Nintendo is cleared after 3DS and DSi patent infringement accusation

Nintendo has won a patent infringement case against patent-licensing companies Technology Properties Limited LLC, Phoenix Digital Solutions LLC and Patriot Scientific Corporation, the company announced today, with the International Trade Commission confirming that the Nintendo 3DS and DSi systems do not infringe the asserted patents.

The case was filed against Nintendo in July 2012 for infringing upon three patents held by the trio of companies. The patents covered a high performance microprocessor featuring a variable speed system clock; high performance low cost microprocessor with a dual stack architecture; and, high performance, low cost microprocessor architecture that fetches multiple instructions at a time. The plaintiffs were seeking damages, legal costs and prejudgment interest.

"We are very pleased with the commission's determination, which confirmed the judge's finding that Nintendo's products do not infringe the asserted patent," said Richard Medway, Nintendo of America's vice president and deputy general counsel in the often issued prepared statement. "Nintendo's track record demonstrates that we vigorously defend patent lawsuits, including cases in the ITC, when we believe we have not infringed another party's patent. Nintendo continues to develop unique and innovative products while respecting the intellectual property rights of others."

Nintendo acquired IA Labs' entire patent portfolio at a Maryland sheriff's sale last month. IA Labs filed suit against Nintendo in 2010, claiming that the company violated two IA patents by developing Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus. Following courts ruling in favor of Nintendo, IA Labs was also ordered to pay the company for a portion of the legal costs incurred but failed to do so.