In a plot twist that even a soap opera writer wouldn’t dare to invent, Nintendo has triumphed in a legal duel with Nacon over some serious Wii Remote patent shenanigans—15 years in the making, no less. Who knew that a controller could spark such a dramatic courtroom saga?
Time-Traveling Back to 2010
Picture this: it’s 2010. The world is abuzz with the latest must-have gadgets, and Nintendo decides it’s the perfect moment to unleash their legal team. They filed a lawsuit in Germany against BigBen Interactive (renamed Nacon for a fresh start in 2020). Their beef? Nacon’s third-party Wii Remote controllers were stepping on some serious patent toes.
The Intricate Patent Puzzle
The mysterious patent in question covered a game controller designed with the ergonomic flair that only Nintendo can muster. Yes, it had all the bells and whistles, including sensors that could even make a camera blush and an acceleration sensor that could probably detect if you were just shaking the controller out of frustration (spoiler: it’s a definite “yes”).
Early Court Buffoonery
A year later, the Mannheim Regional Court delivered a verdict akin to a spectator yelling, “Game Over!” for Nacon: they were found guilty of patent infringement. This was further endorsed by the Karlsruhe Higher Regional Court in 2017, proving that the courts had more plot twists than a reality TV show.
The Patent Proving Ground
As this legal drama unfolded, the validity of Nintendo’s precious patent was challenged—because, of course, what’s a good courtroom battle without a few good ol’ fashioned debates? Both the European Patent Office and the Federal Patent Office stood by Nintendo, proclaiming that yes, their patent was shiny and protected. It’s like being the last cookie in a jar; everyone wants it, but few can lay claim.
The Continual Appeals Showdown
Not one to back down easily, Nacon decided to play the long game with a series of appeals, which was a move that probably made their legal team rich in billable hours, if nothing else. The Court of Justice of the European Union and the German Federal Supreme Court were basically Nintendo’s cheerleaders in 2017 and 2018, respectively, declaring “Yes! You go, Nintendo!” while Nacon carried on with their appeals like a determined hero in a six-season TV drama.
Cha-Ching—Damages Awarded
Fast forward to present day, and guess what? Nintendo has been awarded damages that add up to a staggering €4 million. Add in some interest, and Nacon is now looking at a combined grand total of nearly €7 million. Ouch! As Nintendo’s German counsel joyfully declared—likely while shaking their head at the absurdity of it all—BigBen had employed delaying tactics that would make a magician proud, such as rejecting the court-appointed expert. Classic!
Delays, Delays, Delays
The legal gymnastics have proven costly for Nacon, as the interest on the claim was racked up like a Netflix binge session: 5 percentage points above the basic interest rate, leaving Nacon with a hefty bill that might require a great deal of wheeling and dealing (or extreme couponing).
And Now for the Cliffhanger
The tale doesn’t end here, folks! Nacon has now decided to appeal the ruling again—this time to the Higher Regional Court of Karlsruhe, proving that the saga of game controllers and courtroom dramas is the gift that just keeps on giving. Who knew patent disputes could be this entertaining?
