Slingbox Struck with Patent Infringement

Stuart Mershon, creator of an audio projection technology, is suing the creators of Slingbox for patent infringement. Mershon claims that Slingbox ripped off his idea for "place-shifting" technology, or the concept that users can stream content to a remote listening device.

Mershon patented his technology several years ago, after creating a wireless telephone network that transmits audio signals from the audio source to a remote speaker.

Slingbox, created by Sling Media, plugs a device into a user's television, and feeds programs to a remote box via an internet connection. The Slingbox allows users to view and control their favorite television programming wherever they have access to an internet connection. Using the Slingbox, users can view their favorite television episodes in real time, and can also record and access shows on their TiVo or DVR device, as well as On Demand programming.

Seeking unspecified damages from a Texas court, Mershon has stated that Sling Media has sold at least half a million devices.

Sling Media's Jason Krikorian, vice president of business development, has denied the claims of the lawsuit.