Speaking UEFA.com – the official site of European soccer’s governing body - CEO Lars-Christer Olsson described the verdict as ‘a landmark decision in favour of UEFA and of rights holders everywhere’.
UEFA issued proceedings in March in the High Court against the owners and operators of a series of websites unlawfully streaming and making available to subscribers TV coverage of Champions League matches.
The claim alleged infringement of copyright in the broadcasts and all the separate ancillary copyright works included in those broadcasts - the music, the on-screen graphics, the sponsored video sequences and the Champions League Starball.
The judge granted summary judgment, issued a permanent injunction restraining the broadcasting of Champions League games over the internet, ordered the confiscation of all equipment used in the pirating process, and ordered that the defendants pay the substantial costs of the claim, with the precise level of damages to be assessed.
Olsson added: “We see this as a major victory against the unauthorised and illegal streaming of UEFA Champions League matches over the internet, and therefore a full endorsement for the protection of the rights of the official broadcasters who have purchased the right to show these matches.”
UEFA has obtained a major victory in the UK High Court over the illegal streaming of Champions League soccer matches via the internet.
