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19 Mar 2009
Amazon's Kindle 2 electronic book reader is the target of a new lawsuit from the company behind the Discovery Channel.
Discovery Communications stated in its legal filing (PDF) that Amazon violated its patents regarding copyright protection.
The company claims to hold a patent from the early 1990s which addresses an 'Electronic Book Security and Copyright Protection System', and said that it would seek monetary damages in the case.
"The Kindle and Kindle 2 are important and popular content delivery systems. We believe they infringe our intellectual property rights, and that we are entitled to fair compensation," said Discovery Communications general counsel Joseph LaSala.
"Our tradition as an inventive company has produced considerable intellectual property assets for our shareholders, and today's infringement litigation is part of our effort to protect and defend those assets."
The case is yet another patent spat to include a Silicon Valley heavyweight. In the wake of the Obama administration, many technology firms have begun a push to reform US patent law and provide companies with better protection against patent suits.
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Do you agree?
Kindle 2 will skyrocket
Patents are good for 17 years so even if it's enforceable it is close to the end of its life anyway. Discover should let it go because it will get them bad press for sure. As an avid reader I just found out about the Kindle and am ordering one. As soon as my wife sees it she will want one of her own. There are people who stay up on tech and people, like me, who want to keep its (technology's) intrusion in their lives at a minimum. That's why I just now found out about it. I'm sure there are many more out there who as of yet haven't heard about the device. Readers will want a Kindle for sure whether they are tech fans or not.
Posted by: Bob 04 Apr 2009
Did Discovery come with a wireless reader?
I haven't seen one by Discovery Channel. Sony has one, and there were 3 other brands at Frys. Of course, you have to connect to a PC to download books with those. So the argument is about how the books get to the device? Kinda sounds like trying to argue over wireless phones - Sprint or Verizon - who wins. Like the man said - GROW UP Discovery. Today's technology is improving so fast that what you patented in the 90's is way out dated now. Just because one form of technology is a jumping off point doesn't mean you own everything that comes after.
Posted by: Donna W. 19 Mar 2009
Grow up, Discovery.
It is interesting that in times like these individuals and companies will resort to un-ethical and underhanded methods of generating revenue. It is absolutely rediculous and adolescent that Discovery is crying foul play over this issue. Why can't we just accept that Amazon has come up with a creative and powerful product that is very exciting. I understand Discovery's claims as far as patent violation, but perhaps this whole patent process is just rediculous. I should have patented the idea of a flying car years ago so that I can claim patent infringement damages from the Terafugia guys. No, I didn't build one, nor do I have proof that I could have, nor do I have proof that I ever would have. But I had the briliant idea, right? How absurd. Grow up, Discovery. My opinion of you has dropped.
Posted by: Robbi Mount 19 Mar 2009
Does Anyone Care About The Kindle?
I do not know anyone who has a Kindle, wants a Kindle or cares to read about the Kindle. Granted, I don't know everyone but this thing gets more press than Obama and sales on it are a flop and will continue to be a flop. Every time I look at any tech news the Kindle makes it in the top 10 on any website and for the life of me I can't figure out why! Here is a hint to the media, nobody gives a crap about the Kindle.
Posted by: Ed 19 Mar 2009
Stupid is as stupid does!
So let me get this right, Amazon is sued because the system they use to stop infringement is itself an infringement. Can I get a patent on the system used to file patents? THen I can stop anyone else from ever filing another patent!
Posted by: Brian King 19 Mar 2009