Microsoft files complaints against TiVo
Microsoft has filed two complaints against digital video recorder manufacturer TiVo alleging that multiple patents are being infringed upon.
Microsoft has filed complaints with the U.S. International Trade Commission and the U.S. District Court in Seattle, both over what it alleges are infringements of at least four of its patents.
The USITO complaint is seeking a ban on all TiVo DVRs being imported. The patents Microsoft alleges are being infringed upon include those concerning the electronic program guide, the remote control interface, and program restrictions, all of which Microsoft alleges are patented with its Mediaroom technology.
This is the latest stage of a long-running argument between the two firms which began in 2009 when TiVo sued AT&T. Microsoft intervened, arguing that the patents TiVo was referring to actually belonged to them and which they license to AT&T for use in its U-Verse service. So there are basically three companies involved, all saying they have the right to use what has become standard DVR methods.
Microsoft issued a statement saying, “We remain open to resolving this situation through an intellectual property licensing agreement, and we look forward to continued negotiations with TiVo.” TiVo refused to comment but suggested it hadn’t yet seen the complaints.
For me this is yet another example showing that the U.S. patent system needs radically changing. At the moment too many patents which cover generic and/or vague notions are being granted, which in turn is leading to this situation where companies are fighting over patents that only a court can decide upon.
I’m not implying this is the case in this particular instance, but the to-ing and fro-ing suggests even the companies involved don’t even know who really owns the rights to what. Which is a sad state of affairs if you ask me.
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