Illegal Streaming Devices & Services: Enforcement Challenges in Singapore

Published

Dec 09 2024

Reading Time

2 minutes

Written By

As a partner in our Intellectual Property Group in Singapore and part of the Media, Entertainment & Sports team, I focus on contentious IP matters including IP infringement litigation, patent revocation actions and trade mark oppositions, but also advise clients extensively on non-contentious matters including IP commercialisation, patent and trade mark freedom-to-operate issues and brand protection.

Ming Chuen Brendan Loy

Associate
Singapore

I am an associate in our Intellectual Property group, based in Singapore. I advise on a broad spectrum of IP matters, with a focus on IP disputes and commercialisation.

Partner Pin-Ping Oh and Associate Brendan Loy contributed an article titled "Illegal Streaming Devices & Services: Enforcement Challenges in Singapore" in The Asia Video Industry Report 2025. The annual report delves into the latest trends, market shifts and key developments in the region’s rapidly evolving video landscape.

Overview

On October 24, 2024, an individual and his two companies were convicted under section 150 of the Singapore Copyright Act 2021 (“SCA”) for selling illegal streaming devices. These devices allowed users to unlawfully access EPL football matches and content from Disney and Netflix. This marked the first prosecution under this provision since its introduction in 2021. The police seized 499 illegal devices during raids at the shops.

The convicted parties received the maximum fines: up to S$100,000 for individuals and S$200,000 for companies. The individual was also sentenced to 10 months in jail. This case sets a significant precedent in Singapore's fight against piracy.

This article discusses the key challenges faced when enforcing section 150 of the SCA.

This article is produced by our Singapore office, Bird & Bird ATMD LLP. It does not constitute as legal advice and is intended to provide general information only. Information in this article is accurate as of 6 December 2024.

Read the article here on page 30 →