Frequently Asked Questions
Q: In which European countries does RealD have patents?
A: RealD’s European patents on the light doubling technology have been validated in a number of European countries. RealD also has many other granted patents covering various aspects of its cinema technology.
Validated territories for key RealD light doubling patents:
EP2067066: AT, BE, BG, CH, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GR, HU, IE, IT, LV, LT, NL, PL, PT, RO, SE, SI, SK, TK, UK
EP2469336: AT, BE, CH, CZ, DE, ES, FR, HU, IE, IT, NL, PT, TK, UK
EP2846180: BE, CZ, DE, ES, FR, HU, IE, IT, NL, PL, PT, TK, UK
Q: Why does RealD enforce patents through legal action?
A: RealD has invested a huge amount of resources in creating the 3D systems customers use today, and it is a substantial part of the cost associated with production. As a business we want to continue to improve on those products but cannot make such an investment if other companies steal our intellectual property to manufacture an inferior product without the associated research costs and offer it at a lower price.
Q: Why do you take legal action against integrators and exhibitors, rather than just infringing 3D companies?
A: It is regrettable when we are forced into such a position. We try and stem the flow of infringing products at the manufacturer first, but sometimes an integrator or cinema chain will knowingly resell/purchase an item that infringes on our patents. A patent infringement includes making, selling, using or importing an infringing product.
Q: I have seen press releases stating that some 3D providers have IP infringement insurance and they claim that if you buy from them, you are protected.
A: They may have insurance, but the value of that insurance is very unlikely to cover the full value of a claim against either them or the customer.
Q: How does a customer or integrator know which patent is valid?
A: This can be confusing for customers, as anyone can apply for a patent and not all patents are created equally. Being the first to invent and patent this technology, RealD holds the fundamental patents on double and triple beam technology.
Q: What is covered under the RealD patents?
A: RealD has many patents covering various aspects of its 3D cinema technology. RealD holds the key patents on double and triple beam 3D projection technology. Some examples are: EP2067066, EP2469336, EP2846180.
Should you have any further, or more specific questions about RealD’s patents please get in touch with your local RealD Sales Representative and they will be happy to answer them for you.