Broadcasters sue Internet streamer FilmOn.com

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ivi TV isn’t the only company streaming US television stations on the Internet without their permission – and it’s not the only one being sued by broadcasters. All of the major networks have now filed a federal lawsuit against FilmOn.com.


The suit filed in US District Court for Southern New York claims that at least since September 27th FilmOn has been streaming the signals of numerous US TV stations – “all without the consent of the affected stations or copyright owners.” The suit asks the court to enjoin FilmOn from steaming the signals and require it to pay damages to the plaintiffs. “Defendant launched its infringing Internet TV service to coincide with the start of the new fall television season, thereby misappropriating some of the most important copyrighted content at a critical time of the year,” the lawsuit states.

The plaintiffs suing FilmOn include CBS, NBC, Fox, ABC and their related TV studios.

According to its website, FilmOn is offering 36 TV and cable channels for $14.95 per month or 31 channels (excluding the X-rated ones) for $9.95 per month.

FilmOn’s parent company is publicly traded on the German stock exchange and has been operating in Europe for over a year. Its principal owner is British billionaire Alki David. The company did not respond to an email from RBR-TVBR seeking comment.