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Related Party Transactions
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2017
Related Party Transactions  
Related Party Transactions

12.Related Party Transactions

 

Related Party Transactions with EchoStar

 

Following the Spin-off, we and EchoStar have operated as separate publicly-traded companies and neither entity has any ownership interest in the other.  However, a substantial majority of the voting power of the shares of both companies is owned beneficially by Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and by certain trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family.

 

In connection with and following the Spin-off, we and EchoStar have entered into certain agreements pursuant to which we obtain certain products, services and rights from EchoStar, EchoStar obtains certain products, services and rights from us, and we and EchoStar have indemnified each other against certain liabilities arising from our respective businesses.  In connection with the Share Exchange, we and EchoStar and certain of their subsidiaries entered into certain agreements covering, among other things, tax matters, employee matters, intellectual property matters and the provision of transitional services.  In addition, certain agreements that we had with EchoStar have terminated, and we entered into certain new agreements with EchoStar.  As the Share Exchange was a transaction between entities that are under common control, accounting rules require that our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the results of the Transferred Businesses for all periods presented, including periods prior to the completion of the Share Exchange. Intercompany transactions between the Transferred Businesses and us, including, among others, the sale of set-top boxes and broadcast services from EchoStar to us, have been eliminated to the extent possible, including the margin EchoStar received on those sales.  See Note 2 for further information.  We also may enter into additional agreements with EchoStar in the future.  The following is a summary of the terms of our principal agreements with EchoStar that may have an impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

“Trade accounts receivable”

 

As of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, trade accounts receivable from EchoStar was $1 million and $2 million, respectively.  These amounts are recorded in “Trade accounts receivable” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

“Trade accounts payable”

 

As of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, trade accounts payable to EchoStar was $90 million and $276 million, respectively.  These amounts are recorded in “Trade accounts payable” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

“Equipment sales and other revenue”

 

During each of the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, we received $1 million for services provided to EchoStar.  During the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, we received $1 million and $2 million, respectively, for services provided to EchoStar.  These amounts are recorded in “Equipment sales and other revenue” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  The agreements pertaining to these revenues are discussed below.

 

Real Estate Lease Agreements.  We have entered into lease agreements pursuant to which we lease certain real estate to EchoStar.  The rent on a per square foot basis for each of the leases is comparable to per square foot rental rates of similar commercial property in the same geographic areas, and EchoStar is responsible for its portion of the taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance of the premises.  The term of each lease is set forth below:

 

·

El Paso Lease Agreement.  During 2012, we began leasing certain space at 1285 Joe Battle Blvd., El Paso, Texas to EchoStar for an initial period ending on August 1, 2015, which also provides EchoStar with renewal options for four consecutive three-year terms.  During the second quarter 2015, EchoStar exercised its first renewal option for a period ending on August 1, 2018.

 

·

90 Inverness Lease Agreement.  In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, effective March 1, 2017, EchoStar leases certain space from us at 90 Inverness Circle East, Englewood, Colorado for a period ending in December 2022.  EchoStar has the option to renew this lease for four three-year periods.

 

·

Cheyenne Lease Agreement.  In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, effective March 1, 2017, EchoStar leases certain space from us at 530 EchoStar Drive, Cheyenne, Wyoming for a period ending in March 2019.  EchoStar has the option to renew this lease for thirteen one-year periods.

 

·

Gilbert Lease Agreement.  In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, effective March 1, 2017, EchoStar leases certain space from us at 801 N. DISH Dr., Gilbert, Arizona for a period ending in March 2019.  EchoStar has the option to renew this lease for thirteen one-year periods.

 

·

American Fork Occupancy License Agreement.  In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, effective March 1, 2017, we acquired the lease for certain space at 796 East Utah Valley Drive, American Fork, Utah, and we sublease certain space at this location to EchoStar for a period ending in August 2017.  During June 2017, EchoStar exercised its five-year renewal option for a period ending in August 2022.

 

Collocation and Antenna Space Agreements.  In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, effective March 1, 2017, we entered into certain agreements pursuant to which we will provide certain collocation and antenna space to EchoStar through March 2022 at the following locations: Cheyenne, Wyoming; Gilbert, Arizona; New Braunfels, Texas; Monee, Illinois; and Englewood, Colorado.  EchoStar may terminate any of these agreements with 180 days’ prior written notice to us.  The fees for the services provided under these agreements depend, among other things, on the number of racks leased and/or antennas present at the location.

 

“Subscriber-related expenses”

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, we incurred $22 million and $23 million, respectively, of subscriber-related expenses for services provided to us by EchoStar.  During the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, we incurred $41 million and $47 million, respectively, of subscriber-related expenses for services provided to us by EchoStar.  These amounts are recorded in “Subscriber-related expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  The agreements pertaining to these expenses are discussed below.

 

Hughes Broadband Distribution Agreement.  Effective October 1, 2012, dishNET Satellite Broadband L.L.C. (“dishNET Satellite Broadband”), our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, and HNS entered into a Distribution Agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”) pursuant to which dishNET Satellite Broadband has the right, but not the obligation, to market, sell and distribute the HNS satellite Internet service (the “Service”).  dishNET Satellite Broadband pays HNS a monthly per subscriber wholesale service fee for the Service based upon the subscriber’s service level, and, beginning January 1, 2014, certain volume subscription thresholds.  The Distribution Agreement also provides that dishNET Satellite Broadband has the right, but not the obligation, to purchase certain broadband equipment from HNS to support the sale of the Service.  On February 20, 2014, dishNET Satellite Broadband and HNS amended the Distribution Agreement which, among other things, extended the initial term of the Distribution Agreement through March 1, 2024.  Thereafter, the Distribution Agreement automatically renews for successive one year terms unless either party gives written notice of its intent not to renew to the other party at least 180 days before the expiration of the then-current term.  Upon expiration or termination of the Distribution Agreement, the parties will continue to provide the Service to the then-current dishNET subscribers pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Distribution Agreement. 

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, under the Distribution Agreement we purchased broadband equipment from HNS of zero and $2 million, respectively.  For the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, under the Distribution Agreement we purchased broadband equipment from HNS of zero and $5 million, respectively.  These amounts are initially included in “Inventory” and are subsequently capitalized as “Property and equipment, net” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets or expensed as “Subscriber acquisition costs” or “Subscriber-related expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) when the equipment is deployed.  During the first quarter 2017, we decided to transition our wholesale arrangement with Hughes under the Distribution Agreement to an authorized representative arrangement and entered into the MSA with HNS.  See “Hughes Broadband Master Services Agreement” below for further information. 

 

“Satellite and transmission expenses”

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, we incurred expenses of $89 million and $88 million, respectively, for satellite capacity leased from EchoStar and telemetry, tracking and control and other professional services provided to us by EchoStar.  For each of the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, we incurred expenses of $178 million for satellite capacity leased from EchoStar and telemetry, tracking and control and other professional services provided to us by EchoStar.  EchoStar is a supplier of the vast majority of our transponder capacity.  These amounts are recorded in “Satellite and transmission expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  The agreements pertaining to these expenses are discussed below.

 

Satellite Capacity Leased from EchoStar. We have entered into certain satellite capacity agreements pursuant to which we lease certain capacity on certain satellites owned or leased by EchoStar.  The fees for the services provided under these satellite capacity agreements depend, among other things, upon the orbital location of the applicable satellite, the number of transponders that are leased on the applicable satellite and the length of the lease.  See “Pay-TV Satellites” in Note 8 for further information.  The term of each lease is set forth below:

 

·

EchoStar VII, X, XI and XIV.  On March 1, 2014, we began leasing all available capacity from EchoStar on the EchoStar VII, X, XI and XIV satellites.  The term of each satellite capacity agreement generally terminates upon the earlier of:  (i) the end-of-life of the satellite; (ii) the date the satellite fails; or (iii) a certain date, which depends upon, among other things, the estimated useful life of the satellite.  We generally have the option to renew each satellite capacity agreement on a year-to-year basis through the end of the respective satellite’s life.  There can be no assurance that any options to renew such agreements will be exercised. 

 

·

EchoStar IX.  We lease certain satellite capacity from EchoStar on EchoStar IX.  Subject to availability, we generally have the right to continue to lease satellite capacity from EchoStar on EchoStar IX on a month-to-month basis.

 

·

EchoStar XII.  The lease for EchoStar XII generally terminates upon the earlier of:  (i) the end-of-life or replacement of the satellite (unless we determine to renew on a year-to-year basis); (ii) the date the satellite fails; (iii) the date the transponders on which service is being provided fails; or (iv) a certain date, which depends upon, among other things, the estimated useful life of the satellite, whether the replacement satellite fails at launch or in orbit prior to being placed into service and the exercise of certain renewal options.  This lease expires in September 2017.

 

·

EchoStar XVI.  In December 2009, we entered into a transponder service agreement with EchoStar to lease all of the capacity on EchoStar XVI, a DBS satellite, after its service commencement date.  EchoStar XVI was launched in November 2012 to replace EchoStar XV at the 61.5 degree orbital location and is currently in service.  Effective December 21, 2012, we and EchoStar amended the transponder service agreement to, among other things, change the initial term to generally expire upon the earlier of:  (i) the end-of-life or replacement of the satellite; (ii) the date the satellite fails; (iii) the date the transponder(s) on which service is being provided under the agreement fails; or (iv) four years following the actual service commencement date.  In July 2016, we and EchoStar amended the transponder service agreement to, among other things, extend the initial term by one additional year and to reduce the term of the first renewal option by one year.  Prior to expiration of the initial term, we had the option to renew for an additional five-year period.  During May 2017, we exercised our first renewal option for an additional five-year period ending in January 2023.  We also have the option to renew for an additional five-year period prior to expiration of the first renewal period in January 2023.  There can be no assurance that the option to renew this agreement will be exercised.

 

Nimiq 5 Agreement.  During 2009, EchoStar entered into a fifteen-year satellite service agreement with Telesat Canada (“Telesat”) to receive service on all 32 DBS transponders on the Nimiq 5 satellite at the 72.7 degree orbital location (the “Telesat Transponder Agreement”).  During 2009, EchoStar also entered into a satellite service agreement (the “DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement”) with us, pursuant to which we currently receive service from EchoStar on all 32 of the DBS transponders covered by the Telesat Transponder Agreement.  We have also guaranteed certain obligations of EchoStar under the Telesat Transponder Agreement.  See discussion under “Guarantees” in Note 10.

 

Under the terms of the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement, we make certain monthly payments to EchoStar that commenced in September 2009 when the Nimiq 5 satellite was placed into service and continue through the service term.  Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement, the service term will expire ten years following the date the Nimiq 5 satellite was placed into service.  Upon expiration of the initial term, we have the option to renew the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement on a year-to-year basis through the end-of-life of the Nimiq 5 satellite.  Upon in‑orbit failure or end-of-life of the Nimiq 5 satellite, and in certain other circumstances, we have certain rights to receive service from EchoStar on a replacement satellite.  There can be no assurance that any options to renew the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement will be exercised or that we will exercise our option to receive service on a replacement satellite.

 

QuetzSat-1 Lease Agreement.  During 2008, EchoStar entered into a ten-year satellite service agreement with SES Latin America S.A. (“SES”), which provides, among other things, for the provision by SES to EchoStar of service on 32 DBS transponders on the QuetzSat-1 satellite.  During 2008, EchoStar also entered into a transponder service agreement (“QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement”) with us pursuant to which we receive service from EchoStar on 24 DBS transponders.  QuetzSat-1 was launched on September 29, 2011 and was placed into service during the fourth quarter 2011 at the 67.1 degree orbital location while we and EchoStar explored alternative uses for the QuetzSat-1 satellite.  In the interim, EchoStar provided us with alternate capacity at the 77 degree orbital location.  During the first quarter 2013, we and EchoStar entered into an agreement pursuant to which we sublease five DBS transponders back to EchoStar.  In January 2013, QuetzSat-1 was moved to the 77 degree orbital location and we commenced commercial operations at that location in February 2013.

 

Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement, the initial service term will expire in November 2021.  Upon expiration of the initial term, we have the option to renew the QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement on a year-to-year basis through the end-of-life of the QuetzSat-1 satellite.  Upon an in-orbit failure or end-of-life of the QuetzSat-1 satellite, and in certain other circumstances, we have certain rights to receive service from EchoStar on a replacement satellite.  There can be no assurance that any options to renew the QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement will be exercised or that we will exercise our option to receive service on a replacement satellite.

 

103 Degree Orbital Location/SES-3.  In May 2012, EchoStar entered into a spectrum development agreement (the “103 Spectrum Development Agreement”) with Ciel Satellite Holdings Inc. (“Ciel”) to develop certain spectrum rights at the 103 degree orbital location (the “103 Spectrum Rights”).  In June 2013, we and EchoStar entered into a spectrum development agreement (the “DISH 103 Spectrum Development Agreement”) pursuant to which we may use and develop the 103 Spectrum Rights.  Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the DISH 103 Spectrum Development Agreement, the term generally will continue for the duration of the 103 Spectrum Rights.

 

In connection with the 103 Spectrum Development Agreement, in May 2012, EchoStar also entered into a ten-year service agreement with Ciel pursuant to which EchoStar leases certain satellite capacity from Ciel on the SES-3 satellite at the 103 degree orbital location (the “103 Service Agreement”).  In June 2013, we and EchoStar entered into an agreement pursuant to which we lease certain satellite capacity from EchoStar on the SES-3 satellite (the “DISH 103 Service Agreement”).  Under the terms of the DISH 103 Service Agreement, we make certain monthly payments to EchoStar through the service term.  Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the DISH 103 Service Agreement, the initial service term will expire on the earlier of:  (i) the date the SES-3 satellite fails; (ii) the date the transponder(s) on which service was being provided under the agreement fails; or (iii) ten years following the actual service commencement date.  Upon in-orbit failure or end of life of the SES-3 satellite, and in certain other circumstances, we have certain rights to receive service from EchoStar on a replacement satellite.  There can be no assurance that we will exercise our option to receive service on a replacement satellite.

 

TT&C Agreement.  Effective January 1, 2012, we entered into a telemetry, tracking and control (“TT&C”) agreement pursuant to which we receive TT&C services from EchoStar for certain satellites for a period ending on December 31, 2016 (the “2012 TT&C Agreement”).  In November 2016, we and EchoStar amended the 2012 TT&C Agreement to extend the term thereof for one additional year until December 31, 2017.  The fees for services provided under the 2012 TT&C Agreement are calculated at either:  (i) a fixed fee; or (ii) cost plus a fixed margin, which will vary depending on the nature of the services provided.  We are able to terminate the 2012 TT&C Agreement for any reason upon 60 days notice.

 

DBSD North America Agreement.  On March 9, 2012, we completed the DBSD Transaction.  During the second quarter 2011, EchoStar acquired Hughes.  Prior to our acquisition of DBSD North America and EchoStar’s acquisition of Hughes, DBSD North America and HNS entered into an agreement pursuant to which HNS provides, among other things, hosting, operations and maintenance services for DBSD North America’s satellite gateway and associated ground infrastructure.  This agreement generally may be terminated by us at any time for convenience.

 

TerreStar Agreement.  On March 9, 2012, we completed the TerreStar Transaction.  Prior to our acquisition of substantially all the assets of TerreStar and EchoStar’s acquisition of Hughes, TerreStar and HNS entered into various agreements pursuant to which HNS provides, among other things, hosting, operations and maintenance services for TerreStar’s satellite gateway and associated ground infrastructure.  These agreements generally may be terminated by us at any time for convenience.

 

“General and administrative expenses”

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, we incurred $12 million and $4 million, respectively, of general and administrative expenses for services provided to us by EchoStar.  During the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, we incurred $15 million and $8 million, respectively, of general and administrative expenses for services provided to us by EchoStar.  These amounts are recorded in “General and administrative expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  The agreements pertaining to these expenses are discussed below.

 

Real Estate Lease Agreements.  We have entered into lease agreements pursuant to which we lease certain real estate from EchoStar.  The rent on a per square foot basis for each of the leases is comparable to per square foot rental rates of similar commercial property in the same geographic area, and EchoStar is responsible for its portion of the taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance of the premises.  The term of each lease is set forth below:

 

·

Meridian Lease Agreement.  The lease for all of 9601 S. Meridian Blvd. in Englewood, Colorado is for a period ending on December 31, 2016.  In December 2016, we and EchoStar amended this lease to, among other things, extend the term thereof for one additional year until December 31, 2017.

 

·

Santa Fe Lease Agreement.  The lease for all of 5701 S. Santa Fe Dr. in Littleton, Colorado was for a period ending on December 31, 2016.  In December 2016, we and EchoStar amended this lease to, among other things, extend the term thereof for one additional year until December 31, 2017.

 

·

Cheyenne Lease Agreement.    The lease for certain space at 530 EchoStar Drive in Cheyenne, Wyoming is for a period ending on December 31, 2031.  In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, EchoStar transferred ownership of a portion of this property to us, and, effective March 1, 2017, we and EchoStar amended this lease agreement to (i) terminate the lease of certain space at the portion of the property that was transferred to us and (ii) provide for the continued lease to us of certain space at the portion of the property that EchoStar retained. 

 

·

100 Inverness Lease Agreement.  In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, effective March 1, 2017, we lease certain space from EchoStar at 100 Inverness Circle East, Englewood, Colorado for a period ending in December 2020.  This agreement may be terminated by either party upon 180 days’ prior notice. 

 

Professional Services Agreement.  Prior to 2010, in connection with the Spin-off, we entered into various agreements with EchoStar including the Transition Services Agreement, Satellite Procurement Agreement and Services Agreement, which all expired on January 1, 2010 and were replaced by a Professional Services Agreement.  During 2009, we and EchoStar agreed that EchoStar shall continue to have the right, but not the obligation, to receive the following services from us, among others, certain of which were previously provided under the Transition Services Agreement:  information technology, travel and event coordination, internal audit, legal, accounting and tax, benefits administration, program acquisition services and other support services.  Additionally, we and EchoStar agreed that we shall continue to have the right, but not the obligation, to engage EchoStar to manage the process of procuring new satellite capacity for us (previously provided under the Satellite Procurement Agreement) and receive logistics, procurement and quality assurance services from EchoStar (previously provided under the Services Agreement) and other support services.  The Professional Services Agreement renewed on January 1, 2017 for an additional one-year period until January 1, 2018 and renews automatically for successive one-year periods thereafter, unless terminated earlier by either party upon at least 60 days notice.  However, either party may terminate the Professional Services Agreement in part with respect to any particular service it receives for any reason upon at least 30 days notice.  In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange on February 28, 2017, DISH Network and EchoStar amended the Professional Services Agreement to, among other things, provide certain transition services to each other related to the Share Exchange Agreement. 

Revenue for services provided by us to EchoStar under the Professional Services Agreement is recorded in “Equipment sales and other revenue” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

 

Other Agreements - EchoStar

 

Tax Sharing Agreement.  In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a tax sharing agreement with EchoStar which governs our respective rights, responsibilities and obligations after the Spin-off with respect to taxes for the periods ending on or before the Spin-off.  Generally, all pre-Spin-off taxes, including any taxes that are incurred as a result of restructuring activities undertaken to implement the Spin-off, are borne by us, and we will indemnify EchoStar for such taxes.  However, we are not liable for and will not indemnify EchoStar for any taxes that are incurred as a result of the Spin-off or certain related transactions failing to qualify as tax-free distributions pursuant to any provision of Section 355 or Section 361 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) because of:  (i) a direct or indirect acquisition of any of EchoStar’s stock, stock options or assets; (ii) any action that EchoStar takes or fails to take; or (iii) any action that EchoStar takes that is inconsistent with the information and representations furnished to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) in connection with the request for the private letter ruling, or to counsel in connection with any opinion being delivered by counsel with respect to the Spin-off or certain related transactions.  In such case, EchoStar is solely liable for, and will indemnify us for, any resulting taxes, as well as any losses, claims and expenses.  The tax sharing agreement will only terminate after the later of the full period of all applicable statutes of limitations, including extensions, or once all rights and obligations are fully effectuated or performed.

 

We and EchoStar file combined income tax returns in certain states.  In 2015 and 2014, EchoStar earned and recognized a tax benefit for certain state income tax credits that EchoStar estimates it would be unable to utilize in the future if it had filed separately from us.  In addition, EchoStar earned and recognized tax benefits for certain federal income tax credits, a portion of which were allocated to us under IRS rules for affiliated companies.  We expect to utilize these tax credits to reduce our federal and state income tax payable in the future.  In accordance with accounting rules that apply to transfers of assets between entities under common control, we recorded a capital contribution of less than $1 million in “Additional paid-in capital” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for the year ended December 31, 2016 representing the amount that we estimate is more likely than not to be realized by us as a result of our utilization of these tax credits earned.  Any payments made to EchoStar related to the utilization of these credits will be recorded as a reduction to “Additional paid-in capital” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

Tax Matters Agreement.  In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, we and EchoStar entered into a Tax Matters Agreement, which governs certain rights, responsibilities and obligations with respect to taxes of the Transferred Businesses pursuant to the Share Exchange.  Generally, EchoStar is responsible for all tax returns and tax liabilities for the Transferred Businesses for periods prior to the Share Exchange, and we are responsible for all tax returns and tax liabilities for the Transferred Businesses from and after the Share Exchange.  Both we and EchoStar have made certain tax-related representations and are subject to various tax-related covenants after the consummation of the Share Exchange.  Both we and EchoStar have agreed to indemnify each other if there is a breach of any such tax representation or violation of any such tax covenant and that breach or violation results in the Share Exchange not qualifying for tax free treatment for the other party.  In addition, we have agreed to indemnify EchoStar if the Transferred Businesses are acquired, either directly or indirectly (e.g., via an acquisition of us), by one or more persons and such acquisition results in the Share Exchange not qualifying for tax free treatment.  The Tax Matters Agreement supplements the Tax Sharing Agreement described above, which continues in full force and effect.

 

TiVo.  On April 29, 2011, we and EchoStar entered into a settlement agreement with TiVo Inc. (“TiVo”).  The settlement resolved all pending litigation between us and EchoStar, on the one hand, and TiVo, on the other hand, including litigation relating to alleged patent infringement involving certain DISH digital video recorders, or DVRs.  Under the settlement agreement, all pending litigation was dismissed with prejudice and all injunctions that permanently restrain, enjoin or compel any action by us or EchoStar were dissolved.  We and EchoStar are jointly responsible for making payments to TiVo in the aggregate amount of $500 million, including an initial payment of $300 million and the remaining $200 million in six equal annual installments between 2012 and 2017.  Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the agreements entered into in connection with the Spin-off of EchoStar from us, we made the initial payment to TiVo in May 2011, except for the contribution from EchoStar totaling approximately $10 million, representing an allocation of liability relating to EchoStar’s sales of DVR-enabled receivers to an international customer.  Future payments were allocated between us and EchoStar based on historical sales of certain licensed products, with us being responsible for 95% of each annual payment.  Pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement, we were responsible for EchoStar’s allocation of the final payment to TiVo, which was paid July 31, 2017.

 

Patent Cross-License Agreements.  In December 2011, we and EchoStar entered into separate patent cross-license agreements with the same third party whereby:  (i) EchoStar and such third-party licensed their respective patents to each other subject to certain conditions; and (ii) we and such third-party licensed our respective patents to each other subject to certain conditions (each, a “Cross-License Agreement”).  Each Cross License Agreement covers patents acquired by the respective party prior to January 1, 2017 and aggregate payments under both Cross-License Agreements total less than $10 million.  Each Cross License Agreement also contains an option to extend each Cross-License Agreement to include patents acquired by the respective party prior to January 1, 2022.  In December 2016, we and EchoStar independently exercised our respective options to extend each Cross-License Agreement.  The aggregate additional payments to such third-party was less than $3 million.  Since the aggregate payments under both Cross-License Agreements were based on the combined annual revenues of us and EchoStar, we and EchoStar agreed to allocate our respective payments to such third party based on our respective percentage of combined total revenue.

 

Rovi License Agreement.  On August 19, 2016, we entered into a ten-year patent license agreement (the “Rovi License Agreement”) with Rovi Corporation (“Rovi”) and, for certain limited purposes, EchoStar.  EchoStar is a party to the Rovi License Agreement solely with respect to certain provisions relating to the prior patent license agreement between EchoStar and Rovi.  There are no payments between us and EchoStar under the Rovi License Agreement.

 

Sale of Orange, New Jersey Properties.  In October 2016, we and EchoStar sold two parcels of real estate owned separately by us and EchoStar in Orange, New Jersey to a third party pursuant to a purchase and sale agreement. Pursuant to the agreement, we and EchoStar separately received our respective payments from the buyer.

 

Invidi.   In November 2010 and April 2011, EchoStar made investments in Invidi in exchange for shares of Invidi’s Series D Preferred Stock.  In November 2016, we, DIRECTV, LLC, a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of AT&T Inc., and Cavendish Square Holding B.V., an affiliate of WPP plc, entered into a series of agreements to acquire Invidi.  As a result of the transaction, EchoStar sold its ownership interest in Invidi on the same terms offered to the other shareholders of Invidi.  The transaction closed in January 2017.

 

Hughes Broadband Master Services Agreement.   During March 2017, DISH Network L.L.C. (“DNLLC”) and HNS entered into the MSA pursuant to which DNLLC, among other things: (i) has the right, but not the obligation, to market, promote and solicit orders for the Hughes broadband satellite service and related equipment; and (ii) installs Hughes service equipment with respect to activations generated by DNLLC.  Under the MSA, HNS will make certain payments to DNLLC for each Hughes service activation generated, and installation performed, by DNLLC.  Payments from HNS for services provided are recorded in “Subscriber-related revenue” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  The MSA has an initial term of five years with automatic renewal for successive one year terms.  After the first anniversary of the MSA, either party has the ability to terminate the MSA, in whole or in part, for any reason upon at least 90 days’ notice to the other party.  Upon expiration or termination of the MSA, HNS will continue to provide the Hughes service to subscribers and make certain payments to DNLLC pursuant to the terms and conditions of the MSA.  For the three months ended June 30, 2017, we purchased broadband equipment from HNS of $3 million under the MSA.  For the six months ended June 30, 2017, we purchased broadband equipment from HNS of $10 million under the MSA. 

 

Employee Matters Agreement.  In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, effective March 1, 2017, we and EchoStar entered into an Employee Matters Agreement that addresses the transfer of employees from EchoStar to us, including certain benefit and compensation matters and the allocation of responsibility for employee-related liabilities relating to current and past employees of the Transferred Businesses.  We assumed employee-related liabilities relating to the Transferred Businesses as part of the Share Exchange, except that EchoStar will be responsible for certain existing employee-related litigation as well as certain pre-Share Exchange compensation and benefits for employees transferring to us in connection with the Share Exchange.

 

Intellectual Property and Technology License Agreement.  In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, effective March 1, 2017, we and EchoStar entered into an Intellectual Property and Technology License Agreement (“IPTLA”), pursuant to which we and EchoStar license to each other certain intellectual property and technology.  The IPTLA will continue in perpetuity, unless mutually terminated by the parties.  Pursuant to the IPTLA, EchoStar granted to us a license to its intellectual property and technology for use by us in connection with our continued operation of the Transferred Businesses acquired pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement, including a limited license to use the “ECHOSTAR” trademark during a transition period.  EchoStar retains full ownership of the “ECHOSTAR” trademark.  In addition, we granted a license back to EchoStar for the continued use of all intellectual property and technology transferred to us pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement that is used in EchoStar’s retained businesses. 

 

Related Party Transactions with NagraStar L.L.C.

 

As a result of the completion of the Share Exchange on February 28, 2017, we own a 50% interest in NagraStar L.L.C. (“NagraStar”), a joint venture that is our primary provider of encryption and related security systems intended to assure that only authorized customers have access to our programming.  Certain payments related to NagraStar are recorded in “Subscriber-related expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  In addition, certain other payments are initially included in “Inventory” and are subsequently capitalized as “Property and equipment, net” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets or expensed as “Subscriber acquisition costs” or “Subscriber-related expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) when the equipment is deployed.  We record all payables in “Trade accounts payable” or “Other accrued expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Our investment in NagraStar is accounted for using the equity method.

 

The table below summarizes our transactions with NagraStar:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months

 

For the Six Months

 

 

 

Ended June 30,

 

Ended June 30,

 

 

    

2017

    

2016

 

2017

    

2016

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Purchases (including fees):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases from NagraStar

 

$

18,652

 

$

19,997

 

$

36,431

 

$

45,494

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of

 

 

 

June 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

    

2017

    

2016

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Amounts Payable and Commitments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts payable to NagraStar

 

$

11,374

 

$

18,597

 

Commitments to NagraStar

 

$

4,917

 

$

2,716

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Related Party Transactions with Dish Mexico

 

Dish Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. (“Dish Mexico”) is an entity that provides direct-to-home satellite services in Mexico, which is owned 49.0% by EchoStar.  We provide certain broadcast services and sell hardware such as digital set-top boxes and related components to Dish Mexico, which are recorded in “Equipment sales and other” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). 

 

The table below summarizes our transactions with Dish Mexico:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months

 

For the Six Months

 

 

Ended June 30,

 

Ended June 30,

 

    

2017

    

2016

 

2017

    

2016

 

 

(In thousands)

Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Digital receivers and related components

 

$

312

 

$

10,176

 

$

1,183

 

$

32,730

Uplink services

 

$

975

 

$

1,016

 

$

1,998

 

$

2,025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

2017

    

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts Receivable:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts receivable from Dish Mexico

 

$

1,307

 

$

13,516