As technology advances, so do patent fights. Patent litigation is expensive and time-consuming -- and usually involves deep pockets that can afford high-paid attorneys. In most cases, the parties settle and, ironically enough, become business partners.
Look at yesterday's announcement from OpenTV
OpenTV owns a variety of patents for "synchronizing Internet content with television programming." Disney put up a fight but decided to work out a deal. It will get a non-exclusive license to use the patents. What's more, both companies are negotiating to enter an agreement to develop enhanced television programming.
It's a happy world after all.
OpenTV certainly has significant backing, with Liberty Media
OpenTV has also cut interesting strategic alliances. There is a five-year licensing agreement with Motorola
No doubt, television is going through disruptive change, as seen with the impact of TiVo
Fool contributor Tom Taulli is the author of The EDGAR Online Guide to Decoding Financial Statements. He does not own shares in any of the stocks mentioned.