In recent years, efforts to crack down on piracy have focused heavily on stopping the sale of so-called “Kodi Boxes” and streaming apps that offer free access to movies and TV shows. Now in Canada, Premium TV network Super Channel is suing four retailers including Best Buy and Staples for “urging” customers to pirate TV shows, according to a CBC report.
According to the lawsuit, the four retailers “are advertently contributing to the creation of a culture of widespread infringement and theft.” The lawsuit went on to say: “Their actions are high-handed and unfair to their customers and causing damage to the plaintiff.”
According to the lawsuit, not only did the stores sell Android Boxes pre-loaded with software for piracy but the staff in the store also encouraged customers to commit piracy. In a video posted online by Super Channel, they found staff at several stores telling customers how they can get free TV with these devices. Many of these so-called “pirate devices” sold for between $60 and $200 and came pre-loaded with software to provide unauthorized content including movies and TV shows that Super Channel owns rights to in Canada.
This is one of the first significant lawsuits of this kind targeting a big box seller. In the past, companies like Amazon have always responded to complaints like this by removing the products. Now, big box stores may have to be more aggressive in preventing piracy devices from making it onto store shelves in the first place, or face legal consequences. Cord Cutters News will be following this case closely and will post updates as we learn more.
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