The Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) has initiated two separate federal legal actions against individuals in California and Pennsylvania, accusing them of running unauthorized internet protocol television (IPTV) services. These lawsuits highlight the organization's ongoing efforts to combat digital piracy and protect the creative industry from coast to coast. The defendants are alleged to have facilitated widespread copyright infringement by offering unauthorized access to numerous television channels, movies, and shows.
Pursuing Alleged Operator in California
In a significant move, ACE has targeted an individual in Murrieta, California, who is accused of operating an illegal IPTV service. This action underscores the coalition's commitment to safeguarding intellectual property and ensuring fair competition in the digital media landscape. The lawsuit seeks to address the extensive harm caused by unauthorized broadcasting platforms.
The first lawsuit was filed in the US District Court for the Central District of California, naming Zachary DeBarr as the defendant. He is alleged to have managed Outer Limits IPTV, which provided users with access to thousands of pirated television channels, movies, and shows without proper authorization. By taking this legal step, ACE aims to dismantle such operations and hold those responsible accountable. The case serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences faced by those involved in digital piracy, emphasizing the importance of respecting copyright laws and supporting legitimate content providers.
Addressing Multiple Offenders in Pennsylvania
A second legal action has been initiated against an individual in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, who is accused of overseeing multiple illegal IPTV services. This case highlights the breadth of ACE's efforts to combat unauthorized broadcasting and protect both creators and consumers. The coalition is determined to prevent the proliferation of pirated content through various platforms.
The second lawsuit was filed in the US District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, targeting Brandon Weibley. He is alleged to have operated several illegal IPTV services, including Beast Mode Live, GreenWing Media, Viking Media, BTV, Shrugs, and Zing. These platforms reportedly offered unauthorized access to a vast array of pirated content, thereby infringing on copyrights and undermining legitimate streaming services. Karyn Temple, Senior Executive Vice President and Global General Counsel for the Motion Picture Association, emphasized that illegal IPTV services not only harm creators and legitimate platforms but also pose security and fraud risks to consumers. ACE remains committed to taking decisive legal actions to shut down these operations and ensure accountability for copyright violations.