Super Channel Suing Customers and Retailers Over Pirate Content

Allarco Entertainment 2008, which owns premium network Super Channel, has filed a copyright lawsuit against the suppliers, manufacturers, retailers and consumers of Android TV boxes.

The Super Channel copyright lawsuit, filed in Alberta provincial court, is focused on “pirate devices” that allow consumers to watch paid television programming online for free.

According to Super Channel president and CEO Don McDonald, the “pirate devices” refer primarily to Android TV boxes that are sold pre-loaded with software that allows users to view pirated content.

The Android TV boxes are similar to Apple TV or Roku devices, but are designed to run on the Android operating system. The devices are able to run a variety of software and apps, including one called Kodi, which allows users to stream content across internet-connected devices.

Software like Kodi does not distinguish between content that is available on a user’s home network and content available for streaming online, according to GlobalNews.ca. Kodi also doesn’t distinguish between content that is legal and content that is pirated, making it difficult for many consumers to know the difference.

McDonald argues that most consumers know better and understand that it’s not legal to watch paid programming for free. The Super Channel copyright lawsuit argues that the accessibility of pirate content is actually one of the major appeals of streaming devices that come preloaded with Kodi software.

The Super Channel copyright lawsuit is meant to “change the culture of content piracy,” McDonald says.

Super Channel claims that it has suffered “substantial damages” because of consumers who illegally access Super Channel content in Canada.

The retailer defendants named in the Super Channel copyright lawsuit include Best Buy Canada, Canada Computers, London Drugs, and Staples Canada. The Super Channel copyright lawsuit alleges that staff seek to drive sales of the Android TV boxes by “advising,” “educating” and “encouraging” their customers to use the devices to illegally access content.

Super Channel filed the pirate content lawsuit after it engaged in an 18-month investigation into the retailers who sold the devices. According to GlobalNews.ca, Super Channel sent secret shoppers into the retailers’ stores across Canada and purchased about 150 devices.

During this investigation, Super Channel investigators recorded undercover video and audio evidence that reportedly shows store staff encouraging customers to watch pirated television shows and movies.

The company has reportedly submitted more than 100 hours of footage to the court.

The pirate content lawsuit accuses the retailers of “advising their Customers how to avoid detection of their pirating activities.” Further, Super Channel alleges, in some cases store employees are actually showing pirate content to customers.

Super Channel is asking the retailers to disclose the identity of customers who purchased the Android TV boxes, claiming that they have “intentionally interfered with the economic and business relations of the Plaintiff.” Super Channel wants consumers to be held responsible. 

The pirate content lawsuit seeks $50 million in damages plus an injunction prohibiting the retailers from selling the devices.

What do you think about Super Channel’s pirate content lawsuit? Is it fair to hold consumers responsible? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below! 

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