Japanese developer Level-5 has responded to SEGA's recent legal campaign to have the company remove its Inzauma Eleven series from sale due to an alleged patent infringement.
SEGA is claiming that Level-5's soccer RPG features a touch-driven interface which violates two of its patents.
The following statement has been issued by the company, which is also responsible for the Professor Layton series:
Inazuma Eleven does not violate Sega's patents. As a result of examining these discrepancies, we've concluded that there is no patent violation. While Inazuma Eleven does not violate Sega's patent, we do recognize that Sega's lawsuit could restrict choices in gaming from here on out as well as hindering the growth of the game industry.
We'll update you on the status of this case as it unfolds.
[source gonintendo.com, via kotaku.com]
Comments 40
"hindering the growth of the game industry" OUCH
I thought Sega was better then this.
SEGA's claims truly are rediculous, I mean come on, are they gonna sue most Itouch games now too?!
It'll be fine, SEGA doesn't have enough on its side to justify such an obtuse accusation, and Level-5 has a truckton of material to use as its defense.
Round 2: FIGHT!
Should be interesting, i guess. Either way it ends, though, the gamers are going to lose... and wasn't the first Inazuma Eleven game released years ago? What, were the patent holders waiting to see if they made money off of it before trying to go after Level-5 for some of it? lol
Ouch, that's cold blooded! Lol!
Sega should look at what happened to Silicon Knights. They tried to take a bite out of Epic and then got DEVOURED
Sega has the money to afford suing someone right now?
Sega's gone mad.
After what Konami did to the greatest music video game series of all time, I say "screw you lawsuits" and always root for the defendants when it comes to these gaming company arguments. People's greed getting in the way of any creativity.
I really DOUBT they have the money to sue someone right now, that's the weird thing. Maybe they're getting desperate for money.
I would take a stab at this being the patent:
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/y2010/0197407.html
Just throw them a million Level-5, they are desperate.
Crazy claim... I'm pretty sure that the touch screen can do whatever devs want it to. I guess Cooking Mama, and Wario Ware Touched! all violate the patent, compared to XY Feel the Magic(or whatever).
Ya Level 5, just give 'em some money to make the next Sonic.
SEGA's patent for Touch Striker: http://i.imgur.com/Yd1mP.jpg
Inazuma Eleven screenshot: http://i.imgur.com/1loH2.jpg
Maybe Level 5 can win and the judge will award all Sega IP's to Level 5?
@XD375 You bring up a valid point. However: http://www.dreamstime.com/soccer-game-strategy-on-blackboard.-thumb24414072.jpg
You tell 'em Level 5!
I find it hard to believe Sega is really doing something like this.
Level 5's game came out in 2008 and this patent is from 2009 anyways.
Also, Phantom Hourglass (2007) and Spirit Tracks (2009) use the touch screen to control Link too and I dont see them going after Nintendo (Because they'd get squashed lol).
And sega all stars racing transform hurts like 8 patent violations, not that i care.
But fascinating to hear these words out of sega's mouth.
You all make good points. This is a bad joke.
I should get Inazuma Eleven Strikers for Wii now soon.
If Sega wins this case they could pull it from the market.
@TheRavingTimes you and me both dude
I hate Sega. If they're hurting this bad for money, just sell the only big franchise off to Sony or something. I think Sony would like Sonic.
So I guess Rhythm Thief,and Sonic and Sega All Stars Racing didn't were both original idea's and didn't copy any other games to make them.
Sega,I like you,but this is taking the p***
ANGRY MOB, ASSEMBLE!
"we do recognize that Sega's lawsuit could restrict choices in gaming from here on out as well as hindering the growth of the game industry."
Holy damn do I love you, Level-5.
"We do recognize that Sega's lawsuit could restrict choices in gaming from here on out as well as hindering the growth of the game industry."
It pains me to see you like this, Sega.
If SEGA doesn't win the lawsuit it'll be game over for them given their current financial issues, but either way SEGA doesn't have rights to that motion patent since Nintendo used the concept long before they did.
i like SEGA but i have to side with Level-5 on this one.
so thats what kept me from getting a sonic game for 5 years, sega's hypocrisy and desperation.
big words lol.
no more SEGA means no more sonic... Win it,Level-5!
...SEGA is doing what now?! Ayayayyy..not good.. suing is not what you need SEGA.. I don't want the risk of losing a good company and the super awesome Sonic The Hedgehog!! :0
by all rights isnt this the same as suing a company for having the same jump button as you? as most use A or B SEGA must be getting desperate --- no more SEGA means no more Phantasy Star.. 8(
Even Level 5's Jean Descole has responded to these actions. Tweeting the following: "Dying company @SEGA attacks @LEVEL5_times in pathetic lawsuit. @SEGA you have no case. This behaviour is really low. You have no money left"
and
"Leave @LEVEL5_IA alone! @SEGA has become an uncreative company that needs to go bankrupt. Games have not been fun for years. #badbusiness"
You go, Endou!
Sounds like Sega is having financial problems....
stop arguing with sega and bring us Fantasy Life! LOL
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