Nintendo gets sued for its Wiimote

Nothing says “you’re a success” better than a lawsuit. Just ask Borat creator Sacha Baron Cohen. Or Apple. Microsoft. Sony. You can add Nintendo to that list.

The Japanese company was sued by California-based Interlink Electronics for the Wii’s copyright infringements on their very own Trigger Operated Electronic Device. The Trigger Operated Electronic Device, according to the company’s patent as an “Ergonomically effective mouse for operating a computer” and an invention that “relates to a trigger operated electronic device… it concerns a mouse for operating a cursor in a computer system.”

Although the diagrams of Interlink’s device is no dead ringer for Nintendo’s Wiimote, Interlink claims ownership of the trigger element common to both. Interlink said Nintendo’s Wiimote has caused them loss of royalties and reduced sales and profits. The company wants a restraining order against the sale of Nintendo’s controller, payment for assessed damages (multiplied three times plus interest) and reimbursement of legal fees. The company also demanded a trial by jury.

Nintendo has this to say about the issue: the company doesn’t comment on pending litigation.

Nothing says “you’re a success” better than a lawsuit. Just ask Borat creator Sacha Baron Cohen. Or Apple. Microsoft. Sony. You can add Nintendo to that list.

The Japanese company was sued by California-based Interlink Electronics for the Wii’s copyright infringements on their very own Trigger Operated Electronic Device. The Trigger Operated Electronic Device, according to the company’s patent as an “Ergonomically effective mouse for operating a computer” and an invention that “relates to a trigger operated electronic device… it concerns a mouse for operating a cursor in a computer system.”

Although the diagrams of Interlink’s device is no dead ringer for Nintendo’s Wiimote, Interlink claims ownership of the trigger element common to both. Interlink said Nintendo’s Wiimote has caused them loss of royalties and reduced sales and profits. The company wants a restraining order against the sale of Nintendo’s controller, payment for assessed damages (multiplied three times plus interest) and reimbursement of legal fees. The company also demanded a trial by jury.

Nintendo has this to say about the issue: the company doesn’t comment on pending litigation.