Nintendo has been the defendant in a long-standing case of patent infringement brought against them by Creative Kingdoms. This patent case could have blocked both Wii and Wii U sales in the United States, due to the motion sensor technology used in the Wii remotes. Creative Kingdoms alleged that similar technology was available in the magic toy wands that were used for casting spells at several of their attractions and that Nintendo infringed their patents by using this technology in both the Wii and the Wii U.
Nintendo was found not guilty by the International Trade Commission, meaning that the ITC found Nintendo did not infringe Creative Kingdom’s patents in the creation of the motion technology of the Wii and the Wii U. In addition, the commission found that Creative Kingdom’s patents were invalid.
Richard Medway, counsel for Nintendo of America had this to say about the ruling:
“We are pleased with the commission’s determination. Nintendo’s track record demonstrates that we vigorously defend patent lawsuits when we believe we have not infringed another party’s patent. Nintendo continues to develop unique and innovative products while respecting the intellectual property rights of others.”
It looks like the Wii and the Wii U will continue to be available in the United States.
