Free WiFi: Provider is not liable

20.9.2016

Caution Copyright & Counterfeiting Online Rip-Off

Verdict of the ECJ

A German proprietor of a lighting and sound system store provided a free and unsecured Wi-Fi network to his customers. One of them used this to offer a music album for free download. Thereupon Sony, the rights holder of the album, sued the shopkeeper. The ECJ now decided that he is not at fault.

The operator of a Wi-Fi network is not liable for copyright infringements committed by a third person. However, the ECJ stated that he could be requested to secure the network with a password. This is intended to prevent infringements by anonymous users.

Press release by the ECJ: Judgment in Case C-484/14

Find more information here: Liability for unsecured Wi-Fi

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