Dolby Sues Roku Over Alleged Patent Infringement and Copyright Violation
Dolby Laboratories files lawsuit against Roku, accusing the streaming company of unauthorized use of its audio and imaging technology. The case involves allegations of secret software distribution and contract breaches.
Dolby Laboratories has initiated legal action against Roku, alleging unauthorized use of its proprietary technology. The lawsuit, filed on August 1, 2024, in a California federal court, accuses Roku of integrating Dolby's audio and imaging software into its Roku OS without proper licensing.
The dispute stems from a 2015 agreement that allowed Roku to test Dolby's software for interoperability. In 2016, the companies agreed that Roku could distribute Dolby's software under specific conditions, including royalty payments and compliance with quality testing and reporting requirements.
Dolby claims that between 2016 and 2020, Roku secretly incorporated their intellectual property into its software, distributed millions of copies without authorization, and refused to cooperate with an audit. The San Francisco-based audio technology company asserts that Roku used its technology to enhance product appeal and increase profits at Dolby's expense.
The lawsuit highlights the significant role of Roku's streaming platform in the company's financial success, noting that it accounted for nearly $3 billion in annual revenue in 2023. Dolby is seeking unspecified monetary damages and a court order to halt Roku's alleged misconduct.
"Roku misused our technology to make its products more attractive to potential customers and increase its profits at Dolby's expense."
This legal battle underscores the importance of intellectual property in the competitive streaming technology market. Dolby, founded in 1965, has a rich history of innovation in audio and imaging technologies, with over 8,600 patents worldwide. Their technologies, such as Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision, have become industry standards in home entertainment and cinema.
Roku, established in 2002, has grown to become a major player in the streaming device market. The company's platform now supports over 3,000 streaming channels, reflecting its significant market presence.
As of the filing date, Roku had not responded to requests for comment on the complaint. The case, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, is being closely watched by industry observers for its potential implications on technology licensing and partnerships in the streaming sector.
