Microsoft In Legal Battle Over Halo 2 Packaging

Gamespot is running an article about a legal battle regarding Halo 2's metal case. From the article: "The suit reportedly claims that G&M was contacted by Microsoft in 2003 and was looking for a company to produce metal packaging for the release of Halo 2. G&M claims that Microsoft sent its case proposals to Viva, a potential rival for the contract and not part of the NDA. According to reports, the Danish design firm alleges that its proprietary technology was used in a Viva case made for Halo 2 and that Microsoft and Viva are in cahoots. G&M is suing for damages and requesting an injunction against both Microsoft and Viva."

Comments

Proprietary technology?

[xTMFWahoo]

Did G&M invent a new alloy for the case or some metal stamping technology? If they copied their design, it's wrong, but is it really technology?

And the winners are...

[alvinrod]

... the lawyers.

Even though it's Microsoft that's getting sued, I think that we all have to admit that things are getting a little out of hand.

At least this one's not over a software patent.

Pretty commonplace

[GigsVT]

The packaging and printing industry is full of people trying to get something for nothing.

People want nice looking packaging that has all kinds of crazy features, but they'll penny pinch and backstab to save a buck (like getting one place to design it on the assumption it'll be printed there, then taking the design somewhere else to br printed).

It's a funny industry.

Stop me if you've heard this before

[wowbagger]

Stop me if you've heard this before:

1. Microsoft contacts small company and says "We are interested in your product - tell us more."
   
2. Small company gives Microsoft information on product.
   
3. Microsoft says "We'll sign an NDA - please tell us all about your product, including all the secret bits."
   
4. Small company, drooling over the prospect of partnering with Microsoft, hands over all the information about their product.
   
5. Microsoft says "Well, now that we've considered it, we aren't interested in your product - BYE!"
   
6. Microsoft (or a company working with Microsoft) releases a product astonishingly similar to the first companies product, right down to the information provided to Microsoft under NDA.
   

Orange telephone. Stack. Now these guys.

Except that at least Orange and Stack were SOFTWARE - as in Microsoft's main focus.

This is PACKAGING for crying out loud! This is NOT Microsoft's core competency!

Are they just screwing companies over just to see if they can get away with it?

Or does some buddy of Bill's own Viva?

Re:Stop me if you've heard this before

[sesshomaru]

I'm reminded of this:

"Why would a company like Microsoft do this?" asked Richard Lang, who is Burst's CEO and half the company workforce. "We were a little company. Microsoft could have had our technology for almost nothing, but instead they stole it. We called them on it, and they could have settled at any time, but they didn't. They stuck their heels in and won't give an inch even now. The only way I can make sense of this behavior is that they need to win no matter what the cost." -- Stupid Microsoft Tricks: Why the Richest Company on Earth Feels it Needs to Cheat

I think I've seen other examples of this behavior from Microsoft, but I find Burst's CEO's, "But why" amusing. It's that old story of the Frog and the Scorpion.

This is all well known enough for there to be this bit on The Simpsons

Homer: I reluctantly accept your proposal!

Bill Gates: Well everyone always does. Buy 'em out, boys!
[Gates' lackeys trash the room.]

Homer: Hey, what the hell's going on!

Bill Gates: Oh, I didn't get rich by writing a lot of checks!
[insane laughter] -- SNPP:5F11

To paraphrase Prostetnic Vogon Geltz, "Apathetic bloody company, I've no sympathy at all."