Sega is suing Japanese developer Level-5 over what Sega claims to be violations of two separate patents. The patents in question concern the DS titles in the Inazuma Eleven series and “the manipulation of a character in game with the usage of a stylus or one’s finger.”, but more specifically with regards to football games as shown in the image above.
Not only do Sega seek ¥900 million ($10.9m/ £6.76m) in damages, they also demand that sales of all eight currently released Inazuma Eleven games be completely blocked.
I’m no lawyer or patent expert, but it’s difficult to say whether Sega have a case when the dispute concerns something as broad as the swiping of a DS screen. However, patents are patents and if Sega’s are clearly defined, and Level-5 are indeed in violation of those patents then it would spell trouble for the popular RPG football series. Played an Inazuma Eleven game? Do you believe Sega have a case here? Hit the jump to see the entirety of the Sega’s patent diagrams and let us know what you think in the comments below!
[Source: Edge]
