Alcatel sues Microsoft regarding online video patent

In yet another patent infringement case from Texas, French networking gear manufacturer Alcatel has just taken Microsoft to court for violating seven, count 'em, seven patents pertaining to fast-forward and rewind functions in online video streams. In a pair of suits filed in US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas this week, Alcatel is seeking damages for those alleged patent violations. As our buddies at PVR Wire point out, given that Alcatel worked with Microsoft to build an IPTV platform, it's likely that this will settle before this legal snowball gets too out of control -- that way, both parties could fast forward the outcome, too. Or would that be another violation?

[Via PVR Wire]

[Septimus @ Nov 22nd 2006 5:03AM]

Alcatel short of cash then?

[Rohit Kapur @ Nov 22nd 2006 5:39AM]

"that way, both parties could fast forward the outcome, too. Or would that be another violation?"

No, that would just be a really, really bad joke.

[Sarkus @ Nov 22nd 2006 5:43AM]

If you have the money everybody will want to sue you -- even the government will go after your horde.

If you assert your patents or even talk about it -- you're a greedy monopolistic pig who f&%ks the rest of the world with your bloated and expensive software.

[Andir3.0 @ Nov 22nd 2006 6:22AM]

It's your typical Robin Hood story. People are jealous folks.

[L @ Nov 22nd 2006 6:40AM]

You guys realise that Alcatel is about as big as Microsoft... don't you?

[Jamar @ Nov 22nd 2006 7:33AM]

I thought all they did was make (somewhat low-end) cellphones.

[Matt B @ Nov 22nd 2006 9:18AM]

Over rewind functions??? Seriously?!? I bet the patent owners of Play and Stop are eagerly awaiting the outcome to see if litigation is worth it.

[Alex @ Nov 22nd 2006 9:29AM]

"Over rewind functions??? Seriously?!? I bet the patent owners of Play and Stop are eagerly awaiting the outcome to see if litigation is worth it."

I LOL'd.

[oshean @ Nov 22nd 2006 10:14AM]

Howdy y'all! Welcome to the technology litigation capital of the world. The trials are fix'n to start.

[ArchSF @ Nov 22nd 2006 1:39PM]

Actually Alcatel is working with MS on SBC/ATT Speed light project. They are acting as system integrator and supply all hardware/backbone systems. Alcatel�s services costs to SBC/ATT > $1.4 bill.

[MacGyver @ Nov 23rd 2006 12:15AM]

Right now I'm typing up my patent for "a front insertion method" for putting contact lenses in. I'm going to be so rich!

[E71 @ Nov 23rd 2006 3:45PM]

Go Microsoft! Show those frenchies what we're made of!