Czech Nova strikes piracy blow

The Czech Republic’s leading broadcaster TV Nova has secured another legal victory in its fight against piracy in the country.

In a statement, it says that the regional court in Usti nad Labem, a branch office in Liberec, has issued preliminary measures against the Czech company Grepa Networks s.r.o. An ISP, the latter has in addition to providing internet connections being illegally distributing Nova channels.

Nova adds that the court has ordered the company to cease offering TV Nova, Nova Cinema, Nov 2, Nova Action, Nova Gold, Nova Sport 1 and Nova Sport 2 to its customers. A similar measure was brought against another company, named Opton, for the same reason at the end of 2017.

Commenting on the development, Stepan Peichi, Nova Group’s legal director, said: “We have stated many times that the distribution of our stations without our consent is unlawful and we take the necessary legal steps to prevent it. Grepa Networks s.r.o. did not have a contract with us for the distribution of our stations, the distribution was illegal. Not only is this our success in the fight against TV piracy, but also a clear signal to other broadcasters who are transmitting stations without our consent”.