Minecraft Maker Mojang Sued By Uniloc Over Patent Dispute
Minecraft maker Mojang is being sued by Texas-based tech-patent collector Uniloc, who claims that the Android version of “Mindcraft” infringes upon their Patent #6,857,067.
JoyStiq reports that the patent is for:
“System and method for preventing unauthorized access to electronic data.” Specifically, the filing references claim 107 of the patent, which covers a “Computer code executable on an electronic device to prevent unauthorized access to electronic data stored on the electronic device.”
Marcus Persson of Mojang, wrote on Twitter Saturday morning that:
“Unfortunately for them, they’re suing us over a software patent. If needed, I will throw piles of money at making sure they don’t get a cent. Software patents are plain evil. Innovation within software is basically free, and it’s growing incredibly rapid. Patents only slow it down.”
Uniloc is seeking damages which are compounded by both pre and post-judgment interest. They are also seeking ongoing royalties from Mojang, maker of Minecraft.
According to Ars Technica, Uniloc has a large number of patent licenses, and has succeeded in winning settlements from some of the companies it has sued. The company’s eight-year long lawsuit against Microsoft ended this past March when the software giant agreed to undisclosed terms.
Originally, a jury in 2009 found Microsoft guilty of infringing on one of Uniloc’s patents, citing that the Redmond, Washington giant should pay $388 million in damages. The settlement was later thrown out by the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in a landmark decision, which eliminated a so-called 25 percent rule.
Marcus Persson first noted the lawsuit this morning when he took to Twitter to write:
Step 1: Wake up. Step 2: Check email. Step 3: See we’re being sued for patent infringement. Step 4: Smile.
— Markus Persson (@notch) July 21, 2012
Along with its lawsuit against Mojang for their Minecraft Android app, Uniloc is also suing Electronic Arts, claiming that their popular Bejeweled 2 game violates the same patent.
