Saudi Arabia: SR250,000 fine, jail for copyright violators
The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) reiterated that violators of copyright laws by infringing broadcast rights of Saudi soccer league matches and movies could either face imprisonment or heavy fine, or both.
In a statement on Thursday, Director of the Department of Enabling Respect for Intellectual Property in SAIP Abdulaziz Al-Rabiah said that no one has the right to broadcast and publicize matches and movies illegally or without obtaining permission from the rights owner.
Al-Rabiah confirmed that violators will be punished with imprisonment or a fine of up to SR250,000 or both. He added that penalties include closing the facility of the violator if he sells receivers that violate the copyright system.
Al-Rabiah noted that mentioning the sources upon publication is not sufficient.
The SAIP has clarified the complaint mechanism for any person who has the right to submit a complaint. SAIP said the complainant can directly lodge a complaint by visiting their website.
