TiVo alleges EchoStar patent breach

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DVR maker TiVo, said it has filed a patent infringement suit against EchoStar. Key TiVo inventions protected by the 'Time Warp' patent include a method for recording one program while playing back another, watching a program as it is recording, and a storage format that supports advanced TrickPlay capabilities (i.e. pausing live television broadcast, fast-forwarding, rewinding, instant replays, and slow motion). TiVo said the patent in question was filed in 1998, and seeks monetary damages as well as an injunction against new sales of DVRs

“We take great pride in the fact that TiVo has created and developed the technology that revolutionizes the way people watch television,” said Mike Ramsay, CEO of TiVo. “We've invested in building a comprehensive patent portfolio to protect our intellectual property and as the DVR category grows, we will be aggressive in protecting those assets.”

“Our plan has been to leverage our intellectual property to support our drive for market share growth. The success of our licensing business clearly demonstrates the value the industry has placed on TiVo's technology. It's important that we protect our IP for TiVo and our licensees,” continued Ramsay.

As disclosed in its most recent annual report, TiVo has been awarded 49 patents and has over 100 patent applications pending.