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The firm, RecordTV, runs a website that allows users to download free-to-air programmes, like Prime Time Morning, and store them in an online database.
The media giant had threatened to sue the Singapore-based company, claiming the device flouts copyright rules.
But RecordTV launched a pre-emptive strike, claiming in court papers that MediaCorp's threats had cost the firm about $30.5 million in revenue and research grants.
The two sides appeared in court on Wednesday to discuss preliminary issues.
The stand-off appears headed towards an eventual High Court ruling that could have implications for users who use the Web to record and watch TV programmes.
It is not clear how widespread the practice is here, but many popular shows are readily available on file-sharing networks like BitTorrent and video-sharing site YouTube.
Currently, Singaporeans can use DVD players to record shows for themselves, but MediaCorp says the online recordings go beyond that.
The company alleged that it found 53 shows last July, originally broadcast on channels like Channel NewsAsia, Channel 5 and Channel U, on the RecordTV website. These included Money Mind, Singapore Tonight and CSI Miami III.
The digitised copies are usually stored online for about 15 days. MediaCorp claimed that was tantamount to making illegal copies.
RecordTV fired the first major salvo in the dispute last September, suing MediaCorp. The start-up said the media giant's legal threats cost it $23 million in revenue and $7.5 million in research funding, among other things. It is asking the court to stop MediaCorp from making any further threats, and is seeking damages.
A MediaCorp spokesman contacted yesterday declined comment, saying it was 'inappropriate' because the matter was ongoing.
The case is expected to go to a full trial towards the end of the year.
