Sony has been hit by yet another patent lawsuit. Cryptography software
provider Certicom recently filed a suit against the company, claiming that Advanced Access Control System (AACS) and Digital Transmission
Content Protection (DTCP) violate patents for Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC).
The patents-in-suit are two of Certicom's
fundamental patents used in consumer electronics, in particular its world-leading version of Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC). In its
complaint, Certicom alleges Sony has, and continues to, infringe, contribute to and induce the infringement of Certicom's patents by
making, using, importing, offering for sale and selling their products in the U.S. without being licensed by Certicom to do so. These
patents are related to content protection technologies, including Advanced Access Control System (AACS) used in Blu-ray and Digital
Transmission Content Protection (DTCP) used in wired and wireless distribution of compression audio and video. Products affected include
Playstation 3, DVD players, VAIO personal computers and certain high definition TV models and audio equipment.
Considering
Certicom is looking to "resolve these issues through commercial discussions and without litigation", its pretty clear that they're
looking to make money off of licensing fees. Nevertheless, if they win this case against Sony, other electronics manufacturers will be
vulnerable to similar suits. More information on this lawsuit can be found here.
