Sony has been sued so many times that they now probably just shrug it off and go about their evening. We wouldn't be surprised to hear that the suits at Sony have the word 'lawsuit' flagged to get picked up by their spam filter. Hopefully this one made it into the inbox, as the new suit makes a pretty big claim.
A California-based company called Parallel Processing filed a suit that claims that Sony's Cell processor infringes on patent number 5,056,000, otherwise known as “Synchronized Parallel Processing with Shared Memory”. The patent was issued in October of 1991, and describes a device that breaks down programs “into smaller concurrent processes running in different parallel processors” and "resynchronizes the program for faster processing times." They claim that Sony has caused “irreparable harm and monetary damage" to their company. The suit states that:
“On information and belief, Defendant Sony Corporation of America has infringed and continues to infringe on the ‘000 Patent by making, using, importing, offering for sale and/or selling products among other things, covered by one or more claims of the ‘000 Patent, including, but not limited to, Sony Playstation III [sic].”
The company is asking for damages, legal fee refunds, interest, and the "impounding and destruction" of all of Sony's Cell processors. Right.
[Via
Next Gen]
Dale North is Destructoid's Editor-In-Chief, a founding editor, and specialist in Japanese gaming. An accomplished musician, Dale was reporting from Japan during the earthquakes of 2011. Luckily, he got the fuck out alive and is home in America now with his wife and beloved corgi, Einstein. Dale is also a co-founder of Destructoid's sister anime site
Japanator. Likes Corgis, Sega Saturn, PSP, iPhone, Photographic tools.
Meet the rest of the team
| BBcode help |
| [b]Bold text[/b] |
Bold text |
| [i]Italic text[/i] |
Italic text |
| [url]http://www.dtoid.com/[/url] |
http://www.dtoid.com |
| [url=http://www.dtoid.com/]Web link[/url] |
Web link |
|
| [img]http://www.example.com/robot.jpg[/img] |
 |
Post a comment! You can also post a photo below:
Comment with Facebook
Click connect and comment instantly!
|
Comment with Dtoid
New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds
|
40 comments | showing # 1 to 40
|
Comment with Facebook
Click connect and comment instantly!
|
Comment with Dtoid
New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds
|
Comments policy
Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?
Avoiding the banhammer only requires common sense: spamming, trolling, racism, NSFW stuff, and other forms of sucking will not be tolerated. If anyone is griefing please report abuse. Be good. Don't suck!
Contest:
12:07 AM on 07.31.2007
| 
Goddamn Romans.
That is HILARIOUS. I mean, it's one thing to try to make a buck off of Sony. Maybe just sue and demand dinner and a movie and we will call it even. Maybe an evening with David Hayter.
But destruction of all Sony cell processors. Sure. Good luck.
BRB going to file a patent for the triple quantamoticonnecticore vibration-activated flangilizer chip.
Right. All 5 of you turn over your PS3s to the an authorised collection centre. kkthxbi
Not only that, the cell was made by IBM, Toshiba, Sony. Shouldnt the sue also claim IBM and Toshiba for manufacturing it?
If they win the case it might get allot more deeper than thought.
This technology is not Sony's but it is widely used, Sony just did a little fast
In related news, have you ever read a patent application? It's like the only prerequisites to getting a patent accepted are 1) lots of technical jargon (example code in C if possible!), and 2) writing with intent to obfuscate.
It does seem odd suing Sony though, did they design it? no. Are they the only people using the "CellZor"? no... wtf? Patent troll noobs.
But they had to suit them months later when everyone grew accostumated to the PS3 and then lawsuit them.
why do they always do that?
Im guessing more six-axis reflexes will be required in MGS4 if this keeps up. *next mission, avoid the enemy @ all costs, they have reason! aye yai yai..
Reminds me of all the companies that own patents on the serial bus.
I repeat: HAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH.
Assholes.
Of course it goes both ways. Sony has probably fucked with other companies for infringing on vague patents.
Can you imagine? the entire planet like Ebaumsworld. Awesome, friggin' awesome...
"escribes a device that breaks down programs “into smaller concurrent processes running in different parallel processors”"
I think that's on of the definitions of parallel computing. I mean, could I patent a technique called "running" which involves the movement of two "leg" like items.
Wonder if Sony is going to clear up this mess they've made of themselves. Or maybe the media is just playing along. Who knows, right?
Sony's Patent:
http://www.google.com/patents?id=bk6AAAAAEBAJ&dq=broadband+cell+sony
Patent Troll's Patent
http://www.google.com/patents?vid=USPAT5056000