A Los Angeles federal court ruled that the in-flight entertainment provider, Global Eagle Entertainment Inc deliberately violated copyright law. The in-flight entertainment company was sued by a music corporation for using their songs without their permission.
According to the ruling of U.S. District Judge George Wu, the Global Eagle Entertainment Inc. along with its subsidiary company, Inflight Productions Ltd, "repeatedly making the business decision to continue its unauthorized use" of the songs from Universal Music Group, CNBC reported. Some of the songs used were from singers Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and other known performers.
A court trial is set in May to determine the damages, which could also worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Global Eagle Entertainment, which headquartered in Los Angeles, provides airlines companied with various in-flight media content and technology entertainment options such as movies, television and music.
Its official website stated that it provided its service to over 200 carriers around the world. "GEE delivers exceptional quality and value to its customers to help them achieve their passenger experience objectives," the website quoted.
In 2014, Universal Music record company, a unit of Vivendi SA sued the in-flight entertainment company for alleged copyright infringement. According to Reuters, the company did not pay to the recording label for licensing, and willfully used the songs and performances on their in-flight passenger entertainment systems system. The lawsuit also alleges that the company used over 4,500 sound recordings and compositions, without their authorization.
On Thursday, Global Eagle stated they will file a motion of appeal following the ruling, and make a defense for the trial next month. Universal Music issued a statement regarding the judge's ruling. "With the upcoming trial on damages, we hope to send a strong message on the value of music, and deter future infringement," the statement said.
The California-based recording company also named American Airlines Group Inc on federal complaint however, the airline company already settled the matter last year.
