Global Communications filed suit against DirecTV alleging that DirecTV’s single wire multiswitches that are included in installed systems that receive DirecTV programming infringe five patents related to a satellite broadcast receiving and distribution system.  Global Communications has filed six prior suits since October 2000 against other satellite broadcast providers, including California Amplifier, DirecTV, Dish Network, EchoStar, PDI Communications, and Sonora Design Associates.  Global Communications’ March 2004 suit against DirecTV resulted in a settlement and license agreement.  James Green and Austin Coker are the named inventors on the patents-in-suit, which they assigned to Global Communications in 1995. This is  the only active case involving plaintiff Global Communications.  12/20, Northern District of Florida, assigned to Judge Robert L. Hinkle and referred to Magistrate Judge Charles A. Stampelos, 4:2012cv00651.