Sony and Vizio settle patent disputes through licensing
updated 10:15 pm EDT, Wed October 28, 2009
IP related to LCD TV technology
Sony has resolved a dispute with Vizio over the latter company's patents involving technology used in LCD televisions. Rather than fight the battle in court, Sony decided to become a licensee for rights to use the technology from Vizio's patent portfolio.
While Vizio has been fighting Sony over intellectual property, the Japanese company has been involved in a separate dispute aimed at the California-based TV maker. The companies have come to a similar resolution, but with Vizio licensing the technology from Sony.
Vizio has been involved in a range of patent infringement conflicts with other companies including LG and Funai, the manufacturer behind brand names such as Philips, Sylvania and Magnavox.
"Having successfully resolved the disputes, we shall continue to aggressively protect our rights and actively expand VIZIO's licensing program," said Rob Brinkman, Vizio's VP of Operations and Administration. "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."
