LG Sues Hitachi Over Plasma Displays
LGElectronics, the world's second largest plasma display maker, has filed suit against Hitachi stating that it violated seven of its patents relating to plasma display technology. In the suit, LG is asking for monetary compensation as well as a cease sale on the Hitachi displays. The suit was filed just two months after Hitachi sued LG Electronics over display patents.
Vonage Pays $58 Million to Verizon But Continues to Fight
In March of 2007, Vonage was instructed to pay Verizon $58 million in damages for infringing on its patents concerning converting IP addresses to phone numbers and voice over Internet Protocol via a wireless connection, such as Wi-Fi.
However, temporarily, Vonage did receive permission to continue signing up new customers who would use the technology in question. Vonage went back to court in April to turn the temporary stay into a permanent one. In the meantime, Vonage is seeking to adopt an alternative technical resolution to avoid infringing on Verizon's patents and having to pay future damages.
Apple, Google, Napster Face Infringement Lawsuits
According to The New York Times, three major technology firms, Apple, Google and Napster, are being sued by Intertainer, a video-on-demand company, for their distribution of audio and video media via the Internet. Intertainer contends that Apple, Google and Napster are infringing on a 2005 patent. The patent centers on a system, which allows media holders to upload content and consumers to download it. Intertainer is seeking an undisclosed sum for damages.
Mr. Taplin, the founder of Intertainer, claims that Intertainer invented the technology for people to watch movies on demand via cable and phone lines. Mr. Taplin was quoted as saying; "Intertainer was the leader of the idea of entertainment on demand over Internet platforms before Google was even thought up." According to Taplin, in 1997, he announced at an industry convention that soon all movies would be issued over the Internet. He remembers being laughed at.