A new iPhone application that allows users to load RTLs TV-shows onto their smartphone caused a controversy in the Netherlands this week. Commercial broadcaster RTL Netherlands states this infringes their copyright. A spokesperson for RTL says that there was "improper use" of RTL footage. 

The app was available for € 1.59 in the App Store, according to website iPhoneclub.nl, and is made by a computer science student. This unauthorized application offers a number of RTL programs, such as RTL news and popular soap series, at no additional cost for the smartphone. The iPhone application retrieves URLs that are actually meant for the iPad

RTL itself does not have an application where you can view the broadcasts on an iPhone. But, they do offer an official website where, often in return for a small fee, programs can be downloaded for use on a mobile device. RTL also launched an app service for the iPad, called XL RTL. This is a free service for fans that missed an episode of their favourite show.

The clever student  seems to have jumped in, where RTL left an opportunity unexplored. 

RTL reported that they will contact the maker of the app very shortly, to “speak about his motives." "The application is improper use of our footage, " said spokeswoman Kim Koppenol in a reaction. "We can not allow this." She did not comment on the possibility of further actions by RTL.

Sources:  iPhoneclub and Nu.nl