Fox Sues Dish Network Again, This Time Over Hopper With Sling Technology

Fox Broadcasting was denied in its request to legally enjoin Dish Network’s Hopper DVR pre-trial. Now the company has asked that a federal judge stop Dish from “place shifting” video content to smartphones, tablets, and computers.

The “place shifting” comes courtesy of the new Dish Network Hopper with Sling technology.

In its lawsuit filed in Los Angeles, Fox Broadcasting has demanded that Dish disable the “rebroadcasting” of all content from its new high-tech set top box. Fox wants all content halted ahead of an official trial date.

Hopper with Sling allows users to redirect live broadcasts and prerecorded programming to smartphones, tablets, and computers via internet-connected devices.

Fox argues that its existing licensing agreements with Dish Network forbids any type of place shifting outside of the customer’s own home. Dish Network provides the new technology for all programming available through its network.

In its filing, Fox Broadcasting claims:

“Fox granted Dish a limited right to retransmit Fox’s signal over its satellite system, and Dish grants its subscribers the limited right to watch the programs retransmitted by Dish in their private homes. That is all.”

Dish spokesperson John Hall attacks Fox Broadcasting for slowing technological progress, noting, “with its latest motion, Fox continues its war against how Americans watch TV. Dish has long argued consumers have the right to privately watch shows anywhere, anytime, and it looks forward to continuing its fight on behalf of customer choice and control.”

Fox Broadcasting and Dish Network are set to appear in court for a March 22 hearing.

In a November 2012 hearing, a judge denied Fox’s Hopper lawsuit because the company failed to “demonstrate sufficient damages.”