Blockbuster Inc. said Netflix Inc.'s patents for online video rentals are invalid and accused Netflix of trying to monopolize the Web-based movie rental business.
Blockbuster, which introduced an online service in 2004, said rival Netflix is claiming patent rights over methods it didn't invent. Seeking to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Netflix in April, Blockbuster said its competitor is trying to force it out of the online market.
Netflix claims Blockbuster copied its method of allowing subscribers to create and update personal lists of movies they want to order over the Web. The lawsuit seeks a court order halting Blockbuster's Internet service and unspecified damages. In a response filed yesterday in San Francisco federal court, Blockbuster denied the allegations and asked the judge to declare Netflix's patents invalid.
