Overview

The High Court has given summary judgment in a case concerning copyright infringement by the sale of devices for playing pirated copies of computer games, providing some clarification of the complex provisions of sections 296ZD and 296 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (the CDPA).

Business Impact:
• The CDPA can be used to tackle the suppliers of devices for playing pirate games, as well as individual pirates. A parallel can be drawn with the recent criminal action of Gilham v R.
• Section 296ZD of the CDPA may be used to prevent export sales of devices for playing pirate games.
• A sole director and shareholder of a company importing devices for playing pirate games may be liable as a joint tortfeasor.

To read on click ‘View Briefing’