Fox Broadcasting Company et al. v. DISH Network LLC et al.

After more than two years of legal battles, a California federal judge found that Analysis Group client DISH Network's (DISH) innovative Hopper set-top box and DVR does not infringe the copyrights of Fox Broadcasting Company's (Fox) television programming. In her ruling on motions for summary judgment made by both parties, District Court Judge Dolly M. Gee cited the findings of Analysis Group affiliate John Hauser to conclude that the use of the Hopper's "PrimeTime Anytime" (PTAT) and "AutoHop" features were "fair use" under US copyright law. With the PrimeTime Anytime feature, users have the ability to easily record the primetime shows on up to each of the four broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox) and save them for up to eight days. The AutoHop feature can be enabled by users to play back certain PrimeTime Anytime recordings commercial-free.

An Analysis Group team led by Managing Principals Rebecca Kirk Fair, Stephen Fink, and Aaron Yeater and Principal Rene Befurt supported Professor Hauser and counsel for DISH, analyzing viewer behavior from various perspectives and using a wide variety of industry and survey data. Professor Hauser also rebutted opinions and surveys offered by Fox's experts. Although Judge Gee ruled for Fox on certain contract claims, the scope of liability and damages was significantly reduced by the Judge's rulings. DISH's general counsel has praised the decision as having "far reaching significance."