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Mexico’s IMPI Blocks 57 Illegal World Cup Streaming URLs

IMPI says near-real-time takedowns with internet providers protect licensed broadcasts while brigades deter counterfeit merchandise around host venues.

Overview

  • The Instituto Mexicano de la Propiedad Industrial promoted the suspension, blocking and removal of 57 URLs it says were used to retransmit World Cup content without authorization.
  • As part of the 'Operativo Mundial,' the agency deployed 15 brigades made up of 30 verifiers around Estadio Ciudad de México to identify and discourage sales of unauthorized World Cup goods.
  • IMPI has inspected roughly 50 establishments to check whether they were transmitting matches and stresses inspections are typically carried out at rights-holders’ request and not intended to close small food businesses.
  • Authorities report that about 80% of counterfeit items found have been jerseys and that a wider 'Operation Clean' removed more than 99,000 pirated products from the market with an estimated value above 13 million pesos.
  • Officials say the effort combines ISP cooperation, rights-holder reporting and on-the-ground checks to stop illegal streams during match times and that the near-real-time model could serve as a reference for future IP enforcement at major events.