Re: NOVA-HD
Λίγο άσχετο:
Europe's highest court is set to rule on whether pubs have the right to use overseas TV providers to screen English Premier League football.
Portsmouth landlady Karen Murphy is up against the Premier League in a bid to decide what's more important: the European free market or territorial copyright restrictions.
Currently only Sky has the right to show Premier League Football in the UK, and charges high rates to commercial premises.
The case before the European Court of Justice could affect not only the £3bn-plus income Premier League clubs get annually from TV football rights, but also the right to show football matches on a Saturday afternoon.
It could have a knock-on effect for copyright deals throughout Europe, which are traditionally sold independently to broadcasters or other media distributors different countries.
Murphy argues that this is in direct contravention of European Union laws that guarantee free trade between member states.
Her story began when she purchased a subscription to Greek TV service Nova, which is considerably cheaper than Sky's pub rate, to show Premiership football matches at her pub.
Media Protection Services, the EPL's legal arm, took Murphy to court in 2006, claiming she was breaking the law because only Sky has the right to show its matches in the UK.
After a series of court actions, Murphy was fined £8,000, but she appealed and the case was eventually referred to Europe, because EU members share common copyright and free trade legislation.
Until the case is decided, the Premier League has suspended enforcement against landlords who import pay-TV subscriptions from overseas.
However, landlords who advertise 'Sky coverage' when they show another TV channel can still be convicted of fraud.
The result of Murphy v MPS will also affect the Premier League's cases against other publicans and importers, and similar actions being brought by UEFA.
