Sky sought, and was awarded, damages and costs in the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court (IPEC). The licensees have been ordered to pay damages in the total sum of £32,133.28 across both actions, plus interest and must also pay Sky’s costs of £21,503.05.

The premises and licensees are:

Harringay Snooker Club, 1-5 Green Lanes London N8 0RX – Ercan Ulas (PLH & DPS)

Carpenters Arms, 99 Smarts Lane, Loughton Essex IG10 4BP – Brian Bracher (PLH & DPS)

These successful cases form a key part of Sky’s commitment to protecting pubs who invest in legitimate Sky Sports subscriptions. Sky is dedicated to taking action to protect the investment of our customers and ensuring that they aren’t unfairly losing business due to those that are illegally showing Sky Sports in their venue. Sky is committed to visiting every licensed premises reported by other publicans and/or organisations for illegally showing Sky and have arranged to visit hundreds of pubs each week in towns and cities across the UK.

Sara Stewart, Head of Compliance at Sky Business said: “Now more than ever it’s important to protect the investment of our customers. Businesses that show Sky Sports illegally can leave our legitimate Sky subscribers feeling short-changed.

“We actively visit thousands of pubs every season to monitor the games they are showing to help protect hardworking Sky customers who are unfairly losing business due to this illegal activity.

“Venues who continue to televise content in this way are breaking the law, and are at risk of being caught, which can result in licensees being ordered to pay significant damages and legal costs to Sky, and/or losing their personal licence.”