ITC To Consider Import Ban on Comcast Set-tops, DVRs

The International Trade Commission voted to begin a Tariff Act Section 337 investigation into alleged patent infringement by DVRs and set-top boxes with interactive program guides and video recording technology for use with Comcast cable systems, the ITC said in a Monday news release. Rovi requested the investigation in a complaint filed April 6, saying Comcast “built its interactive cable business on the back of Rovi’s technology” as a licensee, “refuses to renew [Rovi's] license on acceptable terms” and continues to sell and lease products that copy Rovi’s technology and compete with Rovi products. The ITC will consider whether to issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders banning import and sale of infringing set-tops by Arris, Comcast and Technicolor, the agency said. Arris declined to comment Tuesday, and a Technicolor spokesman had no immediate comment. Comcast disagrees "with Rovi’s accusations and intend[s] to defend the cases vigorously," said a spokeswoman for the cable company.