One Android TV box seller to contest charges in court, second considering next move

[Len]

SINGAPORE — One of the two Android TV box sellers brought to court for copyright infringement intends to claim trial, said his lawyer on Friday (Jan 26).

Singapore retailer An-Nahl, and its director Abdul Nagib Abdul Aziz, are accused of “wilfully infringing” copyright, in what is the first-ever private prosecution case launched by telcos Singtel and StarHub, as well as entertainment giant Fox and the organising body of the English Premier League (EPL).

They were served two charges each on Jan 12 for stocking 12 set-top boxes at their shop in Tanjong Katong Complex, and helping a customer use the media box to make unauthorised copies of EPL matches and Fox programmes last May.

On Friday, lawyer Chia Boon Teck, who represents both An-Nahl and Nagib, told District Judge Adam Nakhoda of his clients’ intentions to contest all charges.

A pre-trial conference has been set for Feb 9.

Another retailer Synnex Trading is also facing charges for similar offences under the Copyright Act.

The company and its director Jia Xiaofeng have been served four charges each.

One is over their possession of 104 media boxes, which are “specifically designed and adapted” for making copies of copyrighted content, last May at the company’s shop in Geylang.

Three other charges are for allegedly helping customers make unauthorised copies of programmes or films in May, August and September last year. They include EPL football matches, as well as programmes on cable channels such as Star Sports, Astro, TVB, and National Geographic.

Each charge that the defendants face carries a punishment of up to six months’ jail, or a fine of up to S$20,000.

Synnex Trading will return to court on Feb 2. At the last court hearing on Jan 12, Jia said he was discussing his next steps with his lawyer.

Listed as the complainant in these cases is Mr Neil Kevin Gane, who is acting on behalf of Singtel, StarHub, Fox Networks Group and the Premier League. Mr Gane is the general manager of the Coalition Against Piracy (CAP), but the coalition is not involved in this case.

Lawyers Andy Leck and Lim Ren Jun are representing the companies.