Viacom is appealing the decision of the New York Federal Court which granted Google’s (YouTube) motion for summary judgment that it was protected against claims of copyright infringement for videos uploaded to YouTube by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act’s safe harbor provisions. Viacom believes that Google is not entitled to…
Motorola Mobility Inc. recently brought an action before the U.S. International Trade Commission (“ITC”) against Microsoft Corp. relating to the importation of the Xbox 360 console. At the center of the controversy is the potential infringement of five patents covering digital video coding and transmission. The case is In re:…
American Express has partnered with Zynga to allow American Express Membership Rewards members to use their points to purchase goods in Zynga’s games. Membership Reward points are earned by using an American Express card for purchases, as well as through various promotions such double points for groceries or hotel stays.…
In October, tech media sources, such as CNET, were reporting that Facebook had acquired part of Zenbe’s intellectual property portfolio, in addition to hiring some of Zenbe’s key engineers. While Zenbe will stay intact, Zenbe Mail has been shut down, and the associated intellectual property, has been acquired by Facebook. …
Pillsbury is a proud sponsor of and contributor to the upcoming Gamification Summit on January 20 and 21 in San Francisco. Day 1 includes a Conference that will feature top thought leaders in game mechanics such as Gabe Zichermann (author, Game-Based Marketing), Amy Jo Kim (Gamification guru), Jane McGonigal* (TED…
Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony and Valve have been sued for patent infringement over two patents relating to purchasing products relating to games. The suit, filed by Olympic Developments AG, LLC, involves US Patents 5,475, 585 (“Transactional Processing System”) and 6,246,400 (“Device for Controlling Remote Interactive Receiver”). The ‘585 patent was issued…
Our Virtual Worlds & Social Media team is leading the way in understanding and addressing legal issues for a number of cutting-edge interactive and immersive technologies, including augmented reality. Some of our team members recently outlined IP, privacy and liability issues in a Q&A on Augmented Planet, a popular news…
Microsoft recently agreed to buy Canesta, which makes gesture control technology. This appears to be part of a roll up strategy by Microsoft having purchased 3DV Systems and licenses from GestureTek and PrimeSense. A recent article in Venture Beat speculates that Microsoft may be close to having ownership of or…
Everglades Interactive, LLC has filed a patent litigation against a number of social game companies for alleged infringement of USP 6,656,050. The patent is entitled “Odds Accelerator for Promotional Type Sweepstakes, Games, and Contests.” A sample claim of the patent is as follows: A method enabling at least one player…
There has been much buzz about Zynga’s attempt to patent virtual currency. As is often the case with patents, there is much hype, many misconceptions and little focus on the actual facts. Here are the facts. 1. Zynga does not have a patent on virtual currency. It has applied for…