The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) has stepped up its actions to combat piracy in Hong Kong. Most recently, the association filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction and damages against a bar, which despite being warned, continues to show unlicensed television broadcasts.

In terms of why the organization has decided to adopt a “get tough” policy, Marcel Fenez, Chairman of CASBAA said, “Although we have reached out to the food and beverage industry in particular to raise awareness of the illegal nature of unauthorized distribution of pay-TV signals in public venues, we find that these laws are still not taken seriously by many bars and clubs. Some bars refuse to cease these activities despite being warned several times; we have no choice but to take the matter to the courts.”

Piracy is an issue that costs pay-TV operators in Hong Kong significant revenue. In October 2004, it was estimated that the gross cost associated with pay-TV signal piracy in Hong Kong amounted to approximately HK$200 million ($25.7 million) over a 12-month period.