MICROSOFT SUES IMMERSION FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT
How’s this for a twist? Microsoft has filed a lawsuit against Immersion stating that the company is in breach of the contract the two companies signed when they settled Immersion’s vibration feedback lawsuit against Microsoft back in 2003. Apparently the dispute comes down to certain monetary compensation Microsoft was supposed to receive as part of their purchasing a stake in Immersion at the time.
Quite humorously, ArsTechnica is reporting that at least part of the dispute comes down to Microsoft feeling they are entitled to part of the money that Sony paid out to Immersion when they lost the patent infringement suit brought in regards to the haptic vibration technology used in the Dual Shock controller.
“The complaint details the Sublicense Agreement (SLA) that Microsoft and Immersion entered into in 2003, following the settlement between the two parties. According to the complaint, the SLA entitles Microsoft to a minimum $15 million payment as a result of Immersion’s settlement with Sony. Microsoft and Immersion apparently agreed to share the bounty that would stem from a court battle with Sony, and Microsoft says they have yet to be paid.” – ArsTechnica
The lawsuit shouldn’t have any bearing on Microsoft’s license to use Immersions vibration technology with the Xbox 360, so doomsayers on that end should probably be ignored. For more details on all the specifics, check out the full article over at ArsTechnica.
SONY SETTLES IMMERSION LAWSUIT – RUMBLE TO FOLLOW?
Gamespot is reporting that Sony has finally settled with Immersion Corporation on the vibration feedback patent dispute case that most believe resulted in the Sixaxis controller not supporting vibration feedback. In addition to settling the dispute over the patent infringement issues with the PlayStation 2 and Dual Shock Controller, Sony has also entered an agreement to work with Immersion on bringing "advanced vibration feedback" to the PlayStation 3;
"Our new business agreement with Sony Computer Entertainment is specifically intended to enable advanced vibration capability for the benefit of the PlayStation gaming community, we are happy to provide our technology in this regard and hope to make technical proposals very soon with respect to use of our technology in the PlayStation products." – Victor Viegas, CEO Immersion Corporation
Let me go on the record right now as saying I don’t care what anyone else may say about having to buy additional controllers, should Sony roll out vibration feedback, unless Sony does something exceptionally stupid , I’ll be more than happy to purchase 2 new controllers for my PlayStation 3 if it means that I can get some rumblin’ action.
- Sony and Immersion Patch Up – Gamespot
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