A pub manager and former licensee has been ordered to pay almost £50,000 in damages, costs and interest for infringing the copyright of satellite television giant Sky.
According to reports, Ms Ann Duffy, ex-premises supervisor of the Witton Arms pub in Birmingham, was found guilty of illegally showing Sky Sports programming in the premises without the correct commercial viewing agreement in place.
Ms Duffy was fined a total of £49,471 for the offence.
Commenting on the case, George Lawson, head of commercial piracy at Sky, said: “This action clearly demonstrates that venues which choose to show Sky Sports without a valid agreement commit copyright infringement and will face legal action – and possibly hefty financial consequences as a result of their actions”.
He added: “Showing sports illegally creates an uneven playing field for thousands of hardworking licensees who legitimately invest in Sky Sports, which is why we are committed to protecting legitimate customers from those that threaten their businesses”.
The case is one of many in recent years which has seen the broadcasting giant investigate, visit and bring legal action against a public venue reported for allegedly showing its programmes illegally.
Reports suggest that Sky has plans to visit ‘hundreds’ of pubs, bars and other venues in UK towns and cities on a regular basis throughout 2017.