Fri, Apr 02, 2010 | 10:07 BST
MS sues Datel over alleged controller patent infringement
Microsoft’s suing Datel over its TurboFire and WildFire 360 wireless controllers, claiming the UK firm’s copied its own handsets.
The lawsuit, filed in in Seattle, asks for an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and payment of royalties or profits Datel made from the sales.
Microsoft also wants an injunction placed on manufacturing the disputed controllers.
The Wildfire controller retails for just over €30 in Europe and $35 in the US.
It’s Good Friday today, so don’t expect comment from either MS or Datel until later. Via Reuters.
6 comments
#1
Eregol
02/04/10, 10:25 am
I thought it was always the case that 3rd party controllers looked like the ones they’re on the console for?
I don’t recall first party 360 controllers having rapid fire settings.
#2
Retroid
02/04/10, 11:12 am
Are these wireless? That might explain it, as I think MS licence that tech out and Datel have a history of reverse engineering stuff.
#3
Gekidami
02/04/10, 11:47 am
One is wired the other isnt.
I think its because the design is to close to the original. Normally unofficial pads, whilst looking alot like the official ones tend to have some obvious differences in design.
#4
NoxNoctisUmbra
02/04/10, 3:02 pm
Microsoft is getting Desperate, suing all the companies, making sure no 3rd party memory cards, now soon to make sure no 3rd party everything else.. Why can’t they be like SONY, making quality products, and allow any 3rd party companies to make whatever they wish.
#5
Bulk Slash
02/04/10, 3:14 pm
That’s pretty low. Poor old Datel have had their market taken away piece by piece for a while now. Back when the consoles weren’t locked down tighter than a 6th form girls’ dormitory they could make cheat discs and boot discs.
Without that they’re stuck making memory cards and joypads. Last year MS destroyed their memory card business and now they’re taking away their joypad business. Microsoft need to fuck off and leave companies like Datel alone.
#6
Retroid
02/04/10, 5:45 pm
NoxNoctisUmbra said: “Microsoft is getting Desperate, suing all the companies, making sure no 3rd party memory cards, now soon to make sure no 3rd party everything else.”
Yup.
That’s why they’re adding USB data support on 6th April.
….
HANG ON…