Rovi Asks for Section 337 Import Ban on Comcast Set-tops

Rovi filed a complaint at the International Trade Commission against Comcast, requesting a Section 337 Tariff Act investigation on imports of allegedly patent-infringing DVRs, including set-top boxes, designed with interactive program guides and video recording technology. The ITC sought comments by April 20, it said in a notice slated for Tuesday's Federal Register. Rovi said Comcast “built its interactive cable business on the back of Rovi’s technology” as a licensee but now “refuses to renew its license on acceptable terms” and continues to sell and lease products that copy Rovi’s technology and compete with Rovi products. Arris, Humax and Technicolor have licensed the patents, but their license agreements don’t allow them to provide receivers for use with Comcast’s Xfinity service, Rovi said. It requested a limited exclusion order and cease and desist order banning import and sale of infringing products. Comcast had no comment Monday.