Discovery, the company best known for its cable television channels, has sued Amazon over patent infringement with its Kindle e-readers.
The patent pertains to encryption methods for securely transmitting e-book data, Reuters reports. According to a statement from Discovery, the company and founder John Hendricks "were significant players in the development of digital content and delivery services in the 1990s. Hendricks' work included inventions of a secure, encrypted system for the selection, transmission and sale of electronic books."
Discovery is seeking damages and royalties for "future infringement" of the patents. It wasn't specified how much money the company is looking to get. Amazon has not commented on the lawsuit.
Sony also makes an e-reader, but Discovery wouldn't say to Reuters whether that company is violating any patents. Fujitsu also just entered the e-reader market in Japan with the color Flepia. CNet points out that Adobe's Digital Editions software could also be in peril.
It'll be interesting to see what happens with Amazon, as it could have implications on these other companies and their ebook devices.
