Tech firm files suit against Nintendo

Technology firm Interlink Electronics has filed a lawsuit against Nintendo of America, alleging that the Wii's new remote controller infringes its patent.

According to Interlink's complaint, which was discovered by gaming blog Kotaku, the company had a patent for a "trigger operated electronic device" issued in February 2005. The patent refers to "a mouse for operating a cursor in a computer system".

Interlink's technology involves a touch-sensitive pad rather than motion-sensing controller, like the Wii remote. But the lawsuit appears to centre around the trigger feature which appears in both designs.

It alleges that Nintendo offers "one or more controllers which activities infringe, induce others to infringe, and/or contributorily infringe" Interlink's patent. Interlink claims it has suffered damages including "loss of royalties, reduced sales and/or lost profits" as a result, and is requesting a restraining order, payment of damages and legal costs, and a jury trial.

Nintendo has so far declined to comment on the lawsuit, with a spokesperson telling GamesIndustry.biz, "We cannot comment on pending or ongoing legal action."