LG Electronics won't be too popular among gamers with the recent reports that they are lodging a patent infringement against Japanese hardware giant Sony. They want the Playstation 3 to be banned from the USA.
LG are saying that the console is infringing upon LG patents related to the playback of BluRay discs. The Korean company are saying that “certain electronic devices having a Blu-Ray Disc player and components thereof” infringe patents held by LG, and then names the Playstation 3 directly.
Sony have said that LG want “a permanent exclusion order… excluding from entry to the United States Sony's Accused Products that infringe one or more claims of the asserted patents.”
To make matters worse, the Playstation 3 isn't the only Sony hardware under the suit, as LG claim the Bravia televisions with Bluray playback functionality are also infringing their patents. It seems highly unlikely that LG will get a successful outcome, but if they manage to do it, then it will certain cause concern for Sony.
KitGuru says: Playstation 3 banned from the USA? Would you be happy with that?
This could never go through, what a joke !
Just why did it take them this long to notice this? This is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. I think LG is just trying to join the lawsuit trend like everybody else.
I doubt they really want to ban the PS3 or Bravia TVs, I think that LG is struggling (which AFAIK is correct) so they in turn start looking at patents that they hold and see this. Which is something I would say they probably let go were they flush with cash which is why it took this long. Basically I feel they are doing it for the patent money from all the sales of PS3s and Bravia TVs with BluRay.
If this went through that would really suck good luck LG because some people may not be able to do this at all LG might have a good go at it.