Antonelli Law has been defending individuals in BitTorrent copyright cases since 2010. We have handled Strike 3 Holdings matters across the country, including in the Eastern District of New York. Our focus is on providing clear information, protecting privacy to the extent possible, and resolving cases efficiently and ethically.
We do not use pressure tactics or inflated promises. Our clients consistently report that they appreciate receiving straightforward advice and respectful communication during a difficult time. Read real client reviews including in New York here.
If you have received a subpoena notice from Spectrum, Verizon, Optimum, or another ISP in connection with a Strike 3 Holdings case in the Eastern District of New York, we are available to discuss your options.
Call us confidentially at (312) 201-8310
or book a free consultation online.
This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Please consult qualified counsel about your specific situation.
See Our Other “What to do if you received a Strike 3 subpoena” articles:
- When Judge Orenstein denied Strike 3 Holdings’ request to issue an ISP Subpoena
- Central District of California (Judge Delaney)
Full List of Filings in Eastern District of New York circa July 21, 2026
- Case No.: 1:26-cv-04380-ENV-LKE
Parties: Strike 3 Holdings, LLC v. John Doe subscriber assigned IP address 74.101.102.101
District Judge: Eric N. Vitaliano
Magistrate Judge: Lara K. Eshkenazi
IP Address: 74.101.102.101
ISP: Verizon Fios
Works Infringed: 55
Location: Brooklyn, NY
- Case No.: 1:26-cv-04379-NRM-VMS
Parties: Strike 3 Holdings, LLC v. John Doe subscriber assigned IP address 207.172.162.135
District Judge: Nina R. Morrison
Magistrate Judge: Vera M. Scanlon
IP Address: 207.172.162.135
ISP: Astound Broadband
Works Infringed: 48
Location: Queens, NY
- Case No.: 1:26-cv-04381-EK-TAM
Parties: Strike 3 Holdings, LLC v. John Doe subscriber assigned IP address 66.65.28.95
District Judge: Eric R. Komitee
Magistrate Judge: Taryn A. Merkl
IP Address: 66.65.28.95
ISP: Spectrum/Charter
Works Infringed: 54
Location: Brooklyn, NY
- Case No.: 2:26-cv-04386-GRB-SIL
Parties: Strike 3 Holdings, LLC v. Doe
District Judge: Gary R. Brown
Magistrate Judge: Steven I. Locke
IP Address: 72.89.96.104
ISP: Verizon Fios
Works Infringed: 25
Location: Great Neck, NY
- Case No.: 2:26-cv-04388-GRB-SIL
Parties: Strike 3 Holdings, LLC v. Doe
District Judge: Gary R. Brown
Magistrate Judge: Steven I. Locke
IP Address: 67.82.2.76
ISP: Optimum Online
Works Infringed: 31
Location: Stony Brook, NY
- Case No.: 2:26-cv-04389-JMA-SIL
Parties: Strike 3 Holdings, LLC v. Doe
District Judge: Joan M. Azrack
Magistrate Judge: Steven I. Locke
IP Address: 100.2.195.242
ISP: Verizon Fios
Works Infringed: 52
Location: Ronkonkoma, NY
- Case No.: 2:26-cv-04394-JS-SIL
Parties: Strike 3 Holdings, LLC v. Doe
District Judge: Joanna Seybert
Magistrate Judge: Steven I. Locke
IP Address: 74.88.181.68
ISP: Optimum Online
Works Infringed: 56
Location: Medford, NY
- Case No.: 2:26-cv-04396-NJC-SIL
Parties: Strike 3 Holdings, LLC v. Doe
District Judge: Nusrat J. Choudhury
Magistrate Judge: Steven I. Locke
IP Address: 108.29.63.150
ISP: Verizon Fios
Works Infringed: 48
Location: Garden City, NY
- Case No.: 2:26-cv-04397-JMA-SIL
Parties: Strike 3 Holdings, LLC v. Doe
District Judge: Joan M. Azrack
Magistrate Judge: Steven I. Locke
IP Address: 69.116.9.243
ISP: Optimum Online
Works Infringed: 53
Location: Center Moriches, NY
- Case No.: 2:26-cv-04398-JS-SIL
Parties: Strike 3 Holdings, LLC v. Doe
District Judge: Joanna Seybert
Magistrate Judge: Steven I. Locke
IP Address: 68.132.105.162
ISP: Verizon Fios
Works Infringed: 39
Location: Deer Park, NY
- Case No.: 2:26-cv-04399-SJB-SIL
Parties: Strike 3 Holdings, LLC v. Doe
District Judge: Sanket J. Bulsara
Magistrate Judge: Steven I. Locke
IP Address: 69.122.112.86
ISP: Optimum Online
Works Infringed: 66
Location: Elmont, NY
- Case No.: 2:26-cv-04401-JMA-SIL
Parties: Strike 3 Holdings, LLC v. Doe
District Judge: Joan M. Azrack
Magistrate Judge: Steven I. Locke
IP Address: 72.80.0.228
ISP: Verizon Internet Services
Works Infringed: 48
Location: East Setauket, NY
- Case No.: 2:26-cv-04402-JS-SIL
Parties: Strike 3 Holdings, LLC v. Doe
District Judge: Joanna Seybert
Magistrate Judge: Steven I. Locke
IP Address: 108.30.234.61
ISP: Verizon Fios
Works Infringed: 140
Location: Elmont, NY
- Case No.: 1:26-cv-04377-LDH-PK
Parties: Strike 3 Holdings, LLC v. John Doe subscriber assigned IP address 108.29.41.203
District Judge: LaShann DeArcy Hall
Magistrate Judge: Peggy Kuo
IP Address: 108.29.41.203
ISP: Verizon Fios
Works Infringed: 32
Location: Brooklyn, NY
- Case No.: 1:26-cv-04376-RML
Parties: Strike 3 Holdings, LLC v. John Doe subscriber assigned IP address 174.44.69.223
District Judge / Magistrate: Robert M. Levy
IP Address: 174.44.69.223
ISP: Optimum Online
Works Infringed: 34
Location: Brooklyn, NY
- Case No.: 1:26-cv-04375-EK-JRC
Parties: Strike 3 Holdings, LLC v. John Doe subscriber assigned IP address 141.149.57.154
District Judge: Eric R. Komitee
Magistrate Judge: James R. Cho
IP Address: 141.149.57.154
ISP: Verizon Fios
Works Infringed: 24
Location: Staten Island, NY
- Case No.: 1:26-cv-04373-AMD-PCG
Parties: Strike 3 Holdings, LLC v. John Doe subscriber assigned IP address 69.206.106.201
District Judge: Ann M. Donnelly
Magistrate Judge: Peggy Cross-Goldenberg
IP Address: 69.206.106.201
ISP: Spectrum/Charter
Works Infringed: 26
Location: Queens, NY
- Case No.: 1:26-cv-04372-AMD-PK
Parties: Strike 3 Holdings, LLC v. John Doe subscriber assigned IP address 108.46.223.10
District Judge: Ann M. Donnelly
Magistrate Judge: Peggy Kuo
IP Address: 108.46.223.10
ISP: Verizon Fios
Works Infringed: 27
Location: Queens, NY
- Case No.: 1:26-cv-04371-RPK-JRC
Parties: Strike 3 Holdings, LLC v. John Doe subscriber assigned IP address 108.30.210.158
District Judge: Rachel P. Kovner
Magistrate Judge: James R. Cho
IP Address: 108.30.210.158
ISP: Verizon Fios
Works Infringed: 24
Location: Queens, NY
- Case No.: 1:26-cv-04370-PKC-TAM
Parties: Strike 3 Holdings, LLC v. John Doe subscriber assigned IP address 108.30.101.130
District Judge: Pamela K. Chen
Magistrate Judge: Taryn A. Merkl
IP Address: 108.30.101.130
ISP: Verizon Fios
Works Infringed: 36
Location: Staten Island, NY
- Case No.: 1:26-cv-04369-HG
Parties: Strike 3 Holdings, LLC v. John Doe subscriber assigned IP address 24.44.145.181
District Judge: Hector Gonzalez
IP Address: 24.44.145.181
ISP: Optimum Online
Works Infringed: 25
Location: Brooklyn, NY
- Case No.: 1:26-cv-04368-TAM
Parties: Strike 3 Holdings, LLC v. John Doe subscriber assigned IP address 100.37.34.142
District Judge / Magistrate: Taryn A. Merkl
IP Address: 100.37.34.142
ISP: Verizon Fios
Works Infringed: 26
Location: Staten Island, NY
- Case No.: 1:26-cv-04367-NCM-SDE
Parties: Strike 3 Holdings, LLC v. John Doe subscriber assigned IP address 24.164.153.234
District Judge: Natasha C. Merle
Magistrate Judge: Seth D. Eichenholtz
IP Address: 24.164.153.234
ISP: Spectrum/Charter
Works Infringed: 24
Location: Queens, NY
- Case No.: 1:26-cv-04366-PK
Parties: Strike 3 Holdings, LLC v. John Doe subscriber assigned IP address 72.69.253.25
District Judge / Magistrate: Peggy Kuo
IP Address: 72.69.253.25
ISP: Verizon Fios
Works Infringed: 27
Location: Brooklyn, NY
- Case No.: 1:26-cv-04365-OEM-CHK
Parties: Strike 3 Holdings, LLC v. John Doe subscriber assigned IP address 142.255.73.78
District Judge: Orelia E. Merchant
Magistrate Judge: Clay H. Kaminsky
IP Address: 142.255.73.78
ISP: Spectrum/Charter
Works Infringed: 25
Location: Brooklyn, NY
- Case No.: 1:26-cv-04364-RPK-LKE
Parties: Strike 3 Holdings, LLC v. John Doe subscriber assigned IP address 47.230.96.66
District Judge: Rachel P. Kovner
Magistrate Judge: Lara K. Eshkenazi
IP Address: 47.230.96.66
ISP: Spectrum/Charter
Works Infringed: 26
Location: Queens, NY
Counsel appearing for Strike 3 in many of these Eastern District of New York matters includes John C. Atkin and Jacquelyn James
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About Author
JAntonelli
Jeffrey Antonelli is a member of the federal trial bar of the Northern District of Illinois and is admitted to numerous federal courts around the country. He has been a civil litigator nearly 25 years in a broad range of actions representing corporations and individuals as plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal court. Jeffrey has been interviewed by the media many times, including Bloomberg BNA, NBC, The New York Times, Chicago Lawyer, Chicago Tribune, and the longstanding lawyer’s publication Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. Prior to forming Antonelli Law Ltd. in 2007 Jeffrey worked for several litigation boutiques in Chicago’s Loop as well as a full service firm. His litigation experience includes hotly contested issues in intellectual property, business, insurance, and consumer fraud. He is an adviser to the Illinois Board of Higher Education Advisory Council for Private Business and Vocational Schools (PBVS), and was a member of the Illinois State Bar Association Education Law Section Council from 2012-2013. Jeffrey is especially proud of his work representing hundreds of students defrauded by improperly accredited educational institutions, including as certified class counsel. Before attending law school, Jeffrey was interested first in business, and then in biomedical ethics. These interests led him to graduate from the nation’s largest philosophy department at Loyola University in Chicago, where some of his favorite (and most challenging) subjects were cognitive science and philosophy of science. During college he held positions at the University of Chicago’s Ben May Institute; as a medical assistant for a University of Chicago foot and ankle surgeon; and volunteered in the emergency room at the University of Chicago Hospitals. These experiences led to studying health law at the DePaul College of Law where Jeffrey earned his law degree and a certificate in health law. At that time DePaul’s Institute for Health Law was consistently ranked in the top 10 health law specialty programs nationwide. During law school Jeffrey immersed himself in studying the practical and public policy aspects of health care through internships at the American Medical Association in Chicago, and on Capitol Hill at the Governmental Relations Office of the Association of American Medical Colleges in Washington, DC. Jeffrey has concentrated in civil litigation throughout his legal career, and is a member of the federal trial bar of the Northern District of Illinois, the Central District of Illinois federal court, and all federal courts of Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana. In addition, he is a member of the DuPage County Bar Association and the Illinois State Bar Association. Jeffrey prides himself on his strong personal ideals, passionate, ethical advocacy, and working hard to bring the best possible results for his clients. He also maintains a special interest in cases involving fraud. Whether due to good parenting, his family’s law enforcement employment, undergraduate studies in philosophy including ethics, or a fortuitous outcome of good breeding, one essence of Jeffrey’s character is a drive to root out the truth behind fraudulent practices.