Week 6 Articles

Sony Nintendo Controller patent suit

 

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=32066

& 

http://www.gamesinfobase.com/source.php?t=New_patent_lawsuit_targets_Sixaxis_Wii_controllers&id=119041 

 

The patent lawsuit filed by the Cooper Innovations Group against both Nintendo and Sony Entertainment on December 27, 2007 at the Western District court entailed infringement on a patent allegedly “covers a method for connecting devices to a system and sorting their inputs by means of hardware identification numbers tied to each transmission (the patent basically deals with selecting which person is which player).” In all likelihood, the biggest issue that drew attention in the first place is Nintendo and Sony’s usage of Bluetooth for connectivity. The plaintiff seeks an injunction and all sorts of financial damages.

 

As we discussed in classes 8 and 11, patent is akin to a minefield. It is very difficult in today’s media environment to avoid stepping on anyone else’s toes when it comes to patent, no matter how large or small the parties involved are. Patent is there to help protect inventions, but some of the cases are beginning to go over the top and become extraneous.

 

Former Midway Employee attempts to take Nintendo to court over patent infringement

 

http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/01/former-midway-e.html 

 

Former Midway employee Patrick Goschy is planning on filing suit against Nintendo for patent infringement, based off the notion that he created the base idea of the motion controller used for the Nintendo Wii. In an attempt to back his claims, Mr. Goschy has released a video he recorded in 1999 to demonstrate his original Idea. While Ninetendo has acknowledged that Goschy’s idea is similar, it had absolutely nothing to do with the creation of the Wii controller. It’s unknown at this point whether or not Goschy had an official patent or not.

 

As we discussed in class 13, Its incredible how many “unknown” patents there are out there. Although it hasn’t come out as to whether or not Goschy had a patent fir his technology or not, this case serves as more evidence to developers that use the “spider web” approach of developing but never implementing their designs. Instead, many wait years on end until a party finally takes their idea (or a similar idea) to fruition, which is shortly followed by a lawsuit. 

 

Amino Communications defends against MPEG-2 patent infringement claims 

 

 

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/amino-rejects-patent-infringement-claims-in-germany,306744.shtml 

 
Today, Amino Communications (world leader in IPTV platform supply) announced its dismissal of claims that it infringed on MPEG-2 digital video compression standards, and that it has been served with no patent enforcement actions. Amino went on to assert that those threatening enforcement actions have no legal right to do so.
 
This case is an interesting tie in to our class 11 discussion, because it brings into question just how valid some of these suits are. Due to its credible background and reputation, Amino will attempt to defend its assets with everything it has. Those that are bringing suit against Amino may experience a backlash and have to pay for damages themselves. 

 

 

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