Freesat has lodged a claim in the High Court alleging the online giant Amazon has violated its trademarks with its Kindle Freetime service.
Launched in September 2012 the free time EPG that provides access both to linear channels and the catch-up TV services of the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.
The Amazon streaming service launched in the US in 2012, appearing in the UK late in 2013.
In a statement to Broadband TV News, Freesat confirmed the move: “Freesat has issued a legal claim against Amazon EU SARL, Amazon Media EU SARL and amazon.co.uk Ltd (“Amazon”) in respect of Amazon’s infringement of our rights to Freetime, a trade mark registered in the UK by Freesat. Freetime is an award-winning internet-connected television service that is an increasingly important part of Freesat’s business. As this is a legal matter, we are unable to comment further.”
The court filing says Freesat has spent in excess of £5.6 million promoting Freetime since its trademark was issued in October 2011.
