EasyInternet Cafe Won't Appeal Copyright Ruling

by Jason Gorringe, for LawAndTax-News.com

11 April 2003

Despite having announced his intention to appeal against a High Court ruling in January which stated that his EasyInternet Cafe venture had infringed copyright laws by allowing customers to download music from the internet for a fee, it emerged this week that entrepreneur, Stelios Haji-Ioannou has reached a settlement agreement with the British Phonograhic Industry (BPI).

Following the verdict, Mr Haji-Ioannou, founder of Easy Jet, revealed plans to challenge the ruling under Section 70 of the 1988 Copyright Design and Patents Act, which allows consumers to make private recordings of content for the purposes of reviewing it privately at a more convenient time.

'I believe it is a question for the House of Lords and not for a summary judgement,' he announced at the time, adding: 'We will continue to fight on behalf of the consumer.'

However, although EasyInternet Cafe won the right to appeal, the company has abandoned its case, and has arranged to pay the BPI's legal costs, in addition to £80,000 in damages for copyright infringement. This brings the total amount paid out by the firm to date over the issue to £210,000.

Commenting this week, Peter Jamieson, Chairman of the BPI observed that: 'I am glad Stelios has seen sense and agreed to settle this case.'

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