Gibson: Activision's 'Guitar Hero' violates patent

Almost three years after game's release, guitar maker says it violates a 1999 Gibson patent; Activision moves to have it declared invalid.
(From Reuters)

The story "Gibson: Activision's 'Guitar Hero' violates patent" published March 13, 2008 at 7:30 AM is no longer available on CNET News.

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[krosavcheg]

Narrow patent

Since Gibson's patent requires a musical instrument, recorded performers and a headset providing a 3D immersive environment their patent fails to cover this lesser offering.

Since Gibson obviously created that patent to preempt someone else from providing such an environment without having to provide it themselves the patent should be interpreted in the narrowest of fashions. Frankly the patent as described fails to pass the "obvious" test anyway.

[frankz00]

Isn't it bad enough they sell overpriced guitars?

Now they want to butt in on affordable fake guitars?

[chuck_whealton]

Re: Isn't it bad enough they sell overpriced guitars?

I'd agree with Activision that by letting them go for three years and THEN raising the issue is plain wrong.

Let the game become a serious success and THEN look for more dollars? That should be seen for what it is.