Kodak sues Matsushita over patent infringement

Kodak, a name pretty much synonymous with the word "camera" in the past, and "crap" more recently, sued Japanese manufacturer Masushita (primary owner of Panasonic, amongst others), alleging the company infringed upon its digital camera patents. In documents filed in Texas, Kodak claims that the company violated patents for an "electronic camera utilizing image compression and digital storage," and "an apparatus and method for previewing motion images using a series of lower resolution still images." According to a Kodak spokesman, the company has tried to resolved the dispute "for a number of years," but the results haven't been up to snuff for the photography giant. Interestingly, Kodak has all but announced that it plans to bolster its earnings by milking kickbacks from the licensing of its intellectual property during its lengthy transition from a traditional photography company to a digital one. If the past is any indication, Matsushita can just crack the wallet right now.

[Alvin @ Jul 28th 2007 1:31AM]

It's a shame that Kodak's digital division is lagging so far behind everyone else right now. It gives a bad name to such a reputable company! While I doubt the Kodak consumer brand will fade into oblivion any time soon, at least the company will still thrive in the motion-picture film and cinema technology departments. They may not, and probably never will be, the go-to brand for the hottest digicams, but with motion film like EXR50D-5245 (introduced WAY back in 1989!), still being one of the sharpest, most saturated film stocks ever created, I don't think their expertise in the cinema dept can ever be replaced.

[David @ Jul 28th 2007 2:14AM]

Kodak for digital cameras?! It was revolutionary then, but it's a joke now!!

[tekdroid @ Jul 28th 2007 8:02AM]

"...the infringed patents include ones for an "electronic camera utilizing image compression and digital storage" and "an apparatus and method for previewing motion images using a series of lower resolution still images."

"Earlier this year, Kodak signed a cross-licensing pact with Sony Corp. that settled a similar patent dispute."

"It expects up to $250 million this year alone in royalties and related revenues."


^^^^^^^
Amazing.
What I don't understand is Kodak were the first (if not, among the first) to really retail a small cheap digital cam at the masses many years ago (the DC-something-or-other). You'd think that back then they were ready for the transformation to digital. Did they just amass patents and lose to others in the development process?

It also sounds like they could sue every man and his dog with those general patents...

[jandrewg @ Aug 7th 2007 8:14AM]

As a native of Kodak's home town, I lament the decline of Kodak's market share as it affects so many family and friends, (I wound up moving because the local economy is so downtrodden) but this is just another example of cheap foreign labor toppling an American icon. Too bad the lawsuits can't bring back the thousands of lost jobs.

[chesterqw @ Aug 3rd 2007 6:25AM]

i own a digital camera that stores image into memory cards and compress image too.

it also has a function where i could preview my videos using snap shots from it.

am I gonna be behind bars?