Cablevision & Viacom Resolve Legal Spat

BETHPAGE/NEW YORK: Cablevision Systems Corp. and Viacom have come to an agreement in their legal dispute over streaming rights, allowing Viacom programming to remain on the Optimum Apps for the iPad and other Internet-connected devices.

The lawsuit, filed in June by Viacom, alleged that Cablevision’s April launch of the Optimum App, which streams TV programs to tablets, violated its agreement to distribute Viacom programming only on cable systems. Cablevision has also come under fire from Time Warner Cable over a similar issue; that case was put on hold.

In a joint statement, the companies said that Viacom programs will continue to be available through the apps. "In reaching the settlement agreement, Cablevision and Viacom were able to resolve the iPad matter and an unrelated business matter to their mutual satisfaction," the statement said. "Neither side is conceding its original legal position or will have further comment.”