The case Rovi Guides, Inc. v. Videotron Ltd. involves a dispute over patent infringement concerning interactive television program guide (IPG) technology. Here is a concise summary of the key points from the document:
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Parties Involved:
- Rovi Guides, Inc. (Appellant): Claimed Videotron infringed its IPG patents.
- Videotron Ltd. (Respondent): Successfully counterclaimed for invalidity and non-infringement of Rovi’s patents.
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Patents in Question:
- Four patents related to IPG technology, particularly for television program listings and recorded content navigation, were involved: Canadian Patents Nos. 2,337,061, 2,339,629, 2,336,870 (870 Patent), and 2,730,344 (344 Patent).
- The 870 Patent covered systems allowing users to record and play back TV programs across different user equipment.
- The 344 Patent related to IPG functionality across multiple devices within a household.
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Federal Court Decision:
- The court found that Rovi’s patent claims were either anticipated or obvious based on prior art and the common general knowledge of a skilled person.
- Rovi’s claims for infringement were dismissed, and Videotron’s counterclaims for patent invalidity and non-infringement were upheld.
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Appeal:
- Rovi appealed the decision, contesting the court's analysis on obviousness and non-infringement for the 870 and 344 patents.
- The court of appeal found no reviewable error in the obviousness analysis but corrected some points regarding the remedy (accounting of profits).
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Outcome:
- The appeal was dismissed, with Rovi not entitled to an accounting of profits but only to a reasonable royalty had the claims been valid. Costs were awarded against Rovi: No amount specified.
