THAI NETWORK AWARDED $8.3 MILLION IN COPYRIGHT SUIT

Thailand’s Channel 7 said on Thursday that it had won an $8.3-million judgment in a copyright-infringement lawsuit against a Los Angeles couple, Ron and Tip Pecha, and Noppadon Wongchaiwat, whom it had accused of uploading its programs onto their website, ThaiTV.tv, and distributing videos to Thai and Asian storefront operators throughout the U.S. In its complaint, Channel 7, operated by Bangkok Broadcasting & TV, said, “As one of Thailand’s most recognized television channels, BBTV’s mission is to provide entertaining content for our viewers, at home and abroad. Unfortunately, when our materials are used without our consent, not only is BBTV’s business impacted, but our image and reputation among our audiences is also potentially sullied because our work is now being marketed in manners that do not conform with the high standards for which we are recognized.” Following the court victory, Channel 7 vowed to “aggressively pursue legal action against any person or business entity that infringes its rights, in Thailand, the United States, or anywhere else in the world.”