Immersion_Corporation

Immersion Corporation

Immersion Corporation

American technology company and patent litigator

Immersion Corporation is an Aventura, Florida based developer and licensor of touch feedback technology, also known as haptic technology. Immersion Corporation has been accused of being a patent troll.[2][3][4] Founded in 1993 by Louis Rosenberg, it is currently headed by lawyer Francis Jose, who serves as both chief executive officer and general counsel.[5]

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History

  • In 1993, Immersion was founded by Louis Rosenberg, who served as its chief executive officer until 2000.[2]
  • In 1997, Immersion worked with Microsoft to integrate their Immersion's TouchSense technology into Microsoft's DirectInput API for DirectX 5.0.[6] Microsoft and Immersion continued to work together on DirectX 6 and 7,[7] and signed an agreement in 1999 to share each other's "feel simulation technology".[8]
  • In March 1999, the company acquired Cybernet Haptic Systems and its haptic patent portfolio from Cybernet Systems Corporation for stock and cash.
  • In November 1999, the company went public. Shares were offered at $12.00.[9]
  • In March 2000, Immersion acquired Haptic Technologies for $7 million, gaining their patent portfolio.
  • In March 2000, Immersion acquired Immersion Medical for an undisclosed amount, gaining their patent portfolio.
  • In September 2000, Immersion acquired Virtual Technologies for $1 million, gaining their patent portfolio.
  • By 2014, Immersion Corporation gained over 1,650 issued or pending patents in the U.S. and other countries in the haptic field. [10]
  • February 2016: Immersion claims Apple has infringed two patents on the iPhone 6s and new Apple Watch. The CEO of Immersion is seeking compensation from Apple and an injunction on US sales.[11]
  • January 2017: Immersion has a multi-year partnership with Nintendo to use its haptic technology on the Nintendo Switch.[12]

Litigation

Sony and Microsoft

Main article: Immersion v. Sony

In 2002, Immersion filed a suit against Microsoft and Sony alleging that their game console controllers were infringing on two of Immersion's patents, which were extensions of US Patent 6,088,017, itself filed 1998 by Virtual Technologies Inc which Immersion later acquired.[13]; both defendants eventually reached agreements with Immersion that involved multimillion-dollar payments.[14]

Meta Platforms

In May 2022, Immersion sued Meta Platforms for patent infringement relating to the use of vibration functions in their gaming controllers.[15]

Valve

In May 2023, Immersion sued Valve Corporation for patent infringement relating to the use of vibration functions in their Steam Deck and Valve Index gaming hardware.[16]

References

  1. [1]
    "Immersion Corp. 2021 Annual Report (Form 10-K)". U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. February 25, 2022.
  2. [2]
    Baxter, Brian (September 2, 2021). "Immersion Elevates Legal Head to CEO amid Patent Battles". Bloomberg Law. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
  3. [3]
    Gross, Kyle (2009). "Game On: The Rising Prevalence of Patent-Related Issues in the Video Game Industry". SMU Science and Technology Law Review. 12 (3): 259–260, 267. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
  4. [4]
    "Apple Sued by Immersion for Allegedly Infringing Haptic Feedback Patents Used in 3D Touch". Tech Times. February 12, 2016.
  5. [5]
    "About". Immersion. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
  6. [6]
    "Immersion - FAQ - Developer". Immersion.com. Retrieved August 26, 2007.
  7. [7]
    "Companies Redouble Efforts to Deliver Consistent Support, Compatibility Across Wide Range of Products". Microsoft PressPass. February 3, 1999. Retrieved August 26, 2007.
  8. [8]
    "Microsoft and Immersion Collaborate To Advance Feel-Simulation Technologies". Microsoft PressPass. August 5, 1999. Retrieved August 26, 2007.
  9. [9]
    "IMMERSION CORP (IMMR) IPO". NASDAQ.com. Retrieved October 5, 2015.
  10. [10]
    "Immersion Corporation's IP Value as an Acquisition Target (NASDAQ:IMMR) | Seeking Alpha". July 29, 2014.
  11. [11]
    Mundy, Jon (February 12, 2016). "Apple being sued for familiar vibrations". Trusted Reviews. Retrieved February 13, 2016. Apple is facing legal action from haptic feedback technology company Immersion.
  12. [12]
    Dornbrush, Jonathan (January 13, 2017). "Nintendo Switch Touchscreen Technology Powered By Immersion Corporation". IGN. Retrieved January 13, 2017.
  13. [13]
    "Immersion Corporation - Corporate: Patents". Archived from the original on October 16, 2006. Retrieved August 23, 2006.
  14. [14]
    Elinson, Zusha (October 13, 2008). "Former GC Reflects on Time Immersed in IP Battles". The Recorder. San Francisco: ALM. Retrieved September 3, 2010. Observers say Immersion's era of aggressive litigation and licensing was a success. In defending its patents on 'haptic' technology for applying touch sensation and control to computer programs, the company beat Sony, got money out of Microsoft, and has signed up medical, car and cell phone companies for patent licenses.
  15. [15]
    Rosenblatt, Joel (May 27, 2022). "Meta Copied VR Technology Key to Metaverse Gaming, Immersion Claims - BNN Bloomberg". BNN. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  16. [16]
    Hollister, Sean (May 16, 2023). "Valve just got sued by Immersion over Steam Deck and Index rumble". The Verge. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
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