Alcatel sues Microsoft regarding online video patent
By Cyrus Farivar 
posted Nov 22nd 2006 4:42AM
posted Nov 22nd 2006 4:42AM
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]
Alcatel short of cash then?
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.
It's your typical Robin Hood story. People are jealous folks.
"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.
You guys realise that Alcatel is about as big as Microsoft... don't you?
I thought all they did was make (somewhat low-end) cellphones.
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.
"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.
Howdy y'all! Welcome to the technology litigation capital of the world. The trials are fix'n to start.
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.
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!
Go Microsoft! Show those frenchies what we're made of!