Telstra acquired the National Rugby League’s internet rights in a six-year $90 million deal earlier this year. And it is seeking damages from the pay-TV operator Fox Sports over its use of replays of rugby league match highlights over the internet and mobile phones.
Telstra argued it will suffer substantial damages, including reduced traffic to its websites and loss of advertising revenues as a result of Fox Sports coverage. But the judge did not allow Telstra to include the wide-ranging damage claims.
However, he did allow the claim that Fox Sports' use of the footage would erode the advantage of Telstra spending $90 million for exclusive internet rights.
