The Computer & Communications Industry Association in conjunction with the Internet Association today filed an amicus brief in a case that could alter the future of cloud computing. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit is preparing to hear an appeal by TV broadcasters, who are asking the court to shut down the video start up service Aereo. Aereo enables users to watch their broadcast TV shows on their iPhones, iPads or using a Roku box.
Aereo won in the U.S. District Court in New York where it argued that the function of its service was not materially different from the use of remote DVRs, which the New York appeals court blessed in the important and high profile Cablevision case.
In the amicus brief, CCIA points out that the recent Cablevision case provided important legal clarity that has enabled Internet companies to invest in developing a wide variety of services, including cloud computing. That’s why CCIA is asking the court to reject attempts to block new technologies by limiting or obscuring the holdings of Cablevision.
The following can be attributed to CCIA President & CEO Ed Black:
“TV broadcasters are essentially complaining that Aereo is disrupting their existing business model. However, in the past, the Supreme Court has recognized that it is best for Congress to decide whether or not it is desirable to expand protections of copyright owners to respond to changes in technology. We agree that Congress, rather than the court system, would have more flexibility to address TV broadcasters complaints without creating uncertainty for Internet innovators and investors.
“In the meantime, the law empowers innovative companies to continue to offer TV viewing choices that customers clearly want.”