23 Apr 2012

Entertainment groups consider video download court ruling

8:41 am on 23 April 2012

Entertainment industry groups in Australia are looking at their legal options after a High Court in Australia refused to punish internet provider iiNet for illegal downloads made by its customers.

The alliance of international film and television companies - the Australian Federation Against Copyright Theft - spent millions in legal fees arguing the Perth-based company authorised copyright infringement.

The ABC reports it was the first time the film industry had taken an internet service provider (ISP) all the way to the top of the legal system, and the alliance lost its case.

In February last year the Federal Court also ruled that iiNet was not liable for its users' copyright infringements.

The alliance is dismayed by the landmark decision after a four-year legal battle, saying billions of dollars in revenue were at stake but it has no plans to sue customers at this stage.

A spokesman for iiNet, Steve Dalby, says pursuing individuals is not the right solution.