Details of 300 'dodgy box' users to be given to Sky to tackle illegal streaming, High Court hears
Ann O' Loughlin
The names and addresses of 300 "dodgy box" users are to be given to Sky in its continuing efforts to tackle illegal streaming of its content, the High Court has heard.
Judge Brian Cregan granted an order that Revolut Bank UAB, the provider of accounts from which end users sent money to dodgy box resellers, must provide details of 304 subscribers as well as details of 10 resellers.
Sky UK Ltd, which along with Sky Ireland Ltd and Sky Subscribers Services Ltd is part of the Sky Group, sought what is known as a"Norwich Pharmacal" order which requires a defendant to supply certain information for the purpose of bringing court proceedings.
Theo Donnelly BL, for Sky, told the court on Wednesday that it was anticipated the information which will be provided will be used to take legal actions against the resellers and some of the end users. It would just not be possible to bring cases against all 304 subscribers, he said.
John Freeman BL, for Revolut, said his client was neutral on the Sky application. The information would be provided on an encrypted spreadsheet within 28 days, he said.
In an affidavit, Damien Gilmore, an investigator employed by Sky Subscriber Services, said the latest action arose out of a separate investigation into David Dunbar, with an address at Manor Crescent, Roxborough Manor, Co Wexford, who last year was revealed as a provider of the copyright infringing IPTV (Internet Protocol TV) streaming service called "IPTV is Easy".
Dunbar sold subscriptions for €80-€100 per year. Sky learned payments were made primarily to his Revolut bank account.
Regrettably, Gilmore said, much of the data relating to his customers was lost or destroyed.
Dunbar was fined €30,000 for contempt over a breach of court orders to preserve data. He also consented to judgment against him for some €480,000 over his infringement activities.
His Revolut account was closed but his statements revealed he got payments of some €118,992 from resellers and €72,414 and St£9,256 from end users over roughly three and a half years.
It was also established that there were 12 resellers and 304 “IPTV is Easy” customers who transferred sums by way of Revolut. Proceedings had already been issued against two of the 12 resellers, the court heard.
As Sky had no way of confirming the identities of the resellers and customers, it sought it from Revolut which said it could only do so on foot of a court order.
Gilmore said Sky recently received intelligence that at least five of Dunbar's resellers continue to sell the IPTV service.
Levels of infringement tend to peak around this time of year with Premier League football being a very significant selling point, he said. Final matches of the season, as well as Formula 1 racing and major golf tournaments are shown in coming months.
Gilmore said Sky is therefore anxious to ensure it can "take decisive action against these five resellers before the Premier League season ends" as it will be more effective than doing so after the season ends.
Sky is not the only content provider impacted by infringement, he said. It has a significant impact on all stakeholders and Sky is supported in its application by Premier Sports, GAA+, LOITV and Clubber TV, Gilmore said.
The judge said the information provided can be used for the purpose of initiating proceedings against the alleged infringers and he noted Sky's undertaking that it will be used only for that purpose and no other.
