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Texas City Today
By the People, for the People
Dolby Accuses Barco of IP Theft Over Movie Projector Systems
Lawsuit alleges Barco used Dolby's patented technology in competing theater projectors
Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:54pm
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A legal battle over patented projection technology threatens to disrupt the movie theater industry's technological arms race.Texas City TodayDolby Laboratories has filed a lawsuit against Belgium-based Barco NV, accusing the computer visualizations company of using Dolby's patented intellectual property to sell competing light steering projector systems used in movie theaters. The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, alleges that three former Dolby engineers who now work at Barco are aware of Dolby's protected technology and that Barco's projector systems infringe on two of Dolby's patents.
Why it matters
This lawsuit highlights the ongoing battle between technology companies over valuable intellectual property, particularly in the lucrative movie theater projector market. Dolby's patented light manipulation technology is seen as a key competitive advantage, and the company is seeking to protect its innovations from being used by rivals.
The details
According to the complaint, Barco's projector systems infringe on US Patent Nos. 10,462,437 and 8,733,960, which protect Dolby's technology for creating higher contrast and brighter screens. The lawsuit alleges that three Barco employees, including an executive, are aware of Dolby's protected technology after previously working as engineers at the company.
- The lawsuit was filed on April 13, 2026 in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.
The players
Dolby Laboratories Inc.
A leading technology company that develops audio, visual, and voice technologies for the entertainment industry, including patented light manipulation technology used in movie theater projectors.
Barco NV
A Belgium-based computer visualizations company that sells competing light steering projector systems for movie theaters, which Dolby alleges infringe on its patented technology.
What they’re saying
“We must protect our intellectual property and innovations from being used by competitors without authorization.”
— Spokesperson
What’s next
The court will now consider Dolby's allegations and determine whether Barco's projector systems violate Dolby's patents. If Dolby prevails, Barco could be ordered to stop selling the infringing products and pay damages.
The takeaway
This lawsuit underscores the high stakes in the movie theater technology market, where companies fiercely guard their patented innovations. The outcome could have significant implications for the competitive landscape and pricing of projector systems used in cinemas worldwide.
