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Worlds.com has filed a suit against NCSoft for alleged patent infringement on multiplayer virtual environments.
Worlds.com apparently has dibs on, “System and Method for Enabling Users to Interact in a Virtual Space”, according to patent number 7,181,690, filed back in February 2008.
According to the company’s site, “Worlds.com is the pioneering platform in 3D virtual communities and rich immersive environments. Launching in 1994, Worlds leverages its patented proprietary technology in partnership with brand leaders in specific market segments to offer users multi-user environments that have interactive Avatars, rich media graphics, text chat, voice-to-voice chat, video and e-commerce.
Worlds.com is seeking damages from NCSoft, plus the assurance that it will not infringe its “Scalable Virtual World Chat Client-Server System” patent.
Thanks, Kotaku.
By Mike Bowden
Viewing one response
Esha said:
Anyone who’s been involved with IP or knows something about the subject will know that the patent system is a fairly entertaining joke, right now, and one in need of an overhaul.
I’ve even seen a few amusing takes on this already, but the best one has to be this Penny Arcade comic.