Licence required for public broadcasting of FIFA World Cup matches

Persons showing FIFA World Cup 2010 matches to the public outside of their home, whether for profit or not, are being advised that they are required to obtain a licence.

Applications for licences should be submitted to the Eastern Caribbean Collective Organisation for Music Rights (ECCO) Inc., which in a release said it is acting as the agent for International Media Content Ltd., parent company of SportsMax, which has the relevant exclusive broadcast rights for the territory.{{more}}

“As often as deemed legally necessary, ECCO will advise unlicensed users of public audiovisual screens in the ECCO administered territories about the requirement to obtain a licence to show publicly the matches of the 2010 FIFA Football World Cup. Unlicensed users are defined as public establishments – including bars, restaurants, hotels, offices, construction sites, water borne vessels, aircraft, buses, armed services establishments, educational establishments and hospitals – that promote the broadcast of the Event and/or charge an admission fee to watch the Event,” the release said.

“Where matches are shown without the necessary licence, this will constitute an infringement of copyright and legal action may be taken.”

Further information may be obtained from:The Eastern Caribbean Collective Organisation for Music Rights (ECCO) Inc., Julian Charles Road, Castries, Saint Lucia. at tel: 758 451 6436; fax: 758 451 6437 or Bernard Joseph – Agent (SVG) at tel: 784 485 6239 or 529 5250.