12-03-01, 06:25 AM
My initial reaction to this is that Gemstar should stop trying to create a monopoly. Just because they came up with an IPG doesn't mean that other companies can't come up with their own version of the same principle. It's kind of like when a movies studio creates a sci-fi space movie and then says that other studios can't do it because they did it first. You can't patent a general idea, just the product line.
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Initial hearings on Gemstar-TV Guide’s copyright infringement case filed against EchoStar, Scientific Atlanta and Pioneer begin today at the International Trade Commission.
Gemstar is suing the satellite TV entity and the other two companies claiming that their interactive program guides infringe on its patents. Gemstar is best known for its IPG product, sold under the TV Guide brand.
The ITC can only issue injunctions and cease and desist orders, but it can't rule on monetary damages. However, an ITC ruling could provide a powerful precedent in other federal court cases studying the IPG matter. And that could speed up a decision in the cases or force a settlement, Banc of America analyst Michael Benevento said.
Gemstar said last month that it's confident going into today's hearings. "We continue to vigorously defend our intellectual properties against infringers. Gemstar-TV Guide is confident that it will prevail because of the breadth and depth of its patent portfolio," Henry Yuen, chairman and CEO of Gemstar-TV Guide, said.
There is one thing everyone can agree on: The litigation between the companies will take a long time to complete.
The public hearings that begin today are expected to last through Dec. 15. Attorneys from both sides will then submit briefs. The ITC judge hearing the case could issue an initial determination in the spring and a final decision sometime during the summer.
From <a href="http://www.skyreport.com" target=none>SkyReport</a> (Used with permission)
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Initial hearings on Gemstar-TV Guide’s copyright infringement case filed against EchoStar, Scientific Atlanta and Pioneer begin today at the International Trade Commission.
Gemstar is suing the satellite TV entity and the other two companies claiming that their interactive program guides infringe on its patents. Gemstar is best known for its IPG product, sold under the TV Guide brand.
The ITC can only issue injunctions and cease and desist orders, but it can't rule on monetary damages. However, an ITC ruling could provide a powerful precedent in other federal court cases studying the IPG matter. And that could speed up a decision in the cases or force a settlement, Banc of America analyst Michael Benevento said.
Gemstar said last month that it's confident going into today's hearings. "We continue to vigorously defend our intellectual properties against infringers. Gemstar-TV Guide is confident that it will prevail because of the breadth and depth of its patent portfolio," Henry Yuen, chairman and CEO of Gemstar-TV Guide, said.
There is one thing everyone can agree on: The litigation between the companies will take a long time to complete.
The public hearings that begin today are expected to last through Dec. 15. Attorneys from both sides will then submit briefs. The ITC judge hearing the case could issue an initial determination in the spring and a final decision sometime during the summer.
From <a href="http://www.skyreport.com" target=none>SkyReport</a> (Used with permission)