The startup that delivered live TV to mobile devices has filed for bankruptcy after a lengthy court battle that ended in the U.S. Supreme Court. Last summer, the Justices voted 6-3 against Aereo and in favor of the broadcast and cable networks that were opposing the company. They found that by recording broadcast television shows and reselling them to viewers, Aereo is violating the Copyright Act.
Aereo created thousands of tiny TV antennas that are no bigger than a fingertip, and users in New York City and several other big cities could rent a connection to stream and record broadcast TVÂ on their mobile devices and personal computers. In court, the company tried to position itself as an equipment provider, and said that viewers were paying rental fees to use its equipment.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit said that Aereo’s technology is basically like a DVR from the user’s perspective, and therefore does not break the law. The case went to the Supreme Court, and now a final decision has been made.
Aereo, which was backed by media mogul Barry Diller, former CEO of Paramount Pictures and Fox, had reportedly talked to both AT&T and Dish Networks about potential partnerships.
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