PS2, PS3, PSP, and More Targeted in Semiconductor Patent Suit

[fitbabits]

Gamasutra (http://www.gamasutra.com) is reporting that Agere Systems have filed a lawsuit against Sony alleging infringement on eight of its semiconductor patents.

You can read the full details here (http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=10081).

According to a report by consumer website GameSpot, Pennsylvanian electronics company Agere Systems has filed a lawsuit against Sony for alleged infringement of eight of its semiconductor patents.

The patents involve not just the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3 and PSP, but also Sony VAIO laptops, Handycams, Walkman, Memory Stick Duos and Location Free TV. Agere lawyers claim that Sony was fully aware of the infringements, and as a result, has asked that damages be increased by as much as 300 percent.

Damn! Sony and bad news seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly these days. It will be interesting to watch this one develop over time.

[Heretic Machine]

They're asking for a jury trial? That tells me that Agere Systems doesn't have a leg to stand on.

[SexualChoc]

How can they know that it's in the PS3?

[Zanzibar]

This is a longshot; they're hoping that Sony balks after losing the Immersion lawsuit and settles with them for a wad of cash.

[Rakael]

This is complete bullshit. Just some money hungry fuckers who smell blood.

[Goronmon]

This is complete bullshit. Just some money hungry fuckers who smell blood.Certainly sounds like it.

[Pantsmonkey]

Nintendo didn't have access to Gyro tech and had to buy a big chunk of Gyration / Thompson to get it. Patents are very finicky things. I cannot find the Patent Whoring definition but I am sure you can all guess.

Sony simply may have used patented technology in a whole schwag of there tech. In law ignorance is now excuse.

*** is paying a bunch in EU fines and still makes money doing so it's cost effective. Sony probably knows that they can eventually get in trouble and still come out on top.

It's like those risk assesors that decided it was more cost effective to allow a small percentage of 4WD vehicles that had a minor production fault to have minor rear end collisions and blow up and pay damages instead of engaging a full on product recall.

There is some really fucked up logic that goes into decisions in the BIG Co's. It's all about how much you can get away with and for how long!

[AbeLincoln]

Mmmm, peanut butter and jelly.

[Kamalot]

Mmmm, peanut butter and jelly.
Heh, you beat me to it.

[jacktion]

Sony seems to be plagued by bad news lately. There seem to be two theories about this. Some people curse those who are suing Sony and cry out at the injustice of Sony's persecution. They say that people just misunderstand Sony and that the PS3 will be so powerful that it will show everyone that Sony is awesome and truly a righteous company. The other side of that opinion is that all this bad news is the result of some very spectacularly stupid people achieving high positions in Sony's management. This view holds that most of this "bad news" is just the logical result of Sony making bad decisions. No one forced the rootkit fiasco on Sony. That was their own idea. No one forced Sony to attempt to shoehorn blueray into the market even after the beta/MD/pro duo/umd formats never achieved much success. I would say that if one objectively looks at the facts and tries to judge the situation fairly, that Sony is being run by idiots. They are ruining the company and using business practices that get them sued, a lot.

[Kamalot]

No one forced the rootkit fiasco on Sony. That was their own idea. No one forced Sony to attempt to shoehorn blueray into the market even after the beta/MD/pro duo/umd formats never achieved much success. I would say that if one objectively looks at the facts and tries to judge the situation fairly, that Sony is being run by idiots. They are ruining the company and using business practices that get them sued, a lot.

Quoted for insightful truth.

If Sony has production problems because they chose to put a complicated, new processor in their machine, that's not my problem and not my fault. If they can't produce enough units this fall and people buy 360s instead, who is to blame?

[bapenguin]

Mmmm, peanut butter and jelly.

It's Peanut Butter jelly time!!!!! (http://www.ebaumsworld.com/flash/peanutbutter.html)

[Abash Alarmist]

It's Peanut Butter jelly time!!!!! (http://www.ebaumsworld.com/flash/peanutbutter.html)
I hate you...Oh so dearly.

[cppcrusader]

It's Peanut Butter jelly time!!!!! (http://www.ebaumsworld.com/flash/peanutbutter.html)

Damn you...and damn the horse that brung ya!

[Rakael]

Sony seems to be plagued by bad news lately. There seem to be two theories about this. Some people curse those who are suing Sony and cry out at the injustice of Sony's persecution. They say that people just misunderstand Sony and that the PS3 will be so powerful that it will show everyone that Sony is awesome and truly a righteous company. The other side of that opinion is that all this bad news is the result of some very spectacularly stupid people achieving high positions in Sony's management. This view holds that most of this "bad news" is just the logical result of Sony making bad decisions. No one forced the rootkit fiasco on Sony. That was their own idea. No one forced Sony to attempt to shoehorn blueray into the market even after the beta/MD/pro duo/umd formats never achieved much success. I would say that if one objectively looks at the facts and tries to judge the situation fairly, that Sony is being run by idiots. They are ruining the company and using business practices that get them sued, a lot.

Thanks for putting words into my mouth there buddy. I said this suit was bullshit, not that Sony is just some poor misunderstood company who is being picked on. The rootkit fiasco is a justified bitch, as are many other things Sony has done. This case is pure bullshit however. Just money hungry people who smell blood and see a good window to go after some cash. There will be more like this, I assure you.

[SexualChoc]

It's Peanut Butter jelly time!!!!! (http://www.ebaumsworld.com/flash/peanutbutter.html)

Ow. My ears. Bleeding. As are eyes. Please, no more.

[gzsfrk]

I'm no Sony fanboy (although I will defend to the death my right to play Guitar Hero on my trusty PS2), but my initial assumption is that this is just complete and utter mallarchey (sp.?).

While it's possible this was a case of willful patent infringement, I very highly suspect it's more likely a case of patent squatting, much like the Aeolas/MS deal. There are companies out there whose sole strategy is to come up with every technical ideal they can at as high/obscure a level as they can, get the patent approved, then wait for someone to implement one of their patents in their product(s), then wait for the product(s) to gain widespread acceptance in the marketplace, and then start with the lawsuits.

The Patent Office needs to be heavily, heavily reformed such that patents are granted only at a much more granular level than they are currently (one-click shopping, anyone?) and that they must enforce their patents as soon as they become aware of violations (as can be reasonably determined by a court of law) or risk losing the right to enforce in the future. One thing that really irks me about the Aeolas thing is, they are selectively enforcing their patent; that is to say, they have only chosen to go after MS, but not Apple's Safari browser, Firefox, nor any other violators of their patents. This, to me, indicates that they sued MS not on the basis of the principle of maintaining their intellectual property, but rather as part of their overall business plan. And any company whose business plan revolves around litigation is a cancer that should be obliterated, in my not-so-humble opinion.

While I'm at it, let me just say that the Lawyers class as a whole needs a severe nerf.

[Kamalot]

Thanks for putting words into my mouth there buddy. I said this suit was bullshit, not that Sony is just some poor misunderstood company who is being picked on. The rootkit fiasco is a justified bitch, as are many other things Sony has done. This case is pure bullshit however. Just money hungry people who smell blood and see a good window to go after some cash. There will be more like this, I assure you.
I didn't see it as anyone putting words into your mouth, but rather an analysis of the general sides people usually take towards Sony recently.

[Kamalot]

I'm no Sony fanboy (although I will defend to the death my right to play Guitar Hero on my trusty PS2)Gutiar Hero isn't limited to the Playstation and will appear on whichever platform is most popular next generation.

[Reanimated]

Great news :)

[gzsfrk]

Gutiar Hero isn't limited to the Playstation and will appear on whichever platform is most popular next generation.

Actually, Guitar Hero -IS- currently limited to Playstation (unless they get that PS2 emulator on the PC able to run it). And as far as I know, it's yet to be promised for any other platform, with Guitar Hero 2 presently slated for release on PS2 only (although based on the last interview I read, the developers seemed open to the idea of moving to other platforms).

I do agree that Red Octane will obviously release future entries in the series on whatever console(s) are dominant, unless they are paid a large sum of money by either Sony, MS, or Nintendo to be locked to their specific platform. But presently, if you want your GH fix, you need to either have a PS2 or own a time machine to travel to the future and pick up a PS3 (which still wouldn't work, come to think of it, unless Sony puts legacy game ports on their upcoming console).

[Kamalot]

Actually, Guitar Hero -IS- currently limited to Playstation (unless they get that PS2 emulator on the PC able to run it). And as far as I know, it's yet to be promised for any other platform, with Guitar Hero 2 presently slated for release on PS2 only (although based on the last interview I read, the developers seemed open to the idea of moving to other platforms).

I do agree that Red Octane will obviously release future entries in the series on whatever console(s) are dominant, unless they are paid a large sum of money by either Sony, MS, or Nintendo to be locked to their specific platform. But presently, if you want your GH fix, you need to either have a PS2 or own a time machine to travel to the future and pick up a PS3 (which still wouldn't work, come to think of it, unless Sony puts legacy game ports on their upcoming console).
I should have been more specific.

The creator of Guitar Hero is not exclusively tied to the playstation platform. In fact, I read an interview with someone from Red Octane (perhaps on 4colorRebellion) about the excitement they had for Wii and the possibility of making a number of games using the Wiimote.

I wan't trying to indicate you could play Guitar Hero on another platform, but the series isn't a 1st or 2nd party series that is controlled by Sony. No need to defend Sony, Guitar hero will go where the largest number of gamers are.

[fitbabits]

No need to defend Sony, Guitar hero will go where the largest number of gamers are.
Which is currently the PS2. And likely will be for the forseeable future.

[Khash]

I should have been more specific.

The creator of Guitar Hero is not exclusively tied to the playstation platform. In fact, I read an interview with someone from Red Octane (perhaps on 4colorRebellion) about the excitement they had for Wii and the possibility of making a number of games using the Wiimote.

I wan't trying to indicate you could play Guitar Hero on another platform, but the series isn't a 1st or 2nd party series that is controlled by Sony. No need to defend Sony, Guitar hero will go where the largest number of gamers are.
Would be nice if they released either a USB guitar or a wireless guitar and just release the game on all consoles. I'm no tech wizard but I would think something like that would be possible.

[GrinR]

My question is... just exactly when is it the perfect time to buy Sony stock? I don't think we're quite there yet, but it's getting pretty close.

[gzsfrk]

My question is... just exactly when is it the perfect time to buy Sony stock? I don't think we're quite there yet, but it's getting pretty close.

Ahh, to be young, unmarried, and have moderate amounts of money with which to speculate on the stock market again--sounds like fun.

However, the lion's share of my disposable income (and perhaps a bit more than that) is currently being diverted into an investment currently sleeping in her crib in the back room. :)

I suspect heavy returns once the investment "matures" to around 6 or 7 years and learns to play videogames with her Daddy.

(Watch her grow up and turn into some kind of Luddite or something. <shudder>)

[Kamalot]

Which is currently the PS2. And likely will be for the forseeable future.True. It is interesting to note that game sales have been doing quite well for the 360 though despite its smaller install base.

http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6152360

While PS2 may have a large install base, the top selling games belong to the DS and the 360. Any developer would be foolish not to look at that information.

One could say that the SNES also has a large install base, but if gamers aren't buying games for it any more, then the point is moot.

[gzsfrk]

Would be nice if they released either a USB guitar or a wireless guitar and just release the game on all consoles. I'm no tech wizard but I would think something like that would be possible.

A wireless USB guitar would be teh sweetness; could work with the PS2, Xbox 360, and (presumably) the PS3. (Is Wii going to have USB ports? I can't remember.)

[Salesmunn]

I am so SICK of hearing these Sony stories.

[cppcrusader]

My question is... just exactly when is it the perfect time to buy Sony stock? I don't think we're quite there yet, but it's getting pretty close.

Well, back in highschool in my senior economics class they had us playing the stockmarket on the stock sites that offered to let you play around with fake money. The class started before E3 so I knew stock was going to go up after that with the announcement of a launch date. I bought 100 shares at $150 each, then after the announcement I waited until it looked like it was going to peak and sold them all at $316. I made $16,600 in one swift stroke and still somehow got a C on that project.

Anyway, having not looked at Sony stock prices at all, I would think it is pretty close to time to buy. If not by the end of this month, then next month. Then after launch day sell everything and clean up.

[Kamalot]

I am so SICK of hearing these Sony stories.
I understand how such stories can hurt if you are tied emotionally to a company. Just let go.

If you can't deal with the stories, then don't click the headline.

[Returner]

God damn it now I want a peanut butter sandwich.

[MagicAlex]

Yay Pennsylvania! That's where I'm from. I think Agere may've even popped up when I was doing job searches in this area. I hope they win.

[fitbabits]

I am so SICK of hearing these Sony stories.
Not as sick as Sony, that's for sure. I mean, it's not like they're made up or anything.

[gzsfrk]

Anyway, having not looked at Sony stock prices at all, I would think it is pretty close to time to buy. If not by the end of this month, then next month. Then after launch day sell everything and clean up.

I would agree with you completely, except that I'm not yet 100% sure that the PS3 will come out this Fall. I'd say right now the odds are 75/25 that it will release more or less as scheduled. However, I don't think I'd lay a whole ton of money on those odds.

[gzsfrk]

I understand how such stories can hurt if you are tied emotionally to a company. Just let go.

If you can't deal with the stories, then don't click the headline.

Geez, Kam... I like you, your comments are a good read for the most part, but you are COLD as friggin' liquid nitrogen.

You, sir, are hardcore--a hardcore lover, and hard, hard, hardcore hater.

I salute you! :)

[Deathbane27]

It's Peanut Butter jelly time!!!!! (http://www.ebaumsworld.com/flash/peanutbutter.html)

http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/186/nanasig9ln.gif

[Rasputin_DEV]

You, sir, are hardcore--a hardcore lover, and hard, hard, hardcore hater.


Most... hard.... post.... ever....
hard....
hard....
/twitch

[OrangePulp]

I didn't see it as anyone putting words into your mouth, but rather an analysis of the general sides people usually take towards Sony recently.

He forgot the side that Kamalot is on, which seems to be hating all things sony, regardless of context.

From reading the article, it seems like things would be in Sony's favor, what with them having a prior agreement with the parent company of Agere. And the jury trial thing doesn't make Agere look very good to me; after the last elections, I haven't had much faith in my fellow countrymen's reasoning abilities.

[Thenetcase]

ROFLCOPTERLOLOLOL!!!

-tnc-

[Player 1]

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a390/fitbabits/BanHammer.jpg

User banned for trolling. If all you're going to do when you post is talk about how biased, anti-Sony, etc. the site is and do nothing to redress the alleged imbalance, then there's not really any point in posting at all. Whiners piss me off.

[Magnanimous Gnome]

I had a peanut butter and (strawberry) jelly sandwiche today and was very disappointed. It was just gross.

I've found that to be the case with many of the overly-sweet things I enjoyed in my youth.

[Magnanimous Gnome]

Ahhhhhhhh!! :eek:

[bapenguin]

blah blah blah

And the point is?

[Zanzibar]

Yep, sure is a lot of negative Sony news these days.

Then again, if you rarely bother to report the positive (http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6153916.html) news it's very easy to demonise whatever company you see fit.

Evil Avatar, unbiased as ever, has no problems reporting negative Sony news about contraversial adverts as far away from their shores as Holland or phoning in staff-sackings from Hawaii (heck, they'll even tell you that the top execs did it whilst playing golf!) but somehow doesn't appear to report positive news from just a little bit further away like the UK.

I did a search for "Sony". Couldn't find this story on Evil Avatar. If it was covered it was pretty well hidden.

Of course, whenever there is a hint of positivity in a Sony story you can rely upon the unbiased Evil Avatar community to quash it with insightful and well thought out criticism. Or maybe they'll just yell "Riiiiidge Racer" for the quick and easy pun and think themselves witty in the process!

Gotta love that that truthful unbiased media!

Cheerioooooooooooooooooooo!

[Cue excuses, denial and a good chance of some name-calling]

Excuse: I don't usually read Gamespot, unless someone here links it.

What's YOUR excuse for not submitting it? Hit the 'Submit News' button from the front page, and go to town. There's even instructions here, (http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15008) so what's the problem?

[Magnanimous Gnome]

And the point is?


There is no spoon.


:cool:

[fitbabits]

There is no spoon.


:cool:
There may not be a spoon, but there is a Ban Hammer!

[Magnanimous Gnome]

There may not be a spoon, but there is a Ban Hammer!


Oh, please post the Banhammer picture! It makes me quiver with delight! :o

[dirtbag]

I agree that this whole lawsuit smells extremely fishy, but it couldn't happen to a nicer company! :)

[theguido]

So, that guy got banned, but the rabid anti-Sony folks, even when they descend into nonsensicalities, don't.

Not shocking--but we all know the way this site leans.

[cppcrusader]

So, that guy got banned, but the rabid anti-Sony folks, even when they descend into nonsensicalities, don't.

Not shocking--but we all know the way this site leans.

Yes, perpetuate the whining and bitching some more why don't you.

[dirtbag]

Actually, I still play my PS2 -- I prefer it to the original XBox; however, with all the crap surrounding the PS3, I don't mind seeing Sony get stung. I still think it's absurd to ask us to pay $200 more to have our game console double as the next potential Betamax (another Sony initiative).

[fitbabits]

So, that guy got banned, but the rabid anti-Sony folks, even when they descend into nonsensicalities, don't.

Not shocking--but we all know the way this site leans.
Read the reason why the user was banned. Paranoid ramblings from someone who's only remit is to troll topics looking for ones he/she can jump on and accuse us of favoritism is a sure way to get yourself kicked. Try it some time - you may end up in the same boat as Player 1 where you can both lament Sony's failings and blame sites like Evil Avatar for it all.

It has been said time and time again - if you don't like the negative Sony news, blame Sony. If you find some positive Sony news, submit it instead of lamenting the fact that we never do (we can't be everywhere at the same time). It's a two-way street here, buddy - quit moaning and do something about it if our 'leanings' bother you so much.

[Heretic Machine]

...News about Sony getting sued is posted, people who are generally regarded as being anti-Sony (like me) post their sentiments in FAVOR of Sony, and because of that EA is an anti-Sony site.

LOGIC

[fitbabits]

...News about Sony getting sued is posted, people who are generally regarded as being anti-Sony (like me) post their sentiments in FAVOR of Sony, and because of that EA is an anti-Sony site.

LOGIC
Yup! It's like swimming upstream in the River Shite!

[Twigz'N'Berries]

Does anyone know when the case will be heard? Personally, I don't know enough about the subject to speculate on whether they have a legitimate gripe or not. We know Sony has abused patents in the past and has used underhanded tax methods...like a lot of other companies. We also know that big companies are often the target of lawsuits because they are seen as faceless entities with wads of cash.

But if these guys do win and Sony has to pay a penalty for all of those technologies on a per unit sold basis...damn. All the money Sony just borrowed may be going to pay off these guys....and then some!

It makes me more interested in the penalties MS has to pay in the UK and Japan. How much do these lawsuits really hurt each company?

[dirtbag]

Civil litigation can go on for years before it ever goes to trial. There will be discovery (depositions, seeking documents, etc.), pretrial motions, motions for summary judgment, etc., before this even winds up on trial docket. The idea is often just to harrass the defendant into settling, so they can move on with their lives.

Since one of the alleged infringements involves the PS3, the Plaintiff can request an injunction, barring Sony from sales until the suit is done. If granted, that would be crippling. While these suits look like straightforward highway robbery sometimes, there are judges out there who would grant the injunction, maybe because they don't understand the technology involved, and maybe because they don't like big companies.