IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- VIZIO, Inc., America's HDTV and Consumer Electronics company, announced today that it filed a Request for the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") to require Funai Electronics Co., Ltd. and its subsidiary, Funai Corporation, to comply with patent licensing conditions imposed by the FCC when it adopted the digital television standards for the United States. VIZIO has requested that the FCC order Funai to cease its unreasonable and discriminatory patent enforcement policies while the FCC considers a pending petition for declaratory ruling. The declaratory ruling seeks action and protection from excessive DTV patent charges that have collectively exceeded $1 billion.
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VIZIO pointed out that Funai is demanding windfall royalties for its single patent that are equivalent to the cost of licensing a group of over 30 patents owned by seven different companies. VIZIO told the FCC that if it does not act and VIZIO does not consent to Funai's extortionate demands, Funai will continue threatening to exclude VIZIO televisions from the market just before the completion of the June 12, 2009 transition to digital television.
VIZIO asked the FCC to enforce the clear requirements in its patent licensing conditions. "It is VIZIO's policy to minimize unnecessary costs that are absorbed by U.S. consumers," stated Laynie Newsome, VIZIO Co-Founder, VP Sales and Marketing Communications. "We respect the rights of intellectual property, thoroughly investigate all claims, and vigorously defend our legal rights when we feel a patent is invalid and not infringed."
About VIZIO
VIZIO, Inc., "Where Vision Meets Value," headquartered in Irvine, California, is America's HDTV Company. In 2007, VIZIO skyrocketed to the top by becoming the #1 selling brand of flat panel HDTVs in North America and became the first American brand in over a decade to lead major categories in U.S. TV sales. VIZIO is committed to bringing feature-rich flat panel televisions to market at a value through practical innovation. VIZIO offers a broad range of award winning Plasma and LCD HDTVs including the new XVT series. VIZIO's products are found at Costco Wholesale, Sam's Club, Sears, Walmart, Target, BJ's Wholesale, and other retailers nationwide along with authorized online partners. VIZIO has won numerous awards including a #1 ranking in the Inc. 500 for Top Companies in Computers and Electronics, Good Housekeeping's Best Big-Screens, CNET's Top 10 Holiday Gifts and PC World's Best Buy among others. For more information, please call 888-VIZIOCE or visit on the web at www.VIZIO.com.
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