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Lodsys expands remit as first Blackberry developer is drawn into IAP patent battle

But will RIM take action?

Lodsys expands remit as first Blackberry developer is drawn into IAP patent battle
Expanding beyond iOS, Android and Mac developers for the first time, BlackBerry based studio Rotten Ogre is the latest outfit to be accused by Lodsys of infringing its in-app purchase patents. 

The Canadian indie studio - developer of an app ironically named Horseplay - has received a letter from Lodsys offering a "licensing opportunity".

 

In short, the developer would be required to pay Lodsys fees for utilising its patents in its titles in order to avoid any legal battle through the courts.

Upping the stakes

Just as was the case with studios working on Apple and Google's platforms, the alleged infringement revolves around the in-app purchase button employed in Rotten Ogre's titles.

It's the same stance Lodsys has employed across the board, with the firm's growing list of patent cases swelling to include major names such as EA, Square Enix and Take Two in recent months.

As was with the case with Apple, however, pressure will now grow on RIM to offer some form of response, especially if further BlackBerry developers end up being drawn into the battle.

Justice for all

Apple has already made moves to defend its indie devs from attacks by Lodsys by demanding involvement in any patent infringement cases.

Having already obtained a patent license from its previous owner, it argues that such licenses should also cover developers operating on its platforms.

Google, meanwhile, has asked the US patent office take a further look into the cases, with a view to invalidating them.

No comment has yet been offered by RIM, though those invested in the BlackBerry ecosystem will be hoping the company moves to defend in developers, if only to prevent other studios from dropping their plans to employ IAPs in their titles for the platform.

[source: Globe and Mail]

When Matt was 7 years old he didn't write to Santa like the other little boys and girls. He wrote to Mario. When the rotund plumber replied, Matt's dedication to a life of gaming was established. Like an otaku David Carradine, he wandered the planet until becoming a writer at Pocket Gamer.