Tech developer Impulse Technology -- that name sound familiar? -- has filed a lawsuit against Nintendo and a score of third-party studios, accusing them of violating a 1996 patent for an "interactive system for measuring physiological exertion." The suit is largely based on the weight-tracking Wii Balance Board (and the games which use it, like Wii Fit Plus, Zumba Fitness 2 and UFC Personal Trainer), which Impulse claims too closely resemble its own Trazer Interactive Fitness machine.
Normally, we'd scoff at such a lawsuit, especially since Impulse leveraged almost the exact same claims against Microsoft for its Kinect hardware this past July. Still, take a look at the Trazer Interactive Fitness machine, seen above. The resemblance truly is uncanny, right?
Right?
Reader Comments (24)
Posted: Nov 25th 2011 6:53PM Stevetrop Man of Mystery said
By this with Nintendo and their constant barrages of lawsuits I am surprised that we have not seen two Italian plumber bothers named Mario & Luigi sue them.
Ah but lets never say never,
Ah but lets never say never,
Posted: Nov 25th 2011 10:44PM Marshillboy said
@Stevetrop Man of Mystery
I agree, "bothers" is a rather apt description of the modern mario franchise.
Reply
I agree, "bothers" is a rather apt description of the modern mario franchise.
Posted: Nov 25th 2011 6:58PM Jason B said
If you need a safety harness to play a video game then I think you are doing something incredibly wrong.
Posted: Nov 25th 2011 8:57PM LittleMofreaky said
@That One Guy YEAH! Learn to walk like a normal person, asshole!
Reply
Posted: Nov 25th 2011 7:06PM Rubbishy Me said
Is that a pic of the balance board or the trazer machine? They are too similar to me.
Posted: Nov 25th 2011 7:07PM FreakSheet said
Nintendo, How could you? I mean other than the colours, there is no difference in the hardware! How did you think this wouldn't get back to you?
Why yes I am quite drunk, why do you ask?
Why yes I am quite drunk, why do you ask?
Posted: Nov 25th 2011 7:11PM ultrabot said
I just love patent trolls.
Posted: Nov 26th 2011 5:53PM therandomizer said
@ultrabot Texas-based douchebag company, no doubt
Reply
Posted: Nov 25th 2011 7:19PM ColorblindMonk said
Looking to make some quick cash? Your best solution: sue large companies with products more streamlined than yours.
Posted: Nov 25th 2011 7:32PM Smokexz said
What are you talking about, this looks nothing like the Wii
Posted: Nov 25th 2011 7:42PM mietha said
@Smokexz
He was being sardonic...
And, as always, as if these lawsuits weren't pointless enough, the first question asked will be "well why the hell did you wait this long to file?". If they answer with "we just heard about it", I'm pretty sure the case will be dismissed then and there...
Reply
He was being sardonic...
And, as always, as if these lawsuits weren't pointless enough, the first question asked will be "well why the hell did you wait this long to file?". If they answer with "we just heard about it", I'm pretty sure the case will be dismissed then and there...
Posted: Nov 25th 2011 7:33PM MystcLazrDragon said
Here's some free legal advice Impulse, you don't have a snowball's chance in hell of winning. That is all.
Posted: Nov 25th 2011 7:38PM Jetleo1 said
Please, if that machine is anything like a Balance Board, I'm playing Gears 3 right now. And the disturbing lack of AA batteries in this house for my X360 controllers says you lose Impulse!
Posted: Nov 25th 2011 7:49PM arucious said
Mmhm, is that so
MOVING ON...
MOVING ON...
Posted: Nov 25th 2011 8:38PM Cypher FDP said
If I was the original company who tried to sue Nintendo for money, I would sue these guys for stealing my ideas.
Posted: Nov 25th 2011 8:47PM trinica said
People who never intend to do anything with their technology suing the guys who actually manage to do something with devices about 2% similar to theirs.....
I've never understood why this happens.....
I've never understood why this happens.....
Posted: Nov 25th 2011 9:00PM GeraltRivia said
Did the Microsoft lawsuit actually happen? I doubt they won. So what makes them think they will win against Nintendo?
Posted: Nov 25th 2011 9:45PM Themariohenri said
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Posted: Nov 25th 2011 11:32PM Octoplus said
I'm not sure what to make of the cord attached to his groin.
Posted: Nov 26th 2011 9:51AM TCJJ said
Impulse, stop trolling and GTFO.
Posted: Nov 26th 2011 5:51PM therandomizer said
Dear Impulse, sod off and go to hell
Sincerely, someone who doesn't give a sh** about your phony lawsuits.
Sincerely, someone who doesn't give a sh** about your phony lawsuits.
Posted: Nov 28th 2011 12:47PM Zenaltra said
Wow, it's almost like Edge Games all over again. This time over patent rather than trademark, but whatever.
Hopefully these losers get called out for being trolls in court like Edge (eventually) did.
Hopefully these losers get called out for being trolls in court like Edge (eventually) did.








