Digital Journal — Call it David versus Goliath. An interface electronics company is suing Nintendo, claiming Wii’s remote infringes on a 1997 patent.
California-based Interlink Electronics accuses Nintendo of selling a product mirroring its patent titled “Trigger Operated Electronic Device” (patent no. 6,850,221). The suit claims the trigger component in Wii’s innovative motion-sensor remote bears more than just a passing resemblance to Interlink’s patent; it directly violates it.
Interlink claims it has suffered damages and reduced sales and profits. The company is asking for a restraining order against the sale of Nintendo’s controller, as well as three times the assessed damage including interest. Interlink has also demanded a trial by jury.
But let’s take a closer look at the differences between the two devices. Interlink’s concept envisions a remote “for operating a cursor in a computer system.” The Wiimote is being used solely for a video game console. Also, Interlink’s patent involves a touch-sensitive pad and mouse, and not the movement of the entire remote.
If you look at Interlink’s drawing of their unit (right), you’d see a lot of the Wiimote in that sketch. But is this a case of patent infringement or coincidence? I got a feeling Nintendo will always lead by example, and never seek to borrow ideas when it can innovate on its own.
The Wii has been such a runaway success it’s almost expected to learn about sour grapes trickling into headlines. What is inexcusable, though, is a blatant attempt to win acclaim for a wishful-thinking product that hasn’t even reached the market yet.
Too many patents are issued for concepts that have not materialized, and Interlink’s suit is one example of inventing gone mad.
