Microsoft Sues Datel For Controller Patent Infringement

Microsoft has encountered further conflict with accessories maker Datel. This time, the company is suing Datel over its third-party controllers, claiming they infringe on its Xbox 360 controller patents. According to a Reuters report, Microsoft is seeking an unspecified amount of compensatory damages from Datel, as well as a portion of payments Datel's earned selling its "TurboFire" and "WildFire" wireless controllers. It also seeks an injunction to stop Datel from further manufacturing them. This isn't the first time Microsoft and Datel have encountered conflict over third-party Xbox 360 accessories, which the giant tech firm has controlled in much greater detail than previous game console generations. Microsoft is itself the recipient of an anti-trust suit from Datel, which alleges that the company's aims to ensure Xbox 360 users use only first-party storage devices deliberately harms competition. Earlier this year Microsoft filed to dismiss the suit, claiming its lock-out of third-party storage devices is necessary to prevent security exploits.