Significant Crackdown on Copyright Infringement

A shop owner has pleaded guilty to 34 charges related to the sale of illegal streaming devices at Sim Lim Square.

Wang Yue, a 36-year-old Chinese national, appeared in State Courts on March 20, accepting responsibility for his actions.

Details of the Offense

Wang owned Ace Technologies, which operated four different shop units in Sim Lim Square, notorious for technology and electronics.

The devices sold allowed users to access premium content from major providers, including Disney, Warner Bros, Discovery Inc, and live football matches from the English Premier League.

Investigation Findings

Investigations revealed Wang was the sole person sourcing these illicit devices from an unnamed overseas supplier.

He misled customers, claiming access to copyrighted content without extra fees.

Each device sold for $149 to $249, with profits of $39 to $99 per sale. During peak times, he made as much as $18,000 a month.

Previous Warnings and Arrest

Wang ignored cease-and-desist letters from the Football Association Premier League in January and October 2020.

His arrest occurred on October 4, 2022, after a raid by the Intellectual Property Rights Branch of the Singapore Police Force, resulting in the confiscation of over 1,000 illegal devices.

Prosecution's Stance

Deputy Public Prosecutor Jonathan Tan seeks a prison sentence of six months and five weeks, plus a fine of $178,000 to $186,500 for Ace Technologies.

33 of the 50 original copyright charges will be considered at sentencing on April 24.

Context of Enforcement in Singapore

Singapore has intensified measures against illegal streaming operations.

In October 2024, another seller, Ge Xin, received a 10-month sentence and $300,000 fines for similar offenses.

Impact of Legislation Changes

Following amendments to Singapore's Copyright Act in 2021, selling media streaming boxes with "add-on" services to access content became illegal.

Industry Response

Kevin Plumb, general counsel of the Premier League, said efforts against illegal streaming have yielded success, with an 80% drop in selling stores since warnings were issued.

Conclusion

As the digital landscape evolves, legal implications for copyright infringement grow more pronounced.

Cases like Wang's serve as cautionary tales for individuals and businesses tempted by quick profits.