Is Torque at risk for the law suit
by Joe Sulewski · in General Discussion · 11/03/2004 (4:58 am) · 24 replies
From what I understand it appears that Tecktronix is trying to uphold a patent which was given in 1987 and covers the ability to render 3D objects on a 2D screen. They are going after all the big game makers and if they win... I shutter to think of what would happen.
I'm no lawyer but from what I know patents are good for 13 years which makes this patent expire in 2000.
http://www.theregister.com/2004/11/03/game_cos_3d_lawsuit/
I'm no lawyer but from what I know patents are good for 13 years which makes this patent expire in 2000.
http://www.theregister.com/2004/11/03/game_cos_3d_lawsuit/
About the author
#22
In fact, when googling for the name of the company that made the Apple II flight sim, I found an interesting screenshot of prior art from 1978:
apple2history.org/history/appy/aha78.html
Man, I remember that game. And that page also reminded me of "Bill Budge's 3-D Graphics System" which was an Apple II system for making and animating 3D wireframes. You could control it from your own basic programs. Essentially: early, early OpenGL.
And there were several 3D games on the Atari 400/800 platform.
Anyway, they aren't suing Microsoft or anyone who can beat them. And they're not suing the little guys, who can't pay. They're only suing the medium-sized guys, who'll settle quickly. Here's to being a little guy!
11/04/2004 (8:23 am)
Yes, Microsoft Flight Simulator (which was first made for the Apple II by SubLogic and later bought by Microsoft) did that. Other Apple II games with prior art: Akalabeth (the grand-daddy of fps shooters) and its sequel Ultima. Those were in the early 80s. Also, there were several games that displayed 2D projections of 3D fractal terrain. All for the Apple II. So, not that I've read that patent or anything, but way prior art.In fact, when googling for the name of the company that made the Apple II flight sim, I found an interesting screenshot of prior art from 1978:
apple2history.org/history/appy/aha78.html
Man, I remember that game. And that page also reminded me of "Bill Budge's 3-D Graphics System" which was an Apple II system for making and animating 3D wireframes. You could control it from your own basic programs. Essentially: early, early OpenGL.
And there were several 3D games on the Atari 400/800 platform.
Anyway, they aren't suing Microsoft or anyone who can beat them. And they're not suing the little guys, who can't pay. They're only suing the medium-sized guys, who'll settle quickly. Here's to being a little guy!
#23
- Brett
EDIT: Hrmm... now I notice it was done on a Tektronix Storage Tube.
11/04/2004 (8:33 am)
Uhhh.... What about the teapot?- Brett
EDIT: Hrmm... now I notice it was done on a Tektronix Storage Tube.
#24
from: [url] biz.gamedaily.com/features.asp?article_id=8260§ion=feature [/url]
11/04/2004 (8:36 am)
Unfortunately in this case, they don't even care about the technology or really even plan on winning:Quote:
Similar to most other patent suits, it appears that McKool Smith will try to get these companies to settle out of court by threatening a long drawn out legal battle which could very well cost the defendants more than a simple settlement would.
It's unclear what individuals specifically hold the rights to the patents in question, but it seems reasonable to speculate that it is the McKool Smith lawyers themselves. If that were the case it would only cost them their time, instead of legal fees. Essentially, they would have nothing to lose by bringing these suits.
from: [url] biz.gamedaily.com/features.asp?article_id=8260§ion=feature [/url]
Jem Bem
Oh damn :( I must owe you alot by now.