Case Study: Shah Alam Company Charged for Selling Pirated Android TV Boxes

 

Background: 

On February 8th 2021, the director of a company based in I-City, Shah Alam, became the first to be charged under the Copyright Act 1987 because they were promoting a special kind of software that have the ability to bypass the technological protection system that is set on copyrighted broadcast works. The Android TV box branded as 'Long TV' contained copyrighted content intended for unauthorized broadcasting in which the company had acquired in their store. The company was later accused of attempting to sell the brand and the Android TV was then confiscated.


Legal Frameworks & Potential Penalties:

It is said that the case violated Section 41 (1) (ha) of the Copyright Act 1987 in which it criminalizes the selling or distribution of technology or devices designed to break through the technological protection measures of copyrighted works. The company could be fined no less than RM 4,000 and not more than RM 40,000 in accordance for each device through which the offence was committed, or jail time that does not exceed 10 years, or both.


Significance:

This case became important because it has set an prime example to the Malaysia's legal landscape that even a company can face charges when they sell devices or technology that are able to enable the unauthorized access of copyrighted broadcast works. It displays how the government is very committed in making sure that the law stays strong even in the digital era. This case has also serve as a warning for other companies or industries about the legal repercussions when attempting to engage in such act of piracy.


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