FilmOn’s founder Alki David is battling the television networks once again in court, but this time, it’s on his own terms. According to Courthouse News, FilmOn has filed a countersuit against the major networks, claiming that streaming network television programs through FilmOn, an online subscription service, does not violate the Copyright Act. David claims that the airwaves are a public trust.
“This repetitive litigious behavior is inconsistent with the statutory obligations associated with the broadcast licenses granted to the networks, which enable the networks to access valuable broadcast frequencies – a public trust,” states to the 17-page counterclaim. “Having initially accepted billions of dollars in public resources and various other regulatory benefits, the networks now seek to renege on the deal struck with Congress under the Communications Act of 1934 and abandon their responsibilities to the American public.” The counterclaim goes on to claim that FilmOn is providing an “important government interest by providing a unique technology.” It claims that it’s similar to how an antenna works, which has a purpose of simply giving people access to freely available programming.
As you are probably already aware of, the major networks, which inlcudes, FOX, ABC, and others, have filed a suit against FilmOn in the past. The networks claim FilmOn is infringing on their copyrights.
You can read more about this news at Courthouse News.
