A few weeks ago, we reported that Imation had filed a declaratory judgment action against Philips, asking the court to reaffirm a cross-licensing agreement between two companies. Apparently, Moser Baer India (MBI) is getting pulled into this mess. As one of Imations suppliers, Philips has placed a "notice of default" under the company's patent license agreement (search for Moser Baer). In response, MBI has filed their own suit against Philips, asking that these notices be declared null and void.
The Company has received Notices from Philips in relation to certain of their patents license agreements for CD and DVD recordable and rewritable formats entered into between the Company and Philips. The Company is challenging these notices as they substantively relate to Philips contract with Imation Corporation (Imation) under which the Company supplies optical media to Imation and its subsidiaries. Imation has filed a Declaratory Judgment Action at the Federal District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA against Philips, U.S. Philips Corporation, and North American Philips Corporation. The Imation complaint seeks a Declaratory Judgment asking the court to reaffirm its cross license with Phillips.
Philips is definitely playing hardball with their new licensing schemes. With a number of other companies facing patent renewels, we'll probably be seeing more lawsuits in the near future. Thanks to RJW and Digital Dolphin for providing this news.
