Gaming
Mr. Modchips owner Neil Stanley Higgs has been convicted of distributing and selling illegally chipped games consoles since 2002.
The Bristol-based 39-year-old, who is said to have pocketed turnover in excess of £1 million pounds, was found guilty of 26 offences, including three counts of advertising, supplying and selling modification chips designed to enable people to play illegally copied games on their consoles.
Higgs was tracked down by Bristol City Council's Trading Standards after Entertainment and Leisure Sofware Publishers Association investigators found illegal chips were being sold on his website.
“This case today sets a major precedent which marks a milestone in the fight against piracy, protecting the games industry’s investment in fantastic games,” said Michael Rawlinson, managing director of ELSPA.
“It sends a clear message to anyone tempted to become involved in ‘chipping’ consoles that this is a criminal offence and will be dealt in the strongest possible way. The modification of consoles is an activity that ELSPA’s anti-piracy team is prioritizing – it is encouraging to see the UK courts do the same.”
At the trial, the jury voted unanimously against Higgs, but his solicitor has now made an appeal. A date for the hearing has yet to be announced.
The Bristol-based 39-year-old, who is said to have pocketed turnover in excess of £1 million pounds, was found guilty of 26 offences, including three counts of advertising, supplying and selling modification chips designed to enable people to play illegally copied games on their consoles.
Higgs was tracked down by Bristol City Council's Trading Standards after Entertainment and Leisure Sofware Publishers Association investigators found illegal chips were being sold on his website.
“This case today sets a major precedent which marks a milestone in the fight against piracy, protecting the games industry’s investment in fantastic games,” said Michael Rawlinson, managing director of ELSPA.
“It sends a clear message to anyone tempted to become involved in ‘chipping’ consoles that this is a criminal offence and will be dealt in the strongest possible way. The modification of consoles is an activity that ELSPA’s anti-piracy team is prioritizing – it is encouraging to see the UK courts do the same.”
At the trial, the jury voted unanimously against Higgs, but his solicitor has now made an appeal. A date for the hearing has yet to be announced.
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