Three TV Networks Sue Dish Network Over Autohop Feature

George Doyle/Stockbyte(NEW YORK) -- Three major TV networks are suing Dish Network after the release of its newest receiver.

The Hopper, which was introduced by Dish Network on May 10, automatically records all primetime shows for the four major TV networks -- ABC, NBC, Fox, and CBS -- then allows you to ‘autohop’ over all commercials during the show.

Fox, NBCUniversal, and CBS have filed lawsuits saying the feature violates copyright law, and could destroy free broadcast television. So far, ABC has not filed a lawsuit and has declined to comment on the lawsuits.

Dish Network responded to the lawsuits by filing its own lawsuit on Thursday against all four major TV networks.

In a statement on its website, Dish Network explained “the suit asks for a declaratory judgment that the AutoHop feature does not infringe any copyrights that could be claimed by the major networks, and that DISH, while providing the AutoHop feature, remains in compliance with its agreements with the networks."

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