Verizon seeks to ban Cablevision set-top boxes

(AP) -- Verizon is accusing Cablevision of infringing on its patents for digital set-top boxes, as competition for video subscribers in the New York area heats up.

In a complaint filed with the U.S. International Trade Commission, Verizon is seeking to stop imports of Cablevision's set-top boxes that infringe on five of its patents.

Verizon said it's not fair that Cablevision is using technologies that the phone company developed to compete against it. Verizon offers FiOs (FYE-os) TV service in New York.

Cablevision says Verizon is suing because it can't compete in the marketplace.

Verizon wants a resolution in about 12 months, which is faster than filing a lawsuit in court. The International Trade Commission can issue an order to block imports of products.

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