Gemstar Sues EchoStar for Using Guides

Gemstar-TV Guide International Inc., the biggest maker of software for interactive television guides, sued EchoStar Communications Corp. for allegedly using the guides without its permission. Gemstar is seeking unspecified damages from EchoStar, the No. 2 U.S. satellite-TV provider, and an injunction to prevent the company from selling guides, according to a statement distributed by Business Wire. Officials at Pasadena-based Gemstar weren’t available for comment. The suit was filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. EchoStar, based in Littleton, Colo., has “not seen the suit and there’s no comment,” said spokeswoman Judianne Atencio. Gemstar shares fell $2.88 to close at $67.13, while EchoStar rose 77 cents to close at $44.83 on Nasdaq. EchoStar is at least the fifth company Gemstar has sued over the program guides, which let viewers search for TV programs on cable or satellite by date and subject.