Dish Network Launches Lawsuit Against Vidgo, Alleging Patent Infringement
Dish Network, renowned for vigorously protecting its patent rights, has recently filed a lawsuit against streaming service Vidgo. Dish’s technology arm, Dish Technologies LLC, and its subsidiary, Sling TV LLC, accused Vidgo of willfully infringing upon their patented technology used for content streaming to users. The patented technology relates to multi-bitrate content streaming, a method that delivers video data over the internet considering the varying connection speeds. The lawsuit was first discovered by The Desk, a news outlet covering litigation matters.
Joining the lineup of companies facing similar lawsuits from Dish, Vidgo now faces legal action alongside streaming service Fubo and interactive fitness app iFit. Both Fubo and Vidgo provide streaming services with access to over 100 live channels. In the case of Fubo, Dish aims to negotiate a royalty agreement whereby Fubo would compensate Dish for the use of its patented technology. Dish alleges that iFit’s range of exercise equipment, featuring streaming capabilities, also infringe upon its patents, and Dish is requesting a ban on their sale.
Representatives from Vidgo and Fubo have not yet publicly commented on the lawsuit filed against Vidgo.
Dish Network acquired these patents in 2010 when it purchased fledgling company MOVE Networks, along with its patent portfolio, for $45 million. Following several corporate reforms, Dish Technologies (formerly known as Echostar Technologies) became a division of Dish Network in 2018.
Dish claims to have notified Vidgo about their allegedly infringed patents in both March and July through written correspondence, but received no response from the streaming service.
This lawsuit adds to the list of challenges already faced by Vidgo. Recently, the service temporarily ceased operations due to a vendor dispute. As a gesture of goodwill, Vidgo offered credits to all subscribers and discounted rates for future services.
