Quibi rebuffs Interactive-Video Patent Claims by Eko

The short-form, mobile video streaming platform Quibi all set to launch on April 6th, but it’s already facing a patent infringement dispute.

Eko, a New York-based company, claims Quibi used patented tech to develop its “Turnstyle” technology.

The tech in question allows the company to play different videos depending on whether the viewer is holding their phone horizontally or vertically, and it’s central to Quibi’s offering.

Eko’s lawyers sent opposition a letter demanding that it stop using the technology or license it.

Quibi accused of patent infringement for its ‘Turnstyle’ video feature

Eko also claims that some Quibi employees stole trade secrets to develop the Turnstyle feature.

Quibi denies Eko’s allegations that it didn’t infringe on Eko’s patent or misappropriate trade secrets.

The company has also filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles federal court seeking a declaratory judgment

“Our Turnstyle technology developed internally by our talented engineers, and we have, received a patent for it,” Quibi said in a statement.

“These claims have absolutely no merit and we will vigorously defend ourselves against them in court.”

Quibi has 175 shows planned for its first year, and many of them involve big-name celebrities.

But we don’t know for sure whether the video-streaming model is going to work out.

It will share content as short clips (10 minutes or less) and charge viewers $4.99 per month with ads.

Or $7.99 per month without ads.

Of course, accusations related to Quibi’s signature feature could pose a major challenge.