Optus says a Federal Court decision allowing it to broadcast National Rugby League (NRL) and Australian Football League (AFL) matches online is a win for consumers.
The telco has successfully sought protection from the Federal Court against the AFL and NRL, which had threatened Optus for allegedly infringing the Copyright Act.
"Optus is extremely pleased with the decision handed down today," Optus spokesperson Clare Gill said on Wednesday.
"Optus is committed to delivering choice and convenience to Australians and the result of the TV Now court proceedings is a major win for consumers, innovation and the law."
Justice Steven Rares said in a judgement handed down on Wednesday that Optus's TV Now had not infringed copyright in the ways the AFL, NRL and Telstra, which holds an exclusive licence to use NRL and AFL match broadcasts, had alleged.
Justice Rares found Optus users had themselves made the recording of the matches, similar to when a person used a video or digital recorder.
He also found the Optus users did not breach copyright laws because the recordings were made for private and domestic use and that users were responsible for making available the recording, not Optus.
Ms Gill said Optus' TV Now was no different to other personal video recording services already available to consumer such as TiVo, Play TV, T-Box and Foxtel IQ.
The finding could have major ramifications for the sporting and media industries as it could potentially devalue internet sporting broadcast rights.
The AFL, NRL and Telstra were ordered to pay Optus' legal costs.
