Sources: Disney to Drop Suit Against DISH Network

Disney is close to dropping a lawsuit against DISH Network relating to the “ad-skipping” technology of their hopper DVR service according to reports.

Fox Network also had a similar lawsuit against DISH for their “ad-skipping” technology.  “Fox and Disney have alleged that the AutoHop in the Hopper DVR, which automatically removes all commercials from primetime programs from the Big Four broadcast networks, violates U.S. copyright law.”

Disney could receive compensation from DISH for allowing subscribers to skip commercials.

Dropping the lawsuit is part of a larger deal between Disney and DISH. “Discussions to settle the ad-skipping litigation are part of wider contract talks between Burbank, California-based Disney and Dish, based in Englewood, Colorado, for future rights to programming from ABC, ESPN and the Disney Channel. An existing accord between the parties expired in September.”