They waited until they could file a few new patents, namely the catching and mounting mechanisms. Now they have a bit more legal standing it seems, although I’m not sure how this is all gonna shake out
They aren’t “new” patents. They’re divisional patents, essentially splitting an older patent into two different patents that retain the date of the parent patent.
Either way this is a pretty scummy move on Nintendo’s part.
I remember reading that Japan is very weird in regards to patent law, there’s almost no oversight whatsoever even for incredibly basic concepts like a title screen but there’s kind of a general agreement not to sue eachother. Assuming thats true Nintendo is currently burning a lot of face right now by breaking that precident.
They waited until they could file a few new patents, namely the catching and mounting mechanisms. Now they have a bit more legal standing it seems, although I’m not sure how this is all gonna shake out
Patents filed after your rival releases a product don’t work - it’s textbook prior art.
They aren’t “new” patents. They’re divisional patents, essentially splitting an older patent into two different patents that retain the date of the parent patent.
Either way this is a pretty scummy move on Nintendo’s part.
I remember reading that Japan is very weird in regards to patent law, there’s almost no oversight whatsoever even for incredibly basic concepts like a title screen but there’s kind of a general agreement not to sue eachother. Assuming thats true Nintendo is currently burning a lot of face right now by breaking that precident.
Not sure how it works in Japan but you’re probably right. Edit: Was thinking about this article that lays out the known details pretty well