Nintendo Patent Could Prove Awkward For Microsoft’s Xbox Live

According to Webpronews a recently approved patent for Nintendo could lead to lawsuits against other game console manufacturers. The patent was originally filed in 2000 and is for a videogame instant messaging system. The patent covers a chat system that involves a remotely stored buddy list, allows for multiple statuses, and could broadcast information about gaming activities. It would also display alerts when new e-mail is received, enable the transmission of player preferences, and allow for communication through either voice or text messages.

Two aging products, the Nintendo64 and the Game Boy Color, are mentioned in the patent, but there is speculation that the system could be implemented in the upcoming Wii. It may also serve as a bartering chip against software giant Microsoft. It looks as though Microsoft’s Xbox Live system may infringe upon Nintendo’s new patent.

If so, Nintendo could try to reach a cross-licensing deal that would allow it to delve into areas covered by some of Microsoft’s patents. Sony is another potential target if Nintendo tries to pursue the matter. It’s possible that nothing will come of this. It’s also possible that we’ll see a voice chat-enabled Wii, and a huge court battle between Nintendo and Microsoft. Of course, there are a few likelihoods that fall between those potential outcomes.

If anyone does cause a dispute out of this it would be very weird for Microsoft as being a member of Xbox Live since it first came out I know that the messaging system that Microsoft has in place is one of the best things the Xbox and the 360 has going for it and I couldn’t imagine Xbox Live without it. Hopefully all the online gaming systems will have their own “Xbox Live” and be just as great. Go ahead and give us your thoughts about these rumors by commenting after the jump.

Via Webpronews

According to Webpronews a recently approved patent for Nintendo could lead to lawsuits against other game console manufacturers. The patent was originally filed in 2000 and is for a videogame instant messaging system. The patent covers a chat system that involves a remotely stored buddy list, allows for multiple statuses, and could broadcast information about gaming activities. It would also display alerts when new e-mail is received, enable the transmission of player preferences, and allow for communication through either voice or text messages.

Two aging products, the Nintendo64 and the Game Boy Color, are mentioned in the patent, but there is speculation that the system could be implemented in the upcoming Wii. It may also serve as a bartering chip against software giant Microsoft. It looks as though Microsoft’s Xbox Live system may infringe upon Nintendo’s new patent.

If so, Nintendo could try to reach a cross-licensing deal that would allow it to delve into areas covered by some of Microsoft’s patents. Sony is another potential target if Nintendo tries to pursue the matter. It’s possible that nothing will come of this. It’s also possible that we’ll see a voice chat-enabled Wii, and a huge court battle between Nintendo and Microsoft. Of course, there are a few likelihoods that fall between those potential outcomes.

If anyone does cause a dispute out of this it would be very weird for Microsoft as being a member of Xbox Live since it first came out I know that the messaging system that Microsoft has in place is one of the best things the Xbox and the 360 has going for it and I couldn’t imagine Xbox Live without it. Hopefully all the online gaming systems will have their own “Xbox Live” and be just as great. Go ahead and give us your thoughts about these rumors by commenting after the jump.

Via Webpronews