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ARTICLE · 27 JUNE 2014

Copyright, Streaming Websites And Website Blocking Orders: Where Are We Now?

Wedlake Bell LLP
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The High Court granted an order to several major film studios blocking access to four film and television programme streaming websites.

United KingdomIntellectual Property
Lisa Broad
Lisa Broad

In the recent case of Paramount Home Entertainment International Ltd and others v British Sky Broadcasting Ltd and others,1 the High Court granted an order to several major film studios blocking access to four film and television programme streaming websites. The decision is the latest in a long line of cases in which copyright owners have sought website blocking orders and provides a useful overview of the requirements that have to be met in order for such an application to succeed.

Background

Legislation

Article 3(1) of the Copyright Directive provides that communicating a copyright work to the public without the copyright owner's consent is an infringement of copyright.

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