IBCAP announces $32 million lawsuit against Datacamp Limited

Complaint targets content delivery network (CDN) that supports pirate services and operates under the names CDN77 and Datapacket


DENVER, Feb. 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The International Broadcaster Coalition Against Piracy (IBCAP) announced a complaint filed today in the Northern District of Illinois against Datacamp Limited, a UK-based company providing global content delivery network (CDN) services under the names CDN77 and Datapacket. The complaint asserts claims against Datacamp for contributory and vicarious copyright infringement for allowing continued use of the Datacamp CDN by 11 pirate services. Such use directly infringes IBCAP member copyrights by transmitting nearly 40 television channels and the programs that air on those channels over the internet to users in the United States.

The complaint alleges that Datacamp received nearly 400 separate notices of infringement, but did little to stop the unauthorized services from continuing to use the Datacamp CDN to infringe IBCAP members’ copyrights. The complaint further alleges that Datacamp has no right to any safe harbor under the DMCA because it has not satisfied the necessary conditions. The conditions not met include failing to designate a DMCA agent to receive notifications of claimed infringement; not acting expeditiously to remove or disable access to infringing material; and failing to implement a repeat infringer policy.

The complaint seeks statutory damages of up to $150,000 for the willful infringement of 217 registered works (up to $32,550,000 total); Datacamp’s profits attributable to the infringement of thousands of unregistered works; an injunction prohibiting Datacamp from providing access to copyrighted works owned by IBCAP members; an order that Datacamp terminate the accounts associated with the 11 unauthorized services; and an order that Datacamp adopt and implement a repeat infringer policy.

“This lawsuit sends a direct message to companies who support pirate services that their lack of action and willingness to deliver infringing content over their networks will not be tolerated,” said Chris Kuelling, executive director of IBCAP. “Streaming pirated content typically requires the support of a CDN to transport the illicit streams to end users. CDN companies that don’t take the necessary action to remove those streams are liable for significant money damages for the harm they have caused, and they will be held accountable for ignoring notices of the infringements that occur over their networks.”

The lawsuit was coordinated by IBCAP and filed by IBCAP member DISH Network. All evidence for the case was obtained and provided by the IBCAP lab. A copy of the complaint can be found here.

About IBCAP
International Broadcaster Coalition Against Piracy, Inc. is a coalition of leading international broadcasters and distributors representing more than 150 television channels from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and South America. IBCAP is the largest anti-piracy organization focused on multicultural content. The non-profit organization proactively monitors and identifies unauthorized video services, collects evidence, and assists with legal actions and criminal investigations against organizations and individuals engaging in pirate activities. IBCAP coordinates with government agencies and law enforcement both in the U.S. and abroad, reports suspected infringers to the appropriate authorities, initiates investigations, and promotes the prosecution of persons or companies who participate in the illegal distribution of its members’ video content. More information is available at www.IBCAP.org. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

For more information about IBCAP membership and its benefits, visit https://www.ibcap.org/membership

IBCAP Media Contact:

media@IBCAP.org

VisiTech PR for IBCAP:
IBCAP@VisiTechPR.com
+1-720-295-6107