Immersion and Interact Settle Patent Infringement Suit

Immersion Corporation, a leading developer and licensor of force feedback technologies, and InterAct Accessories, Inc. announced that they have settled Immersion's pending patent infringement action against InterAct. According to terms of the settlement, InterAct will take a license and pay royalties to Immersion based on sales by InterAct of vibrotactile gamepads and steering wheel peripherals for dedicated gaming consoles such as the Sony PlayStation and PlayStation2, the Nintendo 64, and the Microsoft Xbox. In addition, InterAct will pay an undisclosed sum to Immersion as compensation for past sales of such devices by InterAct. Finally, InterAct and Immersion will work together to develop new touch-enabled peripheral devices to be distributed by InterAct. "InterAct is the largest distributor of gaming accessories in North America," noted Bob O'Malley, President and CEO of Immersion. "We are extremely pleased to be able to bring the litigation to a close, and look forward to working closely with InterAct to add improved tactile feedback to their line of peripheral products."