3 Count: Bad Evidence

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1: Spanish Broadcasting System Keeps $800k Fee Win in Music Copyright Case

First off today, Blake Brittain at Reuters reports that the Second Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a $845,000 award of attorneys fees and costs to the radio station company Spanish Broadcasting System Inc. (SBS).

The lawsuit was filed by Latin American Music Company Inc. (LAMCO), which accused SBS of unlawfully performing songs that they hold the copyright to on radio stations in both San Juan and New York City. However, as the case went along, LAMCO failed to produce any evidence of copying and even admitted that they didn’t own the tracks at issue.

Finding the lawsuit was filed in bad faith, the lower court judge ordered LAMCO to pay some $845,000 in fees and costs. LAMCO appealed that, arguing that it was their previous attorneys who were responsible. However, the Second Circuit disagreed and has upheld the lower court decision.

2: Cloudflare Defeats “Repeat Infringer” Copyright Lawsuit in US Court

Next up today, Ernesto Van der Sar at Torrentfreak writes that Cloudflare has secured an important victory in their battle against a pair of wedding dress manufacturers.

The lawsuit was filed by a pair of bridal companies that alleged Cloudflare wasn’t doing enough to stop counterfeit sites. Specifically, they said that they filed repeated complaints against such sites and Cloudflare never removed the sites from their service.

However, Cloudflare argued that they are a content delivery network and not the direct host of the content. As such, they have no responsibility. The judge ultimately agreed with that stance, granting summary judgment to Cloudflare. There is no word if the plaintiffs intend to appeal.

3: Newcastle Takeover Edges Closer After TV Piracy Row is Resolved

Finally today, Jamie Gardner at The Independent reports that a Saudi-backed bid to purchase the Newcastle United soccer team may finally be going forward after Saudi Arabia has agreed to lift its ban on beIN Sports.

The story began in August 2018 when the Saudi government blocked access to beIN sports as part of a larger dispute with Qatar. Shortly after that, a pirate sports network named BeoutQ rose and operated within Saudi Arabia. Many believed that the company had backing and protection from the Saudi government.

This made things complicated when Saudi investors sought to purchase the Newcastle team as many felt that the country was encouraging and enabling piracy of Premiere League matches. Though BeoutQ shuttered in August 2019, beIN remained banned from the country. Since beIN is the company with the rights for the Premiere League in that area, that was a requirement for many before considering the sale. With the ban likely being limited, many expect the purchase to go through very quickly.

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