Andre Yoskowitz
9 Apr 2011 0:13
Following Viacom's suit over their live TV streaming iPad app, Time Warner Cable has counter-sued the content giant and the issue appears headed to court.
Last month, TWC released their TWCableTV app, which allowed its paying subscribers to watch live TV via their iPads.
Warner wants a "declaratory judgment" and a court ruling allowing the company to transmit TV programming to any device its customers may have.
Viacom, on the other hand, says all its previous distribution rights deals have been device-specific, and do not include tablets or other mobiles. The company is now seeking damages for TWC's alleged breach of contract and licensing agreements.
Says TWC of the app:
We have steadfastly maintained that we have the rights to allow our customers to view this programming in their homes, over our cable systems, without artificial limits on the screens they can use to do so, and we are asking the court to confirm our view.
Viacom has made clear that it is willing to discuss extension of similar rights to others -- including TWC. What Viacom cannot do, however, is permit one of its contracting partners, TWC, to unilaterally change the terms of its contractual relationship.