TVJ wins copyright case against CVM

Television Jamaica has won its copyright case against CVM TV. The Supreme Court of Jamaica on Monday awarded damages amounting to US $125,000 in its landmark ruling, which saw CVM TV breaching TVJ's exclusive license obtained for its regional television broadcasts of the 2015 IAAF World Track & Field Championships in Beijing, China.

Managing Director and CEO of the RJR Gleaner Communications Group, Gary Allen, believes the damages of US $85,000 and 40,000 respectively awarded by justice Bryan Sykes,  sends a clear message as to what is accepted in this business of exclusive broadcast rights for sporting properties.

TVJ's lead attorney, Queen's Counsel, M. Georgia Gibson-Henlin says the landmark ruling sets out clearly the do's and don'ts for media organisations to avoid future copyright infringements.

CVM TV has indicated they plan to appeal against the award to TVJ. But even so, Queen's Counsel Gibson-Henlin says that does not affect the ruling.

With TVJ also owning the exclusive regional rights for this summer's World Championships in London as well, the Managing Director of the RJR Group says this case should serve to deter media entities.

CVM has 42 days or six weeks from Monday, January 9 to file their appeal, or seek an extension to file the appeal, but the damages must be paid into an account within 40 days.

The appeal could be heard within another 18 months.