ClaimsHero Holdings Criticized by Judge for Encouraging Authors Opt-Out of Anthropic Settlement

Arizona law firm ClaimsHero Holdings LLC was criticized by a judge for encouraging authors to opt-out of the $1.5 billion settlement by Anthropic. The settlement is an attempt to resolve copyright infringement claims. In September, U.S. District Judge William Alsup called the class-action settlement “fair” during a hearing setting the stage for notification of authors impacted and allowing them to file claims. Anthropic is accused of using millions of pirated of books to teach its AI assistant Claude to respond to prompts.

ClaimsHero Holdings calls itself a “consumer justice platform dedicated to helping individuals seek justice for various consumer harms.” On their page concerning Anthropic’s settlement, it states:

Anthropic has received preliminary court approval of a settlement to resolve claims that it illegally downloaded millions of pirated books from online datasets. That settlement provides for just $3,000 per copyright claimant. But the law provides for up to $150,000. Unless you take action, authors and rightsholders will be automatically included in that settlement. If you opt out of that settlement, you may be entitled to more compensation. Let us opt you out, represent you, and fight for more!

During a recent court proceeding, the judge criticized the firm accusing them of attempting to deceive individuals for a “quick buck,” scrutinizing their actions and raising concerns about the firm’s motives and practices.