Sony Takes on Fujifilm in Magnetic Tape Patent Suit

2016/12/21

Sony has taken on rival Fujifilm in a patent infringement lawsuit centering on magnetic tape media.
Filed at the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida on December 15, Sony's suit accused Fujifilm of infringing four of its patents: US numbers 7,016,137; 6,345,779; 6,896,959; and 7,115,331.
Sony said it has been involved in the development of magnetic tape media and products for reading from, and writing to, such media for over 60 years.
The Linear Tape-Open (LTO) format, specifically designed for computer applications, was developed by the LTO Consortium.
According to the claim, authorisation to manufacture, sell, and distribute any generation of LTO tape products is "contingent on a participant's acceptance of the terms and conditions of an agreement", including requirements to license certain patents.
Fujifilm is licensed by the LTO Consortium to market and sell every generation of LTO Ultrium tape cartridge, including the current generation, LTO-7.
Sony is seeking a jury trial, permanent injunction, damages, enhanced damages, attorneys' fees and further relief that the court may deem just and proper.

Source: WIPR