Other Media Archive
Motorola Sued for MPEG-2 Patent Infringement
(DENVER, CO, US – 2 August 2013) – MPEG LA, LLC, world leader in alternative one-stop patent licenses, today announced that three patent owners in MPEG LA’s MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License (“MPEG-2 License”) have filed a patent enforcement action in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida against Motorola Mobility LLC (“Motorola”) for willful infringement of patents essential to the MPEG-2 digital video compression standard used worldwide in digital television and DVD.
According to the complaint, Motorola sold set-top boxes that use the MPEG-2 standard without a license under essential patents. Motorola, either directly or through one of its subsidiaries, was a licensee of the MPEG-2 License (including the patents-in-suit) until December 31, 2010. Motorola, through one of its subsidiaries, was also an original licensor in MPEG LA’s MPEG-2 License and has been one of MPEG LA’s owners.
Craig Electronics, Curtis International and ViewSonic Sued for MPEG-2 Patent Infringement
(DENVER, CO, US – 1 August 2013) – MPEG LA, LLC today announced that six patent owners in MPEG LA’s MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License have filed patent enforcement actions in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida against Craig Electronics Inc. (“Craig Electronics”), Curtis International Ltd. (“Curtis International”) and ViewSonic Corporation (alternatively named ViewSonic Display Co.) (“ViewSonic”), for infringing patents essential to the MPEG-2 digital video compression standard used worldwide in digital television and DVD.
According to the complaints, Craig Electronics, Curtis International and ViewSonic offer in the United States products, such as television sets, which use patent-protected MPEG-2 methods without a license under essential patents. The suits seek monetary damages and injunctions.
Previously, in June 2013, four patent owners in MPEG LA’s ATSC Patent Portfolio License sued Craig Electronics, Curtis International and ViewSonic for infringing patents essential to the ATSC digital broadcast standard (see here.)
Craig Electronics, Curtis International and ViewSonic Sued for ATSC Patent Infringement
(DENVER, CO, US – 5 June 2013) – MPEG LA, LLC today announced that four patent owners in MPEG LA’s ATSC Patent Portfolio License have filed patent enforcement actions in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida against Craig Electronics Inc. (“Craig Electronics”), Curtis International Ltd. (“Curtis International”) and ViewSonic Corporation (alternatively named ViewSonic Display Co.) (“ViewSonic”), for infringing patents essential to the ATSC digital broadcast standard used in the United States and other countries.
According to the complaints, Craig Electronics, Curtis International and ViewSonic offer television sets that use the ATSC digital broadcast standard without a license under essential patents. The suits seek monetary damages and injunctions.
MPEG LA, VOXX International Settle Litigation
(DENVER, CO, US – 11 July 2012) – MPEG LA, LLC (“MPEG LA”) is pleased to announce that MPEG LA and VOXX International (formerly known as Audiovox Corporation) have settled their litigation in the State of New York.
Aldi Süd and Affiliates Enter into MPEG-2 Licenses with MPEG LA
(DENVER, CO, US – 11 June 2012) – MPEG LA announced today that Aldi Süd and affiliates (“Aldi Süd”) have entered into MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio Licenses with MPEG LA. Under the Licenses, Aldi Süd is responsible for paying royalties on its own branded MPEG-2 products.
As a result of this agreement, several companies that license their essential MPEG-2 patents through MPEG LA have settled their patent enforcement actions against Aldi Süd before the District Court Düsseldorf, Germany.
MPEG LA, Nero Settle Litigation
(DENVER, CO, US and KARLSBAD, GERMANY – 12 April 2012) – MPEG LA, LLC and Nero AG have recently settled the litigation between them, which was pending in the Los Angeles Superior Court. MPEG LA and Nero are pleased that this has been resolved to their mutual satisfaction by agreement of the parties and that Nero will continue as a Licensee in good standing under MPEG LA’s MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License, MPEG-4 Visual Patent Portfolio License, AVC/H.264 Patent Portfolio License and VC-1 Patent Portfolio License.
Jury Awards MPEG LA Damages in Breach of Contract Lawsuit against Audiovox
(DENVER, CO, US – 13 December 2011) – MPEG LA is pleased to announce that in a breach of contract action against Audiovox Electronic Corporation, now known as VOXX International, the court declared the clear language of the MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License to require that the entity selling products to the end user, either directly or through a chain of distribution, was responsible for all royalties. Today, a jury found Audiovox in breach of the MPEG-2 License and awarded MPEG LA damages on a portion of Audiovox’s unpaid sales; MPEG LA will pursue payment for the remainder.
Lidl Enters into MPEG-2 License with MPEG LA
(DENVER, CO, US – 1 December 2010) – MPEG LA, LLC, world leader in alternative one-stop patent licenses, today announced that Lidl Stiftung & Co. KG, Lidl Dienstleistung GmbH & Co. KG and affiliates (“Lidl”) have entered into the MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License offered by MPEG LA. Under the License with MPEG LA, Lidl is responsible for paying royalties on its own branded MPEG-2 products.
As a result of this agreement, several companies that license their essential MPEG-2 patents through MPEG LA have withdrawn patent enforcement actions pending before the District Court Düsseldorf, Germany.
Court Dismisses with Prejudice Nero AG’s Antitrust Claim Against MPEG LA
(DENVER, CO, US – 29 November 2010) – The US District Court for the Central District of California dismissed for a second time last week a Sherman Act Section 2 claim brought by Nero AG against MPEG LA, this time with prejudice.
Medion Enters into MPEG LA’s MPEG-2 License
(DENVER, CO, US – 18 November 2010) – MPEG LA announced today that Medion AG has entered into the MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License offered by MPEG LA.
As a result of this agreement, several companies that license their essential MPEG-2 patents through MPEG LA have withdrawn patent enforcement actions pending before the District Court Düsseldorf, Germany.
MPEG LA Lawsuit Against Alcatel Lucent Settled
(DENVER, CO, US – 29 March 2010) – MPEG LA, LLC, world leader in alternative one-stop patent licenses, today announced that an action brought by MPEG LA against Alcatel Lucent, Lucent Technologies Inc. (“Lucent”) and Multimedia Patent Trust in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware was settled last week (Click here for more information).
As part of the settlement, in addition to other consideration, the Multimedia Patent Trust will submit the patents that were diverted to it in conjunction with the 2006 merger between Lucent and Alcatel for a determination of essentiality in accordance with MPEG LA’s normal procedures. If it is determined that one or more of the patents are MPEG-2 Essential Patents or MPEG-2 Systems Essential Patents, the Multimedia Patent Trust will join the MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License and/or the MPEG-2 Systems Patent Portfolio License as a Licensor and all such patents will be included.
The resolution of the case is consistent with the relief MPEG LA sought in its complaint.
Aldi Nord, Aldi Süd and Lidl Sued for MPEG-2 Patent Infringement
(DENVER, CO, US – 16 March 2010) – MPEG LA, LLC, world leader in alternative one-stop patent licenses, today announced that several patent holders in MPEG LA’s MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License have filed separate patent enforcement actions in Landgericht Düsseldorf, Germany against Aldi Nord GmbH & Co. oHG (“Aldi Nord”) and Aldi Süd GmbH & Co. oHG (“Aldi Süd”), as well as Lidl Stiftung & Co. KG and Lidl Dienstleistung GmbH & Co. KG (“Lidl”), for infringing patents essential to the MPEG-2 digital video compression standard used worldwide in digital television broadcasting and DVD.
“We expect all retailers that sell MPEG-2 products under their own private brand labels to meet their patent licensing obligations just as other branded product suppliers do, and our MPEG-2 License is available to assist them,” said MPEG LA President and CEO Larry Horn. “In addition, we urge retailers to insist that all branded product suppliers doing business with them also meet their patent licensing obligations as most already do, and our MPEG-2 License is available to assist them as well.”
According to the complaints, Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd offer in Germany products such as desktop computers, laptop computers, set-top boxes, DVD players, Blu-ray Disc™ players and digital televisions, some under Aldi Süd’s own Tevion house brand name, that use patent protected MPEG-2 methods without license.
The complaints also allege that Lidl offers in Germany products such as laptop computers, set-top boxes, DVD players and digital televisions, some under Lidl’s own Silvercrest house brand, that use patent protected MPEG-2 methods without license.
The suit seeks, among other things, monetary damages and injunctions prohibiting Aldi Nord, Aldi Süd and Lidl from using MPEG-2 patents in their products and from offering, marketing, or importing them.
Shinco Electronics Enters Into MPEG LA’s MPEG-2 License
(DENVER, CO, US – 26 January 2010) – MPEG LA announced today that Shinco Electronics Group Co., Ltd. (“Shinco Electronics”) entered into MPEG LA’s MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License during 2009.
“We are pleased to welcome Shinco Electronics as a Licensee to the MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License,” said Larry Horn, CEO of MPEG LA. “Shinco Electronics joins many other MPEG LA Licensees in China in further affirmation of MPEG LA’s success in developing relationships with leading suppliers there. In addition to building Licensee relationships, MPEG LA also looks forward to partnering with China’s technology leaders as patent owners in helping them bring their technology innovations to worldwide markets.”
The signing of the MPEG-2 License with Shinco also concludes actions brought by MPEG LA against Mintek Digital (“Mintek”), as well as Mintek’s parent Jiangsu Digital Technology Co., Ltd (“Shinco Digital”) and Shinco Digital’s parent, Shinco Electronics, both located in China.
Court Denies Audiovox Motion to Renew/Reargue MPEG LA’s Right to Audit
(DENVER, CO, US – 10 December 2009) – The Supreme Court of the State of New York has denied a motion by Audiovox Electronics Corporation and Audiovox Corporation (“Audiovox”) to reargue and/or renew MPEG LA’s motion for partial Summary Judgment, granting MPEG LA the right to audit Audiovox’s books in accordance with the terms of MPEG LA’s MPEG-2 and 1394 license agreements.
The Court rejected Audiovox’s motion based on the fact that the audit language in the parties’ two license agreements is clear and not limited by their contractual dispute concerning what royalties are owed to MPEG LA.
MPEG LA sued Audiovox for breach of contractual obligations as a Licensee to MPEG LA’s MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License and 1394 Patent Portfolio License in December 2007.
Harvard International, Formerly Doing Business as Alba, Enters Into MPEG LA’s MPEG-2 License in Settlement of Litigation
(DENVER, CO, US – 19 November 2009) – MPEG LA announced today that Harvard International plc and the Harvard Group of companies (“Harvard”), previously called Alba plc, have become Licensees to several MPEG LA programs, including the MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License.
“Recognizing that the MPEG-2 License which Harvard has entered into does not license Harvard branded products that it obtains from another MPEG-2 licensee, Harvard will pay royalties for its MPEG-2 products offered under Harvard’s brand names,” said Harvard Chairman Bridget Blow.
MPEG LA’s CEO Larry Horn said, “As an important supplier of products such as digital televisions, DVD players and set-top boxes, MPEG LA is pleased to welcome Harvard as a Licensee.”
As a result of Harvard becoming a Licensee and the financial settlement which includes back royalty payments and future considerations, Harvard, MPEG LA and several companies that license their essential MPEG-2 patents through MPEG LA, have agreed to dismiss all litigation claims and counterclaims pending among them, including patent enforcement actions pending in the High Court in London, England as well as in the court of Dusseldorf, Germany, and the German Patent Office. Harvard also entered into MPEG LA’s AVC and MPEG-4 Visual Patent Portfolio Licenses.
Haier Sued for Infringing Digital Television Patents
(DENVER, CO, US – 18 August 2009) – MPEG LA, LLC, world leader in alternative one-stop patent licenses, today announced that patent holders to MPEG LA’s licenses have filed enforcement actions against Haier America Trading, L.L.C., Haier Group Co., and HAIM L.L.C. (collectively, “Haier”) for infringement of patents used in digital televisions.
According to the complaint filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, Haier offers products in the United States, such as digital television sets, without having entered into licenses with the individual patent holders or portfolio licenses offered by MPEG LA.
The suit seeks, among other things, monetary damages and an injunction prohibiting Haier from using these patents in its products and from offering, marketing, or importing them.
Medion Sued for MPEG-2 Patent Infringement
(DENVER, CO, US – 13 August 2009) – MPEG LA, LLC, world leader in alternative one-stop patent licenses, today announced that several patent holders in MPEG LA’s MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License have filed separate patent enforcement actions in District Court Dusseldorf, Germany against Medion AG (“Medion”) for infringing patents essential to the MPEG-2 digital video compression standard used worldwide in digital television broadcasting and DVD.
According to the complaints, Medion offers in Germany products, such as desktop computers, laptop computers, digital television sets and DVD players, which use patent protected MPEG-2 methods without having entered into licenses with the individual patent holders or a portfolio license that includes these patents offered by MPEG LA.
The suit seeks, among other things, monetary damages and an injunction prohibiting Medion from using MPEG-2 patents in its products and from offering, marketing, or importing them.
MPEG LA Sues Apex Digital Again for Breach of MPEG-2 License
(DENVER, CO, US – 21 April 2009) – MPEG LA, LLC, world leader in alternative one-stop patent licenses, today announced that it has commenced an action against Apex Digital, Inc. (“Apex Digital”) for breach of both a settlement agreement, which resolved a prior action, as well as its contractual obligations as a Licensee to MPEG LA’s MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License (the “MPEG-2 Contract”).
According to the complaint filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, Apex Digital breached its contractual obligations under the MPEG-2 Contract by failing to report its manufacture or sale of products such as DVD players, televisions and DTV converter boxes that use the MPEG-2 digital video compression standard, and failing to make payments for its manufacture or sale of such products. This is the third time MPEG LA has sued Apex Digital for breach of the MPEG-2 Contract. The second action was settled by execution of a settlement agreement, which MPEG LA also alleges Apex Digital has breached by failing to cooperate in an audit, and failing to pay royalties it owes MPEG LA.
MPEG LA seeks, among other things, monetary damages, an accounting of all products manufactured or sold by Apex Digital that are subject to the MPEG-2 Contract, and an injunction prohibiting Apex Digital from manufacturing or selling products using MPEG-2 patents until it pays all of the royalties it owes MPEG LA.
Expedia Media Sued by MPEG LA for Breach of MPEG-2 License Agreement
(DENVER, CO, US – 7 APRIL 2009) – MPEG LA, LLC, world leader in alternative one-stop patent licenses, today announced that it has commenced an action against Expedia Media LLC (“Expedia Media”) for breach of contractual obligations as a Licensee to MPEG LA’s MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License (the “MPEG-2 Contract”).
According to the complaint filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Orange, Expedia Media has breached its contractual obligations by failing to report fully its manufacture or sale of products such as DVD Video discs that use the MPEG-2 digital video compression standard, failing to make full payments for its manufacture or sale of such products, and refusing to allow an audit as permitted by the MPEG-2 Contract.
MPEG LA seeks, among other things, monetary damages and an accounting of all products manufactured, used, sold or otherwise disposed of by Expedia Media that are subject to the MPEG-2 Contract.
Lenovo Sued for MPEG-2 Patent Infringement
(DENVER, CO, US – 10 March 2009) – MPEG LA, LLC, world leader in alternative one-stop patent licenses, today announced that several patent holders in MPEG LA’s MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License have filed separate patent enforcement actions in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and Landgericht Düsseldorf against Lenovo Group Limited, Lenovo (United States) Inc. and Lenovo (Germany) GmbH (collectively, “Lenovo”) for infringing patents essential to the MPEG-2 digital video compression standard used worldwide in digital television broadcasting and DVD.
According to the complaints, Lenovo offers in the United States and Germany products, such as desktop computers, laptop computers, Blu-ray Disc® drives, DVD drives and software, which use patent protected MPEG-2 methods without having entered into licenses with the individual patent holders or a portfolio license that includes these patents offered by MPEG LA.
The suit seeks, among other things, monetary damages and an injunction prohibiting Lenovo from using MPEG-2 patents in its products and from offering, marketing, or importing them.
Corrected Version of December 11, 2008 News Release Titled “COMAG Enters into MPEG LA’s MPEG-2 License”
(DENVER, CO, US – 11 December 2008) – MPEG LA, LLC today announced that COMAG Handels AG (“COMAG”) has entered into the MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License offered by MPEG LA. As a result of this agreement, COMAG and several companies that license their essential MPEG-2 patents through MPEG LA have settled the patent enforcement actions pending before the District Court Düsseldorf, Germany.
Amino Enters into MPEG-2 License with MPEG LA
(DENVER, CO, US – 8 December 2008) – MPEG LA, LLC today announced that Amino Communications Limited has entered into the MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License offered by MPEG LA. As a result of this agreement, several companies that license their essential MPEG-2 patents through MPEG LA will withdraw patent enforcement actions pending before the District Court Düsseldorf, Germany and the Chancery Division Patents Court, Royal Courts of Justice, London.
AMD and ATI Enter into MPEG LA’s MPEG-2 License
(DENVER, CO, US – 4 December 2008) – MPEG LA, LLC today announced that Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. and ATI Technologies, Inc. have entered into the MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License offered by MPEG LA. As a result of this agreement, several companies that license their essential MPEG-2 patents through MPEG LA will withdraw a patent enforcement action pending before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Vizio Enters into MPEG LA’s MPEG-2 License
(DENVER, CO, US – 17 November 2008) – MPEG LA, LLC today announced that Vizio, Inc. has entered into the MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License offered by MPEG LA. As a result of this agreement, several companies that license their essential MPEG-2 patents through MPEG LA withdrew a patent enforcement action pending before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Target Enters into MPEG-2 License with MPEG LA
(DENVER, CO, US – 16 October 2008) – MPEG LA, LLC today announced that Target Corporation has entered into the MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License offered by MPEG LA. Under the License with MPEG LA, Target will be responsible for paying royalties on its own store branded MPEG-2 products including digital TVs and DVD players sold under the name Trutech®. As a result of this agreement, several companies that license their essential MPEG-2 patents through MPEG LA dismissed a patent enforcement action pending before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
DVD Disc Manufacturer Dicentia Infringing MPEG-2 Patents, German Court Says
(DENVER, CO, US – 18 September 2008) – The District Court Düsseldorf, Germany pronounced last week 12 verdicts on the merits finding that DVD disc manufacturers Dicentia Germany GmbH and Dicentia A/S (collectively, “Dicentia”) have infringed certain patents in the MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License offered by MPEG LA as a result of Dicentia’s manufacture of DVD video discs.
The 12 verdicts of infringement were issued in all 12 cases on the merits brought by MPEG-2 patent owners who are also Licensors in the MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License offered by MPEG LA. Those patent owners include CIF Licensing, LLC; GE Technology Development, Inc.; Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV; Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.; Mitsubishi Electric Corporation; Sony Corporation; Thomson Licensing S.A.; The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York; and Victor Company of Japan, Ltd. (JVC).
As a result of these 12 verdicts on the merits and upon the patent owners providing the requisite security bonds, enforcement of the verdicts will require Dicentia to cease its production of DVD video discs in Germany and to pay damages to the patent owners for past DVD video disc production. Dicentia may appeal these verdicts.
In addition, the District Court Düsseldorf issued preliminary injunctions against Mr. Torben Nordquist, Disc Technology Center GmbH and others on behalf of Sony and Philips as a result of the DVD video disc production activities at the former premises of Optical Disc Service (ODS) in Dassow, Germany. These injunctions can be appealed, too.
“The verdicts against Dicentia further confirm the need for a license under MPEG-2 patents in DVD video disc production,” said Larry Horn, CEO of MPEG LA.
The MPEG-2 Standard is the core technology underlying the efficient creation, transmission, storage and display of digitized moving images and sound tracks on which DVD and other digital technologies are based; and the DVD-Video Standard (DVD Specifications for Read-Only Disc, Part 3: VIDEO SPECIFICATIONS) requires DVD Video discs to contain information formatted in accordance with the MPEG-2 Standard.
Samsung Sues Polaroid and Westinghouse for ATSC Patent Infringement
(DENVER, CO, US – 16 June 2008) – MPEG LA, LLC today announced that Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (“Samsung”), a patent holder in MPEG LA’s ATSC Patent Portfolio License, has filed a patent enforcement action in the U.S. District Court of Delaware against Polaroid Corporation (“Polaroid”), owned by Petters Group Worldwide, LLC, and Westinghouse Digital Electronics, LLC (“Westinghouse”) for infringement of patents essential to the ATSC standard. Zenith Electronics LLC, also a participant in the ATSC Patent Portfolio program, has a suit pending against the same parties in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas for infringement of its patents essential to the ATSC standard.
According to the complaint, Polaroid and Westinghouse offer products, such as televisions, television tuners, set-top boxes and digital video recorders, which use patent-protected ATSC methods without having entered into a portfolio license offered by MPEG LA that includes these patents or a license with Samsung.
The suit seeks, among other things, monetary damages and an injunction prohibiting Polaroid and Westinghouse from using ATSC patents in their products and from offering, marketing, or importing them.
COMAG Sued for Infringement of MPEG-2 Patents
(DENVER, CO, US – 9 June 2008) – MPEG LA, LLC, world leader in alternative one-stop patent licenses, today announced that several leading companies have filed separate patent enforcement actions in District Court Dusseldorf, Germany against COMAG Handels AG (“COMAG”), for infringing patents essential to the MPEG-2 digital video compression standard used worldwide in digital television broadcasting and DVD.
Included among the plaintiffs are: CIF Licensing, LLC; GE Technology Development, Inc.; Mitsubishi Denki K.K.; Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V; Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.; Sony Corporation; Thomson Licensing S.A.; and Victor Company of Japan, Ltd. (JVC).
According to the complaints, COMAG offers in Germany products, such as digital set-top boxes, which use patent protected MPEG-2 methods without having entered into licenses with the individual patent holders or a portfolio license that includes these patents offered by MPEG LA.
The suit seeks, among other things, monetary damages and an injunction prohibiting COMAG from using MPEG-2 patents in its products and from offering, marketing, or importing them.
MPEG-2 Patent Owners Sue Target Corporation for MPEG-2 Patent Infringement
(DENVER, CO, US – 21 April 2008) – MPEG LA, LLC, world leader in alternative one-stop patent licenses, today announced that several MPEG-2 patent owners have filed an enforcement action in the Federal District Court of the Southern District of New York against Target Corporation (“Target”) and Doe Corporations 1-10, fictitious names for corporations currently unknown to the plaintiffs, for infringing patents essential to the MPEG-2 digital video compression standard used worldwide in digital television broadcasting and DVD.
According to the complaint, Target offers in its retail stores a variety of products under its Trutech® house brand name, such as digital televisions and DVD players, that use patent protected MPEG-2 methods without having entered into licenses with the individual patent holders or a portfolio license that includes these patents offered by MPEG LA. The complaint also alleges that at Target’s request the Doe Corporations manufacture and produce the unlicensed products for sale by Target under Target’s Trutech® brand name, but these Doe Corporations are not believed to be licensed or paying royalties on Target’s behalf.
“We have offered Target a license, but regrettably they have refused,” said MPEG LA CEO Larry Horn. “We join those patent owners whose technologies Target is using without benefit of license and those companies who are licensed and paying their fair share of royalties in the hope that these actions finally will get their attention.”
The suit seeks, among other things, monetary damages and an injunction prohibiting Target from using MPEG-2 patents in its products and from offering, marketing, or importing them.
Leading Companies and University Sue Alba for MPEG-2 Patent Infringement
(DENVER, CO, US – 04 March 2008) – MPEG LA, LLC, world leader in alternative one-stop patent licenses, today announced that several leading companies and a university have filed separate patent enforcement actions in District Court Dusseldorf, Germany against Alba plc (“Alba”) for infringing patents essential to the MPEG-2 digital video compression standard used worldwide in digital television broadcasting and DVD.
“We have offered Alba a license for many years, but regrettably they have refused,” said MPEG LA CEO Larry Horn. “We join those patent owners whose technologies Alba is using without benefit of license and those companies who are licensed and paying their fair share of royalties in the hope that these actions finally will get their attention.”
Included among the plaintiffs are: CIF Licensing, LLC; The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York; GE Technology Development, Inc.; Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.; Mitsubishi Denki K.K.; Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V; Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.; Sony Corporation; Thomson Licensing S.A.; and Victor Company of Japan, Ltd.
According to the complaints, Alba offers in Germany products such as digital televisions, DVD players and set-top boxes that use patent protected MPEG-2 methods without having entered into licenses with the individual patent holders or a portfolio license that includes these patents offered by MPEG LA.
The suit seeks, among other things, monetary damages and an injunction prohibiting Alba from using MPEG-2 patents in its products and from offering, marketing, or importing them.
Amino Communications Sued for MPEG-2 Patent Infringement
(DENVER, CO, US – 28 February 2008) – MPEG LA, LLC, world leader in alternative one-stop patent licenses, today announced that several leading companies and a university have filed separate patent enforcement actions in District Court Dusseldorf, Germany against Amino Communications Limited (“Amino”) for infringing patents essential to the MPEG-2 digital video compression standard used worldwide in digital television broadcasting and DVD.
Plaintiffs in the various lawsuits include: CIF Licensing, LLC; The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York; GE Technology Development, Inc.; Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.; Mitsubishi Denki K.K.; Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.; Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.; Sony Corporation; Thomson Licensing S.A.; and Victor Company of Japan, Ltd.
According to the complaints, Amino offers in Germany products, such as set-top boxes and other digital television delivery systems, which use patent protected MPEG-2 methods without having entered into licenses with the individual patent holders or a portfolio license that includes these patents offered by MPEG LA.
The suit seeks, among other things, monetary damages and an injunction prohibiting Amino from using MPEG-2 patents in its products and from offering, marketing, or importing them.
MPEG LA Sues Audiovox for Breach of MPEG-2 and 1394 Patent Pool Contractual Obligations
(DENVER, CO, US –20 December 2007) – MPEG LA, LLC, world leader in alternative one-stop patent licenses, today announced that it has commenced an action against Audiovox Electronics Corporation (“Audiovox”) for breach of contractual obligations as a Licensee to MPEG LA’s MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License (the “MPEG-2 Contract”) and 1394 Patent Portfolio License (the “1394 Contract”).
According to the complaint filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Audiovox has breached its contractual obligations by failing to report fully its manufacture or sale of products such as DVD players and digital TVs that use the MPEG-2 digital video compression standard or employ the high speed transfer digital interface provided for in the IEEE 1394 standard, failing to make full payments for its manufacture or sale of such products, and refusing to allow an audit as permitted by the MPEG-2 Contract and 1394 Contract (collectively, “the Contracts”).
MPEG LA seeks, among other things, monetary damages, an order requiring Audiovox to allow the contractually required audit, an accounting of all products manufactured or sold by Audiovox subject to the Contracts, as well as injunctive relief prohibiting Audiovox from the manufacture or sale of MPEG-2 and 1394 products.
MPEG LA Sues Alcatel Lucent for Breach of MPEG-2 Patent Pool Contractual Obligations
(DENVER, CO, US – 5 November 2007) – MPEG LA, LLC, world leader in alternative one-stop patent licenses, today announced that it has commenced an action against Alcatel Lucent (“Alcatel”) for breach of contractual obligations as a Licensor in MPEG LA’s MPEG-2 patent pool licensing program. The suit also names Lucent Technologies, Inc. (“Lucent”) and Multimedia Patent Trust (the “Trust”).
According to the complaint filed in the Court of Chancery for the State of Delaware, Alcatel promised to make available to Licensees through MPEG LA’s MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License all MPEG-2 essential patents which Alcatel can license or sublicense – and not take any action to subvert that commitment. But rather than abide by that promise, Alcatel and Lucent created the Trust to hold patents that Alcatel was and is required to place into the MPEG-2 License, and has taken the position that the essential MPEG-2 patents purportedly transferred to the Trust cannot be placed in the MPEG-2 License.
In fact, the patents were transferred to the Trust (in which Alcatel has 99% beneficial ownership) with Alcatel’s agreement and consent, and the only purpose of the transfer was to avoid Alcatel’s contractual commitment in order to extract additional royalties from MPEG-2 patent pool Licensees.
MPEG LA seeks, among other things, declaratory, injunctive and other equitable relief.
MPEG LA Sues Opta Corporation and Opta Systems, LLC, formerly doing business as GoVideo, for Breach of MPEG-2 and 1394 License Agreements
(DENVER, CO, US – 18 September 2007) – MPEG LA, LLC, world leader in alternative one-stop patent licenses, today announced that it has sued Opta Corporation and its subsidiary Opta Systems, LLC, formerly doing business as GoVideo, for breach of Opta Systems, LLC’s MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License and 1394 Patent Portfolio License (“Contracts”) with MPEG LA.
According to the complaint filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery, Opta Systems, LLC has breached its contractual obligations to MPEG LA by failing to report the manufacture and sale of MPEG-2 and 1394 Royalty Products and pay royalties as required by the Contracts. Opta Systems, LLC manufactured and sold DVD players and other devices incorporating patented MPEG-2 and IEEE 1394 technologies. It is further alleged that Opta Systems, LLC’s assets were later transferred to Opta Corporation to avoid paying royalties. MPEG LA seeks, among other things, monetary damages and an order enjoining Opta Systems, LLC and Opta Corporation from using MPEG-2 and 1394 patents.
Digital Products International (DPI, Inc.), formerly GPX, Inc., which reportedly now has an exclusive licensing agreement with Opta Corporation for use of the GoVideo brand, is an MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio Licensee in good standing and is not a party to this action.
US District Court Issues Temporary Restraining Order Against Mintek Digital, Inc.
Order Enjoins Transfer of Assets in Breach of Contract Action Brought by MPEG LA
(Denver, Colorado, US – 12 April 2007) – On April 10, the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado granted MPEG LA’s motion for a temporary restraining order (TRO) enjoining Mintek Digital, Inc. (“Mintek”) from further transferring its assets to circumvent liabilities for royalties owed to MPEG LA pending a hearing on MPEG LA’s motion for a preliminary injunction to be held on May 2. The motion was filed in connection with MPEG LA’s lawsuit against Mintek and its parent, Jiangsu Digital Technology Co., Ltd (“Shinco Digital”), and Shinco Digital’s parent, Shinco Electronics Group Co., Ltd., for breach of Mintek’s MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License with MPEG LA. The Court granted the motion based on evidence indicating that Mintek, at the direction of its parent company, transferred inventory, customers and orders to SuperView Technology without compensation and used the inventory to fulfill customer orders.
MPEG LA Sues DVD Video Disc Manufacturer Regency Media Pty Ltd., of Australia for Breach of MPEG-2 License Agreement
Suit also names AAV Regency Pty Ltd. and AAV Regency Management Pty Ltd.
(Denver, CO, US – 9 April 2007) MPEG LA, LLC today announced that it has sued DVD video disc manufacturer Regency Media Pty Ltd. of Australia for breach of its MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License (“Contract”) with MPEG LA. The suit also names related entities AAV Regency Pty Ltd. and AAV Regency Management Pty Ltd. According to the complaint filed in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, Regency repeatedly has breached its contractual obligations to MPEG LA by failing to report the manufacture and sale of MPEG-2 Royalty Products and pay royalties as required by the Contract. MPEG LA seeks, among other things, monetary damages and an accounting of all products subject to the Contract, as well as injunctive relief prohibiting Regency from the manufacture or sale of MPEG-2 Royalty Products.
ODS and ODS Business Services Enter Into MPEG-2 Licenses with MPEG LA
(Chevy Chase, Maryland USA – 6 March 2007) – MPEG LA announced today that DVD replicators ODS Optical Disc Service GmbH, Dassow, Germany, (“ODS”), as well as the ODS Business Services Group companies (“ODS Business Services”) ODS Optical Disc Replication GmbH, Dassow, Germany, ODS Business Service Srl (just renamed to ODS Optical Disc Service Srl), Milano, Italy, ODS Optical Disc Service SAS, Quincy, France and the new affiliate ODS Optical Disc Replication Limited, Swindon, UK, have entered into the MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License offered by MPEG LA. This also concludes actions in courts in the Federal Republic of Germany and elsewhere.
MPEG LA Sues Mintek Digital, Inc. for Breach of MPEG-2 License Agreement
Suit alleges Mintek failed to pay millions in royalties, also names Jiangsu Digital Technology Co., Ltd and Shinco Electronics Group Co., Ltd.
(Denver, Colorado, US – 1 February 2007) – MPEG LA, LLC today announced that it has sued Mintek Digital, Inc. (“Mintek”), a manufacturer and supplier of DVD players located in California, for breach of its MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License (“Contract”) with MPEG LA. The suit also names Mintek’s parent Jiangsu Digital Technology Co., Ltd (“Shinco Digital”) and Shinco Digital’s parent, Shinco Electronics Group Co., Ltd. (“Shinco Electronics”), both located in China, as responsible for Mintek’s obligations. According to the complaint, Mintek failed to report fully its use of MPEG-2 patents and make royalty payments as required by the Contract. The lawsuit brought in the US District Court of Colorado seeks, among other things, monetary damages and an order enjoining Mintek from using MPEG-2 patents in its products.
German Court Enjoins ODS From Making False Statements
ODS prohibited from claiming to be licensed by MPEG LA
(Denver, Colorado, US – 12 January 2007) – A district court in Germany (Landgericht Düsseldorf) today issued a preliminary injunction finding that statements by German DVD disc manufacturer Optical Disc Service (“ODS”) to the effect that ODS has acquired the DVD manufacturing license issued by MPEG LA infringe German competition law. According to the preliminary injunction, ODS is prohibited from making and publicizing false statements such as those made by ODS in a December 28, 2006 press release, which claimed, “As part of the asset deal ODS has acquired the DVD manufacturing licenses issued by MPEG LA and 6C/Toshiba. After litigation with MPEG LA in Europe about the validity of patents and the size of royalty payments, the ODS Group’s manufacturing operations in the US, the UK and in Germany have now agreed to be MPEG LA and 6C/Toshiba licensees for their entire DVD production.”
German Court Issues More Verdicts against ODS
Verdicts in One of Europe’s Largest Patent Litigation Actions Further Confirm Need for MPEG-2 Patents in DVD Video Disc Production
(Denver, Colorado, US – 11 January 2007) – Today the leading District Court for patent infringement in Germany, the Landgericht Düsseldorf, has announced six additional verdicts finding that DVD disc manufacturer Optical Disc Service (“ODS”) has infringed certain patents licensed in the MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License offered by MPEG LA, LLC as a result of ODS’s manufacture of DVD video discs.
Statements Attributed to ODS Regarding MPEG LA License Are In Error
(Denver, Colorado, US – 3 January 2007) – MPEG LA today refuted statements attributed to DVD disc manufacturer ODS Optical Disc Service (“ODS”) to the effect that ODS affiliates have acquired a license issued by MPEG LA (e.g., http://ww2.abc11tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=5865832, http://www.homemediaretailing.com/index.cfm?sec_id=2). MPEG LA has not entered into any license with ODS or any ODS affiliate, and any suggestion or reliance to the contrary is in error. DVD Video discs in accordance with the DVD-Video Standard (DVD Specifications for Read-Only Disc, Part 3: VIDEO SPECIFICATIONS) contain information formatted in accordance with the MPEG-2 Standard, but ODS and ODS affiliates remain unlicensed under patents in the MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License offered by MPEG LA that are essential to its use. Use of such patents without license also may create infringement liability for ODS customers.
Enforcement of MPEG-2 Infringement Verdicts Proceeds Against DVD Disc Manufacturers ODS
(Denver, Colorado, US – 21 December 2006) – With the posting of security bonds earlier this week, several patent holders enforced verdicts in the German District court (Landgericht Düsseldorf) cases finding that DVD disc manufacturer Optical Disc Service (“ODS”) infringed patents licensed in the MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License offered by MPEG LA, and enforcement of additional verdicts is expected. As a result, although the verdicts can be appealed, ODS must cease and desist its current DVD production, which uses the enforced patents, and pay damages to the patent owners for past DVD production.
German Court Finds DVD Disc Manufacturer ODS Infringes MPEG-2 Patents
(Denver, Colorado, US – 30 November 2006) – A District Court in Germany (Landgericht Düsseldorf ) today announced verdicts finding that German DVD disc manufacturer Optical Disc Service (“ODS”) has infringed certain patents licensed in the MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License offered by MPEG LA as a result of ODS’s manufacture of DVD discs. The verdict of infringement as a result of DVD disc manufacturing issued in eight of nine cases brought by six patent holders who are Licensors to MPEG LA’s MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License. The patent holders alleged that using the MPEG-2 Standard in recording video onto DVD discs constituted acts of infringement. The MPEG-2 Standard is the core technology underlying the efficient creation, transmission, storage and display of digitized moving images and sound tracks on which DVD and other digital technologies are based; and the DVD-Video Standard (DVD Specifications for Read-Only Disc, Part 3: VIDEO SPECIFICATIONS) requires DVD Video discs to contain information formatted in accordance with the MPEG-2 Standard.
Sonopress and Affiliates Enter into MPEG-2 License with MPEG LA
(Denver, Colorado, US – 18 October 2006) – MPEG LA today announced that DVD manufacturers Sonopress GmbH; Sonopress Ireland Ltd., Dublin; Sonopress Iber-Memory S.A., Madrid; Sonopress Pan Asia Ltd., Hong Kong; Sonopress Singapore Pte Ltd., Singapore; Arvato de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., Mexico; Sonopress Rimo Industria e Comercio Fonografica Ltda, Sao Paulo; and Sonopress Pty., Sydney have rejoined Sonopress LLC, Weaverville as licensees to the MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License offered by MPEG LA. This agreement also concludes actions in a district court of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Leading Companies and University Sue DVD Disc Manufacturer ODS for Patent Infringement
(Denver, Colorado, US – 02 August 2005) – MPEG LA today announced that several leading electronics companies and a university have filed suit in Germany against Optical Disc Service (“ODS”) for infringing patents used in DVD disc manufacturing. Plaintiffs include France Télécom, S.A.; Fujitsu Ltd., GE Technology Development, Inc.; Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV; Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.; Mitsubishi Electric Corporation; Robert Bosch GmbH; Sony Corporation; Thomson Licensing S.A., The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York, and Victor Company of Japan, Ltd.
DVD Disc Makers QOL, V.T.V. NV, kdg Enter Into MPEG LA’s MPEG-2 Patent License
Signing Concludes Infringement Actions Brought by MPEG-2 Patent Owners
(Denver, Colorado, US – 26 July 2005) – MPEG LA, LLC, of Denver, Colorado, and three optical disc manufacturers, QOL of France, V.T.V. NV of Belgium and kdg Mediatech of Austria, France and the United Kingdom, announced today that QOL, kdg and V.T.V. NV have become licensees to MPEG LA’s MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License. The DVD disc manufacturers are founding members of a trade association called Optical Disc Association (“ODA”). Their decision to accept the license concludes litigation in Germany and France brought by patent holders to the MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License and the three DVD disc manufacturers.
Sagem Enters into MPEG-2 License with MPEG LA
Patent Infringement Actions Against Sagem Concluded
DENVER – March 23, 2005 – MPEG LA today announced that Sagem S.A. has become a Licensee to MPEG LA’s MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License and that the patent infringement actions announced in a 3 May 2004 press release have concluded.
LEADING ELECTRONICS COMPANIES SUE SAGEM S.A. FOR MPEG-2 PATENT INFRINGEMENT
DENVER – May 3, 2004 – MPEG LA today announced that several leading electronics companies have filed suit in Düsseldorf, Germany against Sagem Société d’Applications Générales d’Electricité et de Mécanique S.A. (“SAGEM”) for infringing eleven patents that are essential to the MPEG-2 digital video compression standard, which is used worldwide in digital television broadcasting and DVD. Included among the plaintiffs are Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V., Sony Corporation, Thomson Licensing S.A., and Victor Company of Japan, Ltd. (JVC).
MPEG LA Sues Apex Digital, Inc. for Breach of MPEG-2 License Agreement
Suit Alleges Under-Reporting and Failure to Comply With Audit
(Denver, Colorado, US – 29 January 2004) – MPEG LA, LLC today announced that it has sued Apex Digital, Inc. (“Apex Digital”), a manufacturer and supplier of DVD players, for breach of its contractual obligations under the MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License (“Contract”) that Apex Digital entered into with MPEG LA. The lawsuit alleges that Apex Digital has breached the Contract by (1) failing to report fully its use of MPEG-2 patents; (2) failing to pay the royalty payments due for the use of those patents; and (3) failing to provide an auditor with all of the documents required by the Contract for a complete audit to independently determine Apex Digital’s compliance with the Contract. The suit notes that Apex Digital’s reports of product sales to MPEG LA are not consistent with public reports of Apex Digital’s sales of those products.
MPEG LA Resolves Apex Lawsuit
(Denver, Colorado, US – 10 March 2003) – MPEG LA is pleased to report that the action it filed against Apex Digital Inc. for failure to pay royalties was amicably resolved at the end of 2002. Apex has paid all amounts due as reflected in its royalty reports, and the fact that the matter could be resolved in such an expeditious fashion is a credit to Apex, and will benefit both Apex and MPEG LA in the future.
MPEG LA Sues Apex Digital, Inc. for Breach of MPEG-2 License Agreement
Apex Fails to Pay Millions in Royalties; Suit Seeks Damages and Injunction
(Denver, Colorado, US – 08 August 2002) – MPEG LA, LLC, which licenses a portfolio of patents that are essential to use of the MPEG-2 digital video compression standard, has sued Apex Digital, Inc. (“Apex Digital”), a manufacturer and supplier of DVD players, for breach of its contractual obligations under the MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License (“Contract”) that Apex Digital entered into with MPEG LA. Apex Digital has failed to pay millions of dollars in royalties for its products as required by the Contract.
Leading Global Electronics Companies and University Sue Compaq for MPEG-2 Patent Infringement in U.S. and Germany
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