Members of Chambers recently appeared for both sides in one of the listed patent actions between Rovi and Virgin Media. Richard Meade QC and Henry Ward appeared for Rovi. James Mellor QC and Andrew Lykiardopoulos appeared for Virgin Media.
The dispute concerned interactive television services (in particular the Virgin Media “Red Button” service). Rovi claimed that particular Virgin Media set top boxes infringed the patent by their provision of certain interactive services. Virgin Media contested that the patent was invalid.
Giving judgment, Mann J held that the patent was obvious over an earlier patent application in the name of Apple Computers Inc. known as Florin. Accordingly, the patent fell to be revoked.