Denver-based EchoStar Communications, which operates the DISH satellite service, filed a countersuit against Gemstar-TV Guide Tuesday alleging monopolistic licensing practices.

The suit charges that Gemstar-TV Guide brought a patent infringement suit against EchoStar last October only after the two companies failed to reach an agreement under which EchoStar would have paid Gemstar a fee to use its interactive program guide and, at the same time, would have been guaranteed protection against any patent-infringement claim.

Source: Studio Briefing