TiVo has been awarded $73m in damages after winning a landmark patent battle against EchoStar in a court case that could have massive implications for the company.

The decision, which established that EchoStar had used technology derived from TiVo for its DVR products without permission, could make it easier for TiVo to claim royalties from other DVR boxes offered by cable operators, DirecTV, and other electronics manufacturers.

EchoStar said after the decision that TiVo's patent is too broad, adding that they plan to appeal.

"We're just trying to build products that people use and enjoy, and this gives us more runway to do that," said TiVo co-founder James M. Barton.