Legal Niches

Nintendo Hit with Patent Suit

By pete_gallagher

Nintendo is the target of a patent infringement lawsuit by IA-Labs, aka Powergrid Fitness, who alleges that Wii-maker infringed on two separate patents.

As detailed on Gamasutra, IA-Labs claims that Nintendo infringed on its technology in the following products: Nintendo Wii, Wii Fit, Wii Fit Plus, the Wii Balance Board, Wii Remote, Wii Wheel, Wii MotionPlus, Wii Nunchuck and Wii Zapper.

The patents in question are "Computer interactive isometric exercise system and method for operatively interconnecting the exercise system to a computer system for use as a peripheral" and "Force measurement system for an isometric exercise device."

IA-Labs promotes workout systems that combine existing videogames with isometric-type exercise. The company is seeking 'a court declaration that Nintendo is infringing on the patents, and it's pursuing an injunction against the alleged infringements in addition to unspecified damages.'

Thanks Andrew!

Full post as published by GamePolitics.com on April 15, 2010 (boomark / email).