Le Sports, the current exclusive rights holder of the Chinese Super League (CSL), has sued Yuntu TV, VST and Quanmin TV for broadcasting three games in the first round of the CSL without any authorization, according to a recent report.

As reported by Netease Sports, the case came before Beijing Chaoyang People's Court last Thursday (10th  March). Le Sports is claiming compensation for the loss of RMB 5 million for each match, which means a RMB15 million payment for each of the three infringers.

In February, Le Sports announced a wide-ranging strategic partnership with Ti’ao Power. The new conglomerate was awarded the exclusive global broadcasting rights to the CSL for the 2016 and 2017 seasons.

Le Sports has shown their concern about this issue by submitting a proposal to appeal for a strengthening of the laws on intellectual property protection (IPR). They believe that the infringement is not only a violation of their broadcasting rights, but also a distortion of competition. The sports company has even set up a RMB 1 million fund to reward whistleblowers for information on infringements.

Proofread by John Devlin.