Court orders substantial damages over pirated movies

A court decision ordering a substantial payment of damages over pirated copies of Bollywood movies has shaken up the illegal industry in New Zealand, a lawyer says.

The Manukau District Court has ordered five retailers and individuals to pay Auckland's Capitol Cinema compensatory and exemplary damages totalling more than $185,000.

The case concerned the illegal hiring and selling of unofficial copies of films.

The damages are understood to be the biggest in relation to pirated copies of Bollywood movies in New Zealand.

Capitol took the action with London-based Eros International and two Mumbai companies: Venus Records and Tapes, and Yash Raj Films International.

Capitol is the exclusive New Zealand distributor for Eros, Yash Raj and Venus, the three largest Bollywood film production houses.

Barrister Simon Foote, who represented the plaintiffs, said the judgment had "created some real waves" since it was handed down last month.

"It's very well known now that, firstly, Capitol Cinema, along with Eros, Venus and Yash Raj, are committed to stamping out piracy," Mr Foote said. "Secondly, if you get caught and are taken to court, then the fines are very significant."

He believed the judgment was a major step toward regulating the Bollywood industry in the same stringent way as its Hollywood counterpart.

"It sends out a strong message that piracy does not pay.

"We are hopeful that it will be very difficult for the public to source pirated Bollywood DVDs in New Zealand within the next six months to a year."

Capitol has taken similar action in other courts as well.

In a case in the High Court at Auckland last month, an alleged wholesaler of pirated movies agreed to pay undisclosed damages to Capitol.

Last week, Capitol filed proceedings in the Auckland District Court against five further defendants.

- NZPA