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Television

Jadoo TV Fined $24.9m, Ordered to Cease Operations

2024-12-04

In a significant legal development, the International Broadcaster Coalition Against Piracy (IBCAP) has achieved a momentous outcome. A long-standing lawsuit brought by IBCAP member DISH Network against Jadoo TV and its US-based CEO, Sajid Sohail, has reached a conclusive judgment. The final verdict amounts to a staggering $24,969,911 (€23.7m), accompanied by a permanent injunction against Jadoo TV and Sohail individually. Moreover, Jadoo TV has committed to ceasing all operations worldwide by December 22nd.

Summary of the Historic Judgment

Earlier in the case, the court granted summary judgment on all claims against Jadoo TV and Sohail. It was determined that they were liable for direct, contributory, and vicarious copyright infringement. Sohail was personally held accountable as the "guiding spirit" behind the infringement of IBCAP member works. This judgment is unique as it not only recognizes substantial statutory damages for registered works ($14,550,000) but also a significant monetary award for unregistered works ($10,419,911). As part of a separate settlement agreement, Jadoo TV and Sohail agreed to transfer all customer lists, trademarks, and domain names to DISH and pay $1,500,000 by February 20th 2025.

Impact of the Judgment

This final judgment and settlement mark the end of a six-year legal battle against one of the most popular South Asian services offering pirated content, Jadoo TV. The CEO, Sajid Sohail, was found personally liable for the damages caused by his and his company's copyright infringement. Chris Kuelling, the executive director of IBCAP, emphasized that today's announcement sends a strong message that pirates will face significant monetary consequences and the loss of their entire business.At the time of the lawsuit's filing in 2018, Jadoo TV was a prominent provider of pirated South Asian content to a global audience. It distributed its service through 'Jadoo' set-top boxes and a mobile application. These set-top boxes were readily available online and in retail stores across South Asian communities worldwide, including the US and Canada.The case was coordinated by IBCAP following DISH and IBCAP's issuance of numerous copyright infringement notices. The lawsuit encompassed claims for direct, contributory, and vicarious infringement against Jadoo TV and Sohail for airing IBCAP member content without proper rights. The evidence for the case was obtained and provided by the IBCAP lab. DISH's outside litigation counsel, Hagan Noll & Boyle, was responsible for prosecuting the case and conducting settlement negotiations.This victory against Jadoo TV serves as a powerful deterrent to piracy in the media industry. It showcases the determination of IBCAP and its member DISH Network to protect the rights of content creators and uphold the integrity of the broadcasting ecosystem. By obtaining such a substantial judgment and forcing Jadoo TV to cease operations, it sets a precedent for other pirate services and sends a clear message that copyright infringement will not be tolerated.

Lessons Learned from the Legal Battle

The lawsuit against Jadoo TV highlights the importance of copyright protection and the consequences of engaging in piracy. It demonstrates that even large-scale pirate operations can be held accountable for their actions. The cooperation between IBCAP, DISH Network, and the legal team played a crucial role in achieving this landmark judgment. It also emphasizes the need for continuous vigilance and enforcement against piracy to safeguard the interests of the creative industry.Moreover, the case serves as a reminder of the impact that piracy can have on legitimate businesses and content creators. Jadoo TV's widespread distribution of pirated content not only undermined the rights of copyright holders but also competed with legitimate services, potentially causing financial losses. This victory reinforces the value of legal and licensed content and encourages the growth of a sustainable media ecosystem.In conclusion, the IBCAP's lawsuit against Jadoo TV and Sajid Sohail represents a significant milestone in the fight against piracy. It sets an example for the industry and sends a clear message that copyright infringement will not go unpunished. By obtaining a substantial judgment and forcing the closure of Jadoo TV, IBCAP has made a substantial contribution to the protection of intellectual property and the preservation of a healthy media environment.

Nelson and Colne College is making a significant move in the automotive field by inviting employers to play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of automotive talent. This new T Level qualification in Electric Vehicle Maintenance and Repair is designed to inspire and prepare 16–18-year-olds for the rapidly evolving automotive industry, with a special focus on electric vehicles.

Why Partner with Nelson and Colne College?

Developed in collaboration with leading industry partners, this T Level course bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry demands. Students will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on experiences, attend guest lectures, go on site visits and field trips, and participate in employer-led projects. They will also complete a 42-day work placement, ensuring they graduate with the workplace readiness and skills that employers are seeking. A large portion of the course is delivered digitally, promoting independence and self-management. Each student will have the dedicated support of an employability specialist tutor to guide them in developing essential career skills.For businesses, this T Level represents a valuable opportunity to develop a talent pipeline of motivated and skilled young professionals. By getting involved, businesses can benefit from fresh perspectives and enhanced productivity, and help shape the workforce of the future.Ayub Moosa, Head of Department, Motor Vehicle & Construction at NCCG, emphasizes the importance of partnering with the college: "Partnering with NCCG for work placements isn't just about giving back; it's a smart investment in your business's future. These students are the skilled professionals your company will need in the years to come, and it's vital we get business and employers on board now to ensure its success."In addition to shaping new talent, NCCG will be offering short courses later in 2025 to upskill existing employees in electric vehicle maintenance and repair. This will help businesses stay competitive in a rapidly changing industry.If you're interested in getting involved or offering a work placement, please contact Ayub.Moosa@NelsonGroup.ac.uk.The college's commitment to providing a comprehensive educational experience is evident in every aspect of the T Level qualification. Students will gain a deep understanding of electric vehicle technology and maintenance, and be equipped with the practical skills needed to succeed in this exciting field. With the support of industry partners and dedicated tutors, they will be well-prepared to enter the workforce and make a positive impact on the automotive industry.The digital delivery of a portion of the course allows students to learn at their own pace and access resources whenever and wherever they need them. This flexibility is crucial in today's fast-paced world, where students often have other commitments. The work placement component provides students with real-world experience and the chance to apply their knowledge in a professional setting. It also helps them build relationships with industry professionals and gain valuable insights into the workplace.The employability specialist tutors play a vital role in guiding students through the development of essential career skills. They help students with resume writing, interview skills, and networking, ensuring they are well-prepared for the job market. By working closely with students, these tutors can identify their strengths and weaknesses and provide targeted support to help them succeed.In conclusion, Nelson and Colne College's T Level qualification in Electric Vehicle Maintenance and Repair is a game-changer for the automotive industry. By partnering with employers and providing students with a comprehensive educational experience, the college is helping to shape the future of the industry and prepare students for successful careers. Whether you're a business looking to invest in the future or a student looking to pursue a career in electric vehicles, this qualification is worth considering.

The Bank of Japan has taken a significant step in the financial arena by selling some of its holdings of futures-linked 10-year government bonds. This action is aimed at enhancing the trading liquidity of these securities, which play a crucial role as hedging tools against market volatility. As of November 29, the BOJ owned ¥8.0262 trillion ($53.5 billion) of the bonds due in March 2032, a decrease from ¥8.2262 trillion on November 20. Such data, released late Tuesday, highlights the importance of maintaining liquidity in these bonds, as they serve as the cheapest-to-deliver securities underlying the March contract for 10-year bond futures. The cheapest-to-deliver bonds are those that minimize the seller's cost when converted to the futures contract price.The BOJ regularly employs repurchase agreements to sell government bonds and boost liquidity. In these repo operations, participants have the option to request a reduction in the amount they have to sell back to the central bank. Interestingly, such a reduction occurred for the first time since April 4, 2023, as per the bank's financial markets department.Futures traders frequently turn to the central bank to borrow cheapest-to-deliver bonds to fulfill their transaction obligations or engage in arbitrage trading. For instance, Bloomberg data shows that the BOJ holds over 80% of the four tranches of futures-linked notes maturing in 2031 and 2032.Takashi Fujiwara, the head of fixed income management and chief fund manager at Resona Asset Management Co., believes that the BOJ's sale of the cheapest-to-deliver securities has alleviated concerns among investors who trade futures. They were previously worried about being squeezed due to the scarcity of these bonds. Fujiwara expects the central bank to take similar measures for other futures-linked debt, which will contribute to the improvement of market functioning.The central bank also holds more than half of the government bonds that have not yet matured, which has put a strain on liquidity in the market. The BOJ's latest survey of market participants revealed that most respondents felt the need for improvement in bond market parameters such as bid-ask spreads, order quantity, and trading frequency.Given that Japan's inflation remains above the BOJ's target of 2%, the central bank has a well-defined roadmap to reduce its monthly bond purchases by approximately ¥400 billion every quarter until March 2026.In conclusion, the Bank of Japan's actions regarding 10-year government bond trading liquidity have significant implications for the financial market and are closely watched by investors and market participants alike.

The Role of Futures-Linked Bonds

Futures-linked 10-year government bonds serve as essential hedging tools in the financial market. They provide a means for investors to protect themselves against market volatility. The BOJ's decision to sell some of its holdings directly impacts the availability and trading dynamics of these bonds. This move not only affects the liquidity of the specific bonds but also has a ripple effect on the overall market. It showcases the central bank's active role in managing market conditions and ensuring the smooth functioning of financial markets.

The Impact on Market Participants

For futures traders, the availability of cheapest-to-deliver bonds is crucial. They rely on borrowing these bonds to meet their transaction obligations and engage in arbitrage trading. The BOJ's actions have provided some relief to these traders by easing concerns about scarcity. This, in turn, can lead to more stable trading activities and improved market efficiency. Market participants also closely monitor the BOJ's bond holdings and policies as they have a direct impact on interest rates and market sentiment. The central bank's roadmap to reduce bond purchases further adds to the uncertainty and market dynamics.

The Strains on Liquidity

The fact that the BOJ holds a significant portion of the government bonds yet to mature has put a strain on liquidity in the market. This can lead to challenges in trading and price discovery. As the central bank gradually reduces its bond holdings, it is essential to ensure that alternative sources of liquidity are available to maintain market stability. The BOJ's survey of market participants highlights the need for continuous improvement in bond market parameters to address these liquidity issues. Efforts are being made to enhance bid-ask spreads, increase order quantity, and improve trading frequency to make the market more efficient and accessible.