Yesterday, GameSpot was reporting on a Microsoft statement announcing that the company was suing Immersion, a touch feedback company which had sued and settled with Microsoft in 2003. “We entered into a binding licensing agreement with Immersion and are seeking to have that agreement honored,” Microsoft said in a statement. “Microsoft licenses technology both in and out and relies on these agreements to be honored and enforced. Our request to the court is that all companies and industry partners should play by the same rules and that the binding agreement we signed with Immersion be honored.” Today, Immersion has released their side of the story in a press release detailing the purpose behind the lawsuit:
“The complaint alleges that Immersion has breached its sublicense agreement dated July 25, 2003 with Microsoft and seeks damages, specific performance, declaratory judgment and attorneys fees and costs. Under Immersion’s sublicense agreement with Microsoft, in the event of a settlement with Sony Computer Entertainment, Immersion is obligated to pay Microsoft a minimum of $15.0 million for any amounts received from Sony up to $100.0 million, plus 25% of any amounts over $100.0 million up to $150.0 million, and 17.5% of any amounts over $150.0 million. Immersion believes that it is not obligated under the sublicense agreement with Microsoft to make any payment to Microsoft relating to the conclusion of its litigation with Sony Computer Entertainment. Immersion intends to defend this lawsuit vigorously.”
