Microsoft Sues Xbox 360 Controller Maker Datel [Datel TurboFire & WildFire Xbox Controllers Allegedly Use Trademark Technology Outside 'Typical Third Party' License Agreement]

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The UK based games console peripheral maker Datel is the latest accessory maker to come under fire from Microsoft who are claiming that two of Datel’s Xbox 360 controllers, specifically the Datel TurboFire and their WildFire, allegedly use proprietary trademark technology that goes beyond the a typical third-party license.

Both of the Datel Xbox 360 controllers in the firing line are widely available across Europe and the US (in terms of the latter both the TurboFire and the WildFire are stocked by the likes of Walmart and Best Buy, for example) but, whilst Datel holds a third part license with Microsoft allowing them to offer controllers for MS’s HD gaming console it appears that Microsoft feel that Datel, specifically in terms of the aforementioned two controllers, have used technology that steps outside their licensing agreement and, rather than let it pass, MS seem keen to exercise their authority in this matter – doubtless in a bid to ensure that sales of their own Xbox 360 controllers are not unduly impacted upon.

The suit, which was filed in the Western District of Washington, specifically relate to “portions of a gaming controller” as well as a “portion of a gaming input device having an illuminated region” which, in essence, boils down to MS taking the stance that the Datel controllers in question are clones of its official Xbox 360 controllers and, to that end, Microsoft are now seeking financial damages to the tune of an as yet undisclosed amount.

Of course you may remember that this isn’t the first time that Microsoft and Datel have clashed in such an acrimonious fashion what with Datel having filed a lawsuit against MS relating to the company preventing third-party peripherals – specifically with reference to a console update serving to block the use of third-party memory cards – from being used with its gaming console. One can, of course, only speculate, therefore, as to whether MS’s lawsuit is a tit for tat move on their part.

[via Geeky Gadgets]