Court dates set for iiNet appeal
Dates for the Australian Federation against Copyright Theft (AFACT) appeal of the iiNet verdict have been set for 2-5 August, with Justices Emmett, Jagot and Nicholas set to preside.
iiNet MD Michael Malone
(Credit: iiNet)
The appeal's hearing was allocated to the August sittings by Justice Emmett in April, but specific dates were yet to be announced.
The appeal follows iiNet's victory in the initial trial, where Federal Court Judge Dennis Cowdroy ruled in iiNet's favour, determining that the internet service provider (ISP) had not authorised its users' illegal downloading of AFACT members' content.
AFACT responded to the verdict by filing a nine-page appeal, arguing the judge's decision was "out of step with well established copyright law in Australia" and "a serious threat to Australia's digital economy".
iiNet also lodged a Notice of Contention following the trial, in an effort to overturn aspects of the trial that didn't go in its favour.
The ISP's managing director Michael Malone has opposed the appeal, arguing that the legal proceedings have done nothing to minimise digital piracy.
Others, however, have suggested AFACT needs the appeal if it wants to attempt reforms of current copyright legislation.