SI: Vizio and Sony Settle Patent Issues, Grant Licences To One Another

[Christopher]

Vizio announced that Sony Corporation has become a licensee under Vizio’s patent portfolio as a result of a recent patent settlement. Vizio, the current leader in the American LCD HDTV market, owns a substantial worldwide patent portfolio directed to digital television technology. Sony will be licensed under any patents that Vizio purchased this year related to color televisions, as well as any they may own in the future that are related to color televisions or PC monitors.

“We are pleased with the result of our patent licensing efforts. It further demonstrates the technical strength and value of VIZIO’s patent portfolio,” said Rob Brinkman, VIZIO V.P. of Operations and Administration.

Some of you may remember in October 2008, Sony filed a litigation against Vizio in the Federal District Court for the Central District of California for infringement of fourteen of Sony’s patents related to color televisions and PC monitors. This was also settled and VIZIO now is a licensee under Sony’s color television patent portfolio.

“Having successfully resolved the disputes, we shall continue to aggressively protect our rights and actively expand VIZIO’s licensing program. As an owner of patent rights and as a licensee of legitimate patent right held by others, VIZIO respects intellectual property and we expect our competitors to do the same,” added Mr. Brinkman.

Ahh, blissful harmony. Until some other patent spat arises.

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