GECs
USVO files suit against ISP movielink
CONNECTICUT: Sony Pictures Entertainment had an incredible 2002. This year could be a touch different if USA Video Interactive (USVO) has its way.
USVO’s subsidiary USA Video Technology Corporation has filed a suit against internet movie service provider (ISP) Movielink regarding the rights to the technology that can deliver movies over the Internet. In India of course we are still some way off from this becoming a reality due to broadband constraints.
The suit identifies Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures Corporation, Metro Goldwyn-Mayer, Universal Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment as members of the limited liability company that owns and operates Movielink and the www.movielink.com website service. Movies made by these studios — including the Oscar nominated My Big Fat Greek Wedding, The Bourne Identity are presently available for download on a fee basis from the movielink.com site. The complaint states that rights to the technology being used by the studios on the site belong to USA Video Technology.
USVO president Edwin Molina has been quoted in an official release saying that the patented technologies represent an advance in home movie entertainment. The days of video rental stores could be fast numbered as it is possible for Internet users to secure almost any movie, any time, from any location with online access all from their comfort of their homes.
The plaintiff is asking the Delaware federal court for a declaratory judgment of both infringement and willful infringement, permanent injunctive relief, compensatory and treble damages, interest, legal costs, as well as a jury trial on all appropriate issues.
An unfavourable verdict against the studios could affect millions of movie fans across the globe. The suit alleges that Movielink has infringed and continues to infringe on the patented online movie delivery system.
USA Video Technology Corporation is a developer, supplier and owner of the patent-in-suit that covers media delivery services that allow Internet users to request and receive digitised movies online.
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
