Nintendo To Pay Royalty Payments For Every 3DS And 3DS XL Sold

Nintendo will have to pay Royalties for every 3DS and 3DS XL units sold after losing patent suit to Tomita Tech

Looks like Nintendo is in hot water again, after having to pay a settlement to Tomita Technologies of $15.1 million at the start of 2013, now Nintendo will have to pay royalties for every 3DS and 3DS XL sold. U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff handed down the ruling to Nintendo in regards to a patent suit Tomita Technologies bought against Nintendo in 2011.

The patent suit suggested that the 3DS and 3DS XL were using technology in their 3D display that infringed upon the patent that Tomita Technology filled for in 2003 and was approved in 2008. The patent held by Tomita technology and what this case was built around is as follows;

“technology relating to displaying stereoscopic images on-screen for viewing with the naked eye, i.e., without utilizing glasses or other devices”

The royalty amount was set by U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff is to be 1.82% of the wholesale price of every 3DS and 3DS XL sold for as long as the hand-held console is still in production and circulation. The 1.82% equates to around $4 per unit. While Nintendo isn’t in any financial difficulties at the moment, they do have a huge line up of games coming out soon for the hand-held console. The Nintendo 2DS didn’t come under scrutiny because it lacks the 3D capability which the patent suit was centred on. However Nintendo will probably drop the price of both consoles soon to alleviate to cost of the royalties to be paid, this could end up benefiting those who have not yet got one of Nintendo’s hand-held devices yet. What do you think about this, would you pick up a 3DS or 3DS XL if they drop in price? I for one would.

Thanks you Inquisitr for the information provided

Image courtesy of  Nintendo Enthusiast