Tiscali loses authors’ rights case

1 December 2004

BRUSSELS – Internet service provider Tiscali has lost a court case over the protection of authors rights because it fails to stop its users illegally sharing music and other files online.

A Belgian court has upheld a charge by Sabam – the Belgian performing rights organisation – that accused Tiscali of practises that infringed the rights of musical artists.

Tiscali came under fire for failing to prevent internet users from accessing “peer-to-peer” networks that allow users to share music illegally.

Sabam, which guards the rights of around 25,000 Belgian authors, composers and editors, brought the case to court last June.

The court ruled against Tiscali on Tuesday, although admitted that more blame rested with the internet sites that the company provides access to.

The court decided that it did not have the necessary competence to block p-to-p services, as requested by Sabam, but said it would provide an expert to see whether this was possible or not.

[Copyright Expatica 2004]

Subject: Belgian news