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Microsoft Sues TiVo for Patent Infringement Relating to DVR Products
On January 19, 2010, Microsoft Corp. filed a lawsuit against TiVo Inc. in the U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (San Francisco), for violating several patents relating to video recording. Microsoft claims that components of TiVo’s digital video recorder (“DVR”) products, subscription services, and software infringe on Microsoft’s patents for a “system for displaying programming information” and a “system and method for secure purchase and delivery of video content programs”. Microsoft seeks a court order to prevent TiVo from using the patented technology without permission, plus unspecified money damages.
In August 2009, TiVo filed a lawsuit against AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas (Marshall), for infringing on patents relating to TiVo’s DVR products and software. However, on January 15, 2010, Microsoft intervened in support of its customer, AT&T, in the action initiated by TiVo, because AT&T’s DVR products use Microsoft software known as Mediaroom. TiVo says that Microsoft’s recent legal actions, including its intervention and its new lawsuit, are a means for Microsoft to defend AT&T. Microsoft says that it remains open to entering into an intellectual property licensing agreement with TiVo rather than proceeding with litigation.
For additional information, visit :
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aEWB.4KRx50w
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=9614800
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2358249,00.asp
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/0578811.htm