Hong Kong Bars Settle Copyright Infringement Claims

HONG KONG, August 15: 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.

Speaking on behalf of the plaintiffs, Simon Twiston Davies,
the CEO of the Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA),
noted: “The Hong Kong courts have once again emphasized the importance of
intellectual property laws for broadcasters and the community at large. We
certainly hope this message is clearly received and there is a full
understanding that TV broadcasts of all kinds are protected by copyright.”

He continued: “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.