The Lithuanian Radio and Television Commission (LRTK) imposed fines totalling 1,900 euros on three individuals for the unlawful online public dissemination of copyrighted content.

The decisions were made following an investigation into administrative violation cases initiated after receiving a complaint from rights holder AS “Go3 Baltics” regarding content made unlawfully available to the public.

During monitoring conducted by the LRTK following the complaint, it was established that copyright-protected audiovisual content was being unlawfully published on the website “filmai7.top.” It was determined that users were allowed to view and download this content. Access to it was monetised through paid VIP membership, account top-ups, and various payment methods, including PayPal, Stripe, and cryptocurrencies.

After the investigation established that the activities were carried out for commercial purposes, the contact details associated with the payment infrastructure allowed for the identification of the individuals involved in the infringements: A. C., V. S., and E. P.

The Commission found that such activities violate the laws governing the protection of copyright and related rights and meet the criteria for a violation under Article 122(3) of the Code of Administrative Offences.

In imposing the fines, the LRTK took into account that the violations were committed for commercial purposes, and no mitigating or aggravating circumstances were identified. Each individual was fined 1,900 euros, corresponding to the average fine provided for by law.

Thus, the total amount of fines imposed for this activity carried out for commercial purposes amounts to 5,700 euros.

“The case investigated by the Commission regarding the website ‘filmai7.top’ confirms that the unlawful publication of copyrighted content and profiting from it cannot be considered a legitimate business model,” states Mantas Martišius, Chairman of the LRTK. “Such decisions send a clear message that copyright infringements online result in real legal and financial consequences.”

The LRTK notes that the unlawful distribution of copyrighted content harms legitimate content creators and distributors, which is why such infringements are consistently investigated and those responsible are held accountable.