Xbox 360 Sales Ban for US Recommended by Judge

[freak180]

Original Story: Following up on a previous ruling, which deemed Microsoft in violation of Motorola WiFi and video codec patents, judge David Shaw has recommended against the continued sale of the Xbox 360 in the United States, according to MCV. Should Microsoft be deemed in infringement of existing patents, it would threaten the possibility of selling consoles using that tech.

"Enforcing intellectual property rights outweighs any potential economic impact on video game console buyers," said Shaw.

This movement isn't a decision, but it could influence the International Trade Commission's final decision in the case. If the ITC happens to agree with Shaw's call, the verdict will move up to the White House, where the decision to halt sales will be at the whim of President Barack Obama and his advisers.

With the Xbox 360 and Windows 7 having been banned in Germany this month, it's not a far cry to say Microsoft's infringement on Motorola Mobility's intellectual property could affect the States.

Microsoft argued to Shaw that a United States ban would be unfair to consumers, who would have limited options. Shaw declared Nintendo and Sony could pick up the slack.

We've reached out to Microsoft for a reaction, and will have more on this case as it draws to a close.

http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/05/23/xbox-360-sales-ban-for-us-recommended-by-judge

[jmc15john]

Very interesting. Can't see this happening though, I can see Microsoft settling out of court before any true ban on sales of 360's takes place.

[Phantom Helix]

You know, regardless of who owns the patent once it has been imbedded into so many different things that a large majority of people use everyday and has been in use for a significant period of time, I say ownership of it automatically transfers to the public as a whole. And anyone is allowed to use it however they want without being able to claim it period.

That way this back and forth bull$^|+ stops

[neoadorable]

will never happen, but if it did may just be the catalyst to finally give us the friggin 720...i need new tech to get my mind off things!