Roku Infringing 9 Universal Electronics Remote-Control Patents, Alleges Complaint

Roku is infringing nine Universal Electronics patents in “four patent families and two general technology categories: remote control set-up and touchscreen remotes,” alleged Universal in a complaint (in Pacer) Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana, California. Roku is "a relative newcomer to home entertainment control,” compared with Universal, which has a 30-year history and owns more than 350 home entertainment patents, said the complaint. Roku and Universal had a “mutually successful previous business relationship,” until Roku “decided to forgo” licensing key Universal IP that’s “prevalent in a number of Roku’s home entertainment products,” it said. Having tried but failed “to reach an acceptable business solution” with Roku, Universal “brings this suit to secure appropriate relief and ensure adequate compensation” for Roku’s unauthorized use of its technology, it said. Roku declined comment.