Cablevision, Viacom settle iPad app suit

Cablevision Systems Corp. and Viacom Inc., owner of MTV and other channels, settled a lawsuit over software that lets subscribers view Viacom channels and individual shows on demand on their iPads.

Viacom had sought millions of dollars in damages and an injunction preventing Cablevision from offering its Optimum app. Viacom said the app infringes on its copyrights.

Cablevision says it's an extension of a cable service that customers already pay for. The companies did not give settlement details, though they said in a joint statement they were "able to resolve the iPad matter and an unrelated business matter to their mutual satisfaction."

"Neither side is conceding its original position or will have further comment," the companies said Wednesday. Cablevision owns Newsday.

The app is one of many moves by cable, satellite and other TV providers to give paying subscribers the ability to watch programs on a variety of devices. The app, which was rolled out in April and is free to Cablevision's digital cable subscribers, allows customers to watch on the iPad only while they are in their own homes using Wi-Fi provided by a Cablevision modem.