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Originally Posted by Bloomberg

Konami Sues Viacom Over 'Rock Band' Music Video Game

Konami Corp., the Japanese creator of the "Dance Dance Revolution'' music-video game, sued Viacom Inc.'s Harmonix studio, claiming its "Rock Band'' game violates patents.

The Konami patents, issued in 2002 and 2003, relate to simulated musical instruments, a music-game system and a "musical-rhythm matching game.'' Konami also makes the "Karaoke Revolution'' music game with microphones, as well as the "Metal Gear Solid'' espionage game.

"Rock Band'' the game in which players emulate rock and rollers with toy instruments, drove a 16 percent increase in first-quarter revenue at New York-based Viacom's media networks business. Konami's Digital Entertainment unit said in May it plans to begin selling its own rock band game, called "Rock Revolution,'' later this year.

Konami is demanding cash compensation, plus an order that would block Viacom and Harmonix from using the inventions, according to the complaint, filed July 9 in federal court in Marshall, Texas. The suit names Harmonix Music Systems, Viacom, and Viacom's MTV Networks Co., which owns Harmonix.

Viacom spokeswoman Kelly McAndrew said the company hasn't received the complaint, so had no immediate comment.

The case is Konami Digital Entertainment Co. v. Harmonix Music Systems Inc., 08cv286, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas (Marshall).

Before anyone asks why there is no legal case happening against Activision, Activision have bought Licenses from Konami.

So the big question is how did Harmonix forget about the need of Patent License for the instruments since they required one for their early GH games?