IPOS, AGC applying to intervene in illegal movie downloads case
Posted 20 Sep 2016 16:13 Updated 20 Sep 2016 16:20
SINGAPORE: The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) and the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) will be applying to intervene in court proceedings of a case involving alleged illegal downloading of two movies, they said on Tuesday (Sep 20).
The proceedings involve QOTD Film Investment Ltd and Fathers and Daughters Nevada, LLC - the rights owners of Hollywood movies Queen of the Desert and Fathers and Daughters. The latter is produced by Voltage Pictures, the same studio that went after those who illegally downloaded Oscar-winning movie Dallas Buyers Club last year.
TODAY newspaper reported last month that telcos Singtel, StarHub and M1 have been served papers in connection to the case.
In a joint statement, IPOS and AGC said that while content owners have the right to enforce their intellectual property, this should be done "in a way that builds legitimacy and respect for the entire process" and is not susceptible to allegations of abuse.
They added that they had reviewed positions taken in other jurisdictions such as Australia, Canada, the UK and the US in similar cases and noted that the courts in these jurisdictions imposed certain safeguards.
"We will be asking the courts to consider imposing similar safeguards and conditions, if we are allowed to intervene," IPOS and AGC said.
Members of the public affected by the proceedings can sign-up for complimentary intellectual property (IP) business and legal clinics, where they may receive preliminary legal advice on IP dispute cases in consultation with lawyers from private law firms to help them make informed decisions on their next course of action, according to IPOS.
"IPOS is committed to build a fair and balanced IP ecosystem that takes into account the interests of content owners, intermediaries and persons who wish to use copyright protected materials," it said in the statement.
- CNA/mz
- wong chee tat :)
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