MyTek sold subscriptions to IPTV services that streamed pirated beIN channels over the internet.
Tunisian courts have granted BeIN Media Group’s request for an emergency injunction against Tunisian electronics retailer MyTek.
MyTek will no longer sell IPTV products that carry pirated beIN channels, pending a final hearing on the merits by the court.
MyTek, a well-established consumer electronics retailer in Tunisia, had been selling subscriptions to IPTV services that stream pirated beIN channels over the internet. The piracy of television content is especially prevalent in Tunisia. According to studies by Sigma Conseil, more than 80% of consumers in Tunisia are viewing sports and entertainment television content through piracy. This not only damages the businesses of legitimate operators, but it is also threatening investment in the sports ecosystem, as well as the development of broadcast and media industries across the MENA industry.
In a statement, BeIN said: “The decision sends a strong message that beIN will not tolerate open piracy of its channels and is prepared to pursue any retailer of pirate products, operators of pirate services, and any others who infringe beIN’s intellectual property rights in the courts.”
The daily theft of sport and entertainment programmes remains a key threat to the licensed services market. Piracy costs sport around $28bn annually. Successful legal actions like this help ensure consumer protection and contribute to a healthy sporting ecosystem. BeIN will continue to work to protect intellectual property with partners for the benefit of the whole industry.
