NcSoft & ArenaNet, an offer to help with Worlds.com lawsuit
mrvrod
Regina, please speak with your legal team and let me (and hopefully many other fans here) know if there are any congressmen or legislators we can petition to put an end to this frivolous lawsuit.
I would happily work on getting a petition or letter drive going to ensure your company doesn't suffer just because some slimy patent-troll lawyers are looking for an easy buck!
I would happily work on getting a petition or letter drive going to ensure your company doesn't suffer just because some slimy patent-troll lawyers are looking for an easy buck!
faraaz
^ - Definitely support any such community effort.
Rhamia Darigaz
protip: congressmen don't do anything when they get 2 letters from the guild-wars-playing portion of their constituency.
Gun Pierson
I don't know sh1t about lawsuits and stuff, but if it can help they can count on me.
You just got tomahawked
protip: congress isn't the same branch of government as the judicial branch.
tl;dr (lul) congressmen cant do crap
tl;dr (lul) congressmen cant do crap
snaek
was there recent updates regarding this?
or is the op jus a lil sloooow? 0__o
or is the op jus a lil sloooow? 0__o
MisterB
The judicial system isn't influenced by petitions. It's not supposed to, at any rate.
Xun Rama
Situations like this are based on legality, not how much a lot of people would just really, really, not like the outcome.
If anything, all you can do is prod your congressmen into trying to pass a bill changing the law, which would be quite a stupid exclusion.
"This law should only be upheld if a lot of people wouldn't be hurt and otherwise very upset by the outcome." The windows that opens are just bad...
Somehow I expect an out of court settlement though.. Although, if you were going to milk something in this economy, the gaming companies are definitely the ones to do it to. They're still striving while everything else is going kerplop.
If anything, all you can do is prod your congressmen into trying to pass a bill changing the law, which would be quite a stupid exclusion.
"This law should only be upheld if a lot of people wouldn't be hurt and otherwise very upset by the outcome." The windows that opens are just bad...
Somehow I expect an out of court settlement though.. Although, if you were going to milk something in this economy, the gaming companies are definitely the ones to do it to. They're still striving while everything else is going kerplop.
mrvrod
No, the op was just waiting, hoping the Texas judiciary was intelligent enough to realize the lawsuit has no merrit. They are allowing it to continue, so now other avenues should be explored.
Winterclaw
I wouldn't call it frivolous until I saw all the evidence for and again. People have a right to make money off of their ideas. If worlds.com can prove NCsoft's guild I'm all for that, they deserves compensation. If not, NCsoft will be fine.
HawkofStorms
Quote:
Situations like this are based on legality, not how much a lot of people would just really, really, not like the outcome.
If anything, all you can do is prod your congressmen into trying to pass a bill changing the law, which would be quite a stupid exclusion. "This law should only be upheld if a lot of people wouldn't be hurt and otherwise very upset by the outcome." The windows that opens are just bad... Somehow I expect an out of court settlement though.. Although, if you were going to milk something in this economy, the gaming companies are definitely the ones to do it to. They're still striving while everything else is going kerplop. |
Law suits apply the law at the time the case was filed. New bills when passed can not retroactively alter pending litigation.
It is not totally frivolous enough to be dismissed before trial. Most likely, Worlds.com will lose anyway due to a prior art claim.
fenix
Edited for stuff and things;
This thread is not about off-topic issues in regards to congressmen. Is about the hilarious Worlds.com lawsuit, that is all.
This thread is not about off-topic issues in regards to congressmen. Is about the hilarious Worlds.com lawsuit, that is all.
HawkofStorms
Umm... why isn't that what this thread about fenix? Edit: yeah I see your edit now, makes sense. Still, would have been nice to just keep it up since that guy did have some misinformation.
The OP is talking about petitioning congressmen to help win a lawsuit. Those of us who understand the concept of checks and balances are merely explaining why any sort of petition to a court won't work. The entire reason we have an independent court system is to PREVENT that kinda of abuse.
The OP is talking about petitioning congressmen to help win a lawsuit. Those of us who understand the concept of checks and balances are merely explaining why any sort of petition to a court won't work. The entire reason we have an independent court system is to PREVENT that kinda of abuse.
fenix
Good point, what I meant to say was;
This thread is not about off-topic issues in regards to congressmen. Is about the hilarious Worlds.com lawsuit, that is all.
This thread is not about off-topic issues in regards to congressmen. Is about the hilarious Worlds.com lawsuit, that is all.
mrvrod
Quote:
I wouldn't call it frivolous until I saw all the evidence for and again. People have a right to make money off of their ideas. If worlds.com can prove NCsoft's guild I'm all for that, they deserves compensation. If not, NCsoft will be fine.
|
Here are two links to get you started.
Lawsuit: http://www.virtualworldsnews.com/200...st-ncsoft.html (link to pdf of suit)
Patent Trolls: http://www.maximumpc.com/article/columns/patent_trolls
pumpkin pie
mrvrod if you like to help i think this is a good place to start if you serious.
look at the graph on Alexa, how during late december and early january Worlds.com has like triple its traffic.
look at the graph on Alexa, how during late december and early january Worlds.com has like triple its traffic.
Xun Rama
Quote:
That won't do anything either.
Law suits apply the law at the time the case was filed. New bills when passed can not retroactively alter pending litigation. It is not totally frivolous enough to be dismissed before trial. Most likely, Worlds.com will lose anyway due to a prior art claim. |
Age
Those on Capital Hill have other more pressing other matters to think of like the US economy and people losing thier jops.Then there is the International scene.
Winterclaw
I'd rather the people on capital hill did not worry about the economy or people losing jobs because they'll make things worse.
Here's the patient in question
Now I need to read all that mumbo jumbo.
Here's the patient in question
Now I need to read all that mumbo jumbo.
Painbringer
This will be debated in court for years before anything will be found out. You can petition your congress man all you want, but I do not think it will change any outlooks on it. He/She can help write up laws to get passed to protect but with no governing laws in place right now the judicial branch (court) will have the final say. As they interpret it. So it may get thrown out or found in violation.
Age
I would if I was a US citizen think of all those in Detroit who are going to lose thier jops in next few weeks.How are thier kids going to play games if the internet gets cut to save cost as there is a mortage to pay which is more important.
RedNova88
Quote:
Specifically, the suit claims that NCsoft has infringed on patent 7,181,690, "System and Method for Enabling Users to Interact in a Virtual Space" |
http://www.google.com/patents?id=wv5...J&dq=7,181,690
MMSDome
Best of luck to Worlds.com with their lawsuit, they actually have a point and have a chance to make some good money off this and I respect them for that. Hopefully they get what they deserve!
Deathlok
Quote:
Best of luck to Worlds.com with their lawsuit, they actually have a point and have a chance to make some good money off this and I respect them for that. Hopefully they get what they deserve!
|
That lawsuit is ridiculous.
Lishy
Yes, worlds.com deserves much more and it is companies and violators like NCSoft why we have such a bad economy and rippoffs of creations
MMSDome
I like taking supporting the unpopular side
Regina Buenaobra
Y'all are awesome. :-) Thank you for the support and the offer of help. We appreciate it, but we've gotta let the legal system do its work.
RedNova88
To the people supporting worlds.com... Are you for real? Are car companies going to get sued because KARL BENZ DID IT FIIIIRRRRRST! Really, the patent is far too broad to be taken seriously. They'd have to sue Linden Labs, Blizzard, Turbine, NetDevil, SoE, CCP, NCsoft, Arenanet, and every other company that has an MMO which is just ridiculous. On top of this, from the wording of their patent it seems like they could go so far as to sue any companies that had games with online capabilities period. Am I missing something or is this really as stupid as it seems?
Reverend Dr
Remember to point out to the legal team that GW is also a 4D game.
In all seriousness while we do understand why NCSoft does not have full disclosure during current legal proceedings, there are a number of us that are very interested in this case. Not just for NCSoft, but as well this is a rather president setting case in the MMO world; any information that can be given on these legal proceedings is appreciated.
Gun Pierson
I've been reading up on this case and it seems world.com is just a patent troll. If you visit their website you see some crap. Yes they did some stuff in the ninetees, but they were waiting it out last 8 years or so to get rich fast by this suit instead of working for their money and innovate.
The patent seems way to unspecific and indeed would practically concern every online game since 1996. They asked to 'repatent' it in 2001 and it took 8 years before it was approved. A flaw in the system it got passed in the first place say experts.
Every judge with common sense would burry the troll. Problem is this is Texas and we all know what comes from Texas and I don't see horns All joking aside, what the hell NCsoft, what are you doing in Texas!?
The patent seems way to unspecific and indeed would practically concern every online game since 1996. They asked to 'repatent' it in 2001 and it took 8 years before it was approved. A flaw in the system it got passed in the first place say experts.
Every judge with common sense would burry the troll. Problem is this is Texas and we all know what comes from Texas and I don't see horns All joking aside, what the hell NCsoft, what are you doing in Texas!?
BoondockSaint
There is nothing wrong with rooting for the underdog and what not, but this, from what I have read, is a frivelous lawsuit. The kind that has been wrecking havock within our legal system forever. While I have not read all the case work, it would seem the worlds.com is looking for a handout, and really has no case. But as the saying goes, a good lawyer makes "the weaker argument stronger and the stronger appear weaker."
The most intreasting conclusion would be if worlds.com wins, without an out of court settlement. The precedent that will be established would be very intreasting, not just in terms of all the other online games but also in terms of patent laws.
EDIT: just on a side note, while this is primarly a judical issue, if this issue gets big congressmen often get involved. I work for our senator here in FL and assuming they work the same way in Texas, congressmen and senators are often called upon to voice their support or opposition if they get enough response. But like I said, it has to be BIG. I.E the Terry Shivo case, internet gambling, and a few others have occured here.
I seriously doubt that this will happen unless the case develops way beyond online games, such as allowing patent laws that are way to lenent, as I had mentioned above.
The most intreasting conclusion would be if worlds.com wins, without an out of court settlement. The precedent that will be established would be very intreasting, not just in terms of all the other online games but also in terms of patent laws.
EDIT: just on a side note, while this is primarly a judical issue, if this issue gets big congressmen often get involved. I work for our senator here in FL and assuming they work the same way in Texas, congressmen and senators are often called upon to voice their support or opposition if they get enough response. But like I said, it has to be BIG. I.E the Terry Shivo case, internet gambling, and a few others have occured here.
I seriously doubt that this will happen unless the case develops way beyond online games, such as allowing patent laws that are way to lenent, as I had mentioned above.
Giga_Gaia
Like many have already said, this is a bogus lawsuit that really has no merit. If worlds.com does win this case, then I will have lost all hope for this world and all of humanity
Aleta
Quote:
Best of luck to Worlds.com with their lawsuit, they actually have a point and have a chance to make some good money off this and I respect them for that. Hopefully they get what they deserve!
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Which is exactly nothing; nothing at all.
From KainFZ
Quote:
Yes, worlds.com deserves much more and it is companies and violators like NCSoft why we have such a bad economy and rippoffs of creations |
Chthon
Petitioning the court isn't going to get you anywhere.
If you want to make an impact on this case with a petition of some sort, here's what it should say:
I bet you're asking right now, "how the flying RED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GO is that going to help NCSoft?", aren't you?
Well, here's how: This lawsuit has no merit. Its value to worlds.com lies in that the cost to NCSoft of paying the legal bills to fight the suit may exceed the cost of just giving worlds.com an undeserved cut of the money. We the fans can deprive worlds.com's suit of that in terrorem value (annoyance value) by increasing the cost to NCSoft of giving in to the point that giving in ceases to be a rational option. If the cost to NCSoft of buying off worlds.com plus the cost of losing sales to a boycott exceeds the cost of fighting the suit, then NCSoft's best option will be to fight. And if worlds.com knows that NCSoft's best option is to fight, then their best option is to give up.
There's a (false) legend about Cortez that he burned his ships upon landing in the Yucatan, so that both his soldiers and his foes would know that there would be no retreat or agreed-upon withdrawal -- it was victory or death. His men were motivated; and the Aztecs surrendered. Consider promising to boycott NCSoft if they settle with worlds.com as burning their ships for them.
If you want to make an impact on this case with a petition of some sort, here's what it should say:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Proposed Petition
To: NCSoft
CC: worlds.com Dear NCSoft, We support you in your battle against the patent troll worlds.com. That is why we promise to boycott any products from which you agree to pay worlds.com a percentage of the profits. Furthermore, if you reach an undisclosed settlement with worlds.com, we will assume that you agreed to give worlds.com a percentage of the profits from all future games, and we will boycott all future games. Sincerely, Your fans |
Well, here's how: This lawsuit has no merit. Its value to worlds.com lies in that the cost to NCSoft of paying the legal bills to fight the suit may exceed the cost of just giving worlds.com an undeserved cut of the money. We the fans can deprive worlds.com's suit of that in terrorem value (annoyance value) by increasing the cost to NCSoft of giving in to the point that giving in ceases to be a rational option. If the cost to NCSoft of buying off worlds.com plus the cost of losing sales to a boycott exceeds the cost of fighting the suit, then NCSoft's best option will be to fight. And if worlds.com knows that NCSoft's best option is to fight, then their best option is to give up.
There's a (false) legend about Cortez that he burned his ships upon landing in the Yucatan, so that both his soldiers and his foes would know that there would be no retreat or agreed-upon withdrawal -- it was victory or death. His men were motivated; and the Aztecs surrendered. Consider promising to boycott NCSoft if they settle with worlds.com as burning their ships for them.
Society
Heh... How 'bout patenting of creation "patent troll" companies) ?
headlesshobbs
Red Sonya
Quote:
How are thier kids going to play games if the internet gets cut to save cost as there is a mortage to pay which is more important. |
Sjeng
I'm glad you aren't in the government. I loved playing my C64 games when I was a kid. (I played outside too FYI.)
Ctb
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I think they should make playing some games on the internet 18 or older myself ... thumb prints taken of everyone at birth |
KZaske
To add to what Chthon said above, with a different twist. One way that worlds.com benefits is by stock price. The more the company’s name is mentioned in the news and on the internet the better the chance of appearing as a good investment opportunity. We can fight that by making NCSoft appear to be a better investment. If you post, or have a blog where this law suit would be mentioned, just refer to worlds.com by an accurate term, like “un-named patent troll.” That will denies worlds.com name recognition by the public that reads your post or blog or what ever.
A boycott of NCSoft would be counter productive. As I see it they (NCSoft) needs our support now more than ever. Patent trolls have won several questionable law suits with less validity in that jurisdiction. Loosing is a very real possibility.
Alas about the only way we really can help is if you have knowledge of a specific application that could be used to prove prior art, by all means post the application’s name, the publisher/developer’s name here. Let the legal department investigate it and move forward as they see fit. I remember reading about Virtual Worlds way back in the late 1980s but the majority of those worlds never materialized.
A boycott of NCSoft would be counter productive. As I see it they (NCSoft) needs our support now more than ever. Patent trolls have won several questionable law suits with less validity in that jurisdiction. Loosing is a very real possibility.
Alas about the only way we really can help is if you have knowledge of a specific application that could be used to prove prior art, by all means post the application’s name, the publisher/developer’s name here. Let the legal department investigate it and move forward as they see fit. I remember reading about Virtual Worlds way back in the late 1980s but the majority of those worlds never materialized.