The legality of using Kodi, as an end user, will always be
legal despite purchasing a tampered device -- devices stocked with plug-ins for
illegal streaming services. A new legal challenge from Middlesbrough indicates
that only individuals selling "stocked" devices to the public only
have the devices, and those looking for them, could be imprisoned.
According to the Birmingham Mail, the curious case of Brian
Thompson from Middlesbrough would help clear up the case. Pleading not guilty
to his charges in Teesside Magistrates' Court, Thompson's case ruling would
define the entire industry of Kodi boxes, specifically the retail aspect. It
would also decide whether consumers may also be filed for their ownership of
tampered Kodi boxes.
According to Birmingham Mail, the Kodi boxes are still up
for sale but most products sold through Tesco, Amazon and other similar
high-street retailers do not come pre-loaded with illegal software for
streaming.
Additional cases regarding illegal streaming with Kodi boxes
include a streaming of a pay-per-view match in Boro, which had a pub in
Teesside pay more than £8000 for public broadcast without proper royalties and
due to violation of copyrights on part of the Boro organisers.
Kodi in its unaltered form is legal. But using plug-ins for
illegal streaming can get one a violation order, especially if streamed
publicly for many to watch.