Last updated: February 9, 2026
Overview
Entropic Communications, LLC filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Charter Communications, Inc. in the District of Delaware on February 17, 2022. The case involves allegations that Charter infringed patents related to broadband communication technology.
Case Details
Parties:
- Plaintiff: Entropic Communications, LLC
- Defendant: Charter Communications, Inc.
Docket Number: 2:22-cv-00125
Filed Date: February 17, 2022
Jurisdiction: District of Delaware
Legal Basis: Patent infringement under 35 U.S.C. § 271
Patents at Issue: Several patents concerning modulation, coding, and broadband access techniques. Specific patent numbers are not disclosed at filing; further documentation will specify.
Allegations
Entropic alleges that Charter's set-top boxes and cable gateways infringe multiple patents related to digital subscriber line (DSL) and cable modem communication technologies. The claims focus on:
- Modulation and coding methods
- Signal processing techniques
- Data transmission protocols used in Charter’s broadband equipment
Entropic asserts that Charter has continued to use infringing technology without license, causing damages.
Procedural Posture
As of the latest update, the case remains in initial stages. No motion hearings, discovery schedules, or trial dates have been publicly scheduled. The complaint suggests that Entropic seeks injunctive relief and monetary damages.
Strategic Analysis
Intellectual Property Impact:
The patents involved likely cover core technology for broadband transmission standards. Successful litigation could result in injunctive relief or licensing agreements, impacting Charter’s product offerings.
Market Implications:
If Entropic prevails, Charter might need to reformulate components, potentially increasing costs or delaying product deployment. Patent licensing could also create revenue streams for Entropic.
Legal Risks:
Patent infringement suits carry uncertainty. The case could lead to invalidation of asserted patents if challenged or settlement, which might involve licensing fees. The technical scope of the patents will be critical in court assessments.
Industry Context
This litigation is part of a broader patent enforcement trend in broadband and cable tech, with several tech firms aggressively defending patents or seeking licensing revenue. Major cable operators like Charter are frequent defendants due to extensive deployment of proprietary equipment.
Key Legal Factors
- Patent Validity: The outcome depends on whether Charter can challenge the patents' validity under 35 U.S.C. § 103 or § 101.
- Infringement Evidence: Entropic bears the burden of demonstrating infringement, especially regarding specific claims' scope.
- Potential Settlement: Litigation may settle before trial, with licensing or cross-licensing agreements.
Conclusion
The case exemplifies patent litigation strategies in the broadband sector, where patent holders seek to monetize core technology via enforcement actions. The outcome will hinge on patent validity, technical claim interpretation, and the parties’ willingness to settle.
Key Takeaways
- Entropic alleges that Charter infringed patents related to broadband modulation and coding.
- The case falls into a broader context of patent enforcement in cable and broadband technology.
- Future developments depend on patent validity challenges and potential settlement negotiations.
- The case's outcome could impact broadband product deployment and licensing arrangements.
- Patent law complexities, including validity and scope, heavily influence litigation results.
FAQs
1. What patents does Entropic claim Charter infringed?
Specific patent numbers are not disclosed publicly at this stage. Patent claims involve modulation, coding, and broadband communication techniques.
2. What is the legal standard for patent infringement in this case?
Entropic must prove that Charter's products meet each element of the patented claims and that the accused technology infringes either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.
3. How common are patent infringement suits in broadband technology?
They are frequent due to the high value of foundational patents in communication standards and the high cost of R&D.
4. What are typical outcomes in such patent lawsuits?
Judgments may include verdicts of infringement or non-infringement, patent invalidity decisions, or settlement agreements. Patent holders often seek licensing fees or injunctions.
5. Could this case impact the broader broadband industry?
Yes. A ruling affirming patent validity or infringement could influence licensing practices, product designs, or future patent filings in the sector.
References
[1] Docket, Entropic Communications, LLC v. Charter Communications, Inc., 2:22-cv-00125 (D. Del. 2022).
