Microsoft sues Datel over Xbox 360 controllers
Microsoft has sued Datel, the gaming-accessory company, over its third-party Xbox 360 controllers, alleging the U.K. company infringed five Microsoft patents.
The software superpower says technology used in Datel's TurboFire and WildFire controllers, which work with Microsoft's Xbox 360, infringes a group of U.S. patents Microsoft was granted within the past three years. Microsoft said it filed a similar complaint Wednesday in the United Kingdom.
"We have filed a complaint in the U.S. against Datel, alleging that its products violate our design registrations for Xbox controllers," Microsoft spokesman Kevin Kutz said in a statement. "We have a robust licensing program that ensures high standards and contributes to a great experience for the Xbox gamer community. We have a responsibility to protect that program and the companies that are part of it, as well as our own intellectual property."
Top to bottom: Datel, Microsoft and Datel controllers for the Xbox 360.The lawsuit comes as things heat up between Microsoft and Datel. In November, after Microsoft locked out unauthorized Xbox 360 memory units, Datel sued the Redmond-based company with antitrust accusations.
Thursday's lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, in Seattle. Microsoft is seeking monetary damages, attorneys fees and injunctive relief.
Datel did not immediately respond to seattlepi.com requests for comment.
Download Microsoft's complaint (PDF)
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