Huge fine over illegal Sky Sports for ex-licensee of Birmingham pub
Ann Duffy, who was the designated premises supervisor at the Witton Arms, north Birmingham, has been ordered to pay a total of £49,741 in damages, costs and interest for infringing Sky's copyright by showing Sky Sports to customers without having a valid commercial viewing agreement in place.
Sky head of commercial piracy George Lawson said: "Showing sports illegally creates an uneven playing field for thousands of hard-working licensees who legitimately invest in Sky Sports, which is why we are committed to protecting legitimate customers from those that threaten their businesses.
"This action clearly demonstrates venues that choose to show Sky Sports without a valid agreement commit copyright infringement and will face legal action – and possibly hefty financial consequences as a result of their actions."
The fine follows significant action in recent months against pubs showing sport illegally. In 2017, 10 pubs have already been given large fines, and a Nottingham supplier of illegal sport was jailed for four years in December.
