Sony may be off the hook this time, but it looks like the other two major console manufacturers are in for some serious legal trouble. In a complaint filed on July 31, 2006 by Anascape Ltd., this obscure Texas-based company claims that both Microsoft and Nintendo have infringed no less than 12 of its patents, involving game controllers and various hardware. Some of these patents are called "3D Controller with Vibration", "Analog Sensor with Snap Through Tactile Feedback", "Game controller with analog pressure sensor(s)", "Remote Controller with Analog Pressure Sensor" and "Variable Conductance Sensor with Elastomeric Dome Cap", and apparently they were awarded to Anascape between 1999 and 2005.

Knowing how Sony also had its fair share of patent infringement lawsuits lately - most notably the long running dispute against Immersion (story), it's interesting that no charges were brought against Sony this time. At least not yet.

Anascape has already called for a jury trial, in an attempt to settle their dispute with Microsoft and Nintendo in less amiable ways. They described Microsoft and Nintendo's alleged infringements as "willful and deliberate, entitling Anascape to enhanced damages", and so Anascape is seeking payment with interest for damages it suffered as a result of the alleged infringement, and an accounting of Nintendo and Microsoft revenues that stemmed from the use of the patents. If a judge doesn't rule for a permanent injunction against the companies' use of the patents, Anascape is also asking for them to be made to pay a compulsory licensing fee to keep using them.

Boy, it sure sucks being a console manufacturer at times like these.

(N.B. Archive text, links removed)