Forgent Networks Names 31 Companies in JPEG Compression Patent Infringement Suit
First reported here back in July 2002, Forgent Networks announced that it was going to enforce its ownership of the popular JPEG compression technology used by digital cameras, camcorders, cellphones, scanners and other devices used to compress, store, manipulate, print or transmit digital images. Well, they're back! Forgent has initiated litigation against 31 companies for infringement of U.S. Patent No. 4,698,672 in U.S. District Court in Texas.The companies named by Forget are Adobe Systems Inc., Agfa Corp., Apple Computer Inco., Axis Communications Inc., Canon USA, Concord Camera Corp., Creative Labs Inc., Dell Inc., Eastman Kodak Co., Fuji Photo Film Co U.S.A, Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Gateway Inc., Hewlett-Packard Co., International Business Machines Corp., JASC Software, JVC Americas Corp., Kyocera Wireless Corp., Macromedia Inc., Matsushita Electric Corp. of America, Oce' North America Inc., Onkyo Corp., PalmOne Inc., Panasonic Communications Corp. of America, Panasonic Mobile Communications Development Corp. of USA, Ricoh Corp., Riverdeep Inc. (d.b.a. Broderbund), Savin Corp., Thomson S.A., Toshiba Corp. and Xerox Corp.
"Forgent is committed to developing all of its assets and technologies to maximize shareholder value. We believe we will prevail in this litigation as the '672 Patent is valid, enforceable and infringed," said Richard Snyder, chairman and CEO of Forgent. "It's unfortunate that despite the many opportunities these companies have had to license the patent, they have all declined to participate, leaving us no alternative but to litigate."
