Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 14 FEBRUARY 2018

What Can You Legally "Watch Free Online" And When?

Mamo TCV Advocates
Mamo TCV Advocates
Contributor
Mamo TCV Advocates

Mamo TCV Advocates

Mamo TCV Advocates is one of Malta’s leading law firms, with significant depth and expertise across...

View firm profile
Explore more from Mamo TCV Advocates

Putlocker. BitTorrent. PirateBay. Napster. Mediafire. Ring any bells? We'll bet they do.

MaltaIntellectual Property
Dr. Jonathan Tonna
Dr. Jonathan Tonna
Author LinkedIn connections

Putlocker. BitTorrent. PirateBay. Napster. Mediafire.

Ring any bells?

We'll bet they do.

Generally, most people have a pretty acute gutsense about when something is a little too good to be legal. It's just that, generally, most people ignore it – nip the burgeoning weed of guilt in the bud – and get on with their lives as though nothing is wrong.

So, is your gut on to something?

You may or may not be "most people", but you may yet be surprised to discover precisely what the law of copyright has to say about what you do online. For instance, you would probably think nothing of watching a YouTube video, even though YouTube hosts far more infringing content than just about every other video streaming website put together, in spite of their highly efficient "Copyright Strike System".

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

Copyright Without Digital Borders? The CJEU On Geo-blocking, VPNs And Territoriality

The Court of Justice of the European Union has delivered a landmark judgment addressing whether effective geo-blocking can lawfully restrict online access to copyrighted works across territorial boundaries, and whether the mere possibility of VPN circumvention undermines such technological measures. The case examines the fundamental tension between territorial copyright protection and the borderless nature of internet access, with significant implications for digital content providers operating across multi
European UnionIntellectual Property
Ganado Advocates
Ganado Advocates
Article

EU Commission Classifies ChatGPT As A Search Engine: A Brief Look At What This Means

The European Commission has designated OpenAI's ChatGPT as a Very Large Online Search Engine, while Roblox and Reddit have been classified as Very Large Online Platforms under the Digital Services Act. These designations mark a significant development in EU digital regulation, particularly for AI systems, as all three services must now comply with stringent requirements including risk assessments, content moderation, and independent audits within four months.
European UnionMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Mamo TCV Advocates
Mamo TCV Advocates
Article

Strengthening EU Air Passenger Rights: The 2026 Reform Explained

The European Union has agreed on a major legislative reform to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, introducing significant changes to air passenger rights across the EU. Set to enter force in August 2027, the reform strengthens existing protections while introducing new obligations for airlines, including proactive notification duties, enhanced rerouting requirements, and expanded protections for passengers with reduced mobility.
MaltaTransport
Mamo TCV Advocates
Mamo TCV Advocates
Article

No Free Rides On Reputed Marks: The CJEU’s Balancing Act Between Trademark Rights And Political Expression In Inter IKEA Systems v Vlaams Belang

The Court of Justice of the European Union has delivered a landmark ruling on whether political parties may invoke freedom of expression to justify using reputed trademarks in their campaigns. When Belgian political party Vlaams Belang adopted the IKEA trademark for its immigration reform programme, Inter IKEA Systems challenged the use, forcing European courts to balance intellectual property rights against fundamental freedoms. The judgment establishes a nuanced framework requiring case-by-case assessment
BelgiumIntellectual Property
Mamo TCV Advocates
Mamo TCV Advocates
Article

EU AI Act Update: What Will Apply From 2 August 2026 And What Is Being Postponed?

The Council of the European Union has reached a provisional agreement on the Digital Omnibus Regulation, introducing significant amendments to the EU AI Act that will reshape compliance timelines and expand prohibited practices. Key changes include postponing high-risk AI system obligations to December 2027, accelerating transparency requirements for AI-generated content, and introducing new bans on non-consensual intimate imagery generation.
MaltaTechnology
Mamo TCV Advocates
Mamo TCV Advocates
Article

EU Guidance Note For Pleasure Boats And Aircraft

The European Commission has issued its first-ever guidance document specifically addressing the VAT and customs status of privately owned pleasure boats and aircraft within the EU. This comprehensive guidance establishes a presumption of Union status for recreational craft, clarifies scenarios where temporary exits don't trigger loss of status, and outlines relief provisions for returned goods and temporary importation procedures for non-EU vessels.
European UnionTax
Mamo TCV Advocates
Mamo TCV Advocates