…A whole new chapter for FACT…

Established for more than 33 years, FACT is a brand that many households will recognise from anti-piracy adverts in the cinemas to the logo on DVD covers.

However there have been some big changes at the organisation and now FACT is reaching out and helping new and different businesses to protect their brand, products and content.

Director of Communications, Alice Skeats, explains more: “FACT has been working in IP protection for over 30 years and is an organisation built on success which has gone from strength to strength. It is this success, together with dedication and years of experience that have earnt the organisation its reputation as the leaders in IP protection.

“Changes in membership and funding presented a challenge to the organisation earlier this year, however we were able to use this to create new opportunities for the organisation and we have just embarked on a very exciting chapter.

“In the past FACT has protected the film and TV sector but has not been able to offer its expertise and experience to other industries who have approached us for help and support.

“But since last month, we have opened our doors and extended our expertise and technical knowledge to all brands and businesses who require support in protecting their content, brand and intellectual property.

“With increased broadband speeds and a demand for all things online, technology is rapidly evolving. Unfortunately, criminals are taking advantage of this to steal copyrighted content and to sell counterfeit goods, making significant revenue for themselves and depriving legitimate businesses of revenue. Our work is always at the forefront of technology. Working closely with both UK and international partners and law enforcement, we are continually developing techniques and solutions to effectively tackle new and emerging threats.

“Only last week we saw a landmark case come to a close – the first IPTV conviction in England – which resulted in a 4 years’ prison sentence. Terry O’Reilly sold over 1,200 of these infringing devices to pubs and clubs across the UK. On Friday 9^th December he was found guilty of two charges of conspiracy to defraud and another man who had already pleaded guilty to one charge of conspiracy to defraud was sentenced to two years suspended.

Jailed: Simon Hopkins and Leon Passlow

“Another recent success was securing close to £1 million to go back into the public purse following a successful confiscation hearing. Simon Hopkins and Leon Passlow were ordered to pay back £992,947.60 by January 2017 or each face up to seven more years behind bars for their illegal Premier League broadcasts scam.

“2017 is a new chapter for FACT. We will continue to work with our existing members across the TV, sport and film sector to protect their content but we are incredibly excited and looking forward to what the New Year has instore for us – watch this space!”

FACT provides a full range of content and brand protection solutions to protect digital content and physical goods, including; intelligence collation and analysis, forensic examinations, and a dedicated internet investigation and scanning service.

To find out more about FACT’s services check out their website.