[eddie]

As reported by 1up.com this morning, The Ant Commandos (makers of 3rd party Guitar Hero controllers) are countersuing RedOctane. Apparently the bulk of the case is over the controller's actual design, which TAC developed back in 1999, not just over trademark infringement.

TAC is looking for the courts to declare RedOctane & Activision unable to infringe upon thier trade dress, deny them of being allowed to sell bundle packages of the games & controller, and then of course the counter claim itself. Essentially, TAC wants consumers to have thier choice of controllers from here on out, not to receive one with the game by default therefor allowing for potentially better sales on their end.

We'll see what happens as the rest of the case unfolds. But if the Konami vs. Roxor case is any indicator, it could be some time before we see any kind of conclusion to this.

edit: Cutriss has posted the full release regarding the countersuit on an unnamed website. Click "Read More..." for the full release.

September 21, 2006- Chino, CA- The Ant Commandos, Inc. (TAC) announced today it filed a counter claim in the United States District Court for the Central District of California against Activision Publishing, Inc. and RedOctane, Inc. The counter claim alleges that both Activision and RedOctane are violating Federal Antitrust legislation pertaining to the Guitar Hero game and controller bundle. In addition, the counter claim alleges that both Activision and RedOctane copied the identifiable trade dress of the controller from its developer and part owner of TAC, Topway Electrical Appliance, Co. More specifically, the cross complaint alleges that this design was copied by RedOctane in developing the Guitar Hero SG controller and alleges that RedOctane developed the Guitar Hero game around Topway’s identifiable trade dress. RedOctane allegedly copied the c! olor, shape, and placement of the five fret buttons located on the controller.

In addition to the counter claim, TAC has filed for a preliminary injunction asking the federal court to enjoin Activision and RedOctane from further infringing on the trade dress originally developed by Topway. The injunction also asks the court to allow for fair competition in the market by enjoining the sale of the game/controller “bundle” so that consumers no longer have to purchase both the Guitar Hero game and the RedOctane controller but rather may purchase the game and have their choice on which controller to buy. To date, no injunction against TAC has been filed in this matter.

Topway originally designed and manufactured the Magical Guitar, a guitar controller for use with PlayStation® in 1999. TAC alleges in its cross complaint, among other things, that RedOctane purchased several hundred of the Magical Guitars from Topway prior to producing the controllers themselves. Furthermore, the cross complaint alleges that top management at RedOctane visited the Topway factory on numerous occasions and specifically inquired about Topway’s trade dress design.

Hong Lip Yow, owner of The Ant Commandos, Inc., says TAC will continue to design, manufacture, and distribute The Guitar Mania Line despite the original claims filed by Activision Publishing, Inc. and RedOctane, Inc.

“TAC will continue to make and improve on innovative peripherals to provide gamers with a choice. I strongly believe consumers should have their own choice, especially when it comes to choosing a better quality and better designed product,” Hong Lip Yow stated.

TAC is dedicated to making superior products for the video game industry. TAC’s guitar controllers offer gamers wireless controlling options. The TAC controllers also feature a back lit strum bar, are heavier and stronger than its competitor’s controllers, and are beautifully colored with quality metallic paint.


About The Ant Commandos

TAC is a leading designer, manufacturer, and distributor of innovative peripherals and accessories for the interactive entertainment industry. TAC's innovative designs follow our fundamental belief of Simplicity, Interactivity, and Mobility. TAC's commitment to pushing the design limits in these dimensions has spawned many new and exciting products for game enthusiasts worldwide.

You can find more information about The Ant Commandos by visiting www.theantcommandos.com or www.theguitarmania.com