Clock Crew

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601101&sid=aHQODoKwFYrA&refer=japan

QuoteKonami Corp., the Japanese creator of the ``Dance Dance Revolution'' music video game, sued Viacom Inc.'s Harmonix studio, claiming its ``Rock Band'' game violates patents.

The Konami patents, issued in 2002 and 2003, relate to simulated musical instruments, a music-game system and a ``musical-rhythm matching game.'' Konami also makes the ``Karaoke Revolution'' music game with microphones, as well as the ``Metal Gear Solid'' espionage game.

Konami is demanding cash compensation, plus an order that would block Viacom and Harmonix from using the inventions, according to the complaint, filed yesterday in federal court in Marshall, Texas. The suit names Harmonix Music Systems, Viacom, and Viacom's MTV Networks Co., which owns Harmonix.

Oh, way to Benedict Arnold on your competitors Konami, didn't Harmonix also help you with the aforementioned karaoke game before Rock Band?

Anyway, it's Konami - 2, Knockoffs - 0

I just knew this would happen

I'm curious as to why they're not suing Activision, though, since Guitar Hero was technically the first "rip-off". I know GH 1 and 2 were made by Harmonix, but according to this suit, Activision is still currently violating the patents.

Either way, I hope it's thrown out.

Konami will thrash them

I Now hate Konami Forever

Konami invented the very concept of any rhythm based game at all.
No matter the instruments or the dancing.

What a bunch of fucktards, if they even cared so much, why did they wait until NOW?

Quote from: Nightmare Clock;1360315Konami invented the very concept of any rhythm based game at all.
No matter the instruments or the dancing.

What a bunch of fucktards, if they even cared so much, why did they wait until NOW?

Not only that, but I don't see how they can sue for that, or even patent it. I can just Nintendo patenting fitness games, or EA patenting life simulators next. Maybe if Harmonix directly stole patented designs for the instruments, but I doubt it.

No one can move to the beat with their feet, so they pretend to be rock stars. Therefore, Konami must take out the competition.

My respect for Konami just dropped a few bars.

Quote from: Losperman;1360224I'm curious as to why they're not suing Activision, though, since Guitar Hero was technically the first "rip-off". I know GH 1 and 2 were made by Harmonix, but according to this suit, Activision is still currently violating the patents.

Either way, I hope it's thrown out.

Actually, I think Activision actually licensed those patents.

rock band is a fucking gay concept HEY GUYS I CAN PRETEND TO HAVE TALEN TLOLOLOLOLOL

same with guitarhero

I think that's very douchebag from Konami, I mean.. its been years since Guitar Hero and the music game wave so why did they had to wait until now as Nightmare said.

Quote from: Honkclock;1360449rock band is a fucking gay concept HEY GUYS I CAN PRETEND TO HAVE TALEN TLOLOLOLOLOL

same with guitarhero

HEY GUYS VIDEO GAMES ARE FUCKING STUPID

WHY WOULD YOU PLAY MADDEN GO OUT AND BECOME A PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL PLAYER FUCK

NEED FOR SPEED IS FOR FAGGOTS GO OUT AND STREET RACE 4 REALZ

CALL OF DUTY IS FOR FAGGOTS GO OUT AND BE A REAL SOLDIER

See a comparison?

God why are you back.

Quote from: Losperman;1360320Not only that, but I don't see how they can sue for that, or even patent it.

I think they maybe just try to sue them, because they can. Since it would get them loads of money if they win, but probably not cost too much if they lose the trial.
It's like all those laser-pointer-producers, that sue Nintendo for their Wiimote.

PS:
And what's with that one game that actually ripped off DDR directly? You know, the one where the four arrows are diagonal, instead of horizontal/vertical. Why weren't they able to sue and pulverize the company who made those games?

Quote from: Nightmare Clock;1360463HEY GUYS VIDEO GAMES ARE FUCKING STUPID

WHY WOULD YOU PLAY MADDEN GO OUT AND BECOME A PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL PLAYER FUCK

NEED FOR SPEED IS FOR FAGGOTS GO OUT AND STREET RACE 4 REALZ

CALL OF DUTY IS FOR FAGGOTS GO OUT AND BE A REAL SOLDIER

See a comparison?

God why are you back.

The only difference is learning to play an instrument is a bit more feasible.

[edit] My brother used to play GH all the time, but recently he's been learning to really play the guitar and doesn't play GH anymore. lol

wait why and how does viacom tie into this, god damn

Quote from: RomanCollarClock;1360468[edit] My brother used to play GH all the time, but recently he's been learning to really play the guitar and doesn't play GH anymore. lol

good for him.

I just think people should learn to play and enjoy the actual instrument not just some game that is hardly similar to actually playing the guitar.

Quote from: Honkclock;1360493good for him.

I just think people should learn to play and enjoy the actual instrument not just some game that is hardly similar to actually playing the guitar.

Its called pipe dreaming people want to pretend they are the freaking shit in front of a non existant public that cheers up after the performance. For fucks sake I can't play shit on guitar but I play GH somethimes pretending I am good or something (even when I suck at GH) and I like Rock Band for the drums addition since I freaking love to drum out but can't afford a set.

Yeah why are you playing Super Mario when you can rescue a fucking princess yourself? HUH!?

Quote from: IcedTeaClock;1360464It's like all those laser-pointer-producers, that sue Nintendo for their Wiimote.

Since when is the Wiimote a laser pointer? They had motion sensor all the way back to Duck Hunt for the NES.

Also, Gibson has sued GH for copying their game. They made a similar game that was playing a guitar, and some other shit or something... I dunno, it was too stupid to pay attention to.

Quote from: SuperSexyIntelligentMan;1360514Also, Gibson has sued GH for copying their game. They made a similar game that was playing a guitar, and some other shit or something... I dunno, it was too stupid to pay attention to.

I thought it was licensed as you can see the Gibson logo on them? Or maybe I am missing a memo.

I'm pretty sure you can't copyright an idea. Hence why there are so many ripoffs of DDR.

Quote from: Raymond Dufayel;1360520I thought it was licensed as you can see the Gibson logo on them? Or maybe I am missing a memo.

I don't remember seeing a Gibson logo on any of the games... maybe I was the one with a missing memo.

Quote from: SuperSexyIntelligentMan;1360528I don't remember seeing a Gibson logo on any of the games... maybe I was the one with a missing memo.

Its on the PS3 guitars.

Quote from: Raymond Dufayel;1360541Its on the PS3 guitars.

Then how was Gibson sueing them?:confused:

Dance dance guitar hero
You play guitar hero whilst dancing on the DDR pads

I'd buy that

Quote from: Safe;1360549Dance dance guitar hero
You play guitar hero whilst dancing on the DDR pads

I'd buy that

Guitar Guitar Revolution

You dance on the guitar, while you strum the footboard.

Quote from: SuperSexyIntelligentMan;1360551Guitar Guitar Revolution

You dance on the guitar, while you strum the footboard.

Now we're getting somewhere!

And then Harmonix produces Rock Rock Revolution where you play drums, sing, strum the footboard and dance on the guitar

Quote from: SuperSexyIntelligentMan;1360548Then how was Gibson sueing them?:confused:

That's why I have no idea what the fuck is up with Gibson and Activision, politics maybe or leeching bullshit.

Quote from: RomanCollarClock;1360468The only difference is learning to play an instrument is a bit more feasible.

[edit] My brother used to play GH all the time, but recently he's been learning to really play the guitar and doesn't play GH anymore. lol

Wait, so if we go by what actually happens IN the game, it's more feasible to become a rockstar and get a full band together and tour the world than it is to become a football player?

I play the guitar if anyone's wondering why I'm arguing this side, it's just fucking idiotic to say something like
ONLY PUSSIES JACK CARS ON GTA REAL MEN GO DO IT IN REAL LIFE

Quote from: Raymond Dufayel;1360497Yeah why are you playing Super Mario when you can rescue a fucking princess yourself? HUH!?

because thats actually creative and so forth. you can actually play a guitar in real life where as i cant jump on giant living mushrooms and upright walking turtles.

Quote from: Nightmare Clock;1360561Wait, so if we go by what actually happens IN the game, it's more feasible to become a rockstar and get a full band together and tour the world than it is to become a football player?

I play the guitar if anyone's wondering why I'm arguing this side, it's just fucking idiotic to say something like
ONLY PUSSIES JACK CARS ON GTA REAL MEN GO DO IT IN REAL LIFE

I just think its a stupid fucking game did this have to turn into a debate? thats my opinion not yours you can enjoy the game if you enjoy it.

Quote from: Honkclock;1360567I just think its a stupid fucking game did this have to turn into a debate? thats my opinion not yours you can enjoy the game if you enjoy it.

It turned into a debate because, without provocation, you decided to post irrelevant rubbish in an attempt to turn it into one.

Quote from: Honkclock;1360449rock band is a fucking gay concept HEY GUYS I CAN PRETEND TO HAVE TALEN TLOLOLOLOLOL

same with guitarhero

Really now.

Quote from: ZDNet Article... Gibson, whose electric guitars are used by legendary blues and rock artists such as Eric Clapton, B.B. King, and Slash, has been a high-profile partner in the Guitar Hero games, with Activision licensing the rights to model its controllers on Gibson guitar models and to use their likenesses in the game.
        "Gibson is a good partner, and we have a great deal of respect for them. We disagree with the applicability of their patent and would like a legal determination on this," Activision general counsel George Rose said in a statement.
  Gibson could not be reached for comment.
  A copy of Gibson's patent included in the court filing showed a method for simulating a live performance using a musical instrument, a 3D headset with stereo speakers, and a prerecorded concert.
  "Based on our preliminary analysis, the Guitar Hero software (including any expansion packs) and the guitar controller provided by Activision being used as a musical instrument (packaged with the software or sold standalone) are covered by the ... patent," Gibson's law firm said in its January 7 letter. "Gibson requests that Activision obtain a license under Gibson's ... patent or halt sales of any version of the Guitar Hero game software."
 Activision said its games did not infringe Gibson's patent, and that by waiting three years to raise its claim, the guitar maker had granted an implied license for any technology.

Ok this is dumb bullshit, so they are claiming a lawsuit for something that was patented 9 years ago on something they authorized to brand on their games? What now? Lawsuit to Ford from Texaco because they didnt licensed their gas for that brand.

Quote from: Honkclock;1360565because thats actually creative and so forth. you can actually play a guitar in real life where as i cant jump on giant living mushrooms and upright walking turtles.

Sigh, I rest my case, people find it fun, that's all, as long people find it entertaining it is making the purpose.

Quote from: Nightmare Clock;1360561I play the guitar if anyone's wondering why I'm arguing this side, it's just fucking idiotic to say something like
ONLY PUSSIES JACK CARS ON GTA REAL MEN GO DO IT IN REAL LIFE

Over exaggerating a statement is fun.

now they just need to get rid of those shitty guitar homo games

Quote from: TremcladClock;1360570It turned into a debate because, without provocation, you decided to post irrelevant rubbish in an attempt to turn it into one.

Really now.

thats my opinion still isnt it?

Quote from: Honkclock;1360657thats my opinion still isnt it?

Before I played GH I had the same opinion as you. It's just fun, don't know where you got this idea about it giving people the impression they're rock stars.

Hoory! Viacom's Gonna take a hit. Too bad about Harrmonix. I don't care about Rock Band Though.

Quote from: SuperSexyIntelligentMan;1360514Since when is the Wiimote a laser pointer? They had motion sensor all the way back to Duck Hunt for the NES.

I don't think Duck Hunt would be considered to utilize motion sensor. It uses a light gun and stuff.
The Wii does have a motion sensor and also has that fancy doohickey that detects the infrared lights that are in the sensor bar.

I really lost some respect for Konami because of this suit, I prefer Guitar Hero over DDR, especially in music, Kodiak I actually play the guitar and GH is still fun, and you guys are turning this into a shit thread.

Quote from: Losperman;1360224I'm curious as to why they're not suing Activision, though, since Guitar Hero was technically the first "rip-off".

Guitar Hero has a different interface than Guitar Freaks, and has five buttons instead of three.  It's why Pump It Up can't be sued by Konami, because its dance pad arrows are in different locations, and there are more of them.

And they aren't suing Harmonix because DDR and Rock Band are music games, they're suing them because Rock Band has an interface and peripherals that are similar to Drum Mania, which is a different Konami music game that was only released in Japan.

I find it really annoying how game makers are copyrighting ideas.  If they keep doing that, game makers will have to check to make sure no one will sue them if they do a new idea, and they might opt out of doing something original so they don't get sued.
These I'm a edgy teen copyrights are destroying originality D:

Quote from: IcedTeaClock;1360464I think they maybe just try to sue them, because they can. Since it would get them loads of money if they win, but probably not cost too much if they lose the trial.
It's like all those laser-pointer-producers, that sue Nintendo for their Wiimote.

PS:
And what's with that one game that actually ripped off DDR directly? You know, the one where the four arrows are diagonal, instead of horizontal/vertical. Why weren't they able to sue and pulverize the company who made those games?

Actually, Konami already dealt with Andamiro and Pump it Up, way back when, I think it may have been an out-of-court settlement where Andamiro would stop trying to put Pump in Japan, and Konami would stop trying to put DDR in Korea and such, but there WERE lawsuits.

But then, In the Groove, they actually made people install their game (the first version of it...anyway, the Pump guys made them cabinets for the 2nd version) INSIDE DDR cabinets, and so forth. That was the classic lawsuit that started the whole "Konami will sue" catchphrase meme and such.

Also, yes, you cannot copyright ideas, facts, etc, but however, you can patent them giving you exclusive rights to manufacture products based off that patent, license it to other companies, or sue them when they make something similar (like we see here).

Quote from: :}|;1362131I find it really annoying how game makers are copyrighting ideas.  If they keep doing that, game makers will have to check to make sure no one will sue them if they do a new idea, and they might opt out of doing something original so they don't get sued.
These I'm a edgy teen copyrights are destroying originality D:

I copyright my idea of an Irish janitor who is trying to save a queen from the evil Reswob, the Dinosaur/Bird, and his evil army of Pepperoni men.

Quote from: SuperSexyIntelligentMan;1362137I copyright my idea of an Irish janitor who is trying to save a queen from the evil Reswob, the Dinosaur/Bird, and his evil army of Pepperoni men.

you can't copyright ideas. sure, you can specifically copyright that specific sentence (well, even without a legal copyright notice, its copyrighted as soon as you publish it thanks to the Bourne Convention), but you can't copyright the idea unless you make it into an actual story.

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you can't copyright ideas. sure, you can specifically copyright that specific sentence (well, even without a legal copyright notice, its copyrighted as soon as you publish it thanks to the Bourne Convention), but you can't copyright the idea unless you make it into an actual story.

Quote from: Lirodon;1362135Also, yes, you cannot copyright ideas, facts, etc, but however, you can patent them giving you exclusive rights to manufacture products based off that patent, license it to other companies, or sue them when they make something similar (like we see here).

Bah, patenting is what I meant.  Either way, it stinks.

Quote from: :}|;1362293Bah, patenting is what I meant.  Either way, it stinks.

Yeah man fuck patents what have they ever done for the world