LG, Data-Transmission Patent Owner Spar Over East Texas Verdict

LG Electronics Inc. urged a trio of appeals court judges to undo a $1.68 million data-transmission patent verdict it said prompted it to stop selling new televisions compatible with the Next Generation Broadcast TV technology standard in the US.

The verdict was flawed because the four patents asserted by Constellation Designs LLC aren’t eligible for protection under Section 101 of the Patent Act, LG’s attorney, Andy Schwentker of Fish & Richardson, told the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit during oral argument Tuesday.

“All of the asserted patent claims are directed to abstract ideas,” Schwentker contended.

Representing Constellation, ...