Gibson launch Activision GH lawsuit
Court tussle looms?
Guitar-makers Gibson have launched a lawsuit against games publisher Activision, alleging that the Guitar Hero games infringe the company's patents.
Reuters report that a 1999 patent filed by Gibson covers technology that 'simulates' a musical performance, the guitar maker sending a letter to Activision explaining this in January.
"Based on our preliminary analysis, the Guitar Hero software (including any expansion packs) and the guitar controller provided by Activision being used as a musical instrument (packaged with the software or sold standalone) are covered by the ... patent," explains the letter.
"Gibson requests that Activision obtain a licence under Gibson's... Patent or halt sales of any version of the Guitar Hero game software."
Activision already license Gibson's guitars as models for their own game controllers, and the companies have previously enjoyed a close relationship, making this lawsuit somewhat odd.
"We disagree with the applicability of their patent and would like a legal determination on this," responds Activision's George Rose on the subject.
Activision are likely to point out that gibson waited several years before making this claim, and will probably seek a court ruling barring Gibson from trying to apply their patent.
Rock Band developer Harmonix, meanwhile, are attempting to extract royalties from Acitvision covering the third Guitar Hero release.
More on all this soon.
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