Wed, 22nd December

Judge Orders Hearing To Deal With All ACS:Law File-Sharing Cases
Following last month’s failed attempt by ACS:Law to have default judgments handed down to 8 individuals accused of illegal file-sharing, the company have been back in court again. ACS hoped for a ruling in their favour but were again denied by the judge. Instead, all of ACS:Law’s outstanding cases have been rounded up for a hearing next month.

Sources: torrentfreak.com

Wed, 22nd December

Avatar is ‘most illegally downloaded film of 2010’
Sci-fi epic Avatar was the most illegally downloaded film of 2010, according to data released by a file-sharing blog. James Cameron's blockbuster was downloaded 16.6m times on TorrentFreak alone. Second on the list was comic book action film Kick-Ass, with 11.4m downloads, followed by Inception with 9.7m.

Sources: bbc.co.uk

Tue, 21st December

Don't be a plonker – download it
It is noted that consumers wishing to ensure that a website they are considering downloading content from is legal can visit the Industry Trust Website at copyrightaware.co.uk.

Sources: telegraph.co.uk

Tue, 21st December

Illegal file sharers are 28 year-old males, Robin Hoods of the digital age
Many illegal file sharers believe they are the ‘Robin Hoods of the digital age’ and are motivated by altruism and a desire for notoriety, according to new research which analyses why people illegally download digital media.

Sources: dvd-intelligence.com

Tue, 21st December

London branded world counterfeit capital
Research conducted by accountancy firm KPMG has identified London as one of the world’s top rip off capitals. London's streets are awash with fake watches, knock-off DVDs, pirated software and counterfeit sunglasses according to the firm, with dodgy replicas retailing for around 31% of the value of their genuine equivalent.

Sources: thedrum.co.uk

Mon, 20th December

It’s harder to spot a fake as knock-off labels stop selling for knockdown prices
KPMG research has revealed that counterfeit items in London, including knock-off DVDs, are among the most expensive in the world, at 31 per cent the value of the genuine item. New York counterfeits sell at 22 per cent, while Tel Aviv sells sell at 13 per cent. KPMG's David Eastwood says that the high prices of counterfeit items make them harder to spot.

Sources: thetimes.co.uk

Mon, 20th December

BPI: illegal music downloads top a billion
The BPI has called on the government to step up its efforts to curb rampant online copyright infringement as it is reported that three-quarters of all songs downloaded in 2010 were downloaded illegally.

Sources: channel4.com

Fri, 17th December

Britons 'downloaded 1.2bn illegal tracks this year'
Britons downloaded 1.2bn digital music tracks this year, the BPI claimed today, as it produced research showing online copyright infringement is still growing. The industry body said just under three out of every four tracks downloaded in 2010 were illegally acquired, citing a report it commissioned from the market research company Harris Interactive.

Sources: guardian.co.uk

Fri, 17th December

Why illegal downloaders are still enjoying the free music
Emma Barnett wrote that, ‘The fact that the number continues to grow, in spite of the passage of the controversial Digital Economy Act some eight months ago, is to be expected, as none of the Government’s proposed measures have yet been carried out. Nor is there yet a killer legal alternative, according to music analysts, which is compelling enough, to tempt those illegally downloading to come away from the dark side.’

Sources: telegraph.co.uk

Fri, 17th December

Film industry seeks BT blocking order in Newzbin2 copyright infringement case
The film industry opened a new legal front in the battle against online copyright infringement in the UK yesterday, filing an injunction forcing BT  – the country's biggest broadband  provider – to block access to a website that links to sites hosting illegal copies of movies and TV shows.

Sources: guardian.co.uk

Thu, 16th December

Illegal music downloads are 'on the rise'
The BPI is calling for people to pay for their music to help boost homegrown artists including Adele.

Illegal downloading in the UK is growing, with around 7.7 million people choosing not to legitimately buy their music online, according to new figures.
A report suggests that more than 1.2bn tracks were illegally downloaded this year, costing the retail industry £219m.

Sources: bbc.co.uk

Thu, 16th December

UK Software Industry Breaks Out Lawyers to Challenge Digital Economy Act Debate
The UK Federation Against Software Theft  (FAST), a not-for-profit group that campaigns for the legitimate use of software, has said that it plans to involve its "lawyers in the thought processes to link with the debate" on the controversial Digital Economy Act 2010 (DEA).

FAST's Legal Advisory Group (FLAG) has organised a unique event at the House of Commons on January 12th 2011 (08:45 for 9:30 am start. Close 11:30 am) to discuss hot topics, including the future of the DEA, which will seek to bat the corner of copyright owners against any potential changes to the act's text.

Sources: ispreview.co.uk

Thu, 16th December

Why Brazilian film Elite Squad 2 is a box office hit
Part of the film's success is the result of a commercial strategy. Before the film's launch, the production company waged a strong anti-piracy campaign to prevent illegal copies from reaching the internet.

The first Elite Squad leaked before its release in 2007, and it is thought that more than 11 million people watched a pirated copy - which ironically would have broken Dona Flor's record three years ago.

Sources: bbc.co.uk

Thu, 16th December

Harvard Crimson Gives A Positive Review Of The Movie Industry’s Approach To Illegal Downloading
Harvard’s student newspaper on Monday endorsed the way that the movie industry has approached the phenomenon of illegal downloading  at university campuses, calling it “a sensible compromise.”

The Motion Picture Association of America has recently sent thousands of letters to higher education institutions  throughout the United States to remind them that under the Higher Education Opportunity Act, they must have a written plan to “effectively combat the unauthorized distribution of copyright material by users of the institution’s network.”

Sources: broadbandbreakfast.com

Wed, 15th December

Lovefilm, the DVD rental and online streaming service, has introduced its streaming video platform in Germany
Cue Entertainment, Screen Daily and Digital TV Europe all report that subscribers to Lovefilm's service in Germany will now have access to TV and feature films digitally as part of their overall subscription. The move is part of Lovefilm's international rollout of the service, which launched in the UK earlier this year.

Chief executive Simon Calver said: "Following the enormous success of the Lovefilm Player in the UK, which launched in March 2010, an international rollout of our popular subscription streaming service is very much a component of our expansion strategy.”

Sources: digitaltveurope.net, screendaily.com, cueentertainment.com

Wed, 15th December

The Culture Media and Sport Committee today publishes its annual report on Channel 4
The enactment of the Digital Economy Act at the end of the last Parliament, amended the Communications Act 2003 to give Channel 4 a new and expanded remit and duties.  The Report concludes that the Digital Economy Act sets out sensible primary functions for Channel 4 to work towards and that Channel 4 has identified the correct method—self-reliance—to deliver them.   Aligning all its portfolio of channels in support of these primary functions will not be easy, and it is essential that there is adequate external scrutiny of Channel 4’s progress.

Sources: parliament.uk

Wed, 15th December

Golden Globe nominations announced
Empire reports the nominations for the Golden Globes.  The King's Speech received seven nominations, and The Social Network and The Fighter received six apiece.  Black Swan, Inception and The Kids Are All Right are behind that with four each, and then it's 127 Hours, Alice in Wonderland, Burlesque and The Tourist with three each. T he nominated directors include David Fincher up for The Social Network, David O. Russell for The Fighter, Tom Hooper for The King's Speech, Christopher Nolan for Inception and Darren Aronofsky for Black Swan.

Sources: empireonline.com

Tue, 14th December

Time Warner Views Netflix as a Fading Star
Following the success of Netflix, the online company which delivers films and television shows via the internet, many of the companies that make the TV shows and films that Netflix provides are pushing back and vowing to charge more to license their content.

Sources: nytimes.com

Tue, 14th December

BVA defines formula for multi-format packaging
Research commissioned by the British Video Association has shown that using the “Double Play” and “Triple Play” definitions on multi-format packs along with an additional sticker for clarity is best for consumer understanding.

Sources: cueentertainment.com

Tue, 14th December

Can music bosses catch the copyright infringers?
The music industry is facing a challenge in its battle to overcome online copyright infringement, as the most commonly used technique for spotting illegal file-sharers comes under increased court scrutiny. Currently, attempts to prove copyright infringement are typically based on IP addresses, which identify connections, rather than identifying specific individuals directly. The issue has come to a head following BT’s announcement that it was seeking legal clarification whether evidence of illegal sharing from a particular IP address was, on its own, sufficient grounds for requiring an ISP to release details of the subscriber to whom the address is registered.

Sources: pcpro.co.uk

Mon, 13th December

Ilminster film-maker supports campaign to keep children safe and legal online
Caroline Greville-Morris, is supporting internet safety charity, Childnet International, as they launch a new guide to keep parents, teachers and children safe and legal online. The guide to music, film, TV and the internet - highlights legal digital sources of entertainment and the risks of using file-sharing sites.

Sources: chardandilminsternews.co.uk

Mon, 13th December

PlayStation 3 adds ITV and Channel 4 shows to on-demand lineup
ITV and Channel 4 shows will soon be available to watch via Sony's PlayStation 3 games consoles for the first time, in another sign of the convergence between traditional media and the internet. The broadcasters are following in the footsteps of the BBC's iPlayer, which launched on the PS3 console last year.

Sources: guardian.co.uk

Mon, 13th December

MediaGuardian Review 2010: Digital media
Jemima Kiss looks back at the year 2010 in Digital Media.

Sources: guardian.co.uk

Fri, 10th December

ISP 3 Strikes Anti-Copyright Infringement Strategy Rewarded By Big Four Music Service
ISP Eircom, the company pioneering a 3 strikes scheme for illicit file-sharers in Ireland, has been outlining the details of the regime it will implement in conjunction with the music industry. Eircom customers will be offered a music streaming service as part of their subscription but for those who choose to continue to share files, 12 months disconnections are on the horizon.

Sources: torrentfreak.com

Fri, 10th December

3D Will Not Defeat Copyright Infringement Says Paramount Boss
3D is useless in the movie industry's ongoing fight with online film copyright infringers sharing content on peer-to-peer networks, according to the boss of Paramount Pictures. Huntsberry was discussing the current state of online copyright infringement at the film industry convention, adding that 3D, does NOT provide an easy solution for online copyright infringement, because the movie copyright infringer can fit a lens to their camera to take out the second layer and thus offset the 3D effects of the movie, before sharing the unauthorised copy online.

Sources: techradar.com

Fri, 10th December

Roy Billing Honored for Anti-Copyright Infringement Work
Australian actor Roy Billing received the Motion Picture Association Asia-Pacific Copyright Educator Award Thursday evening at CineAsia, in recognition of his contribution in working alongside the Australian Federation Against Copyright Theft and raising awareness of the damage caused by copyright infringement to the Australian movie and TV industry.

Sources: hollywoodreporter.com

Thu, 9th December

Netflix challenge to traditional TV
Netflix announced a deal with Disney’s ABC on Wednesday to stream hit television shows such as Grey’s Anatomy.  Netflix has emerged as a leading contender in the fight to be the American consumer’s gateway to the universe of movies and television shows, pitching itself as an alternative to cable and satellite television operators’ channel bundles.
 
Jeff Bewkes, Time Warner’s chief executive, said that the $8 monthly streaming subscription Netflix charges was not enough to fund the acquisition of premium content.  Netflix is offering $50,000-$100,000 to stream current television shows, Mr Bewkes said, but traditional channels still pay “millions of dollars” per episode. New online entrants, he said, would have to pay the same as traditional channels.

Sources: ft.com

Thu, 9th December

3D is here to stay
The Digital Entertainment Group Europe hosted a special transmission of director James Cameron and producer Jon Landau’s presentation to the Blu-con 2010 conference in the US last month. Sam Andrews reports on their views on the potential for 3D home entertainment.

Sources: cueentertainment.com

Thu, 9th December

Hope for a Golden Age
Cue Entertainment reports on the recent Industry Trust AGM, where panellists pondered the question of copyright theft and how engaged consumers are in the problem. The panel of industry insiders agreed on one view: Optimism.  While they agreed that the threat to intellectual property remained high, they all suggested there was every reason to hope that the collected creative industries can battle the problem with a continued combination of education and regulation.  Projects such as Screen Champions, youmakethemovies.com and findanyfilm.com were all praised for their contributions in education and in helping consumers find legal sources for their favourite films and TV shows.

Sources: cueentertainment.com

Wed, 8th December

Potter most copyright infringed
Harry Potter’s latest film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, is the most counterfeited DVD this Christmas. A study for Microsoft revealed almost 70% of people have considered buying counterfeit items to save money and men are 20% more likely than women to knowingly purchase black-market films, music, games and software.

Sources: metro.co.uk

Wed, 8th December

Judge Blocks FilmOn.com From Streaming TV Signals
A judge in New York has issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting FilmOn.com Inc. from streaming copyrighted broadcast-television programming as TV networks intensify their fight to stop Internet companies from distributing their content online.

Sources: wsj.com

Wed, 8th December

The £400,000-a-year regulator - that's handled just four complaints
Neil Midgley reports that a new watchdog for video-on-demand services, the Authority for Television on Demand (ATVOD), has secured a budget of £400,000 a year and is recruiting a fourth member of staff, but has handled just four complaints in two months.

Sources: telegraph.co.uk

Tue, 7th December

Google Acquires Anti-Piracy Firm Widevine
Google has announced the acquisition of digital rights management software maker Widevine in bid to deploy sophisticated DRM security on its Google  TV service. In a blog post, the company said that as on-demand streaming services were on the rise, it was necessary to provide a certain level of security to content providers in order to protect their videos and other forms of media from piracy.

Sources: itproportal.com

Tue, 7th December

Portsmouth Research into Illegal Filesharing Reveals "Robin Hood" Community Spirit
Many illegal file sharers believe they are the 'Robin Hoods of the digital age' and are motivated by altruism and a desire for notoriety, according to new research which analyses why people illegally download digital media.

Sources: aboutmyarea.co.uk

Tue, 7th December

Entertainment Industry to Meet on Piracy, Dec. 8 in Los Angeles
The entertainment's creative, technical and business community will come together on December 8 here for the first-ever Entertainment Content Protection Summit, dedicated to "charting a new course for combating piracy in the digital age."

Sources: sony.broadcastnewsroom.com

Mon, 6th December

Virgin Media launches next-generation entertainment platform
Virgin Media has unveiled details of Virgin Media TV powered by TiVo. The new service will combine the live TV schedule with catch-up TV, a huge library of on-demand programming and popular web-based applications alongside a personal video recorder.

Sources: easier.com

Mon, 6th December

Government reveals super-fast broadband plans
Every community in the UK will gain access to super-fast broadband by 2015 under plans outlined today. Ministers say they aim for the UK to have Europe's best broadband network.

Sources: bbc.co.uk

Mon, 6th December

DVDs' battle for survival
Readers respond to a recent Guardian article on the supposed decline of the DVD. Nothingtoseehere writes, “A drop of 2% in the market performance is hardly a sign of an "industry in crisis". Any industry would happily take that kind of drop in difficult economic times. While the writer casually points out this statistic in the latter part of his piece, he ignores the fact that the value of the industry, as opposed to the volume, is actually up year-on-year due to the growth in sales of Blu-ray and the continuing success of the box set market.”

Sources: guardian.co.uk

Mon, 6th December

Google courts media with Widevine buy
Google has acquired Widevine Technologies, a company that provides digital rights management systems to protect digitally streamed content.

Sources: ft.com

Fri, 3rd December

Google ramps up anti-piracy measures
Google is introducing a range of measures to improve its policing of digital piracy, promising to respond to requests for the removal of material that infringes copyright from its search service "within 24 hours". The US technology giant will implement the measures in the coming months as it attempts to react more swiftly in removing pirated content and to better promote legitimate music download sites. Google is responding to mounting pressure from film and music companies for action over copyright infringement.

Sources: guardian.co.uk

Fri, 3rd December

Viacom Set to Appeal in YouTube Case
Viacom Inc. says a new wave of digital piracy could threaten the U.S. media business unless federal courts overturn its defeat in a copyright-infringement lawsuit against Google Inc.'s YouTube video-sharing site.

Sources: wsj.com

Fri, 3rd December

Tech firms urge government rethink on net neutrality
Several major technology companies and organisations have written an open letter to communications minister Ed Vaizey urging a rethink of the government's position on net neutrality.

Sources: theinquirer.net

Thu, 2nd December

Children can legally buy explicit lap dancing DVDs
DVDs showing pole dancing can be bought by children because it is classified as exercise. Cage fighting DVDs are permitted as it is categorised as sport. The British Board of Film Classification is not allowed to put a minimum age on E-rated material.  It is up to producers and distributors to decide if the DVDs are educational.  Shadow Culture Minister Gloria De Piero said: “It’s outrageous. Young people should not be able to go into any shop and buy DVDs that are violent, sexually explicit and full of bad language.”

Sources: mirror.co.uk

Thu, 2nd December

UK consumers spend most online, says Ofcom report
British shoppers buy more products online and spend more money than internet users in any other European country, a report suggested yesterday.  The communications regulator Ofcom said that UK consumers spent an average of £1,031 between June and November last year – nearly double that spent in next-placed Germany. The take-up of "superfast" broadband in Britain – at 0.2 per cent of the population – is among the lowest in Europe and compares with 1.1 per cent in France and 7.1 per cent in the US. Ed Richards, the chief executive of Ofcom, said the issue was "challenging" but that proposals to widen that coverage to 66 per cent by 2015 "compared well with other countries". "We are not where we want to be," he admitted.

Sources: independent.co.uk

Thu, 2nd December

BBC picks iPad for iPlayer global launch
The BBC will seek to build on the popularity of its iPlayer by launching an international version of the video-on-demand service as an application for Apple’s iPad.  The FT reports that the US will probably be the first market to be able to use the application, for which there will be a charge, but analysts expressed doubt at the BBC’s chances of replicating the huge success of the service domestically.

But Dan Cryan, head of broadband at the analysts Screen Digest, said: “Nobody has made much money charging people for video-on-demand. The BBC, through its global reach, could make it cumulatively attractive as a business, but you also have to remember that it also sells a lot of its best programming to television stations round the world, so you have to question what they would be able to put on the Global iPlayer.”
 
Benedict Evans, digital media specialist at Enders Analysis, said: “They have chosen in the first instance a pretty small market, even if there are 30 to 40m iPads in existence by the end of next year.

“The competition, Hulu Plus and Netflix, have so far found it pretty difficult to make money in the US from charging people for content, although using Apple as a route to market does make a lot of sense.”

Sources: ft.com

Wed, 1st December

Counterfeiting gang Smashed by Stockport Council, Greater Manchester Police, and Federation against copyright theft
A counterfeiting gang were given custodial sentences at Minshull Street Crown Court on Friday 26th November. They were charged with conspiracy to defraud the film industry between 1st November 2006 and 7th September 2009 by manufacturing and distributing unauthorised copies of films contrary to common law.

Sources: aboutmyarea.co.uk

Wed, 1st December

What next for the UK’s controversial filesharing law?
Steve Kennedy claims that, “It could be that the thresholds will be lowered so more ISPs will have to implement measures to enforce the DEA. If that happens Universities could easily fit the bill as well as mobile operators.

Though 75% of the costs have to be paid by the copyright holders, that’s still a huge bill that ISPs will have to bear – which of course they won’t and it’s the non copyright infringing users that will have to pay the bill. Maybe that’s why BT and TalkTalk are really so against the Act and want the Judicial Review.”

Sources: thenextweb.com

Wed, 1st December

Music Guru Fears For Future Of Industry
The record industry business model is dead, the chairman of British group Chysalis has said, in his first interview after selling his firm to a German rival.
"The biggest problem we've got as an industry is coping with the amount of illegal downloading which is sucking so much revenue out of the industry."

Sources: sky.com