Virgin defeats Rovi in latest patent battle

Virgin Media has landed another blow in its long-running patent battle with technology company Rovi Corporation.

In a decision issued at the UK High Court, Rovi was told that two patents it asserted against the media company were invalid.

The patents, EP 1,763,234 (234) and 0,821,856 (856), covered the use respectively of parental controls and the ability to display television schedules.

Virgin, owned by Liberty Global, and US-based Rovi have been locked in a dispute since 2009.

The first round of litigation brought by Rovi was won by Virgin when three patents asserted against it by Rovi were also held to be invalid.

Rovi followed up with two new court orders, including the most recent judgment that was heard in February this year.

All the disputes relate to Virgin’s TiVo box that allows users to record and manage their own television programmes.

In a decision handed down on March 26, Justice Arnold said the 234 patent, whether in its original form or as Rovi had proposed to amend it, was invalid on grounds including obviousness and prior art.

The claims in the 856 patent were also held to be invalid due to two pieces of prior art.

The next trial between the pair, which will centre on four patents, is due to take place later this year.

Brigitte Trafford, chief corporate affairs officer at Virgin Media, said it was pleased the court had dismissed Rovi’s claims.

“We believe they should never have been brought,” Trafford said.

In a statement, Rovi said it “respectfully, but strongly” disagreed with the decision and will be reviewing the options available on appeal.

Virgin Media was represented by Marks & Clerk Solicitors LLP.