Cisco has filed a complaint against TiVo, alleging that the DVR maker will not grant broad licenses to its technology because such licenses would decrease TiVo’s leverage with regard to patent lawsuits. The suit claims that TiVo is wrongfully alleging that Cisco’s DVR offerings constitute violations of patents TiVo holds. Analysts familiar with the proceedings contend that a victory for Cisco would represent a significant financial burden for TiVo.
Cisco markets its own DVRs through Scientific Atlanta. Those devices are sold to companies including AT&T, Cablevision, Time Warner Cable, and Verizon. In its suit, Cisco seeks an order invalidating TiVo’s patents or alternately a statement that Cisco’s DVRs are not in violation of TiVo’s patent portfolio.
In the past Tivo has engaged in patent suits with a number of other companies. Last year saw Dish Network and its parent company EchoStar paying $500 million to settle a patent lawsuit with TiVo. They also won a settlement with AT&T.
