TiVo files new patent lawsuits against Comcast

TiVo has filed new patent lawsuits against Comcast in the US, claiming that the pay TV operator’s X1 platform infringes technology invented and patented by Rovi.

The lawsuits cover technology related to pausing and resuming shows on different devices, restarting live programming in progress, advanced DVR recording features, and advanced search and voice functionality.

Tivo said that the patents involved in the new complaints represent a very small component of Rovi’s worldwide patent portfolio. However, it said that Rovi plans to file an additional legal action with the US International Trade Commission in which it will seek an exclusion order preventing the X1 set-top boxes from being imported into the US.

“Through decades-long investment in research and development, Rovi has created innovations that delight consumers in their day-to-day entertainment experience. Our commitment to our customers and stockholders compels us to protect these valuable inventions from unlicensed use,” said Enrique Rodriguez, president and CEO, TiVo.

“Our goal is for Comcast to renew its long-standing license so it can continue providing its customers the many popular features Rovi invented.”

Rovi Corporation, a TiVo company, and related Rovi affiliates filed the latest lawsuits in the US District Court for the Central District of California and the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts.

In November, the ITC ruled that Comcast infringed two Rovi patents and issued an exclusion order barring the importation and sale of infringing set-tops. Comcast is appealing the ruling. Rovi, which acquired TiVo in 2016, had originally filed a suit alleging that Comcast and its suppliers infringed 14 of its patents.