The three establishments, Carnegies, the Bridge and the Coyote Bar & Grill, made out-of-court settlements, agreeing to pay “substantial compensation” for the copyright infringement and covering the plaintiffs’ legal costs. All three also have to publish formal apology letters.

The Hong Kong courts have once again emphasized the importance of intellectual property laws for broadcasters and the community at large. We certainly hope this message is clearly received and there is a full understanding that TV broadcasts of all kinds are protected by copyright.

This outcome, in particular, delivers a clear message to the food and beverage industry that copyright must be determinedly respected at all times. Without such support the entire media and entertainment industry—a vital pillar of Hong Kong’s economy—is under threat.

While the unauthorized display of pay-TV services in public venues for commercial gain is of the greatest concern to the industry, the traders in illegal decoders are at the head of the supply chain and, as in previous cases, ‘will not be allowed to operate without sanction’.

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