Nintendo has endured its fair share of patent battles in recent years, with the Wii and DS in particular kicking off a range of proceedings against the company. Nintendo has prevailed the majority of times, with a rare blot in the form of a defeat to Tomita Technologies USA over the 3D camera functionality of the 3DS. Nintendo has reported another success, however, this time seeing off the challenge of Technology Properties Limited LLC, Phoenix Digital Solutions LLC and Patriot Scientific Corporation.
This dispute was over three patents related to microprocessors, with the three companies asserting that Nintendo had used patented technology in the DSi and 3DS systems. The International Trade Commission has concluded that Nintendo didn't violate these patents, with the following statement issued by Richard Medway, Nintendo of America’s vice president and deputy general counsel.
We are very pleased with the commission’s determination, which confirmed the judge’s finding that Nintendo’s products do not infringe the asserted paten. Nintendo’s track record demonstrates that we vigorously defend patent lawsuits, including cases in the ITC, when we believe we have not infringed another party’s patent. Nintendo continues to develop unique and innovative products while respecting the intellectual property rights of others.
That's certainly positive news for the big N, though we can be sure that the murky world of patented technology will keep the company's lawyers busy, even if it is in the right the majority of the time.
Comments 26
YAY NINTENDO!!!!!!!!!!
Patent trolls need to die. Seriously.
The Big N wins agaiN.
Next crayola will take out a lawsuit stating that the 3DS comes in one of their shades of pencil.
A good news many readers want, isn't it?
That's one problem out of the way. Not the biggest victory, but better than nothing.
I hope Nintendo takes the company to the cleaners, fines for false claimants need to be quite large in order to deter false claims.
Apple have claims out against the majority of other mobile providers to slow their releases & pays practically nothing when they lose.
Lol looking forward to the next one!
And another one down, another one down, another one bites the dust!
At least they're winning something!
That the price of running a successful business today unfortunately. Large companies like Nintendo become embroiled in these types of lawsuits every day. It's unfortunate, but justice usually prevails. The bad side is that it cuts dramatically into R&D budgets and innovation. I read recently that Apple's legal budget and costs have now exceeded R&D budgets on an annual basis. That is troubling for sure.
So, yay? Nintendo can stay in business a little longer?
@ThomasBW84 Why do you have a Luigi's Mansion limited edition 3DS box as the cover picture? I usually understand the choice in pictures, but not this one.
Good for Nintendo, but it's sad they have to continually deal with these disputes. The patent system needs to be revised to prevent all these pathetic lawsuits.
Yeah, I want more Paper Mario images. I'm upset
@Knuckles Just because it's a 3DS and Luigi's doing his "I'm so scared" face. I figured a bit of Luigi would be more interesting than a plain old 3DS pic
@Unca_Lz Paper Mario is for Nintendo Network maintenance articles
Nintendo FTW! Suck it!
There should be international laws punishing patent trolls. It is so ridiculous that a company can't be successful without damn these patent trolls trying to capitalize on the success of others.
@ThomasBW84 Ok, so Luigi will be used for patent wins? Did he become an attorney?
Um... yay?
Good. Nintendo has enough problems right now, no need for them to lose a battle that would have attempted to make a mockery of the legal system. They obviously weren't stealing any patents, so why bother to sue them?
celebrate good times!
@ThomasBW84 Ah. I was looking too deep for the meaning, thanks.
I'm surprised they haven't had more problems in the US yet, the patent laws here are just silly ... and insane. Anyone complaining about region locking, here's one of the reasons for it.
This gives me a great idea! I'll patent "oxygen" then when anyone breathes it I can make them give me money, (rubs hands together in glee,....whilst cackling)
For Nintendo it was easy.For a common person having "uncommon" idea how would it be possible to defeat someone over patent issue and specially on business method patents, as they are difficult to patent.God knows what will happen to the small entrepreneurs, who have nothing else than the ideas.
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