City of Knoxville, Tennessee v. Netflix, Inc. et al.

Case Number
M2021-01107-SC-R23-CV

This is a case about fitting new technology into a not-so-new statutory scheme. Exercising our power to answer questions certified to us by federal courts, we consider whether two video streaming services—Netflix, Inc. and Hulu, LLC—provide “video service” within the meaning of a Tennessee law that requires such providers to obtain a franchise and pay franchise fees to localities. Netflix and Hulu say they do not provide “video service” and therefore do not owe franchise fees; the City of Knoxville says they do. We agree with Netflix and Hulu.

Authoring Judge
Justice Sarah K. Campbell
Originating Judge
Judge Clifton L. Corker
Case Name
City of Knoxville, Tennessee v. Netflix, Inc. et al.
Date Filed
Dissent or Concur
No
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