Gemstar-TV Guide and TiVo Enter into Patent License Agreement for International Deployments of TiVo Service
Gemstar-TV Guide (NASDAQ: GMST), a leading media, entertainment and technology company, and TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ: TIVO), the creator of and a leader in television services for digital video recorders (DVR), today announced that they have entered into a new patent license agreement for retail products and certain service provider deployments of the TiVo service in international markets. This agreement expands the existing relationship between the companies, which previously included a patent license from Gemstar-TV Guide for TiVo’s retail distribution and service provider deployments in North America.
“We are pleased to complete this agreement with TiVo,” said Samir Armaly, executive vice president, licensing and intellectual property, Gemstar-TV Guide. “As TiVo seeks to expand its business internationally, it can now operate under a license for our international interactive program guide patent portfolio. This agreement further underscores the value of our intellectual property throughout the world.”
“International interest in TiVo is at an all time high as retailers and service providers globally seek to deliver the TiVo service as a way to differentiate their video products,” said Joshua Danovitz, vice president and general manager, International at TiVo. “In most instances, our partners are seeking a one-stop solution that provides the industry’s leading personal video recorder experience without the need to acquire separate licenses for third party intellectual property. Through this arrangement with Gemstar-TV Guide we have made deployment of TiVo even more seamless for our growing portfolio of international partners.”
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
About Gemstar-TV Guide
Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: GMST) is a leading global media, entertainment, and technology company that develops, licenses, markets and distributes products and services that maximize the video guidance and entertainment experience for consumers. The Company’s businesses include: television, publishing, and new media properties; interactive program guide services and products; and intellectual property licensing. Additional information about the Company can be found at http://www.gemstartvguide.com.
About TiVo Inc.
Founded in 1997, TiVo (NASDAQ: TIVO) pioneered a brand new category of products with the development of the first commercially available digital video recorder (DVR). Sold through leading consumer electronic retailers and our website, TiVo has developed a brand which resonates boldly with consumers as providing a superior television experience. Through agreements with leading satellite and cable providers, TiVo also integrates its DVR service features into the set-top boxes of mass distributors. TiVo’s DVR functionality and ease of use, with such features as Season Pass™ recordings and WishList searches and TiVo KidZone, have elevated its popularity among consumers and have created a whole new way for viewers to watch television. With a continued investment in its patented technologies, TiVo is revolutionizing the way consumers watch and access home entertainment. Rapidly becoming the focal point of the digital living room, TiVo’s DVR is at the center of experiencing new forms of content on the TV, such as broadband delivered video, music and photos. With innovative features, such as TiVoToGo™ transfers and online scheduling, TiVo is expanding the notion of consumers experiencing “TiVo, TV your way. ” The TiVo service is also at the forefront of providing innovative marketing solutions for the television industry, including a unique platform for advertisers and audience research measurement.
