RTV71 used our news submit to tell us AT&T has begun a program to notify unlicensed users of a variety of their video compression technologies. So far, AT&T has targeted Apple Computer, Inc., CyberLink Corp., DivX, Inc., InterVideo, Inc., and Sonic Solutions as unlicensed companies whose products and software utilize the MPEG-4 technology. If you think they are blowing smoke, think again. AT&T announced that Pentax Corp. and Nero have already paid for licensing of its MPEG-4 patent package as of last year.
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"Each of these companies has been advised that they are offering infringing products, that AT&T can provide proof of infringement, and that AT&T is offering a license under reasonable on non-discriminatory terms," Michael J. Robinson, licensing director of AT&T Intellectual Property Management, wrote in a letter sent in December 2005, and obtained by PC Magazine. "If your company obtains MPEG-4 products or software from any of these companies, or any other unlicensed company, you are responsible for obtaining a license directly from AT&T or run the risk of distributing infringing products," Robinson wrote. "Damages resulting from the distribution of infringing products can include AT&T's lost profits, royalties and, in the case of willful infringement, treble damages and attorneys fees and costs." Representatives from the companies named in AT&T's letter, including Apple, said they weren't aware of any notification from AT&T about possible infringement of its patents. "We believe that we have all necessary rights and licenses with respect to all of our products," a spokesman for Sonic Solutions replied. |
You can check out the lengthy article in it's entirety by following this link to PCMag.
Source: PC Mag
