On November 15, 2019, the Federal Court issued an Order
compelling Canada's primary Internet service providers
("ISPs") to block their subscribers from accessing two
Internet services that distribute infringing television and motion
picture content. The decision in Bell Media Inc. et al v
Goldtv.biz et al., 2019 FC 1432 is an important victory for
copyright owners as it is the first site-blocking Order to be
issued by a Canadian Court.
The Plaintiffs were successfully represented by François
Guay, Guillaume Lavoie Ste-Marie and Olivier Jean-Lévesque
of Smart & Biggar's Montreal office.
Background
Over the past years, unauthorized subscription services that
provide illegal access to live and on-demand television and motion
picture content through user-friendly interfaces have become
increasingly popular. These services are generally developed,
maintained and promoted by software developers who go to great
lengths to conceal their identity on the Internet, making
