The Dutch anti-piracy agency BREIN settled in early June with a seller of media boxes and illegal IPTV subscriptions. This man was active on Marktplaats and his own website, where he sold household items in addition to IPTV packages.
BREIN made a trial purchase and this led to the identification of the man, after which he was summoned to cease his infringing activities.
Although his marketplace account and website promptly went offline after the bailiff’s visit, the man did not respond, perhaps hoping that the situation would blow over. BREIN sent another bailiff along with a draft summons including a number of requirements that the man had to meet to avoid going to court. After receiving this final warning, the man became anxious and contacted BREIN to reach a settlement.
In the meantime, BREIN had spent considerably more time on the case and the costs had risen considerably. As part of the settlement, the man signed a cease and desist declaration including a penalty clause of 500 euros per day (part) or infringement. He also compensates the costs incurred by BREIN of 2,500 euros.
Original press release
IPTV reseller settles with BREIN for 2,500 euros and 500 euros for each future infringement. Press release. June 13, 2025. BREIN Foundation (Stichting BREIN)
Why it matters
“This case did not concern a professional trader, but it did not concern a total amateur either. BREIN is also taking action against them. To prevent these types of people with a limited trade from growing into larger traders and to send a signal that smaller traders should also pay the price if we expose them,” said BREIN director Bastiaan van Ramshorst.
“IPTV is a rapidly growing and extremely damaging form of piracy. Every subscription sold constitutes an infringement and every day that a consumer uses illegal IPTV commits this infringement. BREIN is actively looking for IPTV sellers to take civil action against them and if the case lends itself to this, BREIN will file a criminal complaint,” said Mr. van Ramshorst.
