Nubian Communications Company Blog

2005-12-29T19:05:00.000-08:00

Comcast and Motorola to Form Two Joint Ventures for Next-Generation Conditional Access Technologies and to Enter Into Set-Top Box Agreement
March 8, 2005
Davis Polk & Wardwell is advising Comcast Corporation on its new broader strategic relationship with Motorola, Inc. that includes agreements to form two separate joint ventures and to enter into a multi-year set-top box commitment. The joint ventures will focus on the development and licensing of current and future conditional access and related technologies. Conditional access technologies enable cable providers to ensure that customers receive the video services to which they subscribe. Based in Philadelphia, Comcast is the largest cable television operator in the United States. Based in Schaumburg, Illinois, Motorola is a global communications leader that provides seamless mobility products across broadband, embedded systems and wireless networks.
The first joint venture will focus primarily on the development of a next-generation conditional access system, using Motorola's existing Mediacipher conditional access system as its foundation. Comcast and Motorola will jointly manage the development group.
The second joint venture will focus on licensing conditional access and related technology, including MediaCipher, to North American cable operators and third-party providers. The licensing venture will be managed by Comcast.
In addition to the joint ventures, Comcast and Motorola will enter into a multi-year agreement for Comcast to purchase set-top boxes and network equipment from Motorola. Under the agreement, Motorola will provide high-definition digital video recorders and standard-definition entry-level models, among others.
The Davis Polk corporate team includes partners William M. Kelly and William H. Aaronson, both of the Menlo Park office, and associate Emily R. Pollack of the New York office. Partner Steven S. Weiner of the Menlo Park office is providing intellectual property advice. Partner Arthur J. Burke of the Menlo Park office is providing antitrust advice. Partner Kathleen L. Ferrell and associate Christopher Peters, both of the New York office, and associate Rachel Kleinberg of the Menlo Park office are providing tax advice. Associate Cynthia Akard of the Menlo Park office is providing employment advice.

2005-12-29T19:04:00.000-08:00