Konami files lawsuit against Harmonix, claims patent infringement

Konami is credited for being on the front lines of musical rhythm games. It has produced hits including the DanceDanceRevolution Series and the guitar-based title Guitar Freaks. Konami is hoping to take back its throne when it releases Rock Revolution later this year to compete with Guitar Hero: World Tour and Rock Band 2. Much like the members of a real-world rock band, there’s little love between game companies when it comes to music. Case in point: Konami is suing developer Harmonix over the instrument designs used in Rock Band.

According to Bloomberg, Konami is claiming Harmonix violated several of its patents from 2002 and 2003. The alleged violations are said to be for simulated musical instruments, a music-game system and the use of a musical-rhythm matching game. Konami cites games such as Drummania and Pop ‘n’ Music as the basis of its lawsuit. If Konami wins this lawsuit it seeks wants a cash settlement as well as an order that will effectively prevent Harmonix from using its instrument designs ever again.

Harmonix released a statement pertaining to the lawsuit:

“Konami’s actions are extremely surprising. Unfortunately, successful products such as Rock Band can often become targets for baseless litigation. We have substantial defenses to this claim and intend to vigorously defend it.”

Read [Bloomberg] Via [Game Daily] Also Read [Wired] Also Read [Entertainment Magic]