Posted Nov 12, 2008 at 09:41AM by Isaac C. Listed in: Controller, News Tags: Wiimote, patent, SIXAXIS
Ó

Lawsuit Against Nintendo - Image 1This is just getting ridiculous. Yet another company is suing Nintendo, this time over the Wiimote. Is suing Nintendo the "in" thing now?

This new lawsuit from Motiva claims that the Wiimote is violating their patent for a video game controller. A very vague patent at that. It involves:

[...] technology used to create a 'Human Movement Measurement System' comprising a hand-held tracking device in communication with a base station that can be used to create an interactive gaming experience, among other capabilities.


That's vague enough to describe the SIXAXIS. The patent was filed back in 2004, two years before the release of the Wiimote. Patenting an idea is one thing, but making it into reality is another. They sound like they just patented some random thought and waited for an opportunity to sue someone who actually made it happen.

The Lanier Law Firm will be representing Motiva. Speaking about the lawsuit, Mr. Lanier says:

Using someone else's technology without permission is theft. Nintendo makes video games where you get to play a thief, but that doesn't give them the right to be one.


A cheesier line never said. It strikes me odd that they choose to bring up this lawsuit only now, 2 years after the release of the Wii. Maybe Ninty's previous loss in court that lost them US$ 21 million gave these jokers the balls to try and milk the cow as well.

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6 Comments


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   by Xastabus - 2008-11-12
 » Yet another example of desperately needed patent reform.

You're right, this is ridiculous. Exactly how many lawsuits over the same concept have to be filed before someone with the power to fix things realizes that the current patent system is broken.

   by Scarface88 - 2008-11-12
 » What a joke...

...shame it's not funny.

   by RavenSPe - 2008-11-12
 » Patenting an idea is one thing, but making it into reality is another.

Hit the nail on the head. Unless they patented specific hardware/specifications on HOW to do that then this lawsuit is a waste of time and money. Those specifications would also have to resemble the Wiimote.

   by ISOHaven - 2008-11-12
 » WTF!?!?!?!?!

This lawsuit wont see the light of day. That patent describes MANY devices. Hell, it describes the mouse I use in my livingroom for my TV PC.

I still say, the patent system should resemble unemployment. PROVE TO US that you attempted to bring this technology to light or STFU.

I however, filed a patent a couple years ago. I patented the idea of intergalactic space travel. Once the warp drive becomes a reality I'll call my lawyer and get the lawsuits rolling!!!!

   by emcp - 2008-11-12
 » mm

ive got a patent pending
for time machines and hover cars

   by Lunisneko - 2008-11-13
 » I'm alright with this :)

I just *****ing love it when big Game and big Media's biggest ally is twisted against them to bite them in their sorry *****ing ass. Yes. Let copyright/patent issues bite them so they can know how it feels to RAID PEOPLE'S HOMES FOR SELLING A MODCHIP FFS



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