Authorities crack down on pirated satellite feeds

AMMAN, Jul 16, 2009 (Jordan Times - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Customers smoking argeelah and sipping coffee in late-night cafes across the capital are unwitting witnesses to crimes, according to intellectual property rights (IPR) authorities.


Cafes airing football matches and music videos to attract customers are more frequently using devices to pirate satellite television stations, according to the National Library Department (NLD).

"We are finding that dozens of cafes and restaurants are breaking the Copyright Law and illegally broadcasting satellite channels. This is a growing trend," NLD Director Mamoun Talhouni told The Jordan Times, noting that the department has referred several coffee shops to the courts over the past few months for IPR violations.

Restaurateurs and cafe owners use devices that hijack signals through ADSL, or purchase simple pirated satellite cards sold for a few dinars that can decode signals and upload them to a receiver, according to the department.

Such activities are hurting satellite channels, local and regional advertising, and have an adverse effect on the country's economy, Talhouni stressed.

"It is a phenomenon that is growing all over the world because some countries allow the manufacture of devices that give users the ability to unscramble satellite codes," he said, noting that the Customs Department is working to ensure that such devices do not enter the Kingdom.

Cafe owners, meanwhile, said that breaking the law to air pirated channels is often worth the risk.

One cafe owner in Jubeiha, who wished to remain unnamed, said the cost of subscriptions to satellite channels is "too high", noting that he would be forced to raise prices in order to legally broadcast football matches.

Another person who runs a cafe across from the University of Jordan noted that using such devices is "a standard practice", adding that he is "unafraid" of being caught by authorities.

Meanwhile, Abu Mahmoud, who manages a cafe in Rabia, said he airs licensed broadcasts in accordance with the law.

"We cannot afford to be closed down," he noted.

The NLD director pointed out that the 2005 amendment to the Copyright Law banned the practice, stipulating that vendors and individuals pirating broadcast signals will receive the same penalties as those who sell other pirated goods.

With NLD staff increasing inspections of coffee houses across the country, the law is being "fully enforced", he said.

Talhouni said the growing rate of IP infringements has the NLD conducting raids "every day" in Amman, Zarqa and Irbid, noting that the department referred 260 cases to court in the first five months of this year.

In line with these efforts, earlier this month the NLD held training sessions for 20 judges from the Amman courts on the importance of IPR protection and copyright enforcement.

"It was a good opportunity to convey the message of the importance of intellectual property and the economic aspects of IPR violations," he said, expressing hope that courts will follow through by handing down penalties to those who break the Copyright Law.

The Jordanian Copyright Law stipulates that it is a crime to download software, music, or movies that are protected under the law.

Offenders face a prison sentence of between three months and three years and a fine ranging from JD1,000 to JD6,000.