An individual selling Illegal Streaming Devices (“ISDs”) in Sim Lim Square, Singapore’s largest IT and electronics shopping mall, has been handed a sentence of six months imprisonment by a Singaporean Court. The ISDs enabled users to access copyright-protected content such as Premier League football matches, movies, and TV shows, in contravention of section 150 of the Singapore Copyright Act 2021.
The individual, identified as Chinese national Wang Yue, pleaded guilty in March 2025 to 17 charges relating to his sale of ISDs through Ace Technologies Pte Ltd, of which he is director. The company also received fines totalling SGD $181,000 (approx. £104,000) as a result of the infringements.
Singaporean authorities have been commended for their swift and robust action by both the Premier League and the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (“ACE”), the world’s foremost anti-piracy coalition.
Kevin Plumb, the Premier League’s General Counsel, said of the decision, “This latest sentencing is a clear indication that the fight against piracy in Singapore is not slowing down and there are serious consequences for those found guilty of supplying illegal streaming devices. This case once again sends a message to pirates that their activity will not be tolerated and reminds consumers that buying these devices is a problem.”
The Premier League, ACE, and other rights holders will hope the decision should act as a deterrent to those offering for sale Illegal Streaming Devices worldwide – which has become a growing market in recent years. Whether that will be the case remains to be seen.
If you have any questions on the above, please do not hesitate to contact the team at McDaniels Law on 0191 281 4000 or legal@mcdanielslaw.com.
