Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. and Alticast have signed a new, multi-year, interactive program guide patent license agreement. Under the agreement, Alticast has the right to use Gemstar-TV Guide's interactive program guide (IPG) patents for IPGs developed and owned by Alticast for cable, satellite and telco providers in South Korea. Alticast is a leading provider of solutions for the creation, delivery and reception of interactive digital television applications for cable, satellite and IPTV platforms.

The deal expands Gemstar-TV Guide's IPG presence in Asia. Gemstar-TV Guide currently licenses its own IPG in Japan under the G-GUIDE brand. Alticast will develop the IPGs in compliance with MHP and OCAP open standards.

"We are pleased to continue the development of our licensing business outside of North America," said Todd Walker, senior vice president and general manager, Advanced TV, Gemstar-TV Guide. "Alticast is not just a leader in the South Korean marketplace, but also a recognized leader in the area of iTV. We believe Alticast and its customers in South Korea will benefit by taking advantage of the broad coverage provided by Gemstar-TV Guide's IPG patents."

"This agreement will benefit Alticast and Gemstar-TV Guide as well as service operators in South Korea," said Won-Cheol Kang, General Manager of Alticast Corp. in South Korea. "Alticast can provide a high-quality, user friendly IPG while Gemstar-TV Guide strengthens its presence in Asia. I hope this key partnership will serve as a stepping stone for further cooperation in other markets."

Alticast joins a list of leading companies that have licensed Gemstar-TV Guide's IPG patents, including DIRECTV, Echostar, Microsoft, Motorola, Pioneer, Scientific-Atlanta and Time Warner Cable.