Microsoft sues Datel for allegedly copying Xbox gamepads
updated 03:25 pm EDT, Fri April 2, 2010
Datel sued for copying Microsoft Xbox 360 gamepad
Microsoft on Thursday filed a lawsuit against British gaming accessories maker Datel, alleging it is copying the software company's game console controllers. Datel's $30 wired TurboFire and $50 WildFire controllers supposedly too closely resemble Microsoft's own Xbox 360 gamepads. They consequently infringe a number of Microsoft patents, according to the company.
Microsoft seeks an unknown amount of damages as compensation along with royalties and profits Datel made from its sales. Also, Microsoft wants an injunction on manufacturing of the disputed controllers. The lawsuit was filed in a Seattle-based federal court.
Visually, Datel's controllers borrow some of the look of the official gamepads and vary mostly in their minor cosmetic details. Other companies are allowed to use similar layouts, but they usually have more conspicuous variants. It's not known what if any elements inside the Datel pads would imitate Microsoft's hardware.
