Microsoft has slapped UK-based peripheral maker Datel with a lawsuit, citing allegations of patent infringement over the company’s TurboFire and WildFire wireless line of controllers. In addition to asking for a manufacturing injunction, Microsoft is seeking an “unspecified amount” of damages and payments of royalties or profits generated from sales of the unlicensed, third-party product.

From an aesthetic standpoint, the resemblance between these controllers isn’t quite there. Presumably, Microsoft’s claims of infringement refer to the underlying technology used. Circumventing encryption routines and security measures is familiar territory for Datel.

Available in black and white flavors, the controllers sell for $30 at select online retailers, offering turbo functionality that can be progmatically configured across eight buttons.

Microsoft sues UK game controller maker [Reuters]

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