Nintendo, Microsoft, Sony sued for controller patent infringement [update 1]
Fenner Investments has filed a lawsuit against Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony, alleging that the 'Big Three' have violated its patent for a "low-voltage joystick port interface." The patent was filed in 1998 (granted in 2001), and Fenner is now seeking compensation for damages it claims to have incurred as a result of the violations.Ars Technica did some digging and discovered that Fenner filed a pair of similar lawsuits in the past against several other large companies. Both suits were settled out of court, with one source citing a "favorable result" for Fenner. Can Fenner keep its hot streak going? It could be years before we know that answer.
[Thanks, Kiel]
Update: This story is a duplicate of an earlier post. We apologize for the error. The author has since been subjected to Full House reruns.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Rubang B @ Jan 11th 2007 1:00AM
Console makers sued over analog joysticks
Posted Jan 10th 2007 10:40AM by Kyle Orland
http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/10/console-makers-sued-over-analog-joysticks/
Evan Oliver @ Jan 11th 2007 1:00AM
Wasn't this already covered?
http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/10/console-makers-sued-over-analog-joysticks/
David004 @ Jan 11th 2007 1:08AM
Didn't someone post this here like 12 hours ago? I remember people making fun of this. Unless I can see the future!
Pixelbox @ Jan 11th 2007 1:53AM
It's a duplicate story and here's why:
It's the great uniter. Fanboys of all stripes can agree that this is a load of horse-snot.
Phillip Knass @ Jan 11th 2007 3:14AM
Im signed up to recieve emails and tex from Majornelson.com, as soon as he post something. So I recieved the following, but it hasnt been posted yet, I guess there is new COD3 Maps:
Alerts from www.majornelson.com
xl.predator@gmail.com,
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Burnt Meatloaf @ Jan 11th 2007 4:40AM
I think everything already has been patented -- even math.
Ah, but is a gamepad REALLY a joystick? I smell a loophole!
PurpleSfinx @ Jan 11th 2007 7:38AM
Joytsiq is infringing on patents and trademarks as well, with the name Joystiq.
1. Joysticks are patented.
2. I haved trademarked the deliberate misspelling of words on the internet, back when I invented the tubes.
Kelvin @ Jan 11th 2007 7:43AM
You folks trying to go highbrow by using an Economist cartoon?
tracked @ Jan 14th 2007 12:37PM
NOOOOOO. THE HORROR!!!! FULL HOUSE IS EVIL.