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.