Is TiVo v. EchoStar over once and for all?

It looks like the long-running patent dispute between TiVo and Dish Network could finally be drawing to a close. The US Court of Appeals for the Federal District today denied a motion from Dish (formerly known as EchoStar) to rehear the case. TiVo released a statement saying that the company is "pleased," and that the "ruling brings us closer to resolution of Echostar's infringement."

What does that actually mean? Well, it could mean that Dish Network will have to shut off service to all of tis current generation digital video recorders until the company can develop a new version that does not rely on TiVo's patented technology. It also means Dish could wind up owing TiVo a fine of nearly $90 million.

It's not clear at the moment if TiVo will negotiate any sort of arrangement with Dish that will let Dish customers keep their PVRs. It's possible, but at this late point in the game, it's just as likely that TiVo will just gloat.

Update: Dish says it has already rolled out new technology that does not infringe on TiVo's patents, which means current customers should not be affected.

[via Thomas Hawk]