Microsoft sues TiVo again over patents

SEATTLE, USA: Microsoft Corp sued digital video recorder company TiVo Inc on Monday, claiming features in TiVo's set-top boxes infringe four of the software company's patents.

The claims of patent infringement, made in federal court in Seattle, revolve around TiVo's program time guide, schedule grid, remote interface and program delivery system.

The claims come on top of a suit filed by Microsoft in a California court a year ago, claiming seven separate counts of patent infringement.

The two companies have been involved in a long-running dispute over technology used in digital video recording services. It is only one of many legal battles involving technology used by TiVo and its rivals.

Microsoft said it and TiVo are in negotiations to resolve the dispute.

"We have a strong and robust patent portfolio that we will vigorously defend against infringement," said Kevin Kutz, director of public affairs at Microsoft. "However, we remain open to resolving this situation through an intellectual property licensing agreement and we look forward to continued negotiations with TiVo."

TiVo declined comment.

The case is Microsoft Corp vs TiVo Inc, case number 11-0134 in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington at Seattle.