Redbox sues 20th Century Fox in fight over timing of new release rentals

Redbox sues 20th Century Fox in DVD dispute

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. — Redbox, the DVD rental kiosk company, says it is suing 20th Century Fox over the movie studio’s attempts to keep its new releases out of the Redbox vending machines for a month after they go on sale.

Redbox’s service has divided movie studios, with General Electric Co.’s Universal Pictures joining News Corp.’s Fox in a bid to preserve more lucrative DVD retail sales before Redbox’s $1-per-night rentals become available.

A federal judge in Delaware is set to rule soon on a similar suit by Redbox against Universal.

Redbox has stocked its kiosks by buying new titles directly from retailers.

Separately, Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. signed an agreement to supply Redbox on Tuesday.

Redbox is a subsidiary of Bellevue, Wash.-based Coinstar Inc.