Gemstar Loses Another Ruling in Patent Fight

Gemstar-TV Guide International Inc., which develops on-screen program guides for cable and satellite television, lost another court ruling in its patent dispute with makers of television set-top boxes.

U.S. District Judge Willis B. Hunt in Atlanta ruled that Scientific-Atlanta Inc., the second-largest maker of set-top boxes, didn’t infringe a patent owned by Los Angeles-based Gemstar. Other patents remain in dispute, Scientific-Atlanta spokeswoman Peggy Ballard said.

Gemstar sued Scientific-Atlanta, EchoStar Communications Corp. and other companies after they refused to sign licensing agreements. Those companies have accused Gemstar of anti-competitive behavior.

Gemstar shares fell 6 cents, to $5.49, on Nasdaq. Scientific-Atlanta shares rose $4.96, to $29.96, on the NYSE.