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Filmmakers Take Dutch State To Court Over Lost Piracy Revenue (torrentfreak.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the financial-loss dept.

An anonymous reader quotes a report from TorrentFreak: A coalition of Dutch film and TV producers is following through on their threat to file a lawsuit against the local Government. The filmmakers hold the authorities responsible for the country's high piracy rates. They claim the government tolerated and even encouraged unauthorized downloading for years and want to see compensation as a result. Last year the Dutch Government denied these allegations, noting that the filmmakers could go after downloaders directly if they want to recoup their losses. However, they are not backing down. On Tuesday a group of film and TV show companies issued a summons announcing their legal action, NRC reports. Through the court they hope to hold the Government liable, and if that's the case, a separate damages procedure will likely follow.

6 of 97 comments (clear)

  1. Unrealized profit is not a loss by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    This should be laughed out of court.

  2. Simple Solution by physicsphairy · · Score: 5, Insightful

    To avoid such expensive lawsuits, the government should revoke the copyright monopolies they have granted these organizations. Then they won't have to worry about anyone infringing on them.

    --
    When things get complex, multiply by the complex conjugate.
  3. My heart bleeds for them by Rick+Schumann · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Somehow I don't think 'piracy' is impacting their bottom line so much as outdated advertising models, and the general publics' rejection of it are affecting it.

    1. Re:My heart bleeds for them by thegarbz · · Score: 5, Insightful

      These are Dutch TV producers. From the country which brought you:
      "Big Brother" - A show where people with no lives can watch people with slightly more exciting lives, sometimes live.
      "The Voice" - A bunch of singers trying to put up with people who can't sing wanting to be stars.
      "Downistie" - A soap opera staring only people with down syndrome
      "Adam Zkt Eva" - A dating show where contestants are naked.
      "Who is the Worst Driver in the Netherlands?" - One of the drivers ended up running over the producer of the show. You can't make this shit up.

  4. Re:Well, that's easy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Lost revenue to piracy isn't the point. We're planning to interpret the 'low sales due to lack of interest in our product' as a loss of revenue, then sue our disinterested customers for refusing to purchase or subscribe.

  5. Re:Decent case by Opportunist · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I know how my government would react after losing that lawsuit.

    "Obviously we didn't do enough to protect your interests, so we have to step up our efforts. To fund this, there will be a new tax on content. And of course the money you now get for CD sales will go into that funds, too. In return we will protect you. Promised. And don't be surprised if that new tax is somehow on par with whatever we paid you.

    Only that you'll pay that tax annually."

    Don't fuck with governments, they have a way to get back at you.

    --
    We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.