December 23, 2010 -
Motorola has filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission against Microsoft, alleging that its Xbox 360 console infringes on several of its patents. The action is in response to a Microsoft claim that Motorola was infringing on some of its patents.
According to the complaint, Motorola says that Microsoft is in violation of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 related to the import and sale of gaming and entertainment consoles. The company is asking for a cease-and-desist order on the sale of all Xbox 360s. The USITC has voted to begin an investigation.
Here is more from the USITC:
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain gaming and entertainment consoles, related software, and components thereof. The products at issue in this investigation are gaming and entertainment consoles that, inter alia, utilize wireless technologies and technologies that decode digital video content.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Motorola Mobility, Inc., of Libertyville, IL, and General Instruments Corporation of Horsham, PA, on November 22, 2010. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain gaming and entertainment consoles, related software, and components thereof that infringe patents asserted by the complainants. The complainants request that the USITC issue an exclusion order and cease and desist order.
The USITC has identified Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, WA, as the respondent in this investigation.
The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.
Source: SlashDot
Comments
Re: Motorola Claims Infringement Against Microsoft, Xbox 360
Technically shouldn't everyone console maker be sued due to wireless controlers....
Re: Motorola Claims Infringement Against Microsoft, Xbox 360
Hilarious if not ridiculous, especially on the wireless front, considering until the 360S, the Xbox 360 was the only console of this generation to not have built-in WiFi..
This is why i hate the patent system.
Re: Motorola Claims Infringement Against Microsoft, Xbox 360
The fact that someone can have a vague idea, patent it, sit on it, then sue whoever comes up with a remotely similar idea over a year after their procust is released?
Re: Motorola Claims Infringement Against Microsoft, Xbox 360
Not to mention the 360 is the oldest system of this generation. Why wait 5 years to sue? Could it be that sales (thanks to Kinect) are now sky rocketing and Motorola wants a piece of the pie?
Ten years ago, it was all about suing Sony. Then the Wii made it big, so let's sue Nintendo. Now, Microsoft is making big bucks, so they're the jelly donut of the day!
Re: Motorola Claims Infringement Against Microsoft, Xbox 360
MotorOla: "Say, you're using some of our technology. We'd like to discuss fair licensing fees."
Microsoft: "We're suing MotorOla to get all their patents killed."
MotorOla: "Okay then... Fine, we'll sue."