Corvillus

It appears that both Microsoft and Nintendo got served with a lawsuit courtesy of patent troll Anascape Ltd. The full list of patents being claimed follows:

• 5,999,084: “Variable Conductance Sensor”
• 6,102,802: “Game Controller with Analog Pressure Sensor”
• 6,135,886: “Variable Conductance Sensor with Elastomeric Dome Cap”
• 6,208,271: “Remote Controller with Analog Button”
• 6,222,525: “Image Controller with Sheet Connected Sensors”
• 6,343,991: “Game Control with Analog Pressure Sensor”
• 6,344,791: “Variable Sensor with Tactile Feedback”
• 6,347,997: “Analog Controls Housed with Electronic Displays”
• 6,351,205: “Variable Conductance Sensor”
• 6,400,303: “Remote Controller with Analog Pressure Sensor”
• 6,563,415: “Analog Sensor with Snap Through Tactile Feedback”
• 6,906,700: “3D Controller with Vibration”

These are all things that every modern game console includes, including the ones produced by Sony. However, Sony conveniently isn’t listed in the suit. (Backroom deals anyone?) The current patent system is horribly broken, and this example illustrates that clearly. I think a modification to current intellectual property law is needed that will require an applicant to have something concrete to show before being awarded a patent. Otherwise these trolls will continue to leech off the true innovators.

Microsoft, Nintendo sued over games controller [The Inquirer, via Joystiq]