Internet service providers are scrambling to publish a draft code to tackle online piracy by Friday of this week to meet a tight deadline set by the Abbott government.

Fairfax Media has learned that The Communications Alliance, which represents ISPs, is meeting film and music companies today to discuss a possible notice scheme that would involve ISPs helping rights holders take legal action against repeat offenders.

Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Attorney-General George Brandis. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

News comes as court proceedings begin on Tuesday against iiNet and the other ISPs, in a case brought by Dallas Buyers Club to gain access to details of customers who downloaded the movie of the same name through torrent websites.

In December, Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Attorney-General George Brandis put Australia's ISPs on notice - after six years of failed talks with entertainment companies - to develop and submit a code to the Australian Communications and Media Authority by April 8.