Virgin, sued by Gemstar

A patent litigation proceeding has been initiated by Gemstar-TV Guide International, against Virgin Media.

Gemstar are accusing Virgin Media of infringing three current patents:
• (UK) 0 969 662
• (UK) 1 377 049
• EP (UK) 1 613 066

“We have worked diligently to license Virgin Media for their distribution of various set-top boxes that contain IPGs covered by our patents, but negotiations did not lead to a resolution,” said Samir Armaly, intellectual property and licensing, Gemstar-TV Guide.

“While we would have preferred to reach a commercial solution with Virgin Media, we ultimately have a responsibility to our shareholders, licensees, and other stakeholders to protect the value of our intellectual property.”