Xbox 360 faces ban in US

Ongoing legal drama between Microsoft and Motorola threatens console imports in North America

Tarryn van der BylMay 23, 2012

An ongoing legal spat between Microsoft and Motorola has suddenly become relevant outside the courtroom after a US International Trade Commission judge recommended that Xbox 360 console imports be banned in North America, as well as a cease and desist order to prevent sales.

The ban would include imports of both the 4GB and 250GB versions of the new Xbox “S” model from China.

The lawsuit alleges that Microsoft infringed four Motorola patents on video playback decoding, while Microsoft’s own counter-suit alleges that Motorola is in breach of contract. Why can’t everybody just get along?

Microsoft has argued that a ban would go against public interest, leaving consumers with only two options for home consoles – the Wii and PS3. Shaw dismissed the claim, however, saying that enforcement of patent rights was more important and that Sony and Nintendo would be able to meet consumer demand.

Apparently Shaw doesn’t realise that the Console War is Serious Business. That, or maybe he’s a Killzone fanboy.

This development follows a ban on the sale of the Xbox 360 in Germany related to the same patent dispute.