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Nintendo Wii accused of infringing US Patent
11/11/2008

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US-based Hillcrest Laboratories has filed a complaint with the US International Trade Commission (ITC), alleging that Nintendo has infringed Hillcrest’s patents in the making of its Wii video game. Wii has been a great success since its launch in 2006. If it is found that the Wii video game was made with infringed technology, the ITC has the power to bar the game from the US.

Hillcrest has also filed a similar patent infringement suit in the U.S. District Court in Maryland.

Hillcrest has offered motion-detecting technology since 2001, allowing users to use a handheld device to interact with digital media displayed on a television screen, and says that they have licensed its technology to leading consumer electronics companies, including Eastman Kodak. The Wii features a handheld motion-sensing controller that allows users to direct play on a television screen, by swinging it like a golf club or a baseball bat.

Nintendo said that although it respects the patents of other companies, it did not infringe Hillcrest’s patents and will “vigorously defend” its position.

Danie Pienaar
Candidate Attorney
danie-p@adamsadams.co.za
James Davies
Partner
james-d@adamsadams.co.za
  Featured Act Electronic Communications & Transactions Act
To provide for the facilitation and regulation of electronic communications and transactions; to provide for the development of a national e-strategy for the Republic; to promote universal access to electronic communications and transactions and the use of electronic transactions by small, medium and micro enterprises; to provide for human resource development in electronic transactions; to prevent abuse of information systems; to encourage the use of e-government services; and to provide for matters connected therewith.
Download act 		  Featured Case Law Cadbury (Pty) Ltd v. Beacon Sweets & Chocolates (Pty) Ltd & another 2000 (2) SA 771 (SCA.)
Both Cadbury (Pty) Limited ("Cadbury") and Beacon Sweets and Chocolates (Pty) Limited ("Beacon") are manufacturers and distributors of sweets and confectionery.
Download case law 		  Related People James Davies
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