Hong Kong Bars Settle Copyright Infringement Claims
Hong Kong Bars Settle Copyright Infringement Claims, according to a news report.
Three bars in Hong Kong have settled copyright infringement suits with FIFA and pay-TV platform Hong Kong Cable Television for illegally broadcasting last year’s World Cup. The three establishments, Carnegies, the Bridge and the Coyote Bar & Grill, made out-of-court settlements, agreeing to pay substantial compensation for the copyright infringement and covering the plaintiffs’ legal costs. All three also have to publish formal apology letters. Two additional Hong Kong bars, The White Stag and Devil’s Advocate, still have outstanding copyright claims against them.
The Hong Kong courts have once again emphasized the importance of intellectual property laws for broadcasters and the community at large. It is hoped that this message is clearly received and there is a full understanding that TV broadcasts of all kinds are protected by copyright and this outcome, in particular, delivers a clear message to the food and beverage industry that copyright must be determinedly respected at all times. Without such support the entire media and entertainment industry “a vital pillar of Hong Kong’s economy” is under threat.
In a separate Hong Kong High Court action in July, the bars argued that FIFA and Cable TV had failed to supply sufficient evidence that the cable operator held the exclusive rights for the World Cup. The judge threw out that argument, saying the bars had provided no reason to doubt the licensing arrangements.
