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Harpo Productions Sued For Patent Infringement

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Dec 23, 2008 6:12 pm US/Central

Harpo Productions Sued For Patent Infringement

CHICAGO (STNG) ― A research business is suing the Oprah Winfrey's production company for patent infringement for illegally using software linked with the Oprah Book Club.

The federal claims Harpo Productions Inc. continues to use patented software without the consent of patent-holder Illinois Computer Research, LLC. The suit also claims Sony Corporation of America, and Sony Electronics Inc. infringed on their patent.

Winfrey is not named as a defendant in the suit.

Illinois Computer Research (ICR) clams it owns rights to a U.S. Patent 252 that allows the reviewing of excerpts from a digital book for preview prior to purchase, but prevents the reader from obtaining and reviewing the entire book prior to purchase.

The suit states Harpo Productions infringed on the patent by encouraging or contributing to others use of its Oprah Book Club product. The acts of infringement is through Harpo Productions website that reaches and instructs customers to buy and use products.

ICR claims Sony infringed on the patent through its Sony Bookreader product, and using the software through its website to reach potential customers.

ICR seeks an undisclosed amount in damages.

(Source: Sun-Times News Group Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2009. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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