Patent gives Compton's control over key multimedia software licenses - Consumer Product Retailing Supplement

Discount Store News, Jan 3, 1994

Compton's NewMedia, publisher and developer of various multimedia titles, wowed Comdex attendees in Las Vegas with an announcement at the show that it has, in effect, a patent on multimedia software products. The patent was awarded in November.

The obvious ramifications are that Compton's could collect royalties from all other software publishers, and even refuse licenses to competing software producers.

Specifically, the patent gives Compton's exclusive rights to a "multimedia search system using a plurality of entry path means which indicate interrelatedness of information." In English, that means the search function in multimedia programs, more specifically the "fuzzy" systems that search out closely related subjects in addition to literal commands, as well as simultaneously searching for related video, audio, graphics and text.

The patent specifically notes that the application is not limited to a specific platform. "It is contemplated that this invention can be used with any information that can be stored on a database," it says, in part. That would include present applications like CD-I, CD-ROM, Sony Multimedia, and Tandy VIS, Compton's NewMedia executive vice president Norman Bastin said, as well as future applications like the proposed information highway, interactive cable and other technologies.

Compton's noted that it has no intention of creating a monopoly, but that it will offer competitors a choice of options, including joint ventures, distribution agreements and payment of royalties. Software publishers who choose to distribute their product through Compton's, at industry-standard prices, will be exempt from royalty payments.