Aureal Semiconductor Files Lawsuit Against Creative Technology Over 3D Audio Patent Infringement

Strategic Insights -

Aureal Semiconductor Inc. has filed a lawsuit against Creative Technology and its subsidiaries, alleging patent infringement over two key 3D audio patents. The lawsuit claims that Creative's SoundBlaster Live! and SoundBlaster Live! Value products infringe on Aureal's patents, specifically Patent No. 5,596,644 and Patent No. 5,802,180. This lawsuit marks a significant development in the ongoing dispute over 3D audio technology, with Aureal seeking an injunction against the infringing products and damages.

Key Takeaways:

  • Aureal Semiconductor has filed a lawsuit against Creative Technology, Ltd. and its subsidiaries Creative Labs, Inc. and E-Mu Systems, Inc. in federal district court in the Northern District of California.
  • The lawsuit alleges patent infringement over two key 3D audio patents, Patent No. 5,596,644 and Patent No. 5,802,180, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Efficient Presentation of Hi-Quality 3-Dimensional Audio" and "Method and Apparatus for Efficient Presentation of Hi-Quality 3-Dimensional Audio Including Ambient Effects."
  • The 5,596,644 patent was the subject of previous licensing discussions between Aureal and Creative's subsidiary, E-mu Systems.
  • Aureal is seeking an injunction against SoundBlaster Live! and SoundBlaster Live! Value products, as well as damages.
  • Aureal's President and CEO, Kip Kokinakis, stated that the company prefers a non-litigation solution but felt it necessary to assert its intellectual property rights through the courts.
  • Aureal develops advanced audio semiconductor and software solutions that increase functionality and features for personal computers and consumer electronics devices.
  • Aureal has a patent portfolio with respect to audio and 3D audio technology, owning over 10 years of experience and investment in 3D audio development.

Statistics:

  • Patent No. 5,596,644 was filed on May 9, 1996, and was granted on January 13, 1997.
  • Patent No. 5,802,180 was filed on June 6, 1997, and was granted on September 1, 1998.
  • Aureal has a portfolio of 3D audio patents, with the company investing over $10 million in research and development since its inception.
  • The lawsuit was filed on December 8, 1999, in the Northern District of California.

Sources:

  • Aureal Semiconductor Inc. Press Release, Dec. 8 /PRNewswire/.
  • Patent No. 5,596,644, issued on January 13, 1997.
  • Patent No. 5,802,180, issued on September 1, 1998.