The Desk appreciates the support of readers who purchase products or services through links on our website. Learn more...

Judge voids $469 million verdict against Dish Network

Photo of author
By:
»

mkeys@thedesk.net

Share:
A Dish Network satellite dish.
A Dish Network satellite dish. (Photo by Cody Logan via Wikimedia Commons, Graphic by The Desk)

A federal judge overseeing a patent infringement lawsuit against Dish Network tossed a $469 million award for damages imposed by a civil jury earlier this month.

The judge, David Nuffer of Utah, issued his order Tuesday while considering a motion filed by Dish that claimed the plaintiff, ClearPlay, had not proven through evidence that Dish infringed on its patents related to certain video-skipping technologies.

ClearPlay alleged Dish’s use of a technology called AutoHop infringed on two patents related to skipping through profane or indecent content on streaming video services. The company alleged AutoHop violated its patents because it allowed Dish subscribers to skip through commercial breaks on content recorded from television channels.

Earlier this month, a jury sided with ClearPlay, finding Dish violated the company’s patents and awarding the plaintiff $469 million. As part of its verdict, the jury found Dish’s violation of ClearPlay’s patents was not done on purpose.

Dish quickly filed a motion to have the jury’s verdict overturned, arguing what the jury found wasn’t in line with a violation of the law, and alleging ClearPlay failed to prove with concrete evidence that what Dish did amounted to illegal patent infringement.

On Tuesday, Nuffer agreed with Dish, dismissing the verdict and the judgment against the satellite broadcaster.

“Dish has stood firm in its belief that it did not infringe ClearPlay’s patents, and is gratified by the court’s ruling,” a Dish spokesperson said in a statement e-mailed to The Desk and other media outlets.

It wasn’t immediately known what ClearPlay’s next move in the case will be, or if it intends to abandon its legal efforts against Dish.

Never miss a story

Get free breaking news alerts and twice-weekly digests delivered to your inbox.

We do not share your e-mail address with third parties; you can unsubscribe at any time.

Photo of author

About the Author:

Matthew Keys

Matthew Keys is the award-winning founder and editor of TheDesk.net, an authoritative voice on broadcast and streaming TV, media and tech. With over ten years of experience, he's a recognized expert in broadcast, streaming, and digital media, with work featured in publications such as StreamTV Insider and Digital Content Next, and past roles at Thomson Reuters and Disney-ABC Television Group.
TheDesk.net is free to read — please help keep it that way.We rely on advertising revenue to support our original journalism and analysis. Please disable your ad-blocking technology to continue enjoying our content. Read more...