Legal Updates

An operating television set in a public place is not deemed a public performance of protected pieces or infringement of copyrights in them

August 6, 2018
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A company involved in the production and broadcasting of sporting events sought compensation for copyright infringement after a business for fast food presented its broadcasts on a TV screen facing the street.

The Court rejected the claim and held that the manner of recording and filming a sports event constitutes an original production that triggers protection of the copyrights law.  Broadcasting a copyrighted piece in public is an infringement of copyright. However, when the broadcasting is merely turning on a television set, as was in this case, even if the set was in a public place it is not considered copyright infringement because the person is in fact the receiver of the broadcast and not the broadcaster.