Patent

Scientific Atlanta Attempts to Patent VOD With MRV

As with most patent applications, Scientific Atlanta’s usage of the English language here is barely comprehensible. Their topic appears pretty broad — covering VOD and multi-room PVR interfaces as both separate and integrated entities, though references to communication protocols are specific to cable company transmission technologies (QAM, for example). Video-on-demand (VOD) services, which are well … Read more

TiVo Seeks Echostar DVR Injunction

We haven’t heard a whole lot since the jury ruled in favor of TiVo. However, today the Rocky Mountain News reports that TiVo is seeking an injunction against Echostar. We probably won’t learn much more until after next month’s bench trial. Stay tuned… “Each day EchoStar is allowed to continue its infringement, EchoStar takes subscribers … Read more

Sling Media Applies For Patents, Alludes To SlingCatcher

Sling Media’s three Slingbox technology patent applications submitted last June have hit the US Patent Office database. Of particular interest is an allusion to the inevitable SlingCatcher device, a hardware appliance designed to receive streaming video for television display without requiring an intermediary computer. I imagine Aussie Ron can hardly wait!

The local clients can be any number of device types, including but not limited to desktop and notebook PCs, Web tablets, PDAs, embedded clients built expressly for the purposes of decoding the streams of the personal broadcaster, and other devices capable of receiving and/or playing a media stream over a network.

As with the local clients, the remote clients may include any number of device types, but not limited to desktop and notebook PCs, Web tablets, PDAs, embedded clients built expressly for the purposes of decoding the streams of the personal broadcaster, and other devices capable of receiving and/or playing a media stream over a network.

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TiVo’s Law Firm Chimes In

As you know, TiVo came away with a huge patent victory versus Echostar last week. The judge hasn’t yet ruled on increasing damages for willful infringement, and not only hasn’t an injunction been awarded but apparently TiVo hadn’t even requested it as of Wednesday. Could settlement/licensing talks be going on outside of court? Regardless, TiVo’s legal team is tooting their horn this morning…

Apr 21, 2006 08:45 ET

Irell & Manella Trial Team Secures $74 Million Patent Infringement Verdict for DVR Market Leader TiVo

Jury’s finding of willful infringement by EchoStar means damages could be trebled

LOS ANGELES, Calif., April 21 — In a closely-watched trial involving one of the most popular forms of technology in the home entertainment market, law firm Irell & Manella LLP represented TiVo Inc. in its $74 million patent infringement verdict against EchoStar Communications Corp.

On April 13, a Marshall, Texas jury concluded that EchoStar had willfully infringed TiVo’s patent on its “time-warp” technology for digital video recorders (known as DVRs). Despite two weeks of testimony about complex technology and patent issues, the jurors needed only two hours and fifteen minutes of deliberations to reach the unanimous verdict.

The finding of willful infringement exposes EchoStar to potential treble damages. In addition, EchoStar faces a potential injunction that would preclude it from further distribution of infringing DVRs. TiVo’s general counsel Matthew Zinn noted after the trial that an injunction would be even more meaningful than the sheer dollar award.

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Interesting News Dave Hasn’t Covered

I just couldn’t seem to find the time… Philips patents digital flags to prevent channel changing or content advancing during commercials. (New Scientist) The facts and fiction of 1080p. (Team Xbox) Podcasts outnumber radio stations. (eWeek) Windows Media Player 11 to be released this summer. (Thomas Hawk) Portable VLC released. (PortableApps) Windows smart-phone maker HTC … Read more

TiVo Sends Echostar Packing

This just in… TiVo won their patent infringement case versus Echostar! Once the dust settles and more details emerge, I’ll update this post. Update 1: The Wall Street Journal, AP, and Bloomberg are reporting the award is $74 million. I haven’t found out yet what this means for current Dish DVR units. Apparently the judge … Read more

TiVo And DirecTV Extend Pact

Huge, huge news! While not unexpected given DTV’s slow start in transitioning customers off to TiVo and the associated expenses, this is very good news for both TiVo as a company and for DirecTV TiVo customers. The original agreement was set to expire in about a year, at which point TiVo would have stopped providing … Read more

TiVo Echostar Round 1 Heads To Jury

To recap: TiVo has sued Echostar for infringing on their “time warping” patent. After a delay last fall, the trial finally began about two weeks ago. Echostar has focused their defense on Dish DVR’s technical variations (“media switch“) while TiVo has been playing the role of David (versus Goliath) and is seeking $87 million in … Read more