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Allarco's battle to protect Super Channel programs from theft goes to Alberta court

EDMONTON — The parent company of Canadian pay-television provider Super Channel has asked an Alberta court to block four Canadian retailers from selling set-top boxes that allegedly are designed to give customers access to pirated programming.

Allarco Entertainment of Edmonton named Staples, Best Buy, London Drugs and Canada Computers in its application for an injunction to protect its intellectual property from theft.

Allarco is also asking the court to issue an order against an unknown number of unidentified customers of the retailers as well as unidentified equipment suppliers. The allegations have not been tested in court.

The Alberta court has scheduled several days of hearings this week to deal with Allarco's request and responses from the retailers.

Staples Canada says in an emailed statement that it doesn't have a comment because the case is before the courts. A London Drugs statement says it disputes the allegations and will defend itself vigorously. 

The other retailers didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 3, 2021.

The Canadian Press

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