http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=238059 Today's News!!!

MS forces Sony to scrap 'Arc'?

Monday 8-Mar-2010 11:35 AM Microsoft-owned trademark has affected rival's plans, say sources

A Microsoft trademark could have forced Sony to rename its PS3 motion wand.

Though it's never been officially Christened, the PS3 motion controller has been heavily tipped to be called 'Arc' - with several third-party execs coining the name.

It's emerged this morning, however, that a range of Microsoft-trademarked PC accessories of the same name could have forced Sony to change its plans.

Industry sources have this morning told CVG that Sony is considering a quick renaming of the device - to avoid potential confusion and clashes with Microsoft over the trademark.
SCEA's Patrick Seybold admitted 'PlayStation Arc' is a "rumoured codename" for the controller last month, after THQ president Brian Farrell used the Arc name in an investor call.

Of course the other name being chucked about for the PS3 wand is 'Gem', and Disney Interactive recently used it recently in public.

When contacted, an SCE spokesperson issued a straight "no comment" on our report.

a trademark for a mouse wouldnt affect a gaming controller's name.

WOW
That's the most provocative and misleading headline I have ever seen!

yup a trademark for a mouse only applies to a mouse, end of thread, lock in bound....
also misleading title as well, not good

what exactly is that thing MS trademarked?

It's a mouse, but it doesn't matter because MS and Sony are int he same line of business. Kinda like Burger King Making a hotdog and calling it a Big Mac!....

source?

So I can call my game Playstation then? I mean the trademark only applies for the console, not a game. Doubt it.

I've always preferred Gem over Arc.

Sure, you can make an arc with a movement of your arm, but you don't directly relate that when thinking of the motion controller. Gem, however, is easily visible on the top of the device. It can be a rubi when red, ambar when yellow, emerald when green, etc. It resembles a Gem.

It depends on the scope of the trademark. Is it for a mouse or for an input device?

And if your rival is going to make it difficult -- threatening litigation that might delay your product from coming out -- then you probably go with a different name.

Mike from Morgantown

Misleading thread title -_-