The Nine Network has lost its bid to retain control over how and when people consume its television shows in a landmark court judgment today.

In a David and Goliath battle played out before the Federal Court, Nine alleged Sydney-based IceTV's electronic program guide (EPG) - an online TV guide subscribers can use to schedule television recordings from their computer, personal video recorder or mobile phone - breached its copyright.

Nine claimed IceTV's guide was too similar to its own, but it is widely held that a a key concern was the potential for IceTV users to skip through advertisements in recorded shows.