Over-the-top 'cable operator' goes toe-to-toe with broadcast industry heavyweights

Last week, ivi TV, a "web-based cable TV operator" launched with some three-dozen channels on its lineup, roughly a dozen from Seattle, a dozen from New York and the balance coming from a variety of providers--promising $5 a month service and a 99-cent-a-month DVR. Inevitably, the cease and desist letters--about 10 at last count--started rolling in from broadcasters. Rather than roll over, ivi has gone on the offensive, filling a complaint of its own--a Declaratory Judgement of Copyright Noninfringement in the U.S. District Court in Seattle, Wash.--in what ivi contends is a preemptive move to discourage needless litigation from big media. Article