U.S. Streamer UKTVEverywhere Shut Down Amid Legal Battle

BBC Studios and ITV Studios have reached a settlement with the operators of the U.S. streaming service UKTVEverywhere that has resulted in the shutdown of the platform.

It was ruled that UKTVEverywhere infringed BBC and ITV’s copyrights by live streaming the entire portfolio of BBC and ITV television channels to its streaming subscribers, without seeking or having any form of license or authorization from either broadcaster to distribute these channels.

Under the settlement, UKTVEverywhere is prohibited from distributing any/all BBC or ITV television channels. UKTVEverywhere has also agreed to pay a confidential settlement sum to resolve BBC and ITV’s claims of past infringement, and will be handing over its website domain name and taking other remedial measures aimed at steering former UKTVEverywere subscribers to BritBox.

BBC Studios and ITV said in a joint statement: “As producers and distributors of premium content, we have the right and obligation to take action against piracy, in accordance with relevant laws in the territories we operate. Ensuring that our content is viewed legally, equally ensures we will be able to bring our viewers the programs they love and expect. BBC Studios and ITV both produce thousands of hours of quality British programming, which in turn gives vital employment to writers, producers, cast and crew. Illegal streaming of this content means a wide range of workers were being deprived of their rightful earnings.”