Qatar-based broadcaster beIN has launched a $1 billion claim against broadcasters in Saudi Arabia, alleging that they have been illegally re-transmitting a large amount of BeIN’s sports content. The small Gulf state itself is also asking the World Trade Organization to address intellectual property violation allegations against its much larger neighbor. At the center of both actions is BeoutQ, an illegal broadcasting operation that is widely believe to be based in Saudi Arabia.
These moves were announced by beIN and by Qatar’s ministry of economy and commerce on Monday, according to AFP. Though the IP violation action would be heard at the WTO, the court where the compensation claim might be heard hasn’t been confirmed.