A well-known Letterkenny pub has been ordered to pay €16,188 in damages for infringing Sky’s copyright.
The Swilly Inn at Ballyraine, Letterkenny was found to be showing Sky Sports programming illegally on the premises.
Legal action was taken against the licensee Joseph Mc Fadden and a permanent court injunction was issued prohibiting him from showing Sky programming in the premises without the correct commercial viewing agreement from Sky Business.
An order was also granted to give up any devices on which Sky’s copyright could be further breached.
This case comes from Sky’s instruction of intellectual property legal experts Addleshaw Goddard (Ireland) LLP and forms a key part of Sky’s commitment to protecting pubs who invest in legitimate Sky Sports subscriptions.
“Sky is committed to visiting every licensed premises reported by other publicans and/or organisations for illegally showing Sky and have arranged to visit hundreds of pubs each week in towns and cities across Ireland this upcoming season,” a statement from Sky Business said.
Sara Stewart, Head of Compliance at Sky Business added: “Now more than ever it’s important to protect the investment of our customers. Businesses that show Sky Sports illegally can leave our legitimate Sky subscribers feeling short-changed.
“We actively visit thousands of pubs every season to monitor the games they are showing to help protect hardworking Sky customers who are unfairly losing business due to this illegal activity.
“Venues who continue to televise content in this way are breaking the law, and are at risk of being caught, which can result in licensees being ordered to pay significant damages and legal costs to Sky, and/or losing their personal licence.”