Viacom goes after Cablevision for iPad streaming

By Geoff Duncan June 23, 2011

CableVision Optimum app for iPad — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Media giant Viacom has filed suit against cable operator Cablevision over the company’s application that enables its cable subscribers to stream Viacom television programming to their iPads. Cablevision launched its Optimum iPad app back in April, and enables Cablevision subscribers to receive Viacom channels like NTV, Comedy Central, VHI, and Nickelodeon to tap into the same content via their iPads. Viacom contends Cablevision’s licenses don’t permit the company to offer the programing on any device other than a television.

Viacom is seeking $2 million for each alleged violation of its trademarks, compensatory and punitive damages, as well as an injunction barring Cablevision from streaming Viacom programming to iPads.

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Cablevision hasn’t yet commented on the suit, but indicated it expected to issue a response later today.

The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

The new lawsuit comes on the heels of Viacom and Time Warner agreeing to suspend litigation against each other while they try to work out a deal over the same issues. Time Warner is the larger of the two cable operators, with an estimated 14.5 million cable subscribers. Recent figures place Cablevision at just under 4 million cable subscribers.

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