Posted Mar 20, 2008 at 10:45PM by Rio S. Listed in: Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Games for Windows Tags: Activision, Wal-Mart, patent, Amazon, Kmart, Gibson
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Gibson Guitar files suit against 6 major retailers for selling Guitar Hero - Image 1 We've seen a volley of lawsuits and countersuits, statements and counter-statements in the current patent argument between Gibson Guitar and Guitar Hero publisher, Activision. Now, the guitar makers have taken the fight to the retail level, filing suit against six major retailers including Wal-Mart, Amazon, Kmart, GameStop, Target, and Toys "R" Us for selling the video games.

In case you missed our previous reports, it all started when Gibson filed suit against Activision, claiming that the Guitar Hero franchise infringed its 1999 patent for "System and Method for Generating and Controlling a Simulated Musical Concert Experience." The receiving end of the flak, Activision, answered with a countersuit and a statement. This time, Gibson has filed a suit against the retailers for selling Guitar Hero.

According to reports, Gibson's lawsuit says that the company "has been damaged and will continue to be damaged by the aforesaid infringement unless defendants are enjoined, preliminarily and permanently, from selling and offering for sale infringing products ..."

We'll keep you posted on more news regarding this legal battle, stay tuned.



Buy: [ Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (Xbox 360), (Wii) ]
Buy: [ Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (PS3), (PC) ]


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9 Comments


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   by teh not so 1337 g@m3r - 2008-03-21
 » and....

What about Rock Band? Same thing isn't it so why aren't they taking any heat?


   Re: Silver-Tiger - 2008-03-21
 » ...

There is no difference. Gibson is just another one of these filthy money-hungry douches who seek after a mistake in the rights management.
Just like the Buzz douche.

   Re: Rio S. (QJ. NET Staff) - 2008-03-21
 » ...

looks like they ARE suing Rock Band too. I mean Harmonix, MTV, and EA.
   by CHUCKINGROCKSATSPACESHIPS - 2008-03-21
 » Not The Retailers Fault

They did not give the patent to Activision. If a patent was issued to Activision for Guitar Hero by the U.S. patent office, how can anyone be liable for that besides the patent office themselves? The retailers just sale the merchandise, they did not make the product.

   by CHUCKINGROCKSATSPACESHIPS - 2008-03-21
 » Jack Thompson story

Hey Qj! Why didn't you guys give the option for us to comment on the Jack Thompson story?


   Re: FreePlay - 2008-03-21
 » .

Is it really necessary to celebrate?

   Re: Chris C. (QJ. NET Staff) - 2008-03-21
 » Jack Thompson Story

The article will be open for commenting shortly.
   by OwNeR_OHG - 2008-03-21
 » gibson les paul is in GH3 bundle

Why is Gibson letting Activision sell the Les Paul in the bundle if they infrigened on their patent?

   by LordQuas431 - 2008-03-21
 » .

Geez Gibson is like the Metallica of peripherals



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