iFIT, Dish Settle Lawsuit Over Fitness Streaming Tech
A judge had ruled that iFIT and Peloton infringed on Dish’s streaming technology patents, causing headaches for the connected fitness rivals
iFIT and Dish Network have reached a definite settlement in a legal dispute over streaming technology patents, according to a joint filing in a Delaware federal Court.
The agreement follows a feud that began in 2021 between the satellite television company and fitness equipment brand where Dish Network accused the Utah-based iFIT of infringing on its streaming technology patents with its bicycles and ellipticals.
In addition to iFIT’s NordicTrack equipment, Dish took aim at Peloton’s bikes and treadmills, arguing that the fitness equipment brands infringed on its patents that cover adaptive bitrate streaming technology, allowing users to stream content in real-time at a high quality.
The case had escalated to the U.S. International Trade Commission, which banned imports of video-streaming fitness devices made by Peloton and iFIT after a judge determined they infringed on the Colorado-based Dish Network’s patents last March. Peloton agreed to pay Dish $75 million in a one-time settlement payment last May.
The settlement filing between iFIT and Dish states that the fitness equipment maker and TV network are in the process of memorializing the terms in a written settlement agreement and anticipate that they will be able to complete the process and file a joint stipulation and order of dismissal within 60 days. The two entities have requested the court grant a stay of proceedings until April 22, 2024.
An iFIT spokesperson declined to comment on the financial terms of the settlement.
Aside from its squabble with Dish, the health and fitness company has leaned into artificial intelligence with last month’s launch of AI Coach, which helps fitness enthusiasts hit their goals with personalized and adaptive training plans.
