iiNet chief executive officer Michael Malone says the judgment supported the company’s position and proved the claims made against it were unfounded.

“iiNet has never supported or encouraged unauthorised sharing or file downloading,” Michael says.

“Today’s High Court five-nil ruling confirms that iiNet is not liable for ‘authorising’ the conduct of its customers who engaged in online copyright infringement.

“This marks the end of more than three years of legal argument and challenges.

“More notably, while this case has been important, for both iiNet and for regulation of the industry internationally, it has not distracted us from our core business.

“We have, and will, continue our growth and innovation strategy that has made us the second largest DSL provider in Australia, providing Australians with the access to fast, affordable broadband as well as innovative new services and products.”

Mr Malone again reminded the film industry that increasing the availability of lawful, online content in a more timely, affordable and reasonably priced manner, brought the focus back to customers and was the best method to protect content owners’ copyright.

He said there was strong evidence that content partnerships and agreements between ISPs, legal websites and copyright holders had done more to reduce ‘piracy’ and to showcase copyright holders’ materials than this unproductive legal battle.

“Increasing the availability of licensed digital content is the best, most practical approach to meet consumer demand and protect copyright,” Michael says.

“We have consistently said we are eager to work with the studios to make their very desirable material legitimately available to a waiting customer base – and that offer remains the same today.”

The High Court dismissed the appeal with costs. Legal costs of the case to date are approximately $9 million and have already been expensed. A portion of costs will be recovered.

Mr Malone thanked iiNet staff, customers, supporters and their legal team, Herbert Geer, for the strong support throughout the case.