Patents
Ongoing coverage on Patents.
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Sony agrees to transfer over 400 global VR patents to Meta following December 2025 agreement
Sony has agreed to transfer 419 global virtual reality patents to Meta, including 180 filed in the US, as part of an agreement signed in December 2025. This move follows Sony's sale of over 40 VR-related patents to Meta between June and September. The decision comes as Sony appears to be scaling back its VR efforts, while Meta continues to invest in VR technology despite significant financial losses in its Reality Labs division.
In an utterly pointless-seeming move, Intel just published a patent for RGB-lit CPUs, which makes no sense for a component that's always covered by something
Intel has published a patent for CPUs featuring internal Micro-LED arrays, allowing for RGB lighting. The article questions the practicality of this feature, as CPU coolers typically cover the component, rendering the lighting invisible. This move is seen as a potentially pointless attempt to appeal to gamers and increase profit margins.
The PS6's controller might be able to take contactless payments, or transfer your card and login details to the…
Sony Interactive Entertainment has patented a new feature for its PlayStation controllers, potentially for the PlayStation 6, that would enable contactless payments and information transfer via Near Field Communication (NFC). This technology could allow users to transfer payment details or log into consoles by tapping their phone or a payment card against the controller, similar to existing contactless payment systems and Nintendo's Amiibo functionality.
Microsoft want to record your face and feed it to a generative AI, telling it to go off and design a game from your frown
Microsoft has patented a system that uses generative AI to design game content, potentially incorporating player facial expressions and actions. The patent describes how AI could create narratives, quests, NPCs, and even game assets based on player feedback and developer prompts. While the technology is not yet implemented, it raises concerns about privacy and the future of game development.
Japan’s patent office rejects one of the Pokemon patents, calling Nintendo’s arguments ‘absurd’ and ‘ridiculous’
The Japanese Patent Office has rejected one of Nintendo's patent filings related to Pokemon's monster-capturing mechanics, citing prior art from a 13-year-old fan game. Nintendo's arguments against this were deemed 'absurd' and 'ridiculous' by the examiner, who stated that copyright infringement does not negate prior art for patentability.
Even Japan's patent officials seem exhausted with Nintendo's antics as they refuse its 'absurd'…
Nintendo's attempts to secure patents for Pokémon-related systems have been met with strong rebukes from the Japan Patent Office. Examiners found Nintendo's arguments against prior art, including a fan game video, to be lacking and even described some of Nintendo's claims as 'absurd'.
"You saved the entire industry": The 13-year-old video of a Pokemon fan game now cited in the rejection of a Nintendo patent is being celebrated by fans happy to see creative freedom win
A 13-year-old fan-made Pokemon game, Pokemon: Generations, has been cited by the Japanese Patent Office to reject a Nintendo patent for an in-game monster-capturing system. This decision, which argues a lack of "inventive step," has been celebrated by fans as a win for creative freedom and potentially impacts Nintendo's ongoing legal actions against Palworld.
PlayStation 6 Controller Might Feature Touchscreen Display
Sony Interactive Entertainment has filed a patent for a modular PlayStation controller that could feature a detachable touchscreen, potentially for the PlayStation 6 or a new handheld device. The design includes a dial and allows for customizable component placement, suggesting a focus on user preference and cross-device usability.
PlayStation patents can get weird, but none are more bizarre than this joystick with an "operation member"…
Sony has patented a bizarre joystick design featuring an "operation member" with a hardness control unit, which could be an evolution of the haptic feedback seen in the PlayStation 5's DualSense controller. While the patent itself is unusual, it suggests Sony is exploring advanced adaptive trigger resistance for future controllers, potentially enhancing immersion in games like The Last of Us Part II or God of War.
Nintendo takes aim at Palworld Mobile by trying to obtain touchscreen-specific patent on monster capturing
Nintendo is attempting to secure a patent for a touchscreen-specific monster-capturing mechanic, similar to the Poke Ball system, in an effort to preemptively counter the mobile release of Palworld. Japan's Patent Office has initially rejected the application, citing a lack of inventive step, but Nintendo plans to appeal the decision.
Nintendo denied patent for Poke Ball-style capture-and-release mechanics on touchscreen devices
Nintendo has been denied a patent for Poke Ball-style capture and release mechanics on touchscreen devices by the Japan Patent Office. The patent was intended to prevent games like Palworld from using similar mechanics, particularly as Palworld is slated for a mobile release. The office cited a lack of inventive step for the denial, though Nintendo may attempt to amend its claims again.
Nintendo denied touchscreen-specific patent as the legal battle against Palworld developer Pocketpair continues
Nintendo has been denied a touchscreen-specific patent related to character capturing and combat mechanics, a move that appears to target games like Palworld Mobile. This rejection follows a previous denial by the United States Patent and Trademark Office and highlights ongoing legal challenges for Nintendo against Pocketpair.
Apple avoids a second import ban for its redesigned smartwatches in latest court ruling
Apple has successfully avoided a second import ban on its redesigned smartwatches following a ruling by the US International Trade Commission. The agency terminated the case, siding with Apple and allowing the continued sale of devices with reworked blood-oxygen monitoring technology, which Masimo had claimed infringed on its patents.
New PS5 controller patent lets you pinch and poke your favourite game characters
Sony has patented a new PlayStation 5 controller design featuring a grid of deformable buttons that can be pinched, twisted, and pulled to enhance immersion. This innovative concept aims to improve tactile feedback beyond the current DualSense controller, though fan reactions have been mixed, with some comparing it to the Bop It toy.
Embracer layoffs, Nintendo's patent problem, and is Baby Steps an Uncharted sequel? - Patch Notes #46
Several game development studios have announced layoffs and closures, including Embracer Group's Eidos Montreal and Ivy Road. Shinji Mikami has founded a new studio, Unbound Inc., with Shift Up. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is performing well at the box office, while Nintendo's patent for a sub-character combat mechanic has been rejected. Rec Room is shutting down due to profitability issues, and VR developer Polyarc has also made layoffs.
U.S. patent examiner rejects Nintendos summoning characters patent as obvious: non-final ruling
A U.S. patent examiner has issued a non-final rejection of a Nintendo patent related to summoning characters. This decision is not final, and Nintendo has avenues for appeal, including to the Federal Circuit.
U.S. patent examiner rejects Nintendo’s summoning characters patent as obvious: non-final ruling
A U.S. patent examiner has issued a non-final ruling rejecting Nintendo's patent for summoning characters, deeming it obvious. Separately, Mark Gerhard, CEO of Build A Rocket Boy, discussed the company's move to self-publishing for their game MindsEye after ending a collaboration with IOI Partners.
US Patent Office rejects Nintendo's 'summon subcharacter and let it fight' patent
The United States Patent and Trademark Office has rejected Nintendo's patent for a 'summon subcharacter and let it fight' mechanic, citing prior art. Nintendo has two months to respond to the non-final decision. This comes as Nintendo and The Pokemon Company are already in litigation with Pocketpair over alleged patent infringements related to Palworld.
USPTO Has Rejected Nintendo’s “Summon-and-Battle” Patent For Being Too “Obvious”
The US Patent and Trademark Office has revoked a patent granted to Nintendo and The Pokémon Company concerning "summon-and-battle" mechanics, deeming it "obvious." This decision is non-final, allowing Nintendo two months to appeal or modify the application. The USPTO's re-examination cited prior art, including patents from Nintendo itself, Konami, and Bandai Namco, and is part of Nintendo's broader legal strategy, particularly concerning Palworld.
Evening Legal Briefs
The US Patent Office has issued a nonfinal decision to revoke Nintendo's patent for Pokémon battling. This follows a lawsuit filed by a Swiss official aiming to challenge the patent's validity.