The High Court has voted unanimously to dismiss an appeal by Roadshow Films claiming that iiNet was responsible for its customers using file sharing services.

 

iiNet CEO, Michael Malone, said the judgement showed that the claims were unfounded.

 

"iiNet has never supported or encouraged unauthorised sharing or file downloading," Mr Malone said.

 

"Today's High Court five-nil ruling confirms that iiNet is not liable for 'authorising' the conduct of its customers who engaged in online copyright infringement.

 

"This marks the end of more than three years of legal argument and challenges.”

 

Mr Malone said that the ruling showed that the entertainment industry should focus on providing a cheaper, lawful avenue for customers to access content, rather than pursue legal challenges.

 

"Increasing the availability of licensed digital content is the best, most practical approach to meet consumer demand and protect copyright," Mr Malone said.

 

"We have consistently said we are eager to work with the studios to make their very desirable material legitimately available to a waiting customer base - and that offer remains the same today."