PART I: Beware! Set-top box users!

The use of set-top boxes has gained traction in recent years.

It is a little device with the capability of transmitting or receiving satellite broadcasts and/or television programs. Without a proper license or authorization, it is deemed a criminal offense and an infringement of copyright.

This article focuses on the latter.

In a recent High Court case, the defendant, a pub owner, live streamed several English Premier League matches via set-top box. The plaintiffs, The Football Association Premier League Ltd. and MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems (ASTRO), found out that the streaming was without authorization and sued the pub owner for copyright infringement.

Although the pub owner did not contest, it wasn’t a walkover victory for the plaintiffs. They still had to establish their case.

In the final verdict, the Court held that the live streaming by the pub owner was within the definition of communication to the public without authorization and such was designed to attract more patrons, ultimately enhancing their profit.

Accordingly, the pub owner was held liable for copyright infringement.

Source: The Football Association Premier League Ltd. & Anors v. Bar Theory Sdn. Bhd. & Ors [2022] MLJU 2950.

To learn more on this case, please write to legal@timothyjdass.com