TiVo is hit by Microsoft patent claim
Written by Chris Forrester
Wednesday, 20 January 2010 09:04
For the past few years TiVo has been chasing EchoStar claiming the satellite broadcaster has misused TiVo’s patents. Now Microsoft has hit TiVo with a similar allegation.
Microsoft is arguing that TiVo has infringed its patents for a system that displays programmable information and a secure method for buying and delivering video programs. TiVo, the maker of digital video recorders with 2.7 million subscribers, uses portions of the two Microsoft patents in its products or components, including set-top box products, subscription services and software without a license, according to a complaint filed Tuesday in a San Francisco federal court.
Microsoft has asked the court to confirm the validity of its claim and to block TiVo from their use, and is seeking damages. A statement from Microsoft said that it is seeking to resolve the situation and is involved with TiVo in negotiations.
© Rapid TV News 2010