Xbox 360 To Be Banned In The United States?
We’ve all read the mind numbingly boring stories that surround the legal aspects of gaming, however every now and again a story pops up that deserves a bit of attention. Usually the murky waters that is gaming politics usually surrounds controversial gaming titles, rather than consoles themselves, but a four year struggle between electronic giants Motorola and Microsoft has reached a peak as two separate judges sided with Motorola. I’ll spare you the ultra boring details but basically Motorola are throwing their toys of the pram because Microsoft are using Motorola patented technology in the form of playback of video. The issue first arose in Germany where a judge believed Microsoft were encroaching on Motorola’s patent and licensed the immediate banning of any future imports of Microsoft’s leading games console, the Xbox360. Although the case was over and the final verdict laid with Motorola, Microsoft immediately filed a restraining order which led to the ban being nulled, in short, they wasted ridiculous amounts of money and time just to be back where they started.
Call me stupid, but I would have cut my losses there and then but apparently Motorola have other ideas as they’ve taken the same case to the International Trade Commission in the US. Yet again, the judge has decided that Motorola have a valid case and he said that Microsoft should not be allowed to import any more Xbox 360 consoles from China. The judge also stated that Microsoft should give Motorola 7% worth of value for all of the currently unsold Xbox 360 consoles on American soil, not exactly what Motorola are hoping for as they filed for 100% of the current market value.
A ban on Xbox 360 sales would damage Microsoft’s gaming sector severely, especially in the run up to the Christmas period. I expect Sony and Nintendo are watching this case closely as the demand for their consoles, including the upcoming Wii-U, would shoot through the roof if their main competitor was removed.
So what are your thoughts? Is this just another load of boloney so that companies actually have a reason to hire a legal team or do Motorola have a legitimate case? Would the banning of Xbox 360′s have any impact on your gaming routine? Drop a comment and let us know your thoughts.
Withe the new Xbox “Durango/720″ being coded for single users like computer software, it can make a big impact. I have seen all kind of “buy back” deals for xbox 360 lately and wonder if this is why? Please keep us updated!