March 21, 2008

Gertrude Rothschild, Granny Emeritus, Looking To Take Down Blu-ray

Blu-ray won the format war against HD DVD, but a US International Trade Commission investigation into possible patent infringements by makers of the HD disc technology, including the likes of Sony and Panasonic, could prove a much more formidable challenge.

Gertrude Neumark Rothschild, a Professor Emeritus at Columbia University, conducted research into "into the electrical and optical properties of so-called wide band-gap semiconductors" proving "pivotal in the development of short-wavelength emitting (blue and violet) diodes". Ultimately she filed patents in 1993 covering her method of producing blue and blue and violet LED's, such as those used in Blu-ray devices.

Now Rothschild is requesting that US imports of devices containing this technology be blocked which would effectively eliminate any Blu-ray player from entering the United States. What'll become of this investigation is uncertain. No manufacturer is currently commenting, but we're sure Rothschild would settle for a little financial compensation and scientific recognition.

This patent dispute isn't the first time Rothschild has taken legal action against electronics manufacturers and if she lives long enough, probably won't be here last. This case seems to be the latest in a disturbing trend beginning in which old ladies start all kinds of shit with the technology industries bigwigs. Entertaining to say the least.