A piracy in the audiovisual field is not new, but the arrival of the internet has certainly made it a much bigger problem than seen in other times. Likewise, many efforts have been made to clamp down on the problem, with numerous websites being closed or blocked by internet providers.
In this regard, a lawsuit filed against the operator of two IPTV servicesInternet protocol televisionor internet protocol television.”>1 pirates resulted in the payment of US$30 million to companies like AppleDisney, Netflix and Universal — in addition to the closure of platform activities, according to information from the Hollywood Reporter.
The case originally surfaced in February last year, when the businessman Dwayne Johnson (not the actor), owner of AllAccessTV (AATV) and Quality Restreams, was charged with infringement, contributing to infringement, and inducing copyright infringement by the aforementioned services — in addition to other major studios such as Warner Bros. and Paramount.
Both subscription services included live channels as well as several VOD stations.Video on demandor video on demand.”>2 with movies and TV shows from various studios. They also allowed access to various networks and paid services such as Cinemax, NBC, and HBO for a $25 monthly fee. According to the report, just one of the services (AATV) was earning Johnson $3 million a year.
The lawsuit alleged that Johnson knew his conduct was illegal. He pointed to “joint efforts to conceal the illegal enterprise” using a website purporting to sell VPN software.Virtual private networkor virtual private network.”>3, but actually marketed subscriptions to its services. If copyright infringement is intentional, the owner will have to pay up to US$150 mil for breached work.
In addition to the fine, an injunction was created that prohibits Johnson from having any involvement in any service that has piracy links.
via TorrentFreak