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Konami sues Viacom over ROCK BAND

By Chris Bennett, Tudor Carsten, Michael R. Coburn, Sarah Dale-Harris, Pablo Guzman, Danielle (Dani) Lemon, Chris Metcalfe and David Spratley

According to a Bloomberg report, Konami filed suit in Marshall, Texas, Federal Court on July 9, 2008 against Harmonix Music Systems, its parent company Viacom and Viacom's MTV Networks Co.

Konami Corp., the Japanese creator best known for it development of the 'Dance Dance Revolution', 'Karaoke Revolution' and 'Metal Gear Solid' video games, is claiming that Harmonix Studio's 'Rock Band' video game infringes on a number of US patents which it registered in 2002 and 2003. Those patents relate to 'simulated musical instruments' and a 'musical rhythm-matching game', which Konami first introduced nearly a decade ago in its 'DrumMania' and 'Guitar Freaks' series. Harmonix, of course, has used instrument-shaped peripherals in its 'Guitar Hero' and 'Rock Band' video games, both of which have been widely successful.

Konami is seeking monetary compensation (reports do not specify the amount sought), as well as a court order prohibiting Harmonix from continuing to sell the allegedly infringing products. Harmonix is reportedly extremely surprised by Konami's actions and is preparing itself to defend the claim.

Coverage here (Gamasutra)

Submitted by Tania Da Silva, Articled Student

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Full post as published by Video Game Law Blog on July 18, 2008 (boomark / email).