Introduction
In 1991 Professor Tim Collings developed a technology that allows users of digital television receivers to filter out programming that they consider inappropriate. This technology came to be known as V-Chip. A Canadian company, Tri-Vision International, entered into a partnership with Professor Collings to further develop and commercialize this technology. V-Chip technology was legislated by former U.S. President Bill Clinton in 1996 and has been available in the U.S. and Canada since 1999. A partnership between Tri-Vision International and Samsung Electronics developed the first V-Chip-enabled TV, which was launched at the Consumer Electronics Show in 1999.
Also in 1999, Tri-Vision began licensing V-Chip technology to TV manufacturers. Wi-LAN Inc. acquired Tri-Vision International in 2007 to bring additional resources and expertise to licensing the valuable V-Chip technology. At present, millions of V-Chip-enabled TVs and DTV receivers sold each year are licensed to WiLAN’s V-Chip technology.
In the United States, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has mandated that V-Chip be included in all digital TV sets with picture screens 13” or larger, as well as digital television receivers (DVD Players, PVRs) that are sold without an associated display.
Many organizations have spoken about the valuable role that WiLAN’s V-Chip technology plays in protecting children from inappropriate content that pervades television today.
“In the scientific literature on media violence, the connection of media violence to real-life aggressive behavior and violence has been substantiated…television ratings system and the V-Chip are tools that can help protect children from potentially harmful content”
American Academy of Pediatrics
“Research over many decades has shown that watching violent TV is a problem, because it makes some kids under some conditions more likely to behave aggressively…One solution that the government offered was V-Chip”
Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania
“CEA again is taking a leadership role, working in partnership with the content, cable and broadcast industries in a voluntary agreement to educate parents about the V-Chip. CEA believes that it is our obligation as an industry to ensure that parents are aware of the tools they have to protect their children from offensive content.”
Consumer Electronics Association
Portfolio
WiLAN’s portfolio of patented inventions, including V-Chip, that apply to consumer electronics devices consists of over 120 issued and pending patents that cover the United States, various countries in Europe and Asia as well as Canada.
Licensees
Certain of our V-Chip patents have been licensed by over 120 companies including:
Trademarks are property of their respective owners.
To find out more information about licensing our V-Chip technologies or request a license, please complete and submit the following information form.