UPDATE: Rambler sues Twitch for 180 bln rbl, blocking

(Changes headline, lede, adds details throughout story)

MOSCOW, Dec 16 (PRIME) -- Russia’s Rambler Group has filed a whooping 180.3 billion ruble lawsuit against the world’s top streaming service Twitch for broadcasting football matches of the English Premier League to block the platform in the country, Forbes reported on Monday on its website.

The Moscow City Court will consider the suit on Friday.

Yulianna Tabastayeva, Twitch’s representative at court, said Rambler wants to claim the compensation and block Twitch in the country. In August, when the lawsuit was filed, Rambler wanted only to mute the service, while compensation was added later.

Rambler confirmed that the amount is significant.

Tabastayeva said, “Talks are under way, but not on an amicable agreement. The anti-piracy tools were handed over to Rambler and work well.”

But a Rambler representative told PRIME the parties are holding amicable talks.

“At the moment, there are negotiations with Twitch on signing of an amicable agreement. The service has given us the tools to fight against illegal broadcasting and now we’re talking only about compensation of losses we incurred from August till November,” said Mikhail Gershkovich, head of sports projects at Rambler Group.

“Our lawsuit against Twitch is protection of exclusive rights for broadcasting of matches of the English Premier League and we will actively resist illegal broadcasting. As to the amount claimed, it was proposed by an external lawyer who is in charge of the case. The amount is technical and the highest possible, it will be adjusted.”

(62.5544 rubles – U.S. $1)

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