All four broadcast networks, PBS, and Major League Baseball have filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against a video website, Ivi.tv, claiming that it is violating their copyrights by putting their shows online. "This is a company that's simply stealing our broadcast signals and copyrighted programming and streaming them on the Internet without permission," the complaint said. The National Association of Broadcasters issued a statement supporting the lawsuit, saying that Ivi.tv was engaging in signal piracy. The website, which charges $4.99 monthly for its service, was launched on Sept. 13, the first day of the new TV season, thereby affecting the network's revenue "at a critical time of the year," according to the filing. In a statement, Ivi TV CEO Todd Weaver asserted "This is a predictable move by big media to try and stifle innovation and technology. ... We pay broadcasters in accordance with the law, just like cable. ... It is unfortunate that big media chooses to fight innovation that is legal, pays them, and increases their revenue."

29/09/2010