Drexler warns Sony of possible infringement
Drexler Technology Corp. has informed Sony that it may be infringing on two of its patents with its Sony Dynamic Digital Sound.
That system was unveiled on March 8 at ShoWest/NATO for a planned summer rollout with "The Last Action Hero," at Sony's Loews, Cineplex Odeon, Pacific and Mann theaters (Daily Variety, March 11).
Mountain View-based Drexler has two patents that relate to reading linear high-density digital optical data. The Sony system has eight tracks of optically printed sound arranged in a strip on the outside of the film sprockets.
According to Drexler, each time the digital sound on the film is played back using the Sony system, Drexler's patents may be infringed. Drexler said it will seek to license Sony under its patents, but cautioned that there is no assurance negotiations would be successful.
"We're in communication with them and are waiting for a proposal," said company president Jerry Drexler.
Sony Pictures Entertainment declined comment.
