Website blocking orders
Produced in partnership with Daniel Byrne of AA Thornton
Website blocking orders

The following IP practice note produced in partnership with Daniel Byrne of AA Thornton provides comprehensive and up to date legal information covering:

  • Website blocking orders
  • Background
  • Website blocking based on infringement of copyright
  • Newzbin2—the first ISP blocking order
  • The pirate bay—no requirement that the website operator be subject to proceedings
  • EMI Records—simplified procedure and proportionality
  • UPC Telekabel—the measures to be taken by ISPs
  • Subsequent cases—useful guidance
  • Targeting streaming servers as opposed to websites
  • Website blocking based on infringement of trade marks
    • More...

Background

The ability to block websites is within the power of the internet service providers (ISPs) who provide the service of connecting users to internet content. ISPs generally have a defence from claims (for example, of copyright infringement) in relation to content transmitted over their networks (as a mere conduit) under the EU E-Commerce Directive. For more on ISP liability, see Practice Note: ISP and intermediary liability. ISPs are a favourite target for rights holders seeking to enforce their IP rights in relation to use on the internet (compared to bringing proceedings against the operators or users of the websites) because they operate within the jurisdiction, are significantly less numerous, and respect the court. Further, the available forms of order are flexible enough to allow for anti-circumvention measures.

The power for the court to order ISPs to take certain action in relation to copyright infringement comes from Article 8(3) of the EU InfoSoc Directive (Directive 2001/29/EC), implemented by section 97A of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (CDPA 1988). In relation to websites which infringe trade marks, the jurisdiction to make such an order (see further below) comes from section 37(1) of the Senior Courts Act 1981 (SCA 1981) (previously known as the Supreme Court Act), which is in compliance with Article 11 of the EU Enforcement Directive (Directive 2004/48/EC).

The option of disconnecting subscribers who

Navigate the law quickly and efficiently with Lexis®PSL
Imagine being able to quickly find up-to-date guidance on points of law and then easily pull up sources to support your advice. With LexisPSL, you can.
TAKE A FREE TRIAL Take a free trial Take a free trial
Related documents:

Popular documents

LEXISNEXIS

What is a statutory declaration of solvency, and what happens if a false declaration of solvency is made

Statutory declaration of solvencyA company enters voluntary liquidation when the members of the company vote to do so by a special resolution. For more information, see Practice Note: What is a members' voluntary liquidation (MVL) and where/when is it typically used?Before the members can vote on a

LEXISNEXIS

Ad hoc arbitration—an introduction to the key features of ad hoc arbitration

An ad hoc arbitration is any arbitration in which the parties have not selected an institution to administer the arbitration. This offers parties flexibility as to the conduct of the arbitration, but less external support for the process. It can be quicker than institutional arbitration but not if

LEXISNEXIS

Skeleton arguments

This Practice Note provides guidance on the interpretation and application of the relevant provisions of the CPR. Depending on the court in which your matter is proceeding, you may also need to be mindful of additional provisions—see further below.Note: this Practice Note does not deal with the

LEXISNEXIS

Recklessness in criminal cases

What is recklessness?In respect of some statutory offences and common law crimes the prosecution are required to prove a mental element of recklessness on the part of the defendant.Recklessness means unjustified risk taking on the part of the accused.Prior to the House of Lords decision in Re G