Return fire by Gibson

by: Dan - posted: 3/20/2008 8:06:00 PM

As posted earlier today, Activision released a statement regarding the ongoing dispute and lawsuit brought on by Gibson Guitar against retailers, citing patent infringement.  Less than seven hours later, Gibson released their own statement on the ongoing issue (what ever happened to not commenting on litigation?)  Gibson apparently is taking this back pretty far, as it is mentioned they "must pursue enforcement of its patent which predates the launch of the Guitar Hero game by several years."  Ouch.  Regardless of who's side you are on, this is a messy situation that only a settlement will likely cure.  Check out the release after the jump for more information.

Mar 20, 2008 14:47

Press Statement from Gibson Guitar in Regards to Guitar Hero Retailer Lawsuit

NASHVILLE, Tenn. --(Business Wire)-- Mar. 20, 2008 On Monday, March 17th, Gibson Guitar Corp. brought a lawsuit against various retailers, which are selling Guitar Hero products that are infringing on one of Gibson Guitar's U.S. patents. Gibson Guitar took this action reluctantly, but is required to protect its intellectual property and will continue to do so against any other person in accordance with the law and its rights.

Gibson had tried to settle this issue by negotiating directly with Activision as soon as the patent filed through one of Gibson's divisions was discovered and validated by outside counsel. Activision chose to initiate litigation without notice to Gibson. Now Gibson must pursue enforcement of its patent which predates the launch of the Guitar Hero game by several years.

Gibson is known worldwide for producing classic models in every major style of fretted instrument, including acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins, and banjos. Gibson's HD.6X-PRO Digital Guitar and the Gibson Robot Guitar represent the biggest advances in electric guitar design in over 70 years. Founded in 1894 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and headquartered in Nashville since 1984, Gibson Guitar Corp.'s family of brands now includes Epiphone, Dobro, Maestro, Kramer, Steinberger, Tobias, Echoplex, Electar, Flatiron, Gibson Baldwin Music Education, Slingerland, Valley Arts, Maestro, Oberheim, Sunshine Piano, Take Anywhere Technology, Baldwin, J&C Fischer, Chickering, Hamilton, and Wurlitzer. Gibson's website is http://www.gibson.com