American direct-broadcast satellite service provider Dish Network has filed a lawsuit against Kodi add-on ZemTV and TVAddons.ag in another copyright infringement case.
Dish Network accused ZemTV of directly infringing several TV channels, while TVAddons for distributing the questioned add-on. The service in question allows users to watch Dish channels without permission.
"The ZemTV service is transmitting these channels over the Internet to end-users that download the ZemTV add-on for the Kodi media player, which is available for download at the websites www.tvaddons.ag and www.tvaddons.org," the complaint wrote.
Also known as "Shani" and "Shani_08," the ZemTV operator is using the platform of TVAddons to spread and share its service and seeking donations at the same time.
"Website Operators have actual or constructive knowledge of this infringing activity and materially contribute to that activity by providing the forum where the ZemTV add-on can be downloaded and soliciting and accepting donations from ZemTV users," Dish Network wrote.
Dish Network also claimed that it had already sent a number of takedown requests to the Internet service provider connected with the ZemTV. However, the developer continued to offer its service.
Dish Network is demanding ZemTV to pay $150,000 per infringement in damages, while TVAddons also faces statutory damages for contributory and vicarious copyright infringement.
Meanwhile, TorrentFreak reported that TVAddons is not aware of Dish Network's lawsuit.
"No one ever sent us any type of takedown or DMCA notice... they could have easily done so through our contact page or site mails," TVAddons told TorrentFreak. The site further noted that the ZemTV add-on has already been removed before the lawsuit was filed because of a technical issue.
"I have already spoken to the developer, and he has since deleted the Zem addon entirely," a representative from TVAddons said.
The ZemTV add-on also appeared to be completely shut down, with developer "Shani" explaining that the site became too popular to maintain.