Gibson sues Harmonix, MTV Networks, Electronic Arts in another lawsuit

Even after suing gaming companies and retailers over Guitar Hero, Gibson Guitar is still in a roll with its legal bulldozer. Claiming that Rock Band (Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3) violated their concert simulator patent, Gibson has already added Harmonix, MTV Networks, and Electronic Arts to its “To-Sue” list. More details in the full article!

As we have reported in a previous article, guitar maker Gibson Guitar recently filed a lawsuit against six major retailers (Wal-Mart, Amazon, Kmart, GameStop, Target, Toys “R” Us), aside from Activision. But now, Gibson has added more names to its legal bulldozer with a second patent infringement lawsuit that now includes Harmonix, its owner MTV Networks, and game publisher Electronic Arts.

According to Gibson’s latest suit, Harmonix’ Rock Band (Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3) violated one of their patents, which describes a device being used to simulate a concert performance. The device consists of a musical instrument, and 3D visuals supplied by a head-mounted 3D display with stereo speakers.

It should also be noted that before Gibson took action and attempted legal action on other game makers and retailers, Activision sued Gibson, asking for an official declaration that it is not violating Gibson’s patent in any way.

Similar to Activision, which declared that Gibson’s claims are “disingenuous and lack any justification,” Harmonix responded to the lawsuit by saying that Gibson’s patent infringement suit is “completely without merit.” Harmonix explained:

Gibson’s patent, filed nearly 10 years ago, required a 3D display, a real musical instrument and a recording of a concert. Rock Band and Guitar Hero are completely different: among other things they are games, require no headset and use a controller only shaped like a real instrument.

There you have it. We just wish that this issue will get a speedy resolution, so gamers will have less time to waste and more time to rock and roll.