Breaking: Gibson Files Suit Against EA, MTV

by Mike Bendel March 21, 2008 @ 5:22 pm


Guitar-maker Gibson has filed a lawsuit against EA and MTV, parent company of developer Harmonix, asserting patent infringement. The suit in question specifically names Rock Band, as well as various entries in the Guitar Hero series that were created and developed by Harmonix.

Gibson is claiming that the games infringe on a patent issued in 1999 for technology to simulate a musical performance.

The company brought the same infringement notice to the attention of Activision’s legal team two weeks ago but did not file suit. Activision responded with a preemptive suit seeking a court ruling to declare Gibson’s patent invalid and to stop it from claiming damages.

Hit the jump for Harmonix’s official statement.

This lawsuit is completely without merit and we intend to defend it vigorously.

Gibson’s patent, filed nearly 10 years ago, required a 3D display, a real musical instrument and a recording of a concert. Rock Band and Guitar Hero are completely different: among other things they are games, require no headset and use a controller only shaped like a real instrument. It is unfortunate that Gibson unfairly desires to share in the tremendous success enjoyed by the developers of Rock Band and Guitar Hero.

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