Archive for July, 2009
Sony PS3 TwistDock launches at E3 2010
You like to keep things neat? Then check out the Sony PS3 TwistDock. The upcoming TwistDock docks your PS3, docks and charges your controllers and offers additional USB ports. The TwistDock will be distributed by Vogel’s, a company known for TV mounting…
Top 5 Upcoming Ps3 Games (2009-2010)
EA’s Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 11 in Stores Today
Electronic Arts Inc ., (NASDAQ:ERTS) announced today that Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® 11 has shipped in North America. Players can fight for honor and their country in the all-new Ryder Cup Challenge at the Twenty Ten Course at Celtic Manor Resort; the course of the 2010 Ryder Cup. For the first time in franchise history, create your own team and take on the world in Online Team Play – featuring up to …
Adrenaline Golf Online On Iphone Gameplay
Developing a Legal Game Plan to Protect Innovation
F. Jason Far-hadian Esq., Principal of Century IP Group (www.centuryip.com) maintains that protecting intellectual property in today’s video game market is necessary to establishing a distinct competitive advantage.
During my recent stay in Seoul Korea, I visited the largest underground entertainment and shopping center in Asia (the COEX Mall), where the Microsoft and Sony corporations have built spacious “game zones,” providing public access to hundreds of game stations and video games for free. Each year the center hosts international competitions where teams of players collectively compete with others online, and before the eyes of large audiences, to win multi-thousand dollar prizes.[1]
Here are a few interesting facts: total sales in the video game industry reached 7.3 billion last year;[2] sales from the Online Multiplayer Games sector by itself is expected to grow to $763 million by 2007;[3] big business in the video game industry is coming from adults, where the average age of a game player is 30;[4] and video games have outsold movie tickets in the United States 10 to 9.[5] Not bad for a business that began as an incidental offspring of the computer software industry.
The video game industry, even though still dependent on advancements in the computer software and hardware sectors, has evolved beyond recognition in relation to its humble origins in games such as Pong and Pacman, developed 50 years ago on refrigerator size computers by timid software engineers. Modern video games have intricate storylines, bold colors and a plethora of characters and backdrops. As such, many video games today are written, designed and choreographed by writers, producers, directors and talent with experience in the arts and movie industry before a single line of code is written.
For the above reasons, the legal issues related to the protection and enforcement of rights in video game products have become more sophisticated and complex. Luckily, however, various legal means are available to help protect different aspects of a video game product, especially the functional and operational aspects, which may be protected by a patent. Alternatively, certain features may be maintained as trade secrets. Additionally, most characters, scenes, music, dialogues, story lines and source code may be protected under copyright laws as long as each contains original works of authorship.
Despite of the availability of the above legal means, there is a surprising and somewhat inexplicable lack of intellectual property protection in the video game industry. This imbalance within the video game industry is cultivating a new and relatively unexploited legal battlefield that is resulting in large judgments against infringers and licensing opportunities for those who have diligently pursued their legal right to obtain and register the respective patents and copyrights.
The 1997 case of Alpex Computer Corp. v. Nintendo Co.[6] is among the first cases involving video game patent infringement. In that case, Nintendo was ordered to pay $253 million to Alpex for infringing its patent for a machine configured to play multiple games, in contrast to the older arcade systems that could only play a single game. More recently, in March 2005, the United States Federal court in the Northern District of California found Sony guilty of patent infringement and entered a judgment ordering Sony to pay $84 million to Immersion Corp., which had a patent covering the vibration feature incorporated in the Play Station’s game controller.[7]
Accordingly, even simple operational features incorporated in a game may be worthy of patent protection. Such innovations, if properly protected, can potentially provide a distinct advantage to a game developer by way of excluding competitors from using the particular feature in their products.
In the realm of copyright protection, certain non-operational but graphical attributes or themes of a video game may be protected by preventing others from altering or modifying such attributes. For example, modding and morphing software are available that allows a player to change the look and feel of a game by adding new levels and characters or otherwise customizing the game based on the player’s preference.
The judicial consensus on whether such acts constitute copyright infringement remains unclear.[8] For example, in Microstar, Inc v. FormGen, Inc.,[9] the Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit held that Micorstar’s act of selling a collection of additional game levels developed for the video game Duke Nukem 3D constituted “derivative work” and infringed the copyrights of the game developer FormGen. Microstar had to enjoin further sales of the product and pay $250,000 in damages. Prior to the Microstar decision, the rights to derivative work had been recognized only in literary works such as novels and films.
More recently, in January 2005, Tecmo, Inc., maker of an X-Box game (Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball), sued the operators and users of an online bulletin board service “www.ninja-hacker.net” for posting lines of code that made the characters appear nude. The suit was dismissed in May 2005, due to a settlement between the parties. But it left unanswered the question of whether a rightful owner of a video game can legally modify the game in the same manner that a purchaser of a book can underline the text in the book.
Due partially to the ambiguities in copyright law, some video game manufacturers have relied on provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) to target companies that distribute modding technologies. In the past, Sony, Microsoft and other companies have successfully gone after distributors of modding chips for violating the provisions of the DMCA that make it unlawful to distribute circumventing technologies such as modding software.
It is noteworthy, however, that according to a recent decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the DMCA cannot create new copyright rights, but can only be used to enforce existing rights.[10] So it is no longer clear whether the DMCA will continue to empower video game manufacturers as it did prior to this decision.
Regardless of the above uncertainties, the noted progeny of cases confirm that courts recognize the value of intellectual property in video games and will reward the game developers that protect their rights by taking the legal steps to properly register and enforce those rights. In response to the pressing need for legal representation and specialization in the video game industry, certain intellectual property law firms such as the Century IP Group and Morrison & Foerster are further developing their resources to help their clients deal with the legal ramifications of changes in intellectual property law.[11]
In today’s competitive video game market, protection of intellectual property is not a luxury, but a necessity for success. A properly registered innovation provides a competitive advantage and further protects the owner from attack by competitors. Therefore, it would be wise for game developers and video game distributors to consult competent legal counsel about how to protect their rights and ideas so that they will have opportunities to both offensively and defensively limit competitor options.
F. Jason Far-hadian Esq. concentrates his practice on client counseling, opinions, due diligence and the procurement of patents, copyrights and trademark rights in several technology areas, including electronics, computer software and hardware, telecommunications and wireless devices. He can be reached at jfarhadian@i-p-law.us or visiting www.i-p-law.us. Ms. Jennifer Burcio also contributed to drafting this article.
[1] “Cashing in on cyber carnage,” James McNair, The Cincinnati Enquirer, September 13, 2005.
[2] “Insider gaming,” Tamara Chuang, The Orange County Register, October 21, 2005.
[3] “Online Game Sites Find Their Lucrative Market Among the Middle-aged”, Kim Peterson, Seattle Times, December 1, 2003. Also see www.gamebattles.com.
[4] Mark D. Rasch, IP Law and Business, July 28, 2005.
[5] “Out of Hollywood, Rising Fascination with Video Games,” Laura M. Holson, New York Times, April 10, 2004.
[6] Alpex Computer Corporation v. Nintendo Company Ltd., 102 F.3d 1214 (Fed. Cir 1997).
[7] Immersion Corp. v. Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc., 2005 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 4781.
[8] “The Mod Squad”, Mark D. Rasch, IP Law and Business, July 28, 2005.
[9] Microstar v. FormGen, Inc. 154 F.3d 1107 (9th Cir. 1998).
[10] Chamberlain Group, Inc. v. Skylink Technologies, Inc., 2004 CAFC LEXIS 04-1118.
[11] “MOFO Gets its Game On.” Joel Landau, IP Law and Business, August 2, 2004.
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Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 – Confirmed US Release, 40+ Characters & Online Multiplayer
PlayStation 3 Useful Tips
Apart from superior quality gaming, the Play station 3 is a full and complete media centre. It is compatible with almost every form of media format. Here`s how:
The blu-ray:
The Play station3, of course comes expensive with the $400 price tag, but the price soon fades into insignificance because of the presence of the blu-ray player in it. The blu-ray standalone machine is priced at well over $400, so it`s wiser to perceive the Play station 3 as a good bargain in this context. Any blue-ray movie works best with the PS3.
The process is as simple as putting the disk in, starting and stopping it! It comes with the wireless controller or you can have a choice of the bluetooth remote. The PS3 has extremely sharp high definition features and if you own a HDTV, then the blu-ray movie becomes a visual treat for your senses with the staggering 1080p resolution! To make the audio more powerful, be particular to choose quality 5.1 speakers.
Music and more!
The Play station3 has the capability to store MP3 songs in its internal hard drive. What`s more, you can add songs to your customized play list and play them while gaming! The PS3 has storage options as high as 500GB, so it can very well replace your music system at home. If this was not enough, the PS3 comes with some vibrant and trendy music visualizers that respond to the tracks being played.
It also comes with PS3 system updates, which keep on updating on the visualizers automatically. So, kick back and relax with your favorite number with some fantastic visualizers to set the perfect mood for you!
The DVD`s:
The Play station3 has the extraordinary quality in it to be compatible with older disks such as the DVD`s. Just connect your PS3 with a HDMI cable and you can treat yourself to clearer and crispier picture quality. You can very easily fast forward or rewind the clips using the wireless controller or the Bluetooth remote. The PS3 is also enabled to be compatible with `burned` DVD-R`s and DVD-RW`s.
The DiVX:
The Play station is compatible with many video files such as MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, AVI, MP4, WMV and DiVX. If you want to transfer the favorite TV shows that you have downloaded in your PC onto your PS3, and then simply place the files in a USB storage drive. Plug in the USB drive in the PS3`s USB port and copy the files over!!
Once the files are copied completely, a 30 seconds preview will be played which helps you to identify the context of each clip. Although the PS3`s DiVX support mechanism isn`t quite encompassing as the Xbox 360`s, but still it can read all your DiVX files without the hint of a problem!
The plus point of photo galleries:
The Play station 3 is a champ in organizing your audio and video files. It is also an expert in playing them flawlessly but it is worth noting here that the PS3 is also adept in arranging and organizing the photos in your digital camera. Though this feature is not a perfect hit among its users, but still the PS3 is a master at it. If you own an older 60GB model, you will have to digicam`s memory card directly into the PS3; else you will have to connect a media stick adaptor to the PS3`s USB port. Once done with this, just copy your files over and view them at your own ease!!
Nothing can beat the Play station3 at being the ultimate in all round entertainment. Its features are simply unsurpassed. So here`s hoping that your next buy is a PS3!!
About the Author
You can have access to articles in portuguese language from the article section of page
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Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for
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psp remote play demo and how to 1
Amazon Online Shopping Q&A
Am i doing anything wrong next to my amazon copycat??//?
i own a 6 year old male blue fronted amazon parrot i brought him from someone something like 1 1/2 years ago he was handreared when the previous owner brought him they never had anytime for him. im a stay at home mum so im here with him alot. i…
Am i doing something wrong next to my Amazon Affiliate website? I am getting no directions but allot of clicks?
I have recently set up a amazon affiliate website called ukxbox360.com. I am getting allot of clicks, but no instructions. I am using google adwords to advertise my sites and the cost is starting to build up and im not…
Am i mortal scammed on amazon ?
I was selling my phone on amazon and this woman was interested in the phone i said yeah ok she distribute this after the first email askin about it – Alright, Are you assure me that you will get the item posted today through Royal mail International Signed for Priority Handling Delivery, if…
Am I the with the sole purpose one who like to peruse Amazon.com at their own pastime?
Naw. I like to do that too. Maybe Perusing isn’t the problem. What they have been charging for shipping lately is highway robbery. I wanted to buy some tea that I could not find contained by any of my local stores anymore. They…
Amazing Woman or Amazon Woman?
Amazing Woman she might be able to do stuff with her mouth I want Amazing Amazon women. Amazon Woman Umm, Amazing Women? x Amizon Woman you stole my avatar…sorta
Amazon – why are some items priced so uncompetitively?
For example, a number of CDs of different interpretations of the same piece of music may have prices around lb10, and after you see one at lb210 – is this some strange marketing ploy? Supply and Demand! Some Artists or Groups are simply more in demands than others. You also have…
Amazon – free assignment promotional code?
Ok, well, I’ve ordered a lot of things and the delivery added closely of money and I can’t afford that extra cause its a lot. Would someone be so kind as to do this? http://www.discountwild.com/Books-plus-M… How are you ordering things..and who from ? if you select things from Amazon partners, you will…
Amazon – Save For Later?
Yesterday I Added Something to my ‘Save For Later’ Cart But, I Dont Know Where To Find It Because I Would Like To Buy It Now.. Could someone help me quickly pleasee? Thanks x Riirii. Go to your Basket. The “Saved Items – To Buy Later” are listed below anything currently contained by your basket…
Amazon – surely ridiculous!?
Usually Amazon are very good – not this time. Okay, so i PRE-Ordered “Burnout Paradise – The Ultimate Box PC ” 7 days ago and it came out yesterday. I’ve a short time ago received an email saying that they do not have the item and are looking for the item. Why did they put it…
Amazon — What to do? Buyer no longer requests item but it have already be shipped out.?
I shipped out an item to the buyer and its been over a month but post office says it will run up to 6 weeks. Buyer is going on vacation soon and no longer wants item. Buyer wants me to christen post office…
Amazon $20 stale promotion code?
http://www.amazon.com/Call-Duty-Modern-W… I’ve got similar offers in former times from Amazon (Champions Online, Dragon Age Origins) and I’ve let them sit for quite a while. That disclaimer they give you is collectively in reference to things which they have controlled supplies of such as exclusive pre-order items which are usually limited to a number…
Amazon & E-Bay don`t fathom out?
Amazon E-bay Why are some books listed on Amazon for lb20.00 + but on e-bay only 99p for exactly the same book? and this is not auction price it`s buy it presently. 2 reasons: 1. On ebay, some sellers hide the valid expense by charging a lot for shipping. They do this because ebay…
Amazon £48 rip sour.?
Hi Today I was just checking on my bank statement on internet, and I be absolutely mortified to see lb47.97 taken out from my Bank. I had no idea what this be until I researched on Google and found out it’s from Amazon and this payment is for Prime Member Fee. I was furious because I…
Amazon “Bill Me Later”?
Hi I just bought a Nyko Media Hub+ for my PlayStation 3 on Amazon, and for paying method I chose the “Bill Me Later” option.My Product Arrived in a Package but I didn’t achieve the Bill or something that is used to pay for it.How do I pay next to Bill Me Later?I am sure I…
Amazon “The sender didn’t wages full postage”?
I ordered an item from Amazon, and today a slip came through the door that says “The sender didn’t pay full postage”. Apparently I own to pay lb9.97 to get the package. If it be less I would put it down to experience but lb10 and considering I have already paid lb5 for…
Amazon (U.K) stuff shipped to the US?
If I live in the US can I order something from amazon.co.uk and have it shipped here (in the US)? How would that work (shipping and price wise)? — Thanks! = ) in good health first yes you can because amazon is like ebay and in ebay you do that and do it…
Amazon ,temporarily out of stock?
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Amazon . com music store how does it work?
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Amazon ..?
How do you solve a problem if someone bought something from you on amazon and They claim they never received it.How do you know if they are lying or not? I gave the post office the correct address I’ve ordered many things from Amazon and when you seize things shipped either thru USPS or UPS they give you…
Amazon .:mp3:. ??
I have a t-mobile G1 and I wanna buy a song from amazon mp3, but I can’t!! It says that I need an amazon portrayal, but I don’t have one. WHAT DO I DO!?!? IMPORTANT: also I need to know if they charge you for having an amazon tale! Amazon account is free. The mp3′s cost $…
Amazon .com are the low prices worth it and can they ship to canada?
I have been looking for a home theater system and a lcd tv everywhere and the prices u find in amazon.com are the lowest! But is this true or will they tKE YOUR money minus you getting the product and can they ship to canada?? You…
Amazon .com??
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Amazon : I Have Pre-Ordered some items , When will the Payment take rewarded?
I preordered 2 items about a month and a half ago, and was wondering when does the transfer of funds for preordered items get paid to them? you won’t be charged until just beforehand they leave the warehouse
Amazon 0%rating relief?
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Amazon 0,15 $ books? Is it possible?
Hi i am buying sat books from amazon to ship internationally but i was wondering about some matured books (2003, 2004 editions) it says when you buy it second hand its price 0,1 0,65 $ and i was wondering if this is possible are they going to ship me those near my other…
Amazon 1st class transfer.. I ordered I on the 14th October and it say it going to deliver it on the 19th?
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Amazon 911 give a hand!! emergency! comfortable 10 points?
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Amazon abdication unpunctually?
ok i bought a Ps3 Slim and amazon told me it would come today 11-16-09 why didnt i receive it do i have to sign something when it comes and who ships it “ups” or “FedEx” or the mail man.?? You’ll get it inwardly 6 hours of landing the flight carrying your box.
Amazon abet please??
I was selling something on amazon and someone bought it. I realized I didn’t have it and canceled the demand. He emails me saying that it was okay that I didn’t have it but that he get charged the amount for what he was buying. He wants a refund but I don’t know how because I thought…
Amazon accidentally shipped me the movie Erin Broncobitch, so very soon what?
Should I buy my dad something else, or try to find the correct title locally? Ew. Send it back! EDIT: oops… I’m slow today. Erin Broncobitch sounds channel better than Erin Brockovich. I had a problem with Amazon too. I ordered 4 DVDs. I received 3 of the…
More Amazon Online Shopping questions please visit : OnlineShopFAQ.com
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Dragon Age: Origins E3 2009 Trailer [HQ]