Fresh lawsuit filed in Stingray, Music Choice dispute

Stingray Digital Group Inc. has responded to a patent infringement lawsuit filed by competitor Music Choice and filed its own suit against Music Choice alleging illegal business activities. In June, Music Choice, a Pennsylvania-based multi-platform video and music network, filed a complaint for patent infringement against the Montreal-based company. In court documents Tuesday, Stingray, which had already called Music Choice’s complaint “not material,” formally denied the allegations and filed counterclaims of “non-infringement and invalidity of the five patents” that were asserted as part of an amended complaint filed on Aug. 12. Also on Tuesday, Stingray Music USA filed a separate lawsuit in a Texas court alleging Music Choice is “engaged in a smear campaign” against the company “with the goal of thwarting Stingray’s ongoing and potential business relationships.” The separate lawsuit “was necessary in view of the fact that Music Choice sued the wrong party” in its amended complaint, Stingray said in a Tuesday press release. Mathieu Péloquin, senior vice-president of marketing and communications at Stingray, said in an email that Music Choice sued Stingray Digital, the Canadian entity, but all contracts in the U.S. are signed with Stingray Music USA. “Rather than compete lawfully, Music Choice has chosen to compete with Stingray using illegal means,” Stingray alleged in court documents, claiming they’ve lost “several contracts” and its business “has been irreparably damaged” as a result of this activity. Stingray used an example of a Music Choice advertisement that highlighted its extensive list of features versus Stingray’s, much of which Stingray contends in court documents to be “categorically false.” Among the claims levelled against Music Choice in the suit are unfair competition, related to what it alleges is Music Choice’s illegal activity; defamation and trade libel, related to “false statements regarding the nature, characteristics and qualities of Stingray;” and interference with potential business relationships. Music Choice said in an email that it has received Stingray’s notice of filing and is reviewing it.

Fresh lawsuit filed in Stingray, Music Choice dispute

Brief | August 30, 2016

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Fresh lawsuit filed in Stingray, Music Choice dispute

Brief | August 30, 2016

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