ABC seeking injunction against AutoHop

The networks’ war on AutoHop continues with another network attempting to get a preliminary injunction to stop Dish Network from distributing the controversial feature, which allows DVRs to skip over commercials automatically.

ABC, which is owned by Walt Disney, filed a motion in Manhattan federal court saying it plans to seek a preliminary injunction.

Earlier this month a Los Angeles judge rejected a similar motion filed by Fox Broadcasting, a ruling that’s currently being appealed.

Dish is embroiled in court battles on both coasts over the device, which drew huge protests upon its introduction last spring.

The networks say that, because their business models are dependent on advertising, AutoHop could undermine them and put their very futures in question.

They’ve been fighting the feature aggressively, claiming copyright infringement, but Dish maintains it is well within its rights.
 

Tags: abc, ad skipping, advertising, Asks Manhattan, autohop, broadcast, copyright infringement, dish network, dish network lawsuit, dvrs, Fox Broadcasting, los angeles, Manhattan, viewers, walt disney