Xperi Sues Videotron on Patent Infringement Claims

Xperi's Rovi Guides filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Videotron in the Federal Court of Canada, said Xperi Monday. It claims Videotron infringed four Rovi patents on advanced DVR functionality, delivering video programming in multiple formats and switching between broadcast and streaming programs. This follows existing litigation against Videotron before the Canadian MVPD launched its Helix next-generation platform and alleges infringement of different patents by Videotron’s legacy platform. That case is pending a decision in the same court. “We have successfully licensed the other leading operators that use the very same technology that powers Videotron’s Helix platform and remain committed to finding a mutually acceptable resolution,” said Samir Armaly, Xperi president-IP licensing. “When commercial negotiations prove unsuccessful, as they have to date with Videotron, litigation becomes necessary.” Videotron didn't comment.