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Patent Troll Attacks Cable, Digital TV Standards

Posted by Soulskill on from the going-for-the-gusto dept.

DavidGarganta writes "A patent troll firm in suburban Philadelphia, Rembrandt IP Management, is trying to force large cable operators and major broadcasters to pay substantial license fees on the transmission of digital TV signals and Internet services. The firm is apparently trying to get 0.5% of all revenues from services that supposedly infringe on the patents. The targeted companies include ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, Comcast, Time Warner, Cox, Charter and Cablevision. According to MultiChannel News, Rembrandt's assault is especially aggressive, even for a patent troll: 'It is attacking two key technology standards used by the cable and broadcast industries, CableLabs' DOCSIS and the Advanced Television Systems Committee's digital-TV spec. "If they're successful, this could affect everything from the cost of cable service to the price of TVs," said the attorney close to the litigation, who spoke only on condition of anonymity.'"

6 of 164 comments (clear)

  1. What the hell... by kaos07 · · Score: 4, Funny

    What the hell is a patent troll?

    When I first read it I assumed it had something to do with internet trolling but the articles describes it as some sort of legitimate enterprise.

    1. Re:What the hell... by KDR_11k · · Score: 3, Funny

      Why pay professionals? Just tell every redneck out there that this company wants to make their TV more expensive and the problem solves itself.

      --
      Justice is the sheep getting arrested while an impartial judge declares the vote void.
  2. That's *Dr.* Patent Troll by RealGrouchy · · Score: 2, Funny

    "I didn't go to Patent Troll medical school to be called 'Mister'."

    - RG>

    --
    Hey pal, this isn't a pleasantforest, so don't waste my time with pleasantries!
  3. Re:Innovation by Firethorn · · Score: 4, Funny

    Imagine the packs of feral, unemployed lawyers roaming the streets attacking innocents.
    Step 1: Open a limited hunting season
    Step 2: Open a general hunting season
    Step 3: General bounty
    Step 4: Hire professional hunters for extreme or dangerous areas.

    Personally, given the urban nature of feral lawyers I'd propose at least an initial hunting season be limited to experienced bow hunters.

    --
    I don't read AC A human right
  4. Re:Innovation by Nerdfest · · Score: 3, Funny

    Funny, I've had the same idea for the past 10 years or so. I guess I should've patented it ... oh well. Oh well, I could still have the joy of showing my future grandchildren the Mercedes and BMW emblems mounted over my fireplace and saying "Yep, that one was from an IP lawyer ... got him from almost 300 yards".

  5. Re:This is a Bad Thing ? by Opportunist · · Score: 2, Funny

    Can't get any more carbon neutral. But then again, they're wasting precious oxygen, by breathing.

    --
    We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.