Kicked Into Action: EPL Plans Campaign To Protect Media Rights

EPL Warns To Clamp Down On Bars That Broadcast Foreign Feeds Of EPL Games

The EPL is "planning an aggressive campaign to protect its intellectual property rights in an attempt to clamp down on rogue websites that show football matches for nothing and pub landlords who broadcast foreign feeds," according to Owen Gibson of the Manchester GUARDIAN. EPL lawyers want U.K. Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport Andy Burnham and U.K. Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform Lord Peter Mandelson to "crack down on copyright infringement by making internet service providers responsible for the actions of their subscribers, and appoint an 'IP tsar' to coordinate action across government." An EPL lawyer said, "We have sent over 700 cease-and-desist letters and had an 87% success rate this season." But the lawyer added, "ISPs have to take on a stronger role and have a better enforcement policy." Gibson notes the EPL has been "liaising with sporting authorities around the world, media owners and other affected parties to highlight the need for urgent action and more consistent enforcement." EPL CEO Richard Scudamore last week said that the government needs to "take a harder line and do more to "implement the recommendations" outlined in a report by former Financial Times Editor Andrew Gowers. Gibson notes "millions of computer users across the world watch matches live without paying a subscription fee," and league officials fear that "could seriously reduce the amount broadcasters are prepared to pay" for TV rights. The EPL in '08 "threatened action" against Web site Justin.tv, and a class-action case against YouTube "is expected to be heard" later this year in the U.S. (Manchester GUARDIAN, 1/22).