English Court of Appeal deals another blow to Rovi
The English Court of Appeal has ruled that a Rovi patent covering interactive television technology is invalid, dealing another blow to the US company in its long-running dispute with Virgin Media.
Yesterday, November 26, the court ruled that Rov i’s European patent number 0,862,833, called “Interactive special events video signal navigation system”, lacked an inventive step.
Lord Justice Floyd, writing the opinion, affirmed a 2014 English High Court decision invalidating the patent and was joined by Lord Justice Kitchin and Lord Justice Moore-Bick.
The disputed product is Virgin’s VHD set-top box.
Rovi first sued Virgin in 2008 and has asserted 11 patents in the seven-year battle. All the patents have been revoked following counterclaims filed by Virgin.
Brigitte Trafford, chief corporate affairs officer at Virgin Media, said: “Virgin Media’s staunch defence of Rovi’s meritless patent claims has been vindicated in every single case heard by the high court and the court of appeal. Each and every court decision has confirmed that our position regarding Rovi patents has been justified.”
A spokesperson for Rovi told WIPR: "Rovi is confident in the strength of its patent licensing business. Many leading service providers, content providers and consumer electronics manufacturers continue to benefit from the value that our patent portfolio brings to their entertainment offerings.
"Rovi is committed to defending its valuable intellectual property from ongoing infringement and will continue to safeguard the rights and interests of existing patent licensees in the UK and beyond," he added.
