Blog Post

AAPA Welcomes UK IPO’s Collaboration In The Fight Against Illegal Streaming & Illicit Devices

AAPA

13th May 2016

Marking the launch of the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office's IP Enforcement Strategy, AAPA and the IPO organised jointly a seminar on illegal streaming and the sale of illicit devices and to explore possible solutions. With a focus on the supply chain the scale, scope and impact of this growing form of audiovisual piracy were discussed by participants from government, law enforcement and the industry.

The seminar represented a further stage in a co-operative effort between AAPA and the IPO to stem the demand for, and flow of, devices (mainly manufactured in China), which facilitate unauthorised access to audiovisual content. Discussion focussed on how to make enforcement action more effective and efficient through the co-ordination and collection of evidence, collaboration and working across borders. The shared goal is to demonstrate to countries which are the source of this form of piracy that illegal streaming and the sale of illicit devices will not be tolerated.

Sheila Cassells, Executive Director, of AAPA, said:
"Illegal streaming is emerging as the main threat to the audiovisual industry. This harms not only the creative industries but also deprives governments of tax revenues and generates substantial revenues for organised criminals. Illegal streaming is a global problem, which requires a global response and AAPA works with INTERPOL and Europol on this issue. However, the activities of those agencies require the close involvement of a Member State and we value the IPO's commitment to demonstrate leadership in tackling this problem. The seminar represents a further step in our collaboration with the IPO and we will be working with them to develop solutions and to encourage other Member States to adopt this approach."

Ros Lynch, Copyright and IP Enforcement Director at the UK IPO, said:
"The creative industries are a major UK asset and the IPO is committed to ensuring their hard work is protected. While increasing digitisation brings about many benefits to the UK economy, it also provides opportunities for infringers. Disrupting the manufacture and distribution of set-top boxes designed to stream illegal content is a major priority. Working together with consumers, right holders and our partners in law enforcement we will continue to disrupt and track down IP crime wherever it takes place."

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Audiovisual Anti-Piracy Alliance 2024-2029 EU Manifesto

by AAPA • 1 October 2024

The Audiovisual Anti-Piracy Alliance (AAPA) publishes its first Manifesto, linked here . The document aims to recognise past efforts of EU legislators when it comes to content protection and the fight against copyright infringement, whilst admitting that more can and should be done to address this growing issue. Miruna Herovanu, Executive Director of AAPA said : " After years of laying the groundwork to combat online piracy it’s time for EU policymakers and beyond to fully acknowledge that decisive, targeted measures are needed at the European level. The rise of digital theft demands action. We call for strong political resolve to end the theft of our members' content. We're ready to support every stakeholder—law enforcement, policymakers, and industry representatives—to dismantle criminal networks and protect European consumers from harm."

AAPA ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

by AAPA • 28 May 2024

The Audiovisual Anti-Piracy Alliance (AAPA) has announced the appointment of Miruna Herovanu as its Executive Director. Miruna was previously the Director at the Association of Commercial Television and Video on Demand in Europe in charge of Intellectual Property and Competition policies. She took up her position with AAPA on 27 May 2024 and will be based in Brussels. Miruna will replace Sheila Cassells who is retiring as Executive Vice President of AAPA and will report on a day-to-day basis to the two Co-Presidents, Mark Mulready, VP of Cyber Services at Irdeto and Oliver Pribramksy, Head of IP Protection and Committees at the Deutsche Fussball Liga. She will be responsible for the implementation of the strategy agreed by AAPA members, managing relationships with law enforcement agencies such as Europol, Eurojust, INTERPOL and the European Institutions, delivery of AAPA’s Working Group goals and general management of the Alliance. Mark Mulready said that: “We are delighted to appoint someone of Miruna’s calibre and experience to become the Executive Director of AAPA. Miruna’s commitment to copyright protection is well-known. Her knowledge of the Brussels institutions and the EUIPO will stand AAPA in good stead for future policy developments. A priority will be for Miruna to work closely with AAPA members, the EUIPO and the European Institutions to deliver on, inter alia, the goals of combatting online piracy of sports and other live events recommendation.” Miruna Herovanu commented that: “My professional experience demonstrated that piracy is an ever-growing issue that eats at the heart of Europe’s most important industries. This is a golden opportunity and a new professional challenge that will help further develop my passion for and commitment to protecting copyright. Being able to work with and support industry experts and practitioners in AAPA, law enforcement, the European Institutions and other trade associations is essential to the fight against piracy. I am excited to be taking on this role.”