Free for a Fee

Aereo was created to use a system of using tiny, dime-sized antennas to send broadcast TV signals over the Internet. By renting one antenna and separate storage space to each customer, the company hoped to remain within the bounds of copyright law, despite not having permission from the television networks for its transmissions.

The fight was waged in federal courts around the country. The US Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit ruled in Aereo’s favor, but the decision was overturned this summer by the Supreme Court. Aereo ceased doing business shortly thereafter.