Nintendo and Philips settle their Wii U patent dispute

Back in May, we reported that Dutch company Philips had filed a claim against Nintendo, alleging that the motion-sensing technology used in various Wii accessories infringed on two of its patents. The first was the claim that Nintendo copied the technology that replicated a user’s real-life actions in-game, and the second revolved around navigating UI by pointing a device (like the Wii Remote).

At the time, Philips was seeking an outright ban of the Wii U and its associated products in the US. In June, a UK court ruled against Nintendo, which the company quickly appealed. Nintendo then assured their customers that they would do everything in their power in order to keep its consoles on store shelves.

Apparently, Nintendo and Philips have reached a deal to cross-license portions of one another’s patent portfolios. In addition to sharing technology, Philips has agreed to halt copyright infringement proceedings against Nintendo in Germany, France, Britain, and the US.

“We are pleased to have reached agreement with Philips,” said European General Counsel of Nintendo Europe, Martina Franke, “as it demonstrates that both companies recognize the importance of intellectual property rights. Nintendo has a substantial IP portfolio and a long history of developing innovative products while respecting valid intellectual property rights of others.”

Both Nintendo and Philips declined to release the financial terms of the agreement but it’s sure to be a significant sum based on the players involved. Regardless, Nintendo will not have to pull any of its merchandise from stores shelves for the holiday season.

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Jenna Fraser

A New England born, Boston native, Jenna says "wicked" with reckless abandon. She loves video games almost as much as she loves words and to say that she has an obsession with Queen would be the biggest understatement of all time.