Media

 

Date & Time: Fri, 11 Aug, 2017, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM | Organiser: National Library Board, Singapore | Status: Done


Copyright Infringement

A 2017 survey published in the Straits Times in April 2017 found that over 63% of 1,000 respondents engaged in the unauthorized or illegal downloading or streaming of online content. Of that 63%, more than half of the respondents admitted to downloading or streaming movies or TV shows. The figures come as no surprise given the high penetration of high speed broadband available to Singaporeans, as well as the ready availability and access to such content online. What may come as a surprise however, is that more often than not, the illegal downloaders are well-aware that the conduct they are engaging in is illegal, but do so anyway for a variety of reasons.

Given that the trend of unauthorized or illegal downloading or streaming of online content in Singapore is not going to disappear anytime soon, it is imperative that Internet users be more aware of the potential implications and consequences that attach to such conduct. This is especially so given the recent enforcement actions taken out by a US independent film producer.

This talk covered important topics relating to the unauthorized or illegal downloading or streaming of online content, particularly movies and/or TV shows. Some of the topics covered included:

  1. Who can sue?
  2. How do they go about suing an infringer?
  3. When will an infringer be criminally liable?
  4. What rights and remedies are available to a party suing an infringer?
  5. What rights and remedies are available to an infringer?
  6. What can one do to better protect oneself against accidental unauthorized or illegal downloading or streaming of online content?

Apart from the above topics, this talk also discussed some useful case studies to better illustrate the key points.