USITC begins Nintendo Switch probe
The US International Trade Commission (ITC) has instituted an investigation into Nintendo based on a complaint from California-based Gamevice.
In an announcement made yesterday, May 1, the ITC said it would investigate Nintendo and its subsidiary Nintendo of America over the importation and sale of the Nintendo Switch games console in the US.
Gamevice is requesting a limited exclusion order and cease-and-desist orders which would stop Nintendo from importing the Nintendo Switch into the US.
Nintendo announced the home gaming console, which has a touch screen and detachable controllers, in October 2016.
In July last year, Gamevice also sued Nintendo and its subsidiary at the US District Court for the Central District of California, alleging patent infringement.
Founded in 2008, Gamevice seeks to “develop and create innovative solutions for video game players”.
According to the suit, Gamevice holds over 38 patents in 16 countries related to gaming devices, controls and accessories.
Nintendo was accused of infringing US patent number 9,126,119, called “Combination computing device and game controller with flexible bridge section”.
Claim 1 of the patent is allegedly infringed because the Nintendo product includes two control modules that provide an input device, among other aspects.
This suit was voluntarily dismissed in October last year but, in late March 2018, Gamevice sued Nintendo again, alleging infringement of US patent numbers 9,855,498 and 9,808,713 through the sale of Nintendo Switch.
Did you enjoy reading this story? Sign up to our free daily newsletters and get stories like this sent straight to your inbox.
Today's top stories
Tesla hit with $2bn truck lawsuit
AB InBev goes to war with Heineken over patent claims
Jamaica’s customs seized J$376m worth of counterfeits last year
