The Audiovisual Licensing Alliance (AVLA) has reached an out-of-court settlement with Britannia Hotels in copyright infringement proceedings brought in the Court of Session in Edinburgh.
As part of the agreement, Britannia will take out an AVLA licence covering all its hotels across the UK.
AVLA, a UK not-for-profit licensing body, represents audiovisual creatives including producers, authors, performers, directors and visual artists. Its repertoire includes films, series, documentaries, cartoons and other shows broadcast on national television and beyond.
Hotels and similar establishments are legally required to hold an AVLA licence if they provide guests with access to TV channels showing works from AVLA’s repertoire. This applies to televisions in both bedrooms and communal spaces. Operating without one constitutes an infringement of creators’ rights.
Max Rumney, co-chair of AVLA, said: “Respecting copyright laws is crucial not only to avoid legal or reputational risks, but also to support creators. As a not-for-profit organisation, AVLA distributes the vast majority of licence fees directly to the rightsholders we represent.
“In an industry that normally operates on a project-driven basis, this contribution is key to ensure that the talent required for ground-breaking British content remains and continues to be significant contributors to the UK economy.”
He added: “Hotels that prioritise compliance demonstrate their commitment to ethical business practices and respect for intellectual property rights. We encourage businesses that have yet to obtain an AVLA licence to contact our team and regularise their position to avoid legal risks and higher costs.”
