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TiVo, Verizon Settle DVR IP Lawsuit

Alviso, Calif. – A week before the case was set to go to trial, TiVo and Verizon agreed to settle a patent infringement dispute on DVR technology that has been ongoing since 2009.

 Under the deal, Verizon will pay TiVo about $100 million for “past damages,” some of which will be reflected in the current quarter’s financial statement.

Verizon will also drop its counter-suit against TiVo.

At the same time, the companies will cross-license their respective patent portfolios in the advanced television field, according to a statement on the settlement.

The deal ensures that Verizon FiOS customers can continue to use the company’s Cisco-made DVRs, and opened the doors to possible collaboration between the two former embattled parties, including the possibility that TiVo could gain access to provide a planned Redbox Instant By Verizon streaming video service.

The settlement marks another IP victory for TiVo, which has successfully challenged other DVR manufacturer/providers including Dish Network, Microsoft, and AT&T in recent years.

Similar lawsuits still awaiting decisions involve Motorola, Cisco, and Time Warner Cable.

At issue are TiVo’s claimed rights to several DVR technologies including the ability to watch one show while recording another.

“We are pleased to reach an agreement with Verizon which underscores the significant value our distribution partners derive from TiVo’s technological innovations and our shareholders derive from our investments in protecting TiVo’s intellectual property,” stated Tom Rogers, TiVo president and CEO. “We also look forward to working together on a variety of future opportunities as we continue to expand the content choices available to TiVo subscribers. As with prior settlements, we also benefit by being able to operate our business under license from Verizon and by avoiding future legal expenses that we would have incurred during and after trial. Furthermore, we believe this settlement positions us well with respect to future enforceability of our patents.”

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