KUALA LUMPUR — The High Court here has ordered a local pub to pay RM75,000 in statutory damages to Measat Broadcast Network Systems Sdn Bhd for illegally streaming premium content.
Measat, a subsidiary of Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd (Astro), was also awarded RM5,000 in legal costs.
In a statement, Astro said this was its subsidiary’s first ever statutory damages award in a copyright infringement case against the pub – Brew Nation (M) Sdn Bhd – under Section 37 of the Copyright Act 1987.
The offence was made by a Brew Nation outlet in Bandar Rimbayu, Selangor on August 12 last year when the business outlet streamed exclusive live sports content, including football matches, to attract customers.
The judgment, delivered on November 6, also holds Brew Nation’s directors personally accountable for compliance, imposing a permanent injunction to prevent further violations.
Based on court documents affirmed by Measat’s general counsel Simon John Hamilton Wilkes on August 22, the Brew Nation outlet in Bandar Rimbayu had gained access to Astro’s content through the use of TV boxes and possibly pirate websites as well.
The satellite television provider also shared the comments provided by its Chief of Sales of Marketing, Tai Kam Leong, who said that the judgement underscored the court’s recognition of the need to protect intellectual properties and deter future violations.
“It sends a clear message to businesses that copyright infringement carries serious repercussions.
“As a major investor in premium programming and exclusive sports coverage, Astro sees this victory as part of its broader commitment to standing up for the creators, talents, and innovation that drive the industry forward,” Tai said.
Astro also mentioned that the High Court had made a landmark ruling back in November 2022, which said that it is illegal for commercial premises to broadcast content to the public from unauthorised sources, including Astro broadcasts without the appropriate commercial license.
On September 13, Scoop reported that Astro was to sue the pub for illegally streaming their channels, after winning a RM221,000 suit against Thaqwa (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, a nasi kandar chain, in August.
Astro also announced that it has secured a second victory with a RM15,000 settlement in yet another copyright infringement case against an illegal streaming device seller, Yap Kim Hon, who is trading as YKH Digital Enterprise.
The company said that the defendant has been selling and distributing Astro’s copyrighted works without authorisation, violating Sections 13, 36 and 37 of the Copyright Act 1987.
“As part of the settlement, Yap agreed to cease all infringing activities and refrain from enabling others to violate Astro’s copyright,” said the company. – November 27, 2024