California-based Target Technology Company has dragged Sony to court over alleged patent violations relating to the Blu-ray technology used in the PS3. They have named Sony Computer Entertainment America, Sony Pictures, and Sony DADC in the lawsuit, which they filed a few days ago.
Target Technology stated that the Blu-ray name infringes on a patent that they have for their own reflective layer materials in optical discs. The patent specifies Target’s product as an alloy that is more resistant to corrosion than pure silver. Target now wants a permanent injunction to prevent Sony from infringing its patent rights in the future. They are also seeking damages with interest.
This is not the first time that Sony has been dragged to court for copyright infringement. Just a few months ago, they were entangled in a legal battle with Immersion Corporation over an issue regarding the rumble functions in Dual Shock controllers. They ended up paying 97 million in damages and interest. In fact, for the PS3, they didn’t even use the rumble for the controllers.