LONDON: The Premier League has won $812,000 in a lawsuit involving breach of copyright against Ace IPTV, a company that was involved in illegally streaming matches of the tournament, ipprotheinternet.com reports.
Ace IPTV’s owners, Craig Driscoll and Ian Isaac, were selling Premier League subscriptions to users, allowing them to watch the matches from devices such as the notorious Kodi-type boxes. With this verdict, the company has called off all subscriptions.
During the 2017-18 season itself, the Premier League’s anti-piracy enforcement strategies have resulted in more than 200,000 streams removed and 450,000 clips stopped from being viewed.
Kevin Plumb, director of legal services at the Premier League, said: “This large settlement is further evidence that the law will catch up with companies and individuals that think they can defraud rights owners and breach copyright.”
“As a result of this payment the company is being liquidated and customers are being left out of pocket.”
“Using these services is unlawful and fans should be aware that when they do so they enter into agreements with illegal businesses and risk being victims of fraud or identity theft by handing over personal data and financial details.”
“Our investment into cutting edge technology, combined with the ground-breaking High Court blocking order, means that it has never been harder for football pirates in the UK to survive.”, he added.
In July last year, the High Court had ordered UK ISPs to live-block illegal streams of Premier League matches.
“Quite apart from the huge disruption we are able to cause their services, settlements like this one, and the lengthy custodial sentences that we have also seen this season, highlight just how risky an environment it now is for pirates.”, Plumb signed off.
