Major Broadcasters Band Together And File A Lawsuit Against Online Video Startup Ivi
The major broadcasters usually can't agree on much, but they've agreed to band together and file a lawsuit against Ivi, claiming that the online video startup is infringing copyrights. The suit, filed in the Southern District of New York yesterday, aims to shut down Ivi's video service, which retransmits over-the-air broadcast signals online. Ivi's system works by relaying live TV feeds from more than 40 broadcasters including ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and Telemundo to online viewers. It claims to be operating under a legal loophole which says that cable and satellite companies can legally retransmit over-the-air broadcast content as long as they pay semi-annual fees to the U.S. Copyright Office. The startup says it has already applied to pay those fees, which are later distributed to rights holders. It should come as little surprise that the broadcasters disagree with Ivi's reading of the law, and have pressured it with cease and desist letters, calling for the startup to take down the online video service. That prompted Ivi to file a preemptive lawsuit against certain broadcasters last week.
For links and more stories visit the new Streaming Media section at HomeToys.com
The major broadcasters usually can't agree on much, but they've agreed to band together and file a lawsuit against Ivi, claiming that the online video startup is infringing copyrights. The suit, filed in the Southern District of New York yesterday, aims to shut down Ivi's video service, which retransmits over-the-air broadcast signals online. Ivi's system works by relaying live TV feeds from more than 40 broadcasters including ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and Telemundo to online viewers. It claims to be operating under a legal loophole which says that cable and satellite companies can legally retransmit over-the-air broadcast content as long as they pay semi-annual fees to the U.S. Copyright Office. The startup says it has already applied to pay those fees, which are later distributed to rights holders. It should come as little surprise that the broadcasters disagree with Ivi's reading of the law, and have pressured it with cease and desist letters, calling for the startup to take down the online video service. That prompted Ivi to file a preemptive lawsuit against certain broadcasters last week.
For links and more stories visit the new Streaming Media section at HomeToys.com
