AFACT drops key claim against iiNet

Stuart Corner
Wednesday, 30 September 2009 19:30

IT Industry - Strategy

iiNet says that the Australian Federation Against Copyright Theft (AFACT) has dropped one of the primary claims in its allegations that  iiNet has failed to do sufficient to prevent its customers from illegally downloading copyright movies.

The decision by AFACT comes less than one week before the Federal Court hearings are due to commence. According to iiNet, "The latest claim the film studios are dropping alleged that iiNet made copies of the[copyrighted] films. The allegations were unfounded and demonstrated a complete lack of knowledge of Internet technology and operations."

In May this year, according to iiNet, "the film studios also withdrew the claim that iiNet had been intentionally interfering or converting the copyright holders’ films."  At that time, the Court awarded iiNet cost relating to the film studios withdrawal of the claim and iiNet says it will seek costs incurred to date in dealing with this latest dropped claim.
 
"Today’s withdrawal of another key claim in the case, so close to the hearing start date (Tuesday 6 October), is a further demonstration that despite all their rhetoric AFACT is struggling to spell out and make the studios’ case," the company said.

"The existing law currently provides a process for investigating copyright theft or any other illegal activity using the Internet, requiring court orders, warrants and due process.  If AFACT is serious about copyright infringement they can, and should use, this process."