ivi TV issued a statement of facts today in response to NAB's earlier statements regarding ivi TV's recent Complaint filed in Federal Court.

Commenting on the development, ivi TV CEO Todd Weaver said:

"We understand the NAB's point of view and welcome this opportunity to enlighten them. ivi TV filed a lawsuit, because we were wrongly accused of copyright infringement, an accusation disruptive to our business. We needed resolution of these issues right away. We believe the copyright claims are unsubstantiated and are really just camouflage for trying to stifle innovation and competition. Furthermore, we pay broadcasters in accordance with the law, just like cable.

This is not about copyright, this is about competition. Congress created the compulsory licensing scheme for cable systems, to distribute broadcast content to the masses. We intend to increase viewer numbers and would welcome opportunities to work with the Broadcasters.

Broadcasters fought against cable companies, then joined them. Broadcasters then fought against satellite companies, then joined them. Now it is our turn. History has a habit of repeating itself -- and it is unfortunate they cannot learn from that and realize we strongly support broadcasters and their program suppliers helping them monetize, increase their eyeballs, and ultimately get paid.

The iCraveTV litigation referenced by the NAB is hardly precedential, as no decision on the merits was ever reached. Further, it involved different circumstances, including augmenting broadcast content with advertisements. ivi TV, on the other hand, is making the primary content available as is without any modification."

Link to previous press release announcing the Complaint and copies of the Complaint together with supporting documents may be found here: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/09/prweb4542434.htm