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Microsoft In Legal Battle Over Halo 2 Packaging

Posted by Zonk on from the stealing-is-wrong dept.

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."

2 of 47 comments (clear)

  1. Proprietary technology? by xTMFWahoo · · Score: 5, Insightful

    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?

    --
    "Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it." Mark Twain.
  2. Re:Stop me if you've heard this before by sesshomaru · · Score: 5, Insightful
    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."
    --
    "MIT betrayed all of its basic principles."