U.S. District Judge Allows Streaming Service Aereo to Continue Operating

By David Tobia
July 16, 2012

Tech start-up Aereo will continue to provide broadcast TV signals in the New York area online, as U.S. District Judge Alison Nathan ruled against a request by networks for a preliminary injunction.
“The networks worry that such services will undercut their business model, particularly the retransmission fees they collect from cable operators, and undermine broadcast stations’ plans to launch mobile offerings to smartphones, iPads and other devices,” reports Variety.
Aereo uses thousands of mini antennas to allow subscribers to either choose a streaming live show or replay offerings in a DVR style.
Judge Nathan ruled that each antenna operates independently, and therefore likened the system to other remote storage DVR products already in existence.
“Today’s decision is a loss for the entire creative community,” the group of plaintiffs wrote in a statement. “The judge has denied our request for preliminary relief — ruling that it is OK to misappropriate copyrighted material and retransmit it without compensation. While we are disappointed, we will continue to fight to protect our copyrights and expect to prevail on appeal.”
“Today’s decision shows that when you are on the right side of the law, you can stand up, fight the Goliath and win,” countered Aereo founder Chet Kanojia.

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