Satellite : Irish TV pirate settles with UPC/Kudelski

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UPC Ireland and Nagra Kudelski have reached an out of court settlement with Irish box pirate Tom Roddy, described as a “large-scale distributor of illegal digital boxes in Ireland”. UPC and Kudelski were suing Roddy for €9.2m in total.

Roddy has agreed to pay “a substantial six figure sum” to UPC, not to engage in the import or sale of boxes without paying the correct fees, to disclose details of his distribution network, and to accept a number of injunctions restraining him from any future activity related to boxes, computer software or other piracy-defeating devices. In earlier proceedings, the court had been told that Roddy could not attend as he was undergoing intensive psychotherapy for depression.

Robert Dunn, CEO of UPC Ireland said: “Some ambivalence may exist in public opinion as to the seriousness of the crime of TV piracy. This may appear to be a victimless offence, but in reality this causes substantial damage to legitimate Irish enterprises which has an impact on people’s livelihoods. Like any black market activity, this act has serious financial consequences for the economy as a whole.”

“UPC is aware that these fraudsters have a wide ranging underground distribution network which supports this illegal activity. Some consumers using these boxes on our network may be unaware that this is a civil wrong and criminal offence under Irish law. This investigation has also disclosed detailed intelligence of Roddy’s Irish distribution chain and individuals that purchased from this source. UPC is currently considering next steps as part of its ongoing anti –piracy investigations.”