DDB Technologies files suit against MLBAM, alleging unauthorized use of patented technology

DDB Technologies, a developer and patent holder on computer simulation and encoding technologies, has filed a federal lawsuit against MLB (Major League Baseball) Advanced Media in federal court alleging that MLB.com is illegally using its patented technology to offer fans several interactive services.

Those services include Condensed Games and Searchable Video. MLB Advanced Media runs the league’s Web site. At issue is the unauthorized use of patented technology responsible for many of the site’s innovative features, including the ability to view a computer simulation of a live baseball game through the Gameday feature, watch shortened versions of games with only significant highlights through the Condensed Game feature, and retrieve video clips of specific plays with Searchable Video feature.

The lawsuit alleges five specific features on the site violate DDB’s patented technology:

• Generating play-by-play text, graphics or animation
• Generating information about the state of the game
• Personalized control over the flow and pace of the game
• Real-time personalized notification
• Post-game personalized highlights.

The lawsuit, which was filed June 15 in the U.S. Circuit Court for the Western District of Texas’ Austin Division, implicates Gameday, Condensed Games, Searchable Video, Highlight Reels and Fantasy Player Tracker.

MLB Advanced Media, which was served with court papers Sept. 3, denies any wrongdoing.

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