Rochdale solicitors in landmark case

This week Advocate General Juliane Kokott of the European Court of Justice handed down her opinion in the landmark test cases of Karen Murphy –v- Media Protection Services and Football Association Premier League –v- AV Station plc, QC Leisure & Others.     

The cases concern restrictions imposed by Football Association Premier League Limited on broadcasters throughout the world which restrict the reception of each broadcaster’s transmissions of Premier League matches to a designated territory.     

In the view of Advocate General Kokott, such territorial exclusivity agreements are contrary to European Union Law.   She commented that such restrictions “constitute as serous impairment of the freedom to provide services” and that they are “tantamount to profiting from the elimination of the internal market (of the EU)”.      

Speaking shortly after receipt of the Advocate General’s opinion, Paul Dixon, Molesworths’ Head of Licensing and Regulatory Matters, said: “If, as seems likely, the Court of Justice follows Advocate General Kokott’s opinion when it delivers its full judgment in about three months, the way in which broadcasting rights, whether for sporting events, films, drama series, etc, are marketed in the future is likely to change beyond all recognition.”      

Molesworths represent Karen Murphy, AV Station Plc and also Mike Madden, Derek Owen and Phillip Houghton, who are also involved in cases.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/4/sport/9561/rochdale-solicitors-play-key-role-in-broadcast-battle